The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1920-10-21


Is from undue profiteering?"
nown that the cement people have perfect under
standing among themselves, which is tantamount to
having a trust organization Past performances
have revealed that the price Of Portland cement is
hardly on competitive basis. Naturally, IL is too
much to expect that the monopoistic features will
disappear in the near future.
IL the Carlyon bin is passed that Portland cement
VIII be used base wherever hardsufacng TO be done
Those who for the bill will quibbe this statement
but only qubbing In practice it is certainty that
Portland cement will be used.
There is particular objection TO Portland cement how
ever II is generally believed to be the most economic
ol from when the engineers may not vary even
better material should be discovered between now and
the will take construct the roads, estimated
by the Carlyon bill adherents
Advocates Of the Carlyon bin that they win be
able to pave 1900 miles in six by issuing $50 100000
IN 20year-bonds. Interest the bonds will be approx
matey Sl20000o0. making the cost Si20oo00o
This 900 is to be paid according to the Caryon
bill friends of the vehicle licenses estimated at
about S3.oo0,0o0 per year.
The roads may be completed in six they
not be- There experts who they win not be The
licenses average $3000000 year-or they may not
II they do not the taxpayers will have the remainder
The average life of roads is estimated at 20 years BY the
necessary to rebuild the roads
The alternative is to adopt comprehensive plan Of road
there IS 100000 in the treasury build 5000 600 worth
Of roads In addition to the motor vehicle fund there
year This s6o0o0OO fund should be coordinated The
legislature CAN coordinate it. We can have the same
roads the Cariyon bill pans better roads, and
almost as fast, without paying twice the cost
If the Caryon bill is passed. what win be the result
The state viii enter at into contract two three
contracts for the construction of ALL the roads enumerated
in the bill to gain the greatest speed possible The
state WILL therefore. have to abide by contract under
present prices These will prevail for six years
II there should be price decline in either material
labor. the state viii reap advantage-the contractors
will Portland cement will
There have been where the legislature passed
preparations to compensate contractors who lost
roads when the stole them and kicked their prices
into cooked hat But is there anyone gullible to
believe the could happen oohat contractors who
made than they expected by Of decline
in price would return the profits to the state?
Probably the big argument that be used for the
Carlyon bin is that the auto will pay the band
the general taxpayers But il that argument is good
why limit the amount to s30000000? Why not make it
100000 bonds and have twice 15o0 miles of paved
road?
Everybody is for good roads-but the Caryon bin does
not present that issue Men like John f. Blaine who have
been connected with the good roads movement for
opposed to the Caryon BILL not because they against
good roads, but because they against this method of
getting them.
What the state needs Is comprehensive plan Of road
building The legislature pass plan Of that kind and
enact it into law. And the plan then be worked out
the "pay-a -you-go' basis