Road Administration

Although in America there are no roads of state or national im portance as lines of communication, yet as factors in the general welfare of the people wagon roads are of general interest and con cern to both the state and the nation.

Education vs. Legislation.

Unquestionably the prevailing American system is not perfect, but a practical solution of the prob lem—one that will meet all the conditions—will be found difficult of attainment. It is easy to criticise existing evils, to point out unerringly the incongruities of the diversified provisions of the statute books relative to roads, and to join in a general demand for reform. Apparently the greatest hope for an improvement in the public roads and in road administration, is in calling attention to the defects in the present methods and in offering suggestions for their improvement. It is better to try to grow into an improved system of road management by adopting first that which is most essential or the easiest to obtain—then taking other steps as the people become educated to the importance of efficient road admin istration,—rather than to attempt a revolution in road affairs by legislation. Our efficient railways were not created in a day, but are a natural development. A cheap line was first constructed, and this was gradually perfected as the necessary money could be obtained and as the conditions were better understood and as the requisite skill was developed.

It is probably wiser to direct attention to the defects in the present roads and to the inefficient administration of the present laws, than to attempt to secure improved roads and effective admin istration by enacting new laws. As illustrating the improbability of securing improved road administration by legal enactment un supported by public sentiment, it may be mentioned that in Illinois a state law wisely requires that the major part of the labor road-tax shall be paid in May and June,—when the roads most need attention and when the labor would be most effective ;—but the law is practi cally a dead letter, since in those months the farmers are more interested in putting in their crops.

For a valuable discussion of European and American systems of road administration, see pages 88-108 and 176-185 of Shaler's American Highways, New York, 1896.

The following extracts from a farmer's bulletin by the author, suggests some details as to the methods to be employed in securing an effective administration of road affairs. These sug gestions were made with direct reference to earth roads—which constitute perhaps 90 or 95 per cent of the highways of this country, —but they are hardly less applicable to any system of roads.

"1. It is believed that material improvement can be attained by paying more attention to the office of Highway Commissioner and Pathmaster. Elect only the very best men, without regard to

party; men who have judgment in business affairs, who have ideas on road making and maintenance, who have skill in directing the labor of others, and who will give to their official duties their best endeavor. If they do reasonably well and are continually seeking to increase their road knowledge and to improve the roads under their care, continue them in office. If not, try again to find some one who will do these things. Dignify the office by every means possible.

"2. In private conversation and in public meeting, discuss ways and means of improving the earth roads. Organize for the purpose of creating interest in common earth roads. As soon as possible adopt rules for the guidance of the road officials, and then let each tax payer note whether these rules are obeyed. Do not fail to give due credit if they are; and if they are not, do not shrink from entering a respectful protest. Unless the earth roads are main tained in reasonably good condition, it is folly even to talk of con structing high-priced broken-stone roads.

"3. Divide the roads up and allot definite sections to particular farmers, and publish these allotments, which fixes responsibility. As far as possible require each man to care for the road nearest home and which he travels most. By private conversation and public meet ing seek to stimulate pride in road making and maintenance, and try to secure the effect of competition in road work. Possibly have annual inspections, and award prizes and diplomas. Railroads find annual inspections and nominal cash prizes and diplomas exceed ingly effective. France has a system of gratuities for excellence in road work.

"4. Permanently hard roads are very desirable if their cost is not too great; but remember that high-class stone or gravel roads are not feasible unless the road-bed is thoroughly underdrained, and unless the subgrade is adequately crowned, and unless the public understands the superiority of perpetual maintenance over annual repairs, and unless the road officials are intelligent, energetic, and conscientious. Fortunately these things are the very best investments for earth roads, and good earth roads are the very best preparation for good gravel or broken-stone roads.

"5. Do not overlook the fact that the interest in good roads should have a broader foundation than mere commercial needs. Comfortable and easy communication between the members of a rural community and also between rural and urban inhabitants is of great importance in the social and educational development of a community."