1902.] GOOD ROADS. 29 



my belief that the farmers in these new days will keep the faith 

 their fathers had, and bravely and successfully win new laurels 

 for themselves, and better times for themselves and the State 

 of Connecticut. (Great applause.) 



The Secretary. We are much obliged to the Governor, 

 especially in view of the inconvenience to which he has put 

 himself for our pleasure by coming here, and we regret that 

 he cannot stay with us and be our presiding officer during this 

 convention ; but official business calls him away, and I there- 

 fore have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr. Seeley, the 

 vice-president of the Board, who will preside in the absence of 

 the Governor. 



The President (Mr. Seeley). Ladies and gentlemen: 

 I take the chair because I have been asked to do it. I was 

 very anxious that the Governor should fill it, and conduct the 

 session this morning, because there is a degree of monotony 

 where one individual goes through with all these many 

 sessions which we have for several days. I hope you will all 

 listen to our next speaker. He is an enthusiast on good 

 roads, and I am sure we are very much in need of good roads 

 in our country towns. There is nothing that will be more 

 interesting or anything that we shall like to hear more than 

 how we are to have good roads. Mr. MacDonald, our High- 

 way Commissioner, is here to speak to us upon this interest- 

 ing subject. He will tell us all about it today. 



GOOD ROADS. 

 By Hoisr. James H. MacDonald, 



state Highway Commissioner. 



Mr. President and gentlemen of the State Board of Agri- 

 culture : There are two reasons why this occasion is 

 especially pleasant to me. The first is that it is a gathering 

 of a great many of the dear friends I have had occasion to 

 meet in my official capacity in my travels throughout the 

 State ; and the second is that my subject is always a pleasant 



