42 ANNUAL EEPOETS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



require hca^^ construction, then I am in favor of it; and in any 

 case, under the present law, tlie road must be substantial. 



The road movement is growing very rapidly. The Federal aid 

 road act has done much to promote it. Experience has brought 

 about amendments to the law and helpful changes in administration. 

 Comprehensive road programs have been inaugurated. They are be- 

 ing pushed vigorously. They will result, in a shorter time than most 

 people imagine, not only in a network of good substantial roads in 

 the various States of the Union, but also in the requisite interstate 

 highways. 



Why at this stage introduce complications and embarrassments? 

 Why should not the friends of the movement for roads to serve the 

 people cooperate? It is difficult for me to see why all who are ani- 

 mated by high public spirit in their thinking concerning highways 

 should not cooperate in the development of present programs and in 

 the perfecting of the existing processes and machinery, instead of 

 attempting to overthrow them. I believe that many of those who are 

 backing the proposed change do not know the facts and are not aware 

 of existing conditions and possibilities. 



CONTINUATION OF FEDEKAL APPROPlilATlONS. 



The period covered by the original Federal aid road act and its 

 amendments will expire with the fiscal year 1921. The results to date 

 clearly point to the desirability of continuing the policy of 

 Federal participation in road building. If this is to be done, 

 it is essential that a decision be reached at an early date, so that the 

 States iiiay be able to make the necessary financial provision and the 

 State and Federal departments make the requisite administrative 

 arrangements. If the financial condition of the Nation permits it, 

 I believe it would be good policy to make available from the Federal 

 Treasury, to be expended under the terms of existing legislation, 

 $100,000,000 for at least each of the four years beginning with the 

 fiscal year 1922. 



PAST ACTION AND FUTURE STEPS. 



The promotion of agriculture and the betterment of rural life 

 have, for many years, received the earnest attention and support of 

 State and Federal authorities. Several generations ago the founda- 



