REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 41 



system of one State with that of another, and as progress is made 

 the construction of through roads will follow as a matter of course. 



PROPOSED CHANGE WOULD AIEAN LOSS. 



I am convinced that nothing material would be gained by the 

 proposed change. Much would be lost. Many complications would 

 be introduced. The creation of a commission would entail unneces- 

 sary additional administrative expenditures and the commission 

 could not do anything that can not be done more effectively by 

 the existing cooperative machinery. I think it is not too much to say 

 that there is a minimum of friction in the relations of the State and 

 Federal authorities and that the majority of the State highway agen- 

 cies are satisfied with the present arrangement and do not wish a 

 change. 



There would also be a radical change of policy. I am of the 

 opinion that the people of the States will not be willing to substi- 

 tute for the present policy of developing road systems on the prin- 

 ciple of serving the broadest economic needs that policy advocated 

 by those whose interest is in main or trunk line automobile roads 

 primarily for touring purposes. The largest service will be ren- 

 dered, not only to farmers but also to urban people, by follow- 

 ing the principle of constructing roads of the greatest economic 

 importance, selected after careful consideration by the State agen- 

 cies having adequate knowledge and approved by the Federal 

 department. It seems to me clear also that, as the work proceeds, 

 we shall have roads which will be equally serviceable not only 

 to those interested immediately in long-distance automobile travel 

 and motor-truck transportation but also to those interested in 

 getting their farm produce to the market in the easiest and most 

 effective manner and in the transportation of the mails. I clearly 

 recognize the vast growth and importance of the motor-propelled 

 vehicle passenger and freight traffic. It is estimated that we have 87 

 per cent of all such vehicles in the world, and we are only at the 

 beginning of their use; but I am satisfied that the development of 

 highways along present lines rather than along the lines proposed 

 will result in their more extensive use. I have no prejudice against 

 any sort of road except a bad road, or against any sort of construction 

 except wasteful and unsubstantial construction. If traffic conditions 

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