The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1923-03-29
CROWD JAMS CAPITOL
TO URGE ROAD BONDS
PROVES STATEWIDE POPULAR
ITY OF PLAN TO ADVANCE
HIGHWAY PROGRAM
NOT TO INCREASE TAXES
GATHERING OF FARMERS AND
BUSINESSMEN DEMANDS AC
TON ON PROPOSALS

A big demonstration, virtually
good roads rally, at public hearing
in state capitol Friday night before
the public highways committees of
the senate and house, showed howl
opposition has been magnifed and
went far to pave the way for favor
able action on state highway bond
legislation.
Scores of farmers and businessmen
from all parts of the state, who paid
their own expenses or drew them
from legal organizations which they
represented, took advantage of an
opportunity, they said, to finally put
the Minnesota good roads movement
lover the top Philosophical citi-
zens identified with the Good Roads
Amendment No. 1 campaign in al
most every locality joined forces at
the capitol to do their bit toward in
surfing the biggest success of the
highway program.
Charles M. Babcock, state highway
commissioner, outlined the bond plan.
He received a great ovation. The
commissioners statement and his
prompt answer to every possible OBJ
lection raised won an almost unani
NOUS "vote of confidence"
The large gathering went on record
decisively in favor of the highway
bond, program when Commissioner
Babcock presented the proposition:
70 IL
other states beat you to it? "We can
go on without adding a cent to tax
es. Over so per cent of the trunk
highway system is improved. Do you
want to quit now?
Farmers responding to newspaper
announcements that the public would
be heard on the bond proposals
fought for recognition from the chair
man that they might testify how the
highway program is building up all
the roads.
The commissioner had made it
clear that the Minnesota plan is one
first to improve and maitain the
farm to market roads. He showed
how all county and proposed state
bonds with interest can be paid out
in full in twenty years and made to
give the use of more good roads every
year under the bond plan.
The opposition was voiced mainly
by farmer banker from a district in
which the roads have been extensive
ly improved by the use of about
100000 of trunk highway funds. One
member of the legislature indicated
that he might offer his objections
later, and a few asked questions that
showed they either lacked information
or were misled on the bond plan.
This diversion famed up the enthus-
iasm of the hundreds of good roads
advocates that packed the house.
chamber and galleries and adjoining
halls.
Commissioner Babcock gave posi-
tive assurance that the bond plan will
mean the biggest success for the,
highway program. He showed how
the local roads are being built rapid
ly and local taxes are decreasing and
how provision for larger working cap
ital now will mean the most effective
and prompt results on the state.
highways. He referred to the respon-
sibility of the legislature to carry on
the road program as demanded by the
great majority and made easy by
pending recommendations.
Almost every senator and represen-
tatlve present at the hearing was
surrounded by citizens from his dis
trict bent upon securing his vote for
the bond bills. Many self-appointed
delegats took pride in announcing
that their members were supporting
the bond measures. Others said their
members were becoming convinced
that the bond plan is favored by all
who have obtained the facts and stud
led it and that the people of the state
will be given the benefits of it's adop-
ton. Senate and house committees
are expected to report out the bond
bills soon, following tae hearing Civ
en- the individual citizens and repre-
sentatives of farm bureau, commercial
and other like organizations from
every part of the state.