Houston Informer

$6,000,000 BOND ISSUE OPPOSED Voters Asked To Smash Machine Colored Race's Course In Tuesday's Election: Country Before Party The Informer has been besieged with interrogations and inquiries from numerous colored citizens concerning what attitude the race voters should assume in the general election on Tuesday, November 7, as it relates to the democratic and republican tickets, and this paper has been reluctant to give any direct answer to the same. In the senatorial race between Hon. Eearle B. Mayfield, klandemocratic candidate, and Hon. George Peddy, independent, antiklandemocratic and republican nominee. The Informer has supported the candidacy of GEORGE PEDDY and believes that his election is demanded by the peculiar and uncalled political exigencies of the time. But as between the democratic and republican state and county tickets, the Informer has been rather neutral or non-committal; for this paper saw very little to choose between the two parties as presently constituted and operated, ordinarily and under usual conditions. But since a crisis exists in the Lone Star State; since the democratic party is Klan-rules, Klan-infested and Klan-ridens; since Ku Kluxan is a foe and menace to orderly government and due processes of law administration and enforcement; since the democratic party, in convention assembled, declared itself for a "white man's party" and emphatically and maliciously refused to re-commit and re-dedicate itself to the fundamental and elemental principles of a democratic republic; since the republican party, with all its past faults and errors of omission and commission, has taken a stand for law and order and constitutional government. The Informer believes that the colored voters will be acting wisely and patriotically to support and vote for the straight republican ticket at Tuesday's general election, along with GEORGE PEDDY for U. S. senator. The Informer is not unmindful of the late policy and program of the so-called republican leaders in this county and state; but the cause of one's country is higher than any partisan appeal or political support. The Informer, however, pursued-pyttier Texas, are on trial—are being weighted in the balance—and our primary duty and both sacred and civic obligation to our state, nation and society demand that we administer a powerful and telling blow against this hyde-headed monster of intolerance, bigotry, prejudice and ignorance, terror, pseudo-pyttier, fratriate, virgin, anonymity, disorder, chaos and anarchy. We have only recently emerged from a successful battle of bullets for the liberty and freedom of other peoples, now let us engage HOUSTON, TEXAS, MONDAY, NOVEMBER, 1922 O BOND ISSU sked To Sma ISSUE mash To Voters of Harris Co.: When the last regular issue of The Informer went to press, it was understated report of the daily papers that all opposition to the $6,000,000.00 Road Bond been satisfactorily settled and that all were now for the bonds. However, we investigation we find this is not correct, and that there has been no real change against the advisability of this Bond Issue, but that this opposition is still than ever because of the political complexion that has been given the bond issue. We find there is much politics behind this Bond Issue. We find that it has a rider on the political machine for "Mayfield for Senator and Judge Bryan Judge." Ten political meetings were held last Saturday night in Houston, at which appealed for Mayfield for senator and the straight democratic ticket from top and another speaker appealed for the $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue, thus linking gether. We think this was a bad break for the advocates of the Bond Issue as it many thousands of votes. We have been for the Bond Issue, provided the money is wisely spent, but the making of the bond issue a partisan matter and we are unwilling to help $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue, the proceeds of which is to be handled by scheme who appear to be involved. We find that it is good that six million dollars is one of the money, because the spending of this issue, even roads, in the hands of politicians, and it will enable them to find fat jobs for their friends, and good, fat contracts for another army of their friends, and will strengthen the hands of these politicians so they can never be dislodged. The Republicans in Texas now have an opportunity of electing their nominee Geo. Peddy, to the United States senate from Texas, against the Hon. Earl the democratic nominee. They have such an opportunity as never occurred fore, because of Mr. Mayfield being a Ku Klux and because of the strong him amongst the better class of democrats on account of the Ku Klux issue, of Mr. Peddy's strong opposition to the Ku Klux Klan. There is also an opportunity of electing other candidates on the regular ticket for state and local offices. If we vote against the regular democrats, yet vote for the $6,000,000.00 bond issue, then we vote to put them in the hands of our opponents that will enable them to defy all opposition for to come. The spending of this $6,000,000.00 for good roads by these people enable them to build up a political machine we can never beat. After a careful study of the whole situation, we are strongly of the belief of every supporter of Peddy for senator, of every republican who has the republican party at heart and who is unwilling to help build up the local political machine, to vote against the democratic nominees and against the bond proceeds of which they will have the spending. The $6,000,000.00 bond issue election takes place Tuesday, November 7. it was understood from the 1000.00 Road Bond Issue hadads. However, upon carefulbeen no real change in senti-ous opposition is stronger nowgiven the bond issue fight. we find that it has been put as and Judge Bryan-for-Countyouston, at which one speakerc ticket from top to bottom,issue, thus linking the two tothe Bond Issue and will lose wisely spent, but we opposeunwilling to help put over ahandled by scheme politiciansof this sum, even for goodfind fat jobs for an army oftheir friends, and in this waynever be dislodged. acting their nominee, the Hon.ust the Hon. Earle Mayfield,is never occurred to thembease of the strong opposition tothe Ku Klux issue, and because on the regular republicanregular democratic countyvote to put the ammunitionall opposition for a long timeads by these politicians willpeat. ugly of the belief that it is theblican who has the interestofbuild up the local democraticand against the bond issue, theday, November 7, 1922. DICKINSON HIGH STARTS BASKET BALL PRACTICE When the last regular issue of The Informer went to press, it was understood from the report of the daily papers that all opposition to the $6,000,000.00 Road Bond Issue had been satisfactorily settled and that all were now for the bonds. However, upon careful investigation we find this is not correct, and that there has been no real change in sentiment against the advisability of this Bond Issue, but that this opposition is stronger now than ever because of the political complexion that has been given the bond issue fight. We find there is much politics behind this Bond Issue. We find that it has been put as a rider on the political machine for "Mayfield-for-Senator and Judge Bryan-for-County Judge." Ten political meetings were held last Saturday night in Houston, at which one speaker appealed for Mayfield for senator and the straight democratic ticket from top to bottom, and another speaker appealed for the $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue, thus linking the two together. We think this was a bad break for the advocates of the Bond Issue and will lose it many thousands of votes. We have been for the Bond Issue, provided the money is wisely spent, but we oppose the making of the bond issue a partisan matter and we are unwilling to help put over a $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue, the proceeds of which is to be handled by scheme politicians who appear to be unaware of the bond issue. The fund is good. Six million dollars is out of money, since the spending of this suit, even for good roads, in the hands of politicians, and it will enable them to find fat jobs for an army of their friends, and good, fat contracts for another army of their friends, and in this way will strengthen the hands of these politicians so they can never be dislodged. The Republicans in Texas now have an opportunity of electing their nominee, the Hon. Geo. Peddy, to the United States senate from Texas, against the Hon. Earle Mayfield, the democratic nominee. They have such an opportunity as never occurred to them before, because of Mr. Mayfield being a Ku Klux and because of the strong opposition to him amongst the better class of democrats on account of the Ku Klux issue, and because of Mr. Peddy's strong opposition to the Ku Klux Klan. There is also an opportunity of electing other candidates on the regular republican ticket for state and local offices. If we vote against the regular democratic county ticket, yet vote for the $6,000,000.00 bond issue, then we vote to put the ammunition in the hands of our opponents that will enable them to defy all opposition for a long time to come. The spending of this $6,000,000.00 for good roads by these politicians will enable them to build up a political machine we can never beat. After a careful study of the whole situation, we are strongly of the belief that it is the duty of every supporter of Peddy for senator, of every republican who has the interest of the republican party at heart and who is unwilling to help build up the local democratic political machine, to vote against the democratic nominees and against the bond issue, the proceeds of which they will have the spending. The $6,000,000.00 bond issue election takes place Tuesday, November 7, 1922. The Dickinson colored high school yearbook hank will practice the quarterfinals of the basketball look bright for one of the fastest teams in South Texas. Although the team is not the history of the school that it has been, the coach and coach are looking forward to winning club and will consider a challege or amateur team. Address G.C. Jackson, athletic director, $250 Gray H. Williston, principal, Dickinson, T. H. Williston. SENDS CHECK FOR The 1906 Art and Literary Club in in receipt of a check for $7.50 from Miss K. Patrish of San Antonio, Texas, as $5 to be given for the best piece of art work. $25 for the piece of art work at the end of the club year. The ladies are very much at the idea and are already hard at work. --- (Political advertisement.) in a battle of balloons to insure liberty and freedom to ourselves and posterity, and to see to it that "the government of THE people, for THE people and by THE people shall not perish from the earth." Apathy and indifference are twin evils that constitute a germ calculated to wreak havoc upon our body politic. By the eternal gods, this is our country; we worked for it, prayed for it, wept for it, sung for it, bled for it, and died for it on countless battlefields, from Boston Commons in 1776 to the storming of the fortress at Metz in 1918. Since we have contributed our part so nobly and valiantly on a thousand battlefields, now let's do our part at the ballot box in defense of our country's cherished ideals and time-honored institutions. Let every colored voter in Houston and Harris County, both male and female, go to the polls tomorrow (Tuesday, November 7) and cast a ballot for law and order and constitutional government. Vote the straight republican ticket and head it with the name of GEORGE PEDDY, which you will have to write in with ink or black lead pencil, for U. S. senator. DON'T BE A SLACKER OR COWARD! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!!! Colored Electors, Here's Your Chance! Vote G.O.P. Ticket If the republican party in Texas polls 100,000 or more votes at Tuesday's election for their gubernatorial candidate, they will be forced to operate under the provisions of the Terrell election law, which makes it obligatory and mandatory upon all political parties in Texas, polling 100,000 or more votes in such elections, to hold primary elections. (It's an ill wind that blows nobody good ) This will do away with the convention system and allow every elector an equal break for his money; as candidates will announce for the various offices prior to holding of the primaries and those nominated at said primaries will go on the official ballot for the general election. (C ?) These primaries can not and will not be operated in white hotels and residences, but at the ballot boxes and the vote—not the color of the voter—will decide the issue and determine the policy and program. (How's that?) Such contingency will mean the colored man's re-entry into the party as a real factor, and regaining of lost ground, for majority vote rather than tricks, duress and "star chamber" sessions and "councils" will be the paramount thing, and "illy-whiteism" and all kindred evils will go to "Davy Jones" or the plutocratic confines. (Good!) It is up to us to hasten and accelerate its death by casting a full and tremendously large vote for the straight republican ticket on Tuesday, November 7, and if the objective is obtained, conditions will certainly change among the G. O. P. bosses in Texas. ("That'll get it!") Vote the straight republican ticket at Tuesday's general election; write in GEORGE PEDDY under "For United States Senate" and draw a large black line down through the entire democratic column. Scratch the first column, write GEORGE PEDDY in second column, fold your ballot, have it stamped by election official, deposit it in ballot box and walk away. ('Nuf ced!') As for the republican leaders in Texas and their policy towards the colored brother, we will "meet them at Phillippi." Selah! C. M. E. CONFERENCE AT BEBEE TABERNACLE; MANY LEADERS COMING We take this method of informing the public that the report circulating among our people, that the Baptist Convention is not, or is contemplating joining the General Baptist Convention, of which R. L. Campbell is president, is false, and the motive is not in keeping with the principles of which the Baptist Convention is. The annual conference of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church will convene with the Rebus Tuberculosis Center, a local health service, stress, begin Wednesday, November 8. Bishop J. C. Martin, D. D. Jackson, Tenn. will provide, representing the many departments of the church, visitors from other conferences and two hundred or more members and visitors in the bounds of the conference. Be it known that President I. C. Smith of the Baptist State Convention, nor any of his constituents, in the past now, or in the future, will侵ake the church, or will be affiliated with it, or affiliate with any organization that is contrary to the principles for which we have stood in the past, are not going to stand for forever. Anson. The pastor and loyal members of Bebee, with their friends, are leaving no stone unturned to give the visitors welcome and royal entertainment. Write GEORGE PEDDY into U. E. Bennett. (Signed) REV. J. H. SHERMAN, Pastor Mt. Pillar Baptist Church PAGE TWO THE HOUSTON INFORMER SOUTH'S GREATEST RACE NEWSPAPER "It Gets You Told--Nothing Else!" Published every Saturday at 419 Milam Street, Houston, Texas. Entered as second-class matter May 28, 1519, at the postoffice at Houston, Texas, under the Act of March 3, 1872. Foreign Advertising Representative, W. B. Ziff Company, 608 South Dearborn Street, Chicago; 321 Victoria Building, St. Louis, Mo.; 420 Longare Building, New York. IMPORTANT! Make all checks, drafts, money orders, etc. payable to and address ad communications to The Houston Informer, 470 Milam Street, Houston, Texas. TELEPHONES: Office, 8:00 a. m. to 7 p. m. Preston 1243 Nights and Sundays. Capitol 1445 Preston 4100 NEW SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One Year $2.00 Nine Months 1.00 Six Months 1.00 Three Months 50c Single Copy 7c ANY MAN WHO IS GOOD ENOUGH TO SHED HIS BLODD FOR HIS COUNTRY IS GOOD ENOUGH TO BE GIVEN A SQUARE DEAL. AFTERWARDS. NO MAN IS ENTITLED TO MORE AND NO MAN SHOULD RECEIVE LESS. —ROOSEVELT. HOUSTON, TEXAS, MONDAY, NOV. 6. Bond Hot Shots Vote Against the $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue on Nov. 7. They are going to ask for a Bond Issue of Three Million Dollars for Schools in January next, and Four Million Dollars for the Harbor, and the City for One Million for street improvements and drainage in the city. All these things are needed worse than 120-foot wide concrete roads. The City of Houston alone has Sixteen Million Dollars in Bonds outstanding now. The County has Four Million in Road Bonds outstanding. Add the Three Million more for schools in January, then One Million for street improvement by the City, and Four Million more for the harbor, and that will be Eight Million on top of the Twenty Million now outstanding in City and County, without adding one dollar for 120-foot roads, but if you add the Six Million Dollars for roads you have a total of Thirty-four Million Dollars in bonds, and your taxes will be more than doubled. What do you get out of it? What improvements have you gotten or will you get, where you live? Will you go on voting bonds and more bonds in the millions for improvements somewhere else, not where you live? Wake up and Vote Against these bonds on the 7th.—(Political Adv.) Vote Against the Six Million Dollar Bond Issue on November 7. This Bond Issue is a mortgage on your home and everything you own or will own for the next thirty years. They will levy taxes every year on all you own to pay the interest on these bonds and pay off the bonds when due. If you do not pay these taxes they will sell out your home and take the roof from over your head. What benefit do you get out of this mortgage on your home? Do you get any of the money? Not one dollar! Do you need any of these 120-feet concrete roads? Have you any high-powered cars you want to drive 75 miles per hour, that will cause you to need roads 120 feet wide? Let those build this class of roads who need them, and do not vote a mortgage on your home for the pleasure of the joy-riders and tourists from Florida to California, who are merely passing through.—(Political Adv.) The Commissioners' Court can allow 5 per cent on Six Million Dollars, or $300,000.00, for engineering fees alone on this one road-building job. Of course, our County Engineers are STRONG for the bonds and have given an opinion in favor of the bonds. A nice, juicy plum that would be for any engineer. They would feel very kind to the court that threw such a plum their way. Would they not contribute liberally toward the expenses of Judge Bryan if he should afterwards run for Congress? Would they not feel like contributing handsomely to Commissioner Spencer's campaign if he should run for Mayor of Houston at the next city election? Vote Against these Bonds.—(Political Adv.) Vote against the $6,000,000.00 Bond Issue on Nov. 7. No sober person needs a road 120 feet wide to keep out of the ditches. No man who drives a team needs a 120-foot roadway. Do you drive a team or a fliver when you use the roads, or do you drive a high-powered auto? Do you need a 120-foot roadway? Then, let those who need or want such roads build them by a tax on the cars and trucks --- that use them, and not Vote a Mortgage on your home to build them for others to use.—(Political Adv.) You men who drive teams, do you need a road 120 feet wide for your use? Let them need such roads, build them_by a tax or toll on the cars or trucks that use them. You can get along nicely on a 60-foot road, can you not! Vote Against the 120-foot roads.—(Political Adv.) Tomorrow is Election Day. Do not fail to go to the polls and Vote Against the Mayfield-Bryan-Road Bond Machine. If they should be elected, do not furnish them with ammunition these bonds would give them. Vote Against the Bonds.—(Political Adv.) Tomorrow is Election Day. Show your independence by going to the polls and voting for your own interests, and do not let them vote you like a lot of cattle, for their own selfish interests. Vote Against the Bonds which can not possibly help you, and yet you will have to help pay for them for the next thirty years.—(Political Adv.) Old Six Million Dollar Bond Issue, you may be all right at the Rice Hotel banquets, but we are going to swat you tomorrow until you will look like 30 cents.—(Political Adv.) Get outta my way, old Six Million Dollar Bond Issue, in your Pierce Arrow Limousines, for I am gonna run all over you afoot tomorrow at the polls, where my Vote Counts as much as yours. Good-bye, old Six Million Dollar Bonds, good-bye. Your Pierce Arrows and Packards may need you, but not I. For my little tin Henry and Old Beck and Old Blue, the sixty-foot roads, I thank you, will do. Goodnight, Old Six Million Dollar Bond Mortgage. See you tomorrow. And may the Lord have mercy on you when I meet you again, for I won't. Your Pierce Arrows may shriek and your Packards may toot, that sixty-foot roadways are too narrow. But with old Beck and old Blue and my tin Henry, too, I sho' gonter ride you tororrere. Good-night, old Six Million Dollar Bond Issue. "Take me ye sell." THE CAMPAIGN DRAWS TO A JOSE. The senatorial campaign in Texas will end with the general election Tuesday, November 7, and, for the first time in the history of the democratic party in Texas in recent years, their candidate for United States senator will face some real and formidable opposition. Heretofore democratic nomination has been equivalent to election in the Lone Star State, but strange, novel and unusual alignments have altered the complexion of this political situation and the defenders, protectors and devotees of the Texas brand of "democracy" are spending many sleepless nights trying to figure out the final outcome in the senatorial fight in this state. The situation has been made all the more complex and complicated by a series of legal litigation and court proceedings, which have engrossed more public attention than the candidates. As a matter of fact, Candidate Earle B. Mayfield, nominee of the Democratic nomination, has been busy trying to get his name on the official ballot that he has not had occasion nor time to deliver but one speech, and that was at the "endorsement" rally held in Dallas last Saturday. On the other hand, Candidate George Peddy, nominee of the independent and anti-klan democrats and republicans, has not particularly interested himself in these court battles, but has traveled to the polls to see the voters with THE MAIN ISSUE in the senatorial campaign. Instead of a campaign of education on the issue or issues involved, this has been chiefly a campaign of injunctions, and from past actions and present indications, especially since the disclosures brought out in the Corsicana hearing, it would not be surprises in the middle finally adjusted and settled in the United States senate. Nothing like the present political situation has ever existed in the history of Texas and it brings home to us this one pertinent fact: People who live in glass houses should be mighty careful when dealing with some apathetic and indifferent, yet the election is just a few hours off, speaking figuratively. For the first time in Texas' political history the name of one of the candidates will be "written in" on the ballot, and it is possible that the name of neither candidate will appear printed on the official ballot of Tuesday's election, and if this contingency obtains, it will be necessary to "write in" the name of either candidate. It has also supported the candidacy of George Peddy for principle and not for perf, and believes that his election is imperative in the face of the existing political evils in Texas. Practically all has been said that is necessary about the issue, and the main task now is to get out the voters next Tuesday and see that they vote correctly and intelligently. It has also instructed the electorate how to vote for GEORGE PEDDY, and the Informer asks the colored voters to study it carefully and then go to the polls Tuesday, November 7, and strike a telling blow for law and order and constitutional government by writing in the name of GEORGE Peddy to elect him United States senator from Texas for the next six years. This is a general election and every qualified voter is eligible to cast a ballot for his or her choice, and the colored voters cannot afford to cast a vote for a foe to orderly government, so simply go to your voting precinct Tuesday, November 7, and write in the name of GEORGE PEDDY for United States senator from Texas. Selah! One of the pretty hospitalities of the past week was accorded the Progressive Whist Club by Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Cavitt last Friday evening at the home of Mrs. W. T. Lebbetter, 1816 Hipner season were profusely placed about the card rooms, observing a dainty color scheme of blue and white. The nights was the guest of honor, receiving visitor's prize, a lovely handkerchief basket. Mr. Willett, the owner of the awards club prize for high score, a heart and pin club prize, a book club and the lot of Mr. and Mrs. D. Cartwright—a toy boat. A delicious Spanish repast was served by Mr. and Mrs. R. Huzes at their club will be entertained next by Mr. and Mrs. R. Huzes at their 2015 Nance Street, Friday November 9. YOUR OWN HOUSE AND BE MORE HAPPY AND CONTENED. When you wish to buy or build a home or repair the old home, don't forget to bring the people to get homes for 17 years. He has hundreds of satisfied School has now opened and there are many children without sufficient clothing and shoes. Families that have articles and would like to dis- pose of them, please call Social Service Relief Department, Preston 2974 or 246. REPUB STA EPUBLICAN TICKET STATE AND HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN TICKET STATE AND HARRIS COUNTY For United States Senator..... (Write in this name—GEORGE PEDDY). For Governor—W. H. ATWELL, Dallas County. For Lieutenant Governor—GEO E. KEPPLE, Harris County. For Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—W. H. WILSON, Harris County. For Associate Justice of the Supreme Court—J. H. McBROOM, El Paso County. Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals to succeed Judge Morrow—E. A. DIGGS, Childress County. For Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals to succeed Judge Hawkins—C. C. HARNEY, Grayson County. For Attorney General—W. S. WEST, Cameron County. For R. R. Commissioner—W. A. MATTHEAL, Austin County. For State Treasurer—SAM L. GROSS, Dallas County. For Superintendent of Public Instruction—MRS. MARY P. BERNET, Dallas County. DIGGS, Childress County. For Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals to succeed Judge Hawkins— C. C. HARNEY, Grayson County. For Attorney General—W. S. WEST, Cameron County. For R. R. Commissioner—W. A. MATTHEAL, Austin County. For State Treasurer—SAM L. GROSS, Dallas County. For Superintendent of Public Instruction—MRS. MARY P. BERNET, Dallas County. Commissioner, Precinct No. 1—V. O. ULLRICH. Commissioner, Precinct No. 2— Commissioner, Precinct No. 3—GEO. N. LACEWELL. Commissioner, Precinct No. 4—W. O. PORTER. Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 1—F. G. HODGETTS. Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2—A. FELDMAN. Justice of the Peace, Harrisburg—J. G. HUMPHREY. For Constitutional Gov Election Tuesday, Novem (Political Advertisement.) for Constitutional Government Election Tuesday, November 7, 1922 (Political Advertisement.) For Constitutional Government Election Tuesday, November 7,1922 SOUTH'S GREATEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OUR SENATORIAL CANDIDATE ```markdown ``` GEORGE PEDDY THE $6,000,000.00 ROAD BOND ISSUE! Swat Huge Road Bond Issue! PAGE FOUR The Commissioners' Court of Harris County has pledged itself that if this issue carries the money will be spent in building Concrete Highways 120 feet wide, the concrete part alone of which will cost $45,000.00 per mile. We do not need roads 120 feet wide. For nearly one hundred years the width of first class roads in Texas has been fixed by general laws at 40 feet and could not exceed 60 feet, and this is the law at this time except when special road laws have been passed for some particular county. Why do they need roads 120 feet wide? The increased cost of such roads would be enormous. Every farm house along these roads at present would have to be removed, all the barns, fences and improvements on farms adjacent to present roads would have to be removed at enormous expense, and for what reasons? We do not keep up the roads to the width they are at present, so why triple and quadruple their width to have them grow up in unsightly weeds along the roadside? Anyone who can not drive a team or a car or a truck on a 60-foot road without going into the ditches alongside should walk or get someone to drive for him. We need no such roads, built at such enormous cost, merely for the pleasure of the high powered autos which want to be driven at 75 miles per hour. Let them get "flivvers" and go at 25 miles per hour, the limit under the law, which can be safely done on a 60-foot road. Again, the question of a permanent type of road for Harris County is in the experimental stage. You all know how the clay soil in THE HOUSTON INFORMER, MONDAY, NOV. 6. 0.00 ROAD ```markdown ``` SOUTH'S GREATEST WEEKLY NEWSPAPER BOND ISSUE! ISSUE! Harris County shrinks and swells under the extremes of wet and dry seasons. In dry seasons I have seen the soil in this county crack for several feet deep—cracks large enough to bury a dog in them. Again, I have seen, and so have you, the soil in a long wet spell swell the block pavements in Houston and destroy the pavement on a whole street. In no county is the contraction and expansion of the soil greater than it is in Harris County. Now, any experienced person will tell you that any expansion or contraction in the foundation of concrete will crack and destroy the same. Concrete roads have been tried in California, which is a dry country and not near so severe on concrete as is Harris County, and yet the roads have failed there. Read the official reports to the Automobile Association on the California concrete roads. Cement roads have failed in the East, where the have been extensively tried, except under specially favorable conditions. No one can say that concrete roads will stand up under the severe soil and climatic conditions that prevail in Harris County. The few miles of concrete roads we have in Harris County have not been down long enough to get a real test on them. There are only a few miles of such roads built at favorable and naturally well drained points, and have only been down a short time, and have had no real test. Why not wait until we find out from experience on the sample of cement roads we have, whether or not the concrete road is the best type of road for Harris County, before we spend this $6,000,000.00 for roads and then learn they will not stand up here? --- ---