Tombstone epitaph., 1919-09-28
s4oo, 1000, 900 FOR FEDERAL ROADS

the last eight years or so it is likely that few paid any attention the item that Senator Morris Shep- pard oreXas had introduced bill providing for the ap- popriaon of $o0oOOo0O to carry out the federal good roads Yet this marks the second step ill long de- yed and journey on the part of this nation
 For many decades the roads of America have caused derision. discomfort and the waste of many millions of dollars The latter item included graft poor construc and the loss the farmers and others who used the highways for the transportation of merchandise to mar ket. Foreign visitors could not understand American apathy. seeing the mmensity of the business involved and having distinct recollection of the wonderful high ways Ill Europe some states IS true. learned thelr lesson. but to the majority good road was rarity
 But the American is learning, and quickly. The work started by the Wilson administration in 1916 has been such speaking paying that there is little doubt that Senator Sheppards bill will pass Congress and that $4OO.0O0O00 will he expended in further i'm provements from 1921 to 1924
 The distance across the United States from the At lnti to the Pacific is approximately 3~ miles In three years. with the Federal government putting up pract- cay dollar for dollar with the states loO69 miles of perfect roadway will have been constructed. projects have been approved and will be carried out prior to 1921 in every commonwealth in this nation. Or by of compason enough roadway to span the nation between four times with something left over for detour into Canada.
 These 15O69 miles of roads constructed up Aug : 1919 would nearly encompass the boundary lines of the United States running down the Atlantic coast from where New Brunswick ad joins Main around the Florida peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico to Rio Grnde river along the Mexican border the Pacific up the coast of California Oregon and Wasinst9n to the Canadian Dor der then eastward to the tip of Maine and down to the Atlantic
 Considering the magnitude of the crop production of the United of the present day. it is regarded indeed fortunate that there many miles of good roads for the hauling market In fact there is little doubt that the increased mileage of usbe highways has proven vital factor in increasing production and enhancing the nations wealth. statistics testify.
 The various commonwealths simply floundered when good roads considered Some progressive, the majority indifferent It evident that federal afd and supervision to convince the people The first chapter in the successful story of good roads trcton was written in 1912 when Congress voted an piatio of paI expended in worth while demonstrations and cessu they that in 1916 little effort required get bill through Congress for appropriation of $75000000 he expended in five years together with $10OOO00 year for roads in national parks and forest reserves.
 This sum was augmented this year. however bv a supplemental appropriation of OOO00O0O for the and $O00OO0 annually for the parks and forests carry ing the work to 1921. This grand total of $275 OOGO0O for the general work and S19oOOO for the for ests.
 But this appropriation has not been entirely expen ded. even on paper contrary to public opinion of the methods used in eXpendng governmental appropriations Up August 1. 1919 the 15O69 miles of road planned under way actually constructed had but $172. CTS SS of which the Federal government had contributed $7O715,143. Although the plan have the Federal government contribute dollar for dollar with the states this is not always done the United States pend more than $2OOOO mile. In many cases states have desired road improvement in particularly unfavor able localities and in these instances the states have gladly paid the costs of construction This counts for the discrepancy in the figures cited.
 The pioneers of the good roads movement naturally pleased with the of their persistent crusade and backward in awarding President Wilson and his Democrat colleagues the credit for the achievement
 Twelve thousand New York City employees are or ganized to force raise Boston policemen recently went strike for raise Everywhere city, state and federal employees demanding pay. and threat enng to quit. And do you remember the time when a public job always referred to plum of a soft berth"
 Both capital and labor it to the country and to themselves to reach better understanding and closer cooperation Both under obligations to President Wilson for providing the opportunity face to face and talk to
 Remedy for the high cost of living: Stop talking