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A QUESTION: oF EXTREME INTEREST to summer visi- 
tors to the North Shore and especially to motorists who 
like to frequent the unsurpassed roads of this section, is 
the proposed widening of Elm street in Salem. Situ- 
ated directly in the heart of the North S$ Shore, Salem pre- 
sents a most difficult means of access to the shore re- 
sorts.. This is principally because of the narrow streets 
in Salem between the state boulevard coming from 
Swampscott, and the city of Beverly. After the former 
summer capital is reached an excellent stretch of maca- 
dam roads, well oiled, is found, but the motorist has 
always experienced extreme discomfort and positive 
danger in traversing through the streets of Salem. When 
the Elm street widening bill is pushed through the state 
senate,—and it seems ‘almost certain that it will—this 
will be almost a complete solution to the present problem 
of getting through Salem safely and quickly. The pres- 
ent narrow thoroughfares comprising Elm and Walnut 
streets, just above Salem Common will be merged into 
one wide boulevard and the section between that new 
street and Lafayette street will be continued by a 70-foot 
thoroughfare. This will give an excellent approach to 
the North Shore and one which will be long awaited. 
Tur Disastrous Fires on the Shore during the last 
week due to negligence and spring-cleaning shows that 
there is still an opportunity for a campaign of education 
on the subject of spring fires and their dangers. Care 
should be taken with every fire built in the open air. 
Every boy should be taught the community rules and 
compelled to obey them. The forest warden’s rules 
against fires in the woods are meant for everyone, and 
there are reasons for such rules. There was an excep- 
tional light rainfall in March and everything is now dry 
and in an excellent condition to feed a disastrous fire. 
Watch every fire made in the open air and be prepared 
for a change,in the wind, A small fire can spread with 
such rapidity that the fire fighters of any of our Shore 
towns would have a hard task to stop it. 
THE Season HAS BEGUN! It is a safe prophecy 
now that the season is a month to six weeks earlier than 
usual. Many householders, who in the past have closed 
their town houses and sent their servants ahead to opea 
up their country. estates, now plan to come themselves 
soon as the season opens instead of going to Europe. 
This is good news to such resorts as Magnolia, Man- 
chetser and Beverly Farms. The season will be longer 
than usual this year. 
Tue SINKING oF THE. F-4 shows the dangers of 
deep-sea maneuvering. There is some consolation in the 
fact that our government is seeking to locate a craft sunk 
while making maneuvers in times of peace. 
Ex-Governor Foss ‘has registeréd himself as favor- 
ing nation-wide prohibition. The up-to-date democratic 
politician is just a little behind the times! Secretary 
sryan has the laurels for that plank. 
Tue Restpents of Beverly Farms are now begin- 
ning to feel that they are really going to have the new 
library building. An appropriation has been made io 
cover the purchase of the lot and the Commission has 
organized and has begun its work. In December the 
residents of that section will probably be using their 
new building. The Commission has thirty thousand 
dollars to expend. Four thousand five hundred dollars 
of it will be spent for the purchase of the lots which are 
to be given in exchange for the site upon which the 
library will be built. This leaves the Commission 
twenty-five thousand five hundred dollars to be expend- 
ed upon the building and the planting of the grounds. 
For this amount a building can be built that will be a 
credit to the city. 
THe Recent Decision by the court in favor of the 
United Shoe Machinery will mean much to the company 
and to the City of Beverly. The decision is the most 
important made in years and is a triumph for the Shoe 
Company. Accused and arraigned for breaking the 
laws, their activities have been proven to be legitimate 
and honorable. There is no restraint of trade in the 
business operations of the company and the decision re- 
moves another fear from the business world. The pro- 
moters of business during these last years have been 
having a stormy time of it, but the recent court decision 
begins a new era for organized business. 
SPRING HAS REALLY BrGUN as far as the days of 
the months are concerned, but the spring birds have been 
delayed. Robins have been rare during the winter, but 
they are now to be seen feeding and in flight. The 
bluebirds are not numerous, although the school children 
report having seen them. The gardens are being planted. 
Enterprising professional gardeners have taken chances 
with hardy peas and these are now in the ground. The 
amateurs have been content to plant sweet peas and to 
be grateful for the coming of an early spring. 
Tue New Rairiroap rates while not altogether 
agreeable to everyone, are just. If a railroad cannot do 
business and make money to, pay the interest on their 
investment they have just reasons for increasing the 
price of the commodity they have to sell. This is trans- 
portation. For some years now, the railroads have been 
having hard times, and the new rates ought to help the 
management of the roads in rehabilitating their proper- 
ties. A decadent and poorly maintained railroad is de- 
structive of all values in trade. No territory can pros- 
per with a run-down railroad to serve it. 
PerHars Tuis GOVERNMENT could buy the Prinz 
Eitel Friedich quite reasonable if an offer were made. 
The craft seems to be willing to remain within the quiet 
haven at Newport News. There is a reason; the 
British lions of the sea are awaiting their prey. 
Easter BONNETS and the milliner’s harvest. 
