Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1916 — THE QUESTION OF ROADS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE QUESTION OF ROADS

Although there were many who did not approve the idea of federal aid in the construction of roads, now that this aid has been provided for by law it is urged that all Indiana associations, groups or individuals interested in the subject of Improved roads consider immediately the steps to be taken for the creation of a state highway department. Such a department must be established before this state can participate in federal aid. The Hoosier State Automobile association and the various good road organizations have been at work along this line for some time. They are doing what they can, but the movement is of such importance that a general intelligent support from the public is necessary.

The federal law, which became operative only a few days ago, sets aside $5,000,000 the first year, $lO,000,000 the second, and so on until, in 1920-21, $25,000,000 will b* available. While this is a large amount, it is very small in comparison with the sum which, it is expected, will be spent by all agencies, nation, state, county, township and city. The American Highway association realizes that the success o r failure of the federal good road law depends on the manner in which the states meet their responsibilities. It is estimated that, this year, a total of $300,000,000 will be spent in the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges. Recognizing that there is gross waste in expenditure and a perplexing diversity of methods, the American Highway as sociation has entered on a campaign of education. It has prepared a general outline of systems, a <’?- scription of the most improved types of highways and a digest of state

laws governing highway departments. Assuming that, in this work, the association has in view only the improvement of American highways Indiana may be able to learn some thing of value. The good roads bureau at Washington is ready to supply individuals with information covering the general situation. Th? various congressmen who voted f<• * national aid are willing, doubtless, to supply their constituents with data. Use should be made of ail these opportunities, for Indiana, has before it an urgent subject. A state highway department, in the charge of a nonpolitical engineer, should be established. State road laws should be revised so as to rank with the best. The waste and inefficiency in Indiana road construction at present are Scandalous, Unless the system is improved, and a state engineer obtained, federal aid will be Worst? than wasted - -it will become simply another “pork barrel.lt is up to the states to demonstrate ’he worth of co-operation.—lndianapolis News.

The big newspapers of the East, of all political beliefs, especially in New York and the New England states, are saying lots of things editorially and otherwise reflecting, the popularity of Woodrow Wilson and the feeling of confidence that he will be re-elected. At the same time large parts of the Republican press, notably such newspapers as the New York Herald and the New York Tribune, have been declaring that Mr. Hughes must do certain things to set himself right. These newspapers have been most insistent in stat>ng that Mr. Hughes has been receiving the support of so many different selfish interests that it is up to him to set himself right before the people. One Of these newspapers- has even gone so far as to suggest he should name the men he in ends to place in his cabinet, thus to show the world that he is not controlled by undesirable organized or personally directed selfish interests. "Poor Mr. Hughes; ’ said a Republican who supporting him. “He has things in his own public record just as any man has, and it is usually a record calling for some explanations. Why should he be required to name a cabinet and cany the sin.-, of the whole bunch. Anyhow why would this not be promising jobs and constitute a violation of the corrupt practices act?”

Republicans are still trying to find something to say in answer to the fact that Democrats have paid off the Republican state debt of several hundreds of thousands. Mr. Hughes is also looking for an issue to talk about. He talks about the Mexican policy and Republican and Democratic papers are saying he ought to tell the people what he would have done. They want to know if he thinks we should have gone to war and sacrificed a few hundreds of thousands of America’s young men when there is an easier way and one without bloodshed. They want to know if patience without bloodshed is not better than impulsiveness with slaughter. The European situation is a picture from which neutral countries cab draw valuable lessons.