Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-28

shoulder.
Legislative Dangers to Good Roads Program
IN the clash OF conflicting interests, the fail
L ure to put aside selfish hopes and concen-
trate on the paramount problem, tho intrn-
sion OF county lines to the exclusion of the
States welfare as whole, and the apparently
unsympathetic attitude of some of the egis-
lators, particularly in the Senate there turks
real danger to Nirginia's highway system on
which the people have set their hearts. and
for the achievement Of which they urged the
General Assembly to call itself into special
session. There is grave danger that the State
will not meet fully'its great opportunity, that
1t will not solve its big problem in n big way
and instead of lifting itself high out Of the
mud it will cling to its old patchwork system
OF roads and get nowhere except deeper into
the mire. Should this untoward thing
to pass it will find people disappointed and
angry, and in their disappointment they will
know where to place the blame.
The House has proved itself more pro-
gressive, more closely in touch with the
people. more anxious to meet their wishes,
than the Senate. Its work is we'll in hand.
and it has frowned on any attempt to divert
attention from road legislation. Meantime.
the Senate has Jagged. wasting its time in
the discussion of issues not germane to the
object OF the session, and now threatens the
fullest completion of the road program. Its
Finance Committee has rejected the proposed
12-cent levy urged as necessary to meet the
Federal appropriation, and has adopted tho
7-cent rate which will be inadequate to the
purpose. 1t would supplement this from
other sources of taxation. which would much
better be left to furnish revenue for other
financial needs which will be acute when the
regular session of the Assembly convencs in
January. It has manifested it's opposition
to the carefully worked out plan Of the Nr
ginia Good Roads Association, and seems to
lack sympathy with the popular demand that
the Federal aid be taken advantage OF to the
last penny. When the committees report
reaches the floor of the Senate it will be up
10 that body to determine finally for what
1t stands. whether for half-hearted policy
of road improvement, such has brought
disgrace to Virginia in the past or for a
hearty cooperation in the attainment of the
popular desire 1t is not believable that it.
will elect to fly in the face of the States
demand.
In the House, too. there is danger to the
road program. It exists in the Ozin measure
which has attained support from the country
members. That measure, based on the -
cent levy, would divert 5 cents to the direct
aid of county roads, leaving only the made
quate cents with which to meet the Federal
allotment. While no one would have the
county roads neglected, this is not the oppor-
tune time to press for their Improvement
With the diversion Of the cents a part Of
the Federal aid will be lost, while the coun-
ties apparently lose sight Of the fact that
they will have to be taxed more heavily in
order TO meet the State aid dollar for dollar.
That the counties themselves are not en-
about State aid should be manifest
in the fact that very few Of them have
taken advantage of the funds nov awaiting
their requisition in the State treasury In
addition, the measure would do the palpable
Injustice of forcing the cities to bear the
major part of the burden of county road
building.
Anything which diverts attention from the
State highway system, or proposes division
Of the funds for local projects, is a distinct
danger and should be avoided sedulouslv.
The counties will secure good roads more
quickly and with less cost by cooperating
for the State system first. Anything which
threatens its speedy building will work to-
ward delaying that day when every road in
Virginia, both State and county will be easily
passable the whole year round