IMPROVEMENT OF ROADS.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 700, 3 November 1909, Page 6

IMPROVEMENT OF ROADS.

Sen. XeWnn A. Mil«-* Saj-jt It Mnrlii Line Uetwern llarbnriiiu and Z _ Clvillxoti<»u» The recent retirement of Gen. allies ifter a long and illustrious career, and the more recent mention of his name is a candidate for political honors, gives especial Interest to bis public utterances. The most important mad<- "by the general recently was one on good roads and national greatness delivered it the time of the dedication of the St. Louis exposition. Among other things he said: "I know of no one element of civilization in our country that has been more neglected than the improvement of our roads: yet this is the element that marks the line between barbarism and civilization in any country. "The founders of our government strongly advocated the necessity of opening up and improving the means of internal communication. The immortal Washington retired from the pomp and circumstance of glorious war to occupy rhe honorable position of a sovereign citizen, and while conducting the affairs of his plantation was president of a transportation company. The author of the declaration of iii'i> pendente, the founder of one of our great universities, and the eminent statt sman who gave to us this vast empire of the Mississippi, was right when he said, In a letter addressed to Humboldt: "It is more remunerative, splendid and noble for the people to spend money on canals and roads that will build and promote social intercourse and commercial facilities than to expend it on armies and navies.' He was right again when he said, in a letter to James Ross: '1 experience great satisfaction in seeing my country proceed to facilitate intercom milcleations of several parts by opening rivers, canals and roads. How much more rational is this disposition of public money than that of waging war!'

"During the- past hundred years the people of this country have devoted more capital, industry and enterprise to the construction of great commercial railways than have the people of any other country.

"Our government has expended more than 1440,000.000 for rhe improvement of our harbor.-, and 'waterways. If such expenditures of the national treasure have been made in the past for the development of railroads and waterway?. Is it not now most appropriate that *h* improvement of our roads should receive national attention and government aid? "Arty measure that brings to the home? of the American people the daily new? of the world, thnr givrs the sovereign rltfwn trie truth concerning the affairs of his own country, that affords him a knowledge of the conditions and necessities of his own people, enables brrr. to discharge his duties of citizenship benefits the fnttr r - country and give? strength and character to the nntion. "The wealth of the nation comes primarily from the ground. The factory and foundry utilize the products of the soil and mine. As agriculture is our principal industry, so the great mas? of our rural people are "our main deper.dc -n<"«: patriotism, thpir public spfrir. their welfare must ever be the salvation and glory of our republic Therefor" every measure, whether b> the national government, the state county or municipal authorities, that can promote their welfare should be earnestly advocated." &