The copper era and Morenci leader., 1918-04-26
GOVERNM'T URGED
 ID SPEED UP WORK

ON THE cLIFToN-SPRINGERviLEE
 HIGHWAY = ADVANTAGES OF
 ROAD MADE CLEAR BY BOARD
 OF SUPERVISORS.
 The Greenlee county Board of Sl pervisors. through Supervisor w. H. Moon, has written to Senators Ash urst and Smith, and Representative Carl Hayden, which were addressed to MT. Hywel Davies, Federal Labor Administrator for this district, who was requested to urge Arizona's Sena- tors and representative to importune the department of agriculture to seri- ously consider the early commence ment of construction work on the Clifton-Springerville highway. In this communication MT. Moon for the Board of Supervisors, presents posi- tive evidence that an imperative de- mand justifies the construction of this highway at the earliest possible date, and demonstrates that it's speedy completion will prove an economical enterprise worthy of the expense necessary for its construc- tion
 It is understood that MT. Davies, who is familiar with the advantages to be derived by the opening of this highway, is heartily in favor of it's early construction. tT- <,
 That this highway will be of ines timable value to Clifton is not ques- tioned, as it will open territory to Clifton rich in it's natural resources, in agriculture, minerals and timber, which will eventually be the homes Of thousands of happy, contented and prosperous people.
 The Board of Supervisors, in it's en- deavor to secure commencement work on this highway, is backed by every loyal and enterprising Cliftonite. Acting upon the good faith of the gov ernment to fulfill it's part of the obli- gation, Greenlee county has complied with its part of athe agreement, by promptly voting $200,00O bonds for building this road. This money is now deposited awaiting the govern ment's action. Every year of delay in the commencement of this enter prise is costing the county $4,0O0, as the bonds are drawing per cent, while the county is only receiving 4 per cent for the money.
 The following is copy of the let ter of the Board of Supervisors urga ing the early commencement of this work: &
 MT. Moon Letter.
 May we ask that you urge the De- partment of Agriculture to seriously consider the commencement of the construction of the proposed Clifton Springerville highway as soon as DOS sible. The various benefits to be de- rived by both the U. S. Forest Ser vice and the people of Greenlee coun- ty have been discussed many times. but it would be we'll to review few Of these points just now.
 The Department of Forestry would be benefited in the opening up of the best forest range in Arizona, both for market and advertisement, as we'll as giving the rangers easy access for fighting fires, etc.
 The county of Greenlee would be benefited by having Q new through highway bringing a large tourist travel; a new source of lumber SUD- ply for the mines located in this To- cality, as we'll as for the general pub lie; new place for summer outings; and new and cheap source for obtain ing cord wood for fuel.
 'Tn discussing this matter of build ing this road with the District Forest Superintendent and the Highway en- gineer, it was decided to prepare to commence the construction of this road as soon as possible. With this object in view Greenlee county voted its share of the estimated cost, s200-, 900 and sold the bonds for this amount on July 1st, 1917. These bonds are drawing interest at the rate of six per cent, while they are deposited with the banks at oply four percent, thus costing us $4,000 annu. ally, and have laid idle now for nearly year. This matter, together with the question of the wood for fuel, as well as a place for summer camps we beg to especially impress upon yourself and the Department of Agri culture.
 Within less than ten miles from the commencement of the work, a thick ly wooded country is reached with much fallen timber, that is easily prepared for shipment and is excel lent fuel This locality is at an ele vation of about 1000 feet and abounds in many springs of excellent water making an ideal camping place.
 ''The Chairman of the local board for the U. S. Fuel Administration in forms us that about twenty-five hun dred tons of coal are consumed an nually in this district for domestic purposes alone, besides a considera ble amount of cord wood that is ar dously packed in over the mountains on burros. The local agents of the U. S. Forest Service, informs me that if a good road Is built up into the To cality above mentioned, that we may expect to be able to purchase cord wood at about half the price we are now paying. The replacing of the 2500 tons of coal alone, would mean the using of seven or eight thousand cords of wood. This would mean COT siderable revenue for the Department of Forestry, as well as cheaper fue for the people of this district an6 would also tend to assist the tue situation in accordance with fha de