The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-11-17
Big PLANS ARE MADE
BY HIGHWAY ASSN
Important Meeting Is Held at
the Automobile Club of
America.

At the November meeting OF the
Highway Traffic Association Of tho State
Of New York, held at the Automobile
Club OF America. many Government
State, county and municipal officials and
officers OF several organizations inter-
ested in highway problems participated
In the formation OF the National High
way Traffic Association. The object Of
the new organization 10 the advance
ment OF the efficiency and regulation OF
highway traffic. The association will
publish reports, standards and regula-
lions adopted BY It and will promote
sound legislation pertaining to highway
traffic. Besides the usual executive on
GERS there will be Ave vice-presidents,
representing different sections OF the
United States, and a director from each
State and Territory Of the Union.
James 4. Blakslee. Fourth Assistant
Postmaster General of the United
States. outlined a definite. practical plan
for the utilization OF the men now In
service In an extensive development OF
the motor truck parcel post routes. He
proposed that we use the available mill
itary equipment and such available mil
ltary personnel In the construction and
operation of n governmental enterprise
that will be Immediately profitable and
which In turn win produce sufficient
revenue TO continue Its administration
and operation"
He further states that II am In
formed that there are 100000 motor
vehicles now In use or In process OF con-
struction for military purposes. ! am
certain that a vast number, X not the
majority OF this surplus equipment, can
be utilized in the transportation OF mer-
chandise and commodities through ter
ritory within the country that Ia not
Immediately adjacent to existing means
OF transportation and is located in pro-
ductive localities where inadequate
means OF conveyance obtain. To prop
erly utilize such an enormous number OF
moving units would require the service
OF an equally huge army OF individuals
| and thereby provide employment for
thousands OF men who have been max
ing a sacrifice for us all.
"One OF the greatest difficulties that
confront the advocates of good roads In
this country Is the cost of construction
and payment therefor. believe that
! there should he three different methods
| of meeting the cost of the construction
and improvement OF highways.
"First-For a highway entirely Fed
eral OF national in character. This main
! line. or through connecting nationai
highway, should be utilized by the Fed
eral Government in the transportation
OF commodities upon which revenue
should be earned sufficient to meet the
expenses Of transportation and to pro-
vide for the improvement and main
tenance OF the roadway over which the
! commodities are conveyed. and l submit
n definite, specific method, one that we
have tried and found profitable, the con-
yeyance OF mailable matter. including
parcel post. at regular rates. There are
| In operation to-day transportation Ia
cilites In daily operation on through or
connecting highways from Portland, Me,
to Richmond, Va; from New York city
to Chicago; from Indianapolis, Ind, to
Montgomery, Ala, and with an appro-
| prlation Of $500. 900 the postage revenues
on these highways and adjacent roads
leading to the same now average over
$4,000. 900 per annum.
"Second-For a highway supported by
the Federal Government and tho States
and local subdivisions thereof These
highways should be known an feeder
highways and located near trunk lines
or national highways within producing
territory.
"Third--For n highway supported by
State. county or township This third