The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1933-01-05
HIGHWAY INQUIRY
ASKED BY BABCOCK
Wants Work of Department
Fully Observation-Disclosures
All Good Road Supporters

An Investigation of "all phases O.
the work of the department" in ordel
that "Any possible doubts may b
cleared up" is asked in public state
ment made by C. M. Babcock, upo1
leaving the office of commissioner
of highways at the end of the year.
Before leaving office I want tx
express my sincere thanks to al
those who have co-operated in max
ing possible the highway develop.
ment which has taken place in Min.
nesota in the last quarter century,
Mr.. Babcock said, "and especially in
the last dozen years since the trunk
highway plan was drafted and put
into effect. This progress would not
have been possible except for the in
terest and assistance given by a
great many civic organizations and
public spirited individuals, state Of
ficials, members Of the legislature,
members of county boards, and the
newspapers of the state.
81 am leaving this office at the re-
quest Of the governor. In making
this change he is entirely within his
rights. He has given no reason and
it is not necessary for him to give
any. The law provides that the COM
missioner of highways may be re-
moved from office by the governor
at his pleasure
~ am leaving this work with some
regrets. Although the greater part
of the trunk highway system has
been completed, there are still
some essential parts of the original
state highway program which I
would have liked to see finished be-
fore 1 retired to private life. I had
also hoped to work out more bal
anced and efficient system for the
improvement of our secondary roads.
I have always had them in mind, but
traffic requirements made it neces-
sary to improve the. main highways
first.
From a personal standpoint, how
ever, have no regrets, for I have
good reason to believe that as far as
my personal fortune is concerned,
would have been in better position if
l had never held this office. But
there IS more satisfaction in achieve
ment than in personal reward.
hope, in the % years l have served
the state, seven as member of the
old highway commission and nearly
16 as commissioner, that have ac-
complished something worth while
and lasting for the social and econ
omic welfare of Minnesota.
Besides the satisfaction of having
at least tried to achieve something of
lasting value for my state, value
deeply the friendships l have made,
both in my own state and in many
other states and foreign countries. l
hope that 1 may retain these friend
ships as long as l live. The great
est asset any man can have is good
reputation, the confidence and respect
of those who know him and associate
with him.
Every man in public office must
of course be subject to a certain
amount of suspicion, gossip, and in
situation. This office has been no
exception, and this has been part.c-
ularly true of the last two years.
There have been many yelled charges
and rumors regarding the letting of
contracts. There have also been open
charges of waste and extravaganza,
made by men seeking high office.
'All the books and accounts of the
department have been examined re-
gularly and in detail by the public
examiner ever since the department
was created, and the accounting sys-
tenn is the one which has been recon-
mended and approved by the public
examiners under all administrations.
In none of these examinations has
there been any criticism of the de-
partment. All contracts, purchases
and payrolls have been approved by
the Department of Administration
and Finance since the establishment
of that body. But in order that any
possible doubts may be cleared up
and in justice to myself and my asso-
ciates, am requesting that the COM
ing legislature make thorough in
vestigation of all phases Of the work
of this department. 1 hope that this
inquiry may be started early and that
both branches be represented by cap
able and impartial members in this
investigation. l shall be glad to CO.
operate with the committee in get
ting at the facts.
after % years of Official con.
nection with highway development II
Minnesota, 1 of course cannot sud.
denly forget my interest in this fielo
of activity. l shall always be inter.
ested in the highway program, and
shall be glad to give my cooperation
to my successor in every possible
manner. am sure that those of my
associates in the organization who
remain with the department will al
ways give the same loyal service
-L:.l %hoxy hovo uivoy, in the naS1