The Washington times., 1922-09-11
A. A. A. Official Calls
Condition of Streets
In Capital Disgrace
M. o. EIdridge Feels Budget
Board Errs in Cutting Esti-
mates Offered for Improv-
ment Of Local Highways.

AHytninB tnat the American Au-
tomobile Association can do to pre-.
vent reduction of the Commission.
ers' estimates for street repairs and
improved school conditions in tho
District Of Columbia will be done"
says M. o. Eldridge, secretary Of the
District branch of the A. A. a.
Primarily, of course, we are inter
ested in roads. but we realize the
educational needs of the coming gen.
eration as one of the most pressing
problems OF today, and will gladly
Join In any movement to further
such plans for the youth Of the Dis
trict." -.
Eldridge, who is director Of roads
OF the A. A. A. good roads board
and civil and highway engineer Of
high standing, has been investigating
street conditions in the District. He
pronounces the condition of our
streets and suburban roads as a
CRYING disgrace"
Figured on the basis of 60-40. as
District expenses are now paid, the
automobile owners Of Washington
are entitled to a fund of $1,250.000
Tor street repairs" declared Ed
ridge. This is based on highway
economics, which hold that the au--
pairs and upkeep Of the roads, and
the motorists Of the District for the
fiscal year of 1922 paid into the
treasury a total of $74S,684, which
Is approximately so per cent Of ST.
100000. This $748.684 was paid as
follows: registration, $345,2S0; driv-
ers' license. $4,000; personal prop
erty tax on automobiles, $225, 900;
fines and fees, $143,404 The Com
missioners' estimate Of 81, $50 900 for
repairs on streets and roads for the
fiscal year Of 1924 are according to
these figures s100,00 less than the
motorists are entitled to. There Eas
been considerable talk that this es-
innate will be considerably pared
and to my mind this would be
crying shame, as the streets are In
desperate condition right now for
lack OF necessary repairs.
Estimate Called Moderate.
THE building of new roads. &C:
cprding to highway economics, should
come out of general funds, ana
think the Commissioners estimate
Of 81 200, 900 for this purpose Is eA-
tremely moderate, and should not
be cut. The increased taxation from
enhanced property values resulting
from these new roads will soon on
set the expenditure.
Not only are the connecting
streets in a terrible state as a result
Of lack of repairs" continued Mr.
Eldridge, but arterial highways
leading into Washington from other
sections Of the country are In a state
that beggars description. Wisconsin.
Connecticut, Rhode Island and
Georgia avenues. all main highways,
are a disgrace to any city the size
Of Washington and more especially
to the Capital Of the Nation.
Reports for 1921 show that there
were 524.92 miles % streets In the
District and over 269 miles, or more
than half of these streets, were
waterbound macadam and graVel
and dirt roads, which quickly show
signs of wear under the heavy traf-
fic conditions Of this city. Less than
200 miles of these roads are Of
asphalt or concrete and much OF 1t
has been allowed to deteriorate in
fashion that makes a cobblestone
road smooth by comparison.
Congress must be impressed In
some manner with the fact that
Washington Is the Capital City OF
the whole United States, and that
every citizen in every part OF the
country is interested in having his or
her National Capital equal 10 that of
any in the world. The American
Automobile Association is prepar-
ing to seek the cooperation or its
more than 200 affiliated automoohe
clubs in bringing pressure TO near
unon Congress for more liberal treat
ment of the National Capital.
Opposed to Reduction.
"Jn the meantime there should be
some wax Of preventing the puoge,
Committee. OF which Major General
Lord is chairman. from making re-
auctions in the appropriations for
streets until Congress has chance
to pass on the figures submitted by
the District Commissioners in their
estimates for the-coming year. This
applies just as pertinenty to schools
as to streets, and while the American
Automobile Association deVotes It's
efforts to the interests OF motorists
Il will be glad to aid in any educa-
tional plans, because the A. A. A.
believes i'm the utmost possible edu.
cation for every future citizen OF
this country. We believe and are
sure that the District Commission
ers support this belief, that the
three men placed at the head of the
District government know the needs
Of the District better than any
budget committee sitting in star
chamber session in private quarters
and debating, with all the autocratic
powers OF a czar, how the taxes PAID
in by the people Of the District shall
be spent. Motorists, as / stated be.