Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1921-09-16
ASK ROAD FUNDS TO
HIRE MEN NOW IDLE
HIGHWAY OFFICIALS OF SEVER
AL. STATES PLAN FAIL AND
WINTER OPERATIONS

al udLlOu -W1uc llOtc1uCuC 10 Iciittt
the unemployment situation, reported
to be steadily growing more serious, by
continuing extensive highway improve
ment work through the fall and winter
months, Charles NJ. Babcock, as state
highway commissioner, this week issued
a statement asking for the active CO.
operation Of the public spirited men
and women of Minnesota.
Both individually and through organ
izations, citizens are requested to peti.
tiOn their representatives in congress
to double the 1921 federal highway MD,
appropriation to enable the state de-
partments to enlarge plans and meet
the emergency. Like appeals for pub
lie cooperation are being made by high
way executives in other states, it was
announced, in an effort to register pub
lie sentiment on this important subject
before congress.
Follows Hoover Proposal
Herbert c. Hoover; former food ad-
n:inistrator and now secretary Of COM
.merce, recently urged state highway de-
partme nts to push plans toward EN-.
ploying maximum numbers Of worklncn
and preventing winter of want for
their families. Later he was directed
by President Harding to arrange a ma
tional conference on the unemployment
situation.
IT, emphasize the serious aspect of
the matter, Commissioner Bubcock
pointed out that although numbering
and other like industries in Minnesota
this winter will afford little employ
n,ent, the pending proposal in congress
is for a federal highway aid reduction
IF ..5 per cent which would cut the
Minnesota apportionmen5 to $2,13C.000.
Commissioner Explains
"Tle public apparently is looking to
state end other public departments to
take the lead in this important mat
fter,'' COMMISSIONS: Bltccck said of
the winter highway employment plan.
"Much road work. can he done with
economy and to advantage during cold
weather, and the highway officials of
the several states are uniting in all ef-
fort to do their part.
"Several hundred men Of families
will be employed on Minnesota high
ways this fall and winter if funds are
available. The highway department
some time ago made plans in that direc-
tion, expecting that at least the usual
$2,s40,00o apportionment Of federal aid
would be forthcoming and that it would
be able to anticipate collections OF
state funds.
''In spite Of the unemployment situ-
;;ticn and the public demand for high
way improvements adapted to w,nter
! construction, however, advices from
Wash hington were that a >25 per cent re:
Guction in federal aid was proposed.
Fight for Funds Next
"Then this movement to obtain nc
cessary funds was decided upon. Rely.
ing on the public to assist and believ-
ing that members Of congress will
rcalize the far-reach:ng effect Of the
relief plan, we are hopeful Of the re-
suit.
The commissioner said that postal
card giving brief reference to the un-
employment situation and the fact that
public necessity dema.1as highway facil.
tiles much more adequate than are now
provided, over the con.t:tuert sigma
ture will answer so far as individuals
arc concerned but that = mighty flood
OF snch petitions is expected. 4 sug.
gas';cr was advanced that the appeals
should be mailed to reach Washington
just :tter Sapt. 26, tae end Of the re-
cess ty congress.
Civic, commercial, farm, labor and
other organizations are expected to
send resolutions to the same effect to
senators and representatives from their
respective districts.