Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1919-04-25

Columbia State, Thursday: Ad-
dressing the association of county
supervisors Of South Carolina yester-
day at the Jefferson hotel, Governor
Cooper outlined a program Of good
road legislation that promises much
for the future growth and develop
ment of the state. Had I suggested
two years ago that the state appro-
pirate $20,000,000 a year for per-
iod Of six years for the construction
Of permanent highways, the people
would have thought me crazy" said
Governor Cooper. yet today we
know that this state has appropriated
approximately s100,000,000 for war
work Of various kinds In two years
and no one has been impoverished"
While he made no further mention OF
definite amounts for expenditure on
good roads, there was an opinion that
his remarks were indicative Of his
sentiments as regards appropriations.
Continuing, he said, II have asked
the state highway engineer to pre-
pare three good road bills. One will
outline state system OF highways,
built, maintained and controlled by the
state. have also asked him to pre-
pare a bill outlining a county system
of good roads for the various counties
Of the state. And I have also asked
him to prepare bill outlining sys-
tenn Of county roads under control OF
the county. built with the aid Of state
funds somewhat on the plan by which
states build roads with federal aid.
When these three bills are prepared,
l will send coppies Of them TO the county
supervisors and to the members Of the
legislature so that some definite plan
may be agreed upon before the general
assembly convenes next year. 1T Is
time for the county supervisors to
perfect an organization OF some sort,
so that we can get to work at once.
The people won't object to paying for
roads If they get the worth Of their
money. BY organizing, you will be
able to present solid front when the
legislature meets, and will be In q pos
ition to plan for statewide improve
ment. There Is about $7,000,000 avail
able this year for road building.
stand ready to do what can for this
cause. I want to see South Carolina
take a forward step in road construc-
ton. We now have an opportunity
before US; the people are dissatisfied
with their roads. We do not want con-
ditions to remain as they are now.
Farmers will not be satisfied and very
likely the more progressive farmers
will consider seriously the question Of
moving to other states where trans
portation Is easier II we do not i'm
prove conditions. We want settlers
from the west and northwest to come
into the state. We have a majority Of
negro population, and the cure for 1t
Is to have a steady stream Of good
white farmers to move in and occupy
lands now idle. Good roads will offer
an inducement to settlers who have
been accustomed to the highways Of
the northwest" Governor Cooper In
the course of his remarks told why he
did not call an extra session OF the
legislature saying that the legislature
had considered several good roads
measures and had adjourned without
passing them, and that as there was
TO extraordinary emergency he did not
feel that he had the right to call an ex-
traordinary session as no condition ex-
listed that had not existed previous to
the adjournment Of the legislature.