The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1920-08-12
HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS Bah
COCK.

The good roads enthusiasts are con-
Quoting an active campaign for
Amendment No. 1. In last weeks is
sue of the Union we discussed at some
length the substance of this amend
ment and attempted to explain just
what it's adoption would mean to the
people in this immediate vicinity; now
just few words about the man who
is so vitality interested in it.
Mr.. Charles Babcock was appointed
commissioner of highways by Cover
nor Burnquist on April 7, 1917. He
is the first man to occupy this position,
the 1917 legislature having created
the office and transferred to it the du-
ties of the state highway commission
which was then abolished. This COM
mission, consisting Of three members
appointed by the governor, had been
functioning for eleven years, all the
! members serving without substantial
remuneration. With the rapid de-
vclopment of the state and the gradual
awakening of the people to the abso-
lutte necessity for good roads it be-
came evident that the duties of the
highway commission had outgrown
that board and it would be necessary
to provide a business organization on
a sound financial basis. The office Of
highway commissioner was established
and respectable salary affixed. This
is fitting and proper because the
state, without suitable compensation,
cannot secure the services of a capa-
BILE, experienced man unless he be
wealthy. The creation Of this office
parallels the establishment of the
state board of control. Under the
management Of this board our houses
of correction and insane asylums have
! become models Of state institutions of
their character. No governor has
dared to violate the unwritten law
that politics shall play no part in the
appointment of the members of this
board. The office of commissioner Of
highways should be as completely re-
moved from any political influence as
is the board of control, and right on
this point both Governor Burnquist and
Mr.. Babcock deserve the highest COM
mendation. Mr.. Babcock had since
1909 served as member Of the high
way commission and is thoroughly ia
miliar with the work Of that commits
sion; in his home town, Elk River, he
has admirably demonstrated his abili-
ty as successful business man, with
al, he has the enthusiasm essential to
the handling of any big enterprise.
Governor Burnquist was not influenced
by political considerations when he APP
pointed Mr.. Babcock-he selected a
man eminently fitted for the office.
How has Mr.. Babcock filled the Of
fee? He has laborcd INCREASINGLY for
the program which he and his asso-
ciates have so carefully worked out,
involving the construction Of thous-
ands Of miles of public highways. He
absolutely refuses to take any part in
the political campaigns and his per-
sonal friends have been fair and just
enough to realize that he is not self
ishly indifferent to their welfare but
that he is making ell personal, political
interests subordinatet to his work. With
in the past few months some high
state officials have had occasion to
learn that he is not simply playing to
the public when he states that in his
present official capacity he cannot af-
ford to take an active part in politics.
Mr.. BabcocA, after thoroughly study
ing the situation as it exists in Mime
sofa today in regard to the money
available for highways under the
present tax system and, after con-
ferring with officials from other
states, presents Amendment No. / and
earnestly urges it's adoption. Every
body should fall in line and give him