Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 65, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 November 1916 — GOOD ROADS A HEALTH ARGUMENT [ARTICLE]

GOOD ROADS A HEALTH ARGUMENT

The secretary of the state board of health in Kansas attributes the spread of typhoid fever, tuberculosis, infantile paralysis, diphtheria and possibly smallpox to the dust raised by the state’s 100,000 automobiles. He believes it also possible that many cases of whooping cough and measles could be traced to the same source. If there is anything in his suggestion it should be possible to establish the truth by careful observation. If the dust clouds raised by automobiles- spread disease, it is apparent that the cases of sickness should be most numerous along well-traveled and dusty highways. If any -such condition prevails and the logic of his argument is confirmed, the next step should be to find a remedy for such conditions. The remedy Undoubtedly would be in improved highways such as would get rid of dust clouds. Ma-

cadam or oiled roads dkould give immunity could not be expected along dirt higfcways. Even if investigation should not develop the fact that the du»t clouds spread typhoid and 1 other diseases the Kansas official has mentioned, those living along much traveled highways are entitled to relief from the dust nuisance. They should join the army of those who are doing valiant work in the good roads cause. Better highways mean not only more comfort for those who use them, but better health for those along the route.