Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-03-15
Make Highways Military Roads.

A practical solution Of the intolerable
condition created by the damage to Mary
and's roads by unprecedented motor truck
traffic was offered in the Senate on Friday
last by Senator John Walter Smith.
He introduced bill converting the high
ways of the country into military roads.
This would place them under government
control, and the government would foot
part OF the bill for repairs.
About the time that Senator Smith in
troduced his bill. striking example of its
necessity was afforded out on the Belair
road. Thirty big autO-trucks were stalled
there in the mud for hours, when the bot
tom OF the road caved in at Lynchs Corn
er. near the little Gunpowder River, 1t was
only after hard labor and many hours that
the trucks were released and continued
on their way t0Baltimore.
Senator Smith took prompt action to
mitigate the condition which has been
created in Maryland by the destruction Of
many Of the State highways by the heavy
trucks of the War Department. After a
thorough conference with Senator France,
at which the entire situation was carefully
discussed. the two senators prepared bill,
which Senator Smith introduced in the
Senate as soon as that body convened.
The measure is very carefully drawn and
safeguards the interests Of the government
as carefully as those Of the States.
The bill provides that because Of the
deterioration and possible destruction Of
many permanently improved highways,
unless unusually large expenditures are
made for their maintenance and repair
due to the government army trucks and
vans. the Secretary Of War. after an in
vestigation of the facts. shall, on the
petition Of state highway commits
sion, declare such roads military roads, and
the government shall then contribute in
suitable installments its portion Of the
funds necessary to maintain these high
ways in good condition. In no case, however
shall the Federal government contribute
more than two thirds of the amount needed
for maintenance or repair. Nor shall the
amount contributed by the Federal gov
eminent ever exceed $1,000 a mile. The
money shall be devoted exclusively to the
maintenance and repairs Of the roads and
none Of 1t shall be devoted TO construction
except such as is made necessary for re-
pairs. Nor shall any roads be included in
the law which are dirt, sand or other ordi-
nary roads. nor already permanently i'm
proved. The sum of $20,000,O0O is pro-
vided for the purpose to be expended dur
ing the fiscal year beginning June 80
1918.
The bill was referred to the Committee
on Appropriations. Of which Senator Smith
is himself member, so that there is every
certainty Of prompt action on the measure
by the committee.
Senators Smith and France took occasion
during the day to acquaint senators with
the conditions in Maryland. and found that
similar complaints had been received by
senators from other States. The bill may
be added by Senator Smith to some ap-
preparation bill to which il will be appro.
pirate, so that its passage in the Senate Is
assured. This action by the two Maryland
senators assures immediate remedy Of
what has become an almost intolerabe
hardship in Maryland and will make.un-
necessary, to large degree. the meeting Of
the delegation and its visit to the War