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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (July 20, 1919)
THE SUNDAY ' OREGOXIAN, rORTLAM), JULT 20,1919; -SOL MILLIONS ARE SPENT ON GOOD PAVED ROADS California's System of High ways to Cost $73,000,000. COUNTIES ADD $40,000,000 Arteries ot Travel Extended Into Ag ricultural, amd Fruit Growing Dis tricts, Greatly Aiding Farmer. SACRAMENTO, Cal., July 19. The state of California on July 1, by the overwhelming vote- of more than 7 to 1. favored the issuing of $40,000,000 in bonds to complete her great system of paved highways being constructed at a. total cost to the state of $73,000,000. r In addition- the counties already have voted $40,004). 800 for bridges and paved roads connecting with the trunk lines and lateral?. To, all these millions is ; to be adde another $10,000,000, which ' is to be thefederal government's share In this state," $2,600,000 of which is ex- pected to be available this year. In the year 190 the. state launched . comprehensive' road building pro gramme by -voting to "issue $18,000,000 In bonds. It'soon became apparent that , this would be insufficient to meet the requirements, so in 1916 another bond issue was ca'rried by even a greater majority calltng for $15,000,000. With the start, made .through- the funds derived from, the sale of the two Issues aggregating $33,000,000, the ' state now is ready to proceed with its highway plans which have been broad ened as the arteries of travel have been extended into agricultural: and fruit growing districts with the result that the farmer has been given a depend able year-round outlet for the market ing of his products. Result Already Wonderful. ! This remarkable enthusiasm over good roads has been equally as pro nounced in rural communities as the advent of smooth highways was greeted by the city man and motorist.- The result already has been wonderful, and today California has more than 3000 miles of highways forming a network throughout the state over which her millions in products annually are hauled during all seasons of the year. The latest bond issue will enable ex tensions to be made into every local ity of any consequence and every sec tion of the state connected with over BOOO nines of scenic and scientifically Erraded highways. As a direct result of this movement for iroad improvements, California to day, has more miles of concrete high ways than have been constructed by all the eastern states combined. These paved boulevards radiate - from-every industrial . and. shipping center and touch the points of production in manner never before attempted by any other state of the union. Already the system has half-way paid for itself through the improved marketing con ditions and the bringing of producer several hours, and in many cases, days, nearer the selling or shipping point This .has caused motor trucks to gradually take the place of the animal- drawn vehicle, and today the great vaL leys from the Oregon line to Mexico are lined with motor-driven freight and express-'cars in successful' competition with the Steam and electric railroads. California: Farmer to Be Envied. The system of -good roads not only enables the grower to get his grain vegetables; fruit, melons; nuts and other products to market at the oppor ' tune; time, but gives him a dependable means of transportation which insures him against losses which so often ' happen in isolated districts where, bad Toads make it physically impossible to , haul but a very small part of his crops. These conditions have placed the California farmer in a most enviable position and have materially increased t the values of his lands and products as well.. :lt has brought about a quick means of transportation and communis , cation, with the result that organiza tions have been fostered for the benefit of all interests. For hundreds of miles up and down the Sacramento and San . Joaquin valleys the dairy farms dotting the -rich agricultural districts literally have been brought under one market ing system, which makes it possible for the producer to. get a better price for his milk and butter fat and deliver it ; without difficulty in winter and sum mer alike. California, which already has worked out and has in successful operation perhaps the best system of marketing crops in the whole country as it ap i plies to perishable and other products ; requiring quick transit, has profited to an extent almost beyond figures to re' late from these highways. Examples - of this might be given In fruit and ; berry-growing districts, where an im mense tonnage must of necessity be : handled without delay, once the crops , pegm to mature. Over these excellent paved highwavs the grower thinlcs nothing of driving 25 to 50 miles with his automobile or truck, carrying berries, asparagus, peaches,- apricots, grapes, prunes, beans, etc. The canneries and packing houses have thus been enabled to operate al I most the year round by reason of the . increased transportation facilities to and from the centers of producton and the.dependableness upon the grower to brLng to them his crop when they can best use it, and when It Is ready to be Bold. . Food 3Vo Longer Wasted. It is no Idle expression that before the advent of the good roads in many of the present-day leading marketing communities enough food was wasted through inability to get it to the ship ping point or- market to feed severa etates. The whole proposition has been so systematized through the medium of good roads that the farmer loses bu little of his .yield and gets the top price for .a larger and much better quality with less- worry. While benefiting the farmer and frui and vegetable, grower, the pleasure and recreational sitie of the highway im orovements has added vastly to the in .irest. population and wealth of th ta.te. The number . of inhabitants rnped up 35 per cent during the first r'- .'oilowirs the 1910 bond issue ana is growing at an even greater pace at the present time. The wonders of the state have been brought within easy and comparative! inexpensive accessibility to all citizen together with a deeper appreciation of the state s possibilities and what na ture has endowed her with. A broade grasp is constantly being taken of the mountains, valleys, lakes and farms by a very large class that Is not included in the general run of tourists and sight seers, who before the good road made motoring possible in many sections, could visit the scenes by the more ex pensive railroad or stage traveling with relatively high hotel and other ex penses. In California today the most noted resort, the famous parks and playgrounds, is on the pathway of thousands of admiring motorists who eet out to see things in their own way. Hl-chwaya Lined With A atom. These highways at this season of the year 'literally are lined wih automo biles going to and from the mountains and seashores, and affording the vaca tionist and motorist untold pleasures and happiness. Everybody talks and boosts their good roads, rides over them in their flivver or limousine, as the case may be, and enjoys their lasting benefits to rich and poor alike. Sections of the state where. In the days of poor roadswhole communities were - isolated from -'the other-districts and trading points, particularly -during the rainy weather,, have been brought together - and . into contact - with the high-power voltage . of progress with the result that every hamlet' has felt the pulsations of the spirit of the new era -that was ushered in when the state inaugurated its extensive road-building campaign. . . -.There is no north, south, east or west, and the intermingling of its people un questionably has laid the foundation for the accomplishment of even greater things in the. future as. the . finishing touches are put on the connecting links nd cross laterals now possible under the new bond issue. In its present stage of . construction the California highway -system consti tutes what' in most states would be considered very near perfect and uni form; but oh account . of . the great benefit derived from the improvements already made, it was decided to Invade the remotest regions by traversing the mountain fastnesses-and virgin forests n regions not -already-invaded by the engineering forces that a better appre ciation of the grandeur and beauty of natures handiwork might be gained and enjoyed by all travelers. - - Two Mala Lines Cross State. , Two - main trunk lines of highway have been built extending from the Oregon state line practically all the way to the southern extremity. awith the exception of a small gap in the north, these boulevards have been com pleted and are in use, one passing down the coast, while the other trav erses the Sacramento, San Joaquin and ower valleys below the - Tehachapi mountains to San Diego. These won derful highways,- paved, their entire distance, carry the burden of traffic and parallel each other, the widest divergence being a little more than 100 miles. . . ' . Branching out from these trunk lines and crossing the mountain ranges ami foothills is another wonderful system of paved roads, while others have been layed out -and. are included tn the final programme. ... Under the revised plans the state ill proviJe a splendid driveway for the farmer and motorist no matter what direction 'he sets out to follow, whether it be to climb into the moun tain range to the fringe of perpetual snow, or speed up and down the valleys or across to the 'seashore. This great engineering work of blaz ing trails for' civilization and the com forts and pleasures of life, to lead the way Into . former, isolated . districts, eventually to see finished highways newn out or solid rock and ravines and mountain gorges spanned by steel and concrete bridges and ornamental trestles, has been carried on under the direction of the California highway commission, which -was born of the state engineering department and given Its power by act of the legis lature. Although various types of hlghwavs nave Deen constructed, the commission from the outset adopted a standard plan of solid concrete as a base, with layer of rock screen and bituminous oil with cement concrete surfacing. InmnK Soma Well Handled. The immense sums provided for highway building have been handled by the commission in a most conserv atlve and intelligent manner. The organization has the machinery and efficiency of any highly trained private corporation, and enters into -contracts for all its work, buys its rock, sand. gravel,, cement, etc. by enteringinto agreements through bids for the de livery of the material by which a sav ing of from 35 to 60 per cent has been effected. The railroads have been given a special tariff schedule that has resulted in a further saving in trans portation of these materials of - from 30 to 0 per cent. The various counties of the state have co-operated with the commission carrying out this extensive road- building project: first, by constructing at their expense out of funds derived from bond sales all bridges in advance ot tne Highway work, having been advised of the actual requirements and class of construction by the state's engineering staff.. Secondly, the coun ties have furnished the right-of-way. it. nas Deen a narner task- to build bridges and do all the other work in connection with the pioneering of these systems of highways across the big state than to secure permits to cross tne counties in the most direct and uniform-graded districts, and at the same time touching the principal towns, cities and sections tapping the agricultural and other productive districts. Experience has shown that but few are opposed to the advent of good roads, but on the other hand almost invariably have co-operated to the full est extent. Comparatively few con demnation proceedings have yet been instituted. Referring particularly to the finan cial side of the highway plan and the maintenance of the system, the prin cipal and interest on the various bond issues voted by the state are being paid out of the general fund, which is created by a franchise tax levied against public utilities ( orporat ions), inheritance tax, etc., and not by direct taxation or general levy on the com mon property of the state. County Pays Interest. Under the provisions of the highway act, whenever any of the proceeds from the sale of bonds have been expended in any county, that county reimburses the state to the extent.. of paying 4 per cent on the amount of road funds actually expended for highway con struction within its borders. This plan, however, does not inter fere with any county road work that may be undertaken, although every foot of the -state system is under the cirect control and supervision of the highway commission, including the right of way, trees and all ornamental gardens, the signs and crossings. This method prevents objectional advertis i S schemes, unsightly billboards and removes many of. the obstructions to views aiong the arteries of travel and giving a free and open view of fine farms, growing grain and fields of al falfa, orchards and an endless pano rama of beautiful scenes and points of interest. To further enhance the attractive ness of its highways, it is planned to eventually have trees growing along every rniM of their length. A good start already has been, made, and to keep the trees supplied with water and green throughout the summer months, water tanks have been" erected along tt e routes which are fed by artesian we"s. From these stations the auto tank wagons take their supplies and irrigate the young trees. These highways, constructed by bond issues and those built by special ap propriation, are altogether maintained from the receipts from the state motor vehicle department as collected for the yearly licenses. Tne funds from this source are equally divided between the state and the counties, the latter re ceiving their share of such moneys on a basis of the net receipts of motor vehicle registration in the individual county. Motor Department Self-supporting. The motor vehicle department is self supporting an! is allowed to retain 10 per cent of the total receipts for that r-urpowe. As the total receipts for 1318 exceeded the $3,500,000 mark. ' It can be readily seen that the state's share of the funds to be applied in maintaining its roads was over $1,500,- oc. Soin after its creation, the commis sion adopted the civil service plan of employment, even before the state had seen the wisdom of the uniform regu lations. Much credit for the success of its -undertaking- is given-to that choice. An advisorv board made up or the engineering and highway officials pass upon all bids, contracts for construc tion, audits, bills and otherwise has full oower to secure the most, aireci and beneficial 'results.- ' Before the. recent highway bond Is sue was voted upon, a meeting or un supervisorial boards of all the coun ties, was -called, and as the representa tives were called upon, . they put in their reauests for certain roads In their districts. This Information was worked Into dh-.De during further conferences and eventually ,wa brought, into the legislatuie. . - ' in order to ao away witn me rta tan n nri exDedite matters.- the legis- ,la,tr-re passed a highway bond, act and also an enabling measure combined, by amending the constitution. This made It oossible to vote lor tne tw.uuu,vuv bond issue while approving the con stitutional -amendment. RHINE METHODS APPROVED Peace Council Agrees - on -Reply to German Inquiry. ' . . PARIS. July 19. The supreme coun cil of the peace conference yesterday approved the reply to the memorandum of the German peace commission 'on the methods to be followed in the applica tion of the clauses of the peace treaty concerning the Rhineland. The reply specifies the powert; of the allied com missioners and their relations with the German administration. The council continued today its ex amination into the question of . the number of " troops to - remain in the Rhine region until complete execution of the peace treaty. INSANITY PLEA OPPOSED Trial of Harry .Xew for Murder of -Sweetheart Set for October 2 7. LOS ANGELES, July 19. Prosecuting attorneys will fight against any move to have the question of insanity inject ed into the trial of Harry S. New. they announced today after New pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with slaying his fiancee. Miss Freida Lesser, in Topango canyon sev eral -weeks ago. - ... Judge Gavin Craig set October 27 for his trial. Read The Oregon ian classified' ads. STATE CHAMBER TO MEET ANNUAL- CONVENTION TO BE HELD IN SPOKANE MONDAY. Prominent Men of Northwest Sched uled for Addresses on Good Roads and Industrial Problems. SPOKANE, July 19. The Washington State Chamber of Commerce, compris ing 18 chambers representing all parts of the state, will hold its annual meet ing In Spokane July 21. Jhe pro gramme will be an extensive one and will include addresses by premlnent men of the northwest. William Short, president of the Wash ington Federation of Labor, will ad ilcesa the .convention on labor problems from the .point, of view of the federa tion. N. B." Coffman of Chehalli. president of the Washington Good Roads associa tion and prominent in the state and northwest, will discuss the rural de velopment of the state and the promo tion of better community life. Dr. E. H Lindley, president of the University of Idaho, will discuss some phases of industrial relations, upon hich-he is an authority. - E. M. Chandler, engineer and director in charge of. the Washington state reclamation- service, -yr ill give an ad dress on the reclamation possibilities of the. state, with a brief survey of the natural resources of the slate. The sessions of the State Chamber of Commerce at-whlch these addresses will be given, .'"ill be open to the pub lic. Brief executive sessions. In which only ac-sedlted delegates will be given a voice, will be held for the transac tion of state chamber business. Automobile parties, it Is planned. Will make the trip to Spokane from Se attle and Tacoma, stopping en route at Yakima and. Walla .Walla. The return trip from Spokane will te made by the northern route, making a stop at Wenatchee, according to present plans. - Lumber Commissioner Coming. SEATTLE. July 19. A. H. Oxholm. lumber trade commissioner for the United States department of commerce, ,1s expected to arrive In Seattle Mon day next to Inspect the lumber Industry here. 'During his stay In the north west' Mr.- Oxholm will address the an nual convention of the West Coast Lumbermen's association, to be held on Mount "Rainier July 30 and 31. Stretched, si in tie tire, good The slightest cut in an in tubes do not rip when cut. fcrior tube Rip! and the , They cut but do not rip. tube is ruined. You CdnTest (the Nomvalk Right L Straight , Through THE scissors test shows you that the Noi-walk Tube is different. It shows you that it does not rip as other tubes. The Norwalk Tube proves to you that the Norwalk Casing is your tire. The Nor walk Tube, floating stock4', both red and gray, is the highest quality tube made. The Norwalk cord or non-skid fabric with snow white sidewalls and black tread is the highest quality tire made. Norwalk products . never ask acceptance on faith alone. Prove them before you buy. Take the first test now. Take the scis- The Scissors Test Take sample piece of tube in. by 3 in. S tretch to 9 in. or three times its original length. Cut on the edge with the scis sors. The cut should not be more than Yq in. across the sam ple. If the . strip tears apart the rubber is inferior. sors. If your local dealer cannot supply you, write to Auto Parts Supply Co. Portland, Ore. Auto rira supply Co. , 812 E. Pike St, Seattle, 'Wash. Distributor NORWALK TIRE & RUBBER CO. Makers f Cosines, Cord and Fabric; and Tubes, Red and Grwj, Norwalk, Connecticut "Floating stock is a standard of quality as definite as 24K gold or sterling. It means rubber so pare that it floats. File away a dated sample of Norwalk Tube and others, and compare them at tbe end of a year. You are going to learn a lot more about Nor. walk quality. But don't wait. Start saving your mileage-money now. Ask us for sample of Norwalk rubber. NORWAtK TUBES and CASINGS 11 m Ml. m M m m m rJH E sterling value of Overland cars is clearly reflected in the enthusiasm of more than 600,000 owners. Willys-Overland Pacific Co. Broadway at Davis St. Phone Broadway 3535 1 1 1 1 1. 1 ii iii iiii i ii. iiiiui. .aii iw ill I iiiui 'in u ii milium inn., ii.. i.. u. Opesilo cs 1 Vv CCJCIiSJ" "HittbC the Spot" July 14-19-at GERBER'S AUTO MEET METAL WORKS AT 1.1th and DAVIS STS. !m " ''4 -: : fci fcw l .t, ill EamVaWaat liltl .,,1 i hi I - r- 23piT . : - v t .... it The public is cordially invited to inspect the new and modemly equipped "works, where ladies can visit without soiling their clothing where the Golden Rule dom inates where the customer is always right with special machinery for The Personal Element will enter into our serv ice in every detail to have the customer's in terest at heart at all times to conduct a "Works" with a con science. Opportunity is here taken to thank our patrons and friends for capacity business during the past two weeks. Man nfacturing & Repairing Auto Sheet Metal Parts Auto Wooden Parts Auto Bake Enameling Auto Fenders Auto Radiators Auto Bodies Auto Wheels Auto Tops, Etc. No Car Is Complete Without a PRITCH ARD WIND DEFLECTOR This has made an instantaneous hit. We are sole-agents for Multnomah county and carry it in stock in large quantities. It is highly efficient and perfectly safe; front curtains can be dispensed with and driver at all times has clear vision. r 4 I