The copper era and Morenci leader., 1919-03-14
HIGHWAY BILL ID
 BENEFIT ARIZONA
& o western Newspapsr Union M

i WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-.I hope
 before another congress expires we shall have before us generalscheme for building roads which will favor ably appeal to a majority of, con- gresS."
 This statement by Senator Charles E. Townsend of Michigan the prob- able next chairman of the senate committee on postoffices and post roads, makes clear that the 66th con- gress will give serious consideration to comprehensive plan which may result in the adoption of a federal system and the creation of a federal commission.
 In the course of his argument on the amendment to the federal aid read act, which acrries with it an ap- propriation of $200,O00,0 ,0OO distribut- ed among the several states, and $9- OOO,000 for roads in the federal for est reserves. the senator from Michf- gan thus set forth the situation.
 'l think now, of all times, the present is the worst to curtail, or to attempt to curtai1, in any way the activities of the government in pub lie improvements. I do believe that inasmuch as we have, as Senator Q, going machine, an organization for building roads. and inasmuch further as it is conceded that the general! welfare demands that the govern ment must encourage those enter prises of public nature which offer legitimate employment to labor and at the same time suppl. a public service, it seems wise to me to in- crease road building. This class of improvement was checked by tine war and now, in this period of re- construction, the work should be re- newed on larger scale.
 T believe and still believe that we ought to have natfonahzed system of roads. I hope before another con- gress expires we shall have before us a general scheme for building roads which will favorably appeal to a majority of congress. But it is too late to enact new legislation in this congress. I suggested more com- prehens1ve and scientific plan to the committee but it could not be con- sidered. But this appropriation is as wise an investment as we can make now in these disturbed conditions, however difficult our financial situa- tion may be. I hope the various state
 
 that it is so expended that it will con tribute to a national system, which I am sure this country must adopt sooner or later. Let the states build the laterals, but let us have system of national highways extending through every state east and west, north and south.
 T have not been pleased With the administration of this law in the de- partment of agriculture. I think the money has not been as wisely eX- pended as it should have been; but we are learning in the matter of road building. The states themselves are cooperating now and every year makes them wiser in the matter of road construction, and I cannot be- lieve that very much O: this money will be wasted. Therefore, while F am not heartily in favor of this sys- tenn. because I believe there is a bet | ter one, nevertheless, it ping inaugur- ared and this being the present op- rortunity to render aid iI this emer Sency of reconstruction, I feel it is wise to pass the bill.''
 Before the present congress has concluded it is the intention of Sena tor Townsend to introduce a bill set | ting fcrth his ideas and outlining an embracing plain which will place fed ! .e"al highway activities on basis | that will call for an interstate system | and definite direction through fed l oral cooperation with the highway de | rartments cf the several state. It is i assured that this legislation will | have the support of many national or c:,nizations which have been concern