Evening star., 1924-10-12
BY HENRY l.. swEINHARr.

Through highways the Romans
conquered the world. Through the
construction of good roads wherever
they went they retained those con-
quests for long time. Many of their
roads were so well constructed that
large sections OF them remain to this
day.
The modern world is being con-
quered by motor highways. Com
munication means commerce. Prog
ress is marching forward, city and
town are being brought into con-
tact and civilization all along the
tlne IS making the most rapid advance
in history over the good roads which
are being built in all directins
In the building of motor roads the
United States has taken the lead. and
other nations are coming here to
learn. By rs example it is showing
others the benefits, commercial and
otherwise, of goods roads. Highway
experts from many other nations have
come to the United States to study
the methods of construction and the
system of regulation used in road
work here, and they have gone back
homo enthusiastic over what they
have seen and have started cam
paigns in their own countries in favor
Of improved highways.
American Nations to Build Roads.
The other republics of this hemis-
phere in particular are preparing to
emulate the example of the United
States through the construction of a
system Of up-to-date highways be-
tween their principal cities. This
work will not be completed in a day;
in fact, it will require years to ac-
complish all that is desired But the
seed has been sown, the example and
the inspiration are now there, and
it is believed that the movement for
good roads throughout all Latin
America will be carried forward as
rapidly as funds can be made avail
able for the purpose. Once the work
Is well under way in several of the
Pan-American republics. and as it's
benefits become more and more mani
fest. 1t Is believed there will be a
friendly vying between the various
republics of North and South America
to see which can carry out it's road
building program most rapidly.
Campaigns Of education are now in
progress In number Of the Ameri-
can republics to arouse public inter-
est, as well as that of commercial
and business concerns, in this prob
lem. These campaigns, which are ex-
pected to grow in scope and intensity,
are largely the rNsult of the visit
made to the United States several
months ago by a group of highway
experts representing all the American
republics. This combined with the
fact that preparations are now under
way for the first Pan-American high
way conference, which is to meet in
Buenos Aires next May, has given
impetus in all the countries concerned
to the question of road building.
Encouraging Reports Received.
The highway delegates from all the
other American nations who visited
the United States last June, at which
time they made tour of road inspec-
tion through IL States, not only re-
turned enthusiastic over their trip
here, but have succeeded in inspiring
others in their respective countries
with the Importance of modem motor
roads. according to reports being re-
ceived here. In several of the coun-
tries active steps already have been
taken since the return of these dele
gates to make a beginning on the
proposed road-building programs Ar