FUTURE OF THE TRACTION ENGINE 305 



funds must be placed in more intelligent hands than at present. 

 In the majority of states able highway engineers are prepared 

 to investigate, advise and assist, and there their authority 

 ceases. They should be empowered to put into practice the 

 results of their experience and training. They should be 

 assisted by competent highway supervisors, and road district 

 units should be made much larger than at present, in order to 

 afford and command the service of trained experts. 



In spite of the loyal assistance which the traction engine 

 is now giving in building improved roads, the average legislator 

 is unable to see in it anything but an ugly machine which scares 

 horses, sets fire to property, breaks down bridges, and destroys 

 road surfaces. As a matter of fact, manufacturers everywhere 

 are willing to provide reasonable facilities for changing grouters 

 on plowing engines once they are proved destructive. It is 

 firmly established, however, that the pneumatic tire of the 

 modern automobile is far more injurious to good roads than 

 the heaviest steam tractor's drive-wheels. In fact, the state 

 highway engineer of Wisconsin recommends the use of the 

 traction engine in building and maintaining roads on account 

 of the power which it makes available for doing good work with 

 a grader, and because of the compacting effect of the wheels. 



Much of the opposition to the tractor comes from a well- 

 organized purpose on the part of selfish interests to keep vehicles 

 off the public road that will make it necessary to provide better 

 and safer bridges. The control of public bridges is generally 

 in the hands of the county supervisors, who are not chosen 

 with reference to their engineering ability. In consequence, 

 they are at the mercy of bridge-building concerns which make 

 enormous profits out of the construction of flimsy bridges at 

 excessive cost to the public. In crossing these bridges the 

 tractioneer takes his life in his hands, and often is heavily 

 liable as well for damage to the structure. The average state 

 highway commission is powerless to do more than to recommend 

 praiseworthy laws and specifications. In the face of a powerful 



