ARIZONA HIGHWAY COMMISSION NOTES

Arizona Highway Commission Notes R. G. Langmade Appointed Commissioner

Commissioner Langmade brings to Arizona's most important commission the valuable experience of many years legal practice, both in Arizona and the District of Columbia. He started his earthly career in Deleven, New York, on May 2, 1886, son of G. W. and Millie Langmade, his Scotch-Irish ancestors having settled in New England in 1754, where they took an active part in the American Revolution. The public schools of his native state furnished him with his early education, after which he attended the George Washington University in Washington, D. C., graduating in 1907 with the degree of L. L. B. He began the practice of law in 1908 and for six years was a member of the District of Columbia bar association, serving as law clerk in the General Land Office during 1909 and 1010 under the Woodrow Wilson administration, also with the Department of Commerce during 1913 and 1914 in connection with the Wealth, Debt and Taxation census.

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FEBRUARY 23 AND 24, 1937

The Arizona State Highway Commission met in special session in their offices in the Highway Building at 10:00 A. M., February 23, 1937. Those present were: Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman Angle, Commissioners Langmade, Scott and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary and Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch.

The State Engineer read a letter from Senator Carl Hayden, dated February 17, 1937, stating that the Budget as submitted to Congress by the President, contains a proposed item of $2,500,000 of Federal land funds under the authorization for the fiscal year 1938. However, the Budget does not include the authorization for 1937, which was deferred last year. In talking with officials of the Bureau of Public Roads, Senator Hayden is inclined to doubt whether it will be possible to change the recommendations which have been made in this connection, but will write again whenever the Department of Agriculture appropriation bill is before the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. The State Engineer informed the Commission he had requested this meeting because several delegations had called to discuss Senate Bills 16, 17, and House Bill 137, asking the approval of certain amendments to the bills, which approval he felt rested with the Highway Commission. With reference to Senate Bill 16, he stated there has been an amendment made by the Senate which, if adopted, will reduce the unladen weight fees one-half and seriously affect the matching of Federal Aid Funds this coming fiscal year.

Mr. J. Earl Stowe, President of the Arizona Motor Transport Association, acting as spokesman, introduced a delegation to discuss the bills: Mrs. J. M. Keith, Arizona Cattle Growers' Association.

Mr. Nat M. Dysart, State Farm Bureau.

Mr. E. W. Hudson and Mr. Cecil Miller, Central Cattle Feeders' Association.

Mr. Don Campbell, Arizona Wool Growers' Association.

Mr. Lyle Owens, Merchants and Manufacturers' Association.

Dr. W. P. Sims, Arizona Automobile Dealers' Association.

Mr. H. J. Lawson, Salt River Valley Water Users' Association.

Mr. Chas. Martin, Martin Wholesale Hardware Company.

Mr. S. B. Shumway, Arizona Concrete Company.

Mr. T. J. Carr, Southern Arizona Freight Lines.

Mr. Tom Vinson, Peoples Freight Lines, Inc.

After lengthy open discussion of proposed changes in Senate Bill 17, as set forth by Mr. Stowe, the Commission concurred in the following changes requested by the group present: "In addition to all other limitations imposed by law, no person shall operate any vehicle, or combination of truck tractor and semi-trailer, equipped wholly with pneumatic tires, other than a passenger vehicle, upon any highway at a speed in excess of forty-five miles per hour, nor shall any person operate any motor vehicle towing a trailer having two or more axles upon any highway at a speed in excess of forty miles per hour, and no person shall operate or tow any vehicle equipped with tires other than pneumatic tires upon any highway at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour; provided, that no vehicle equipped with tires made wholly or partly of metal shall be operated or towed at a speed in excess of eight miles per hour. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

No vehicle and load thereon shall exceed a height of 13 feet 6 inches.

The length of a single vehicle shall not exceed 35 feet; the length of a tractor and semi-trailer shall be construed to mean two vehicles and shall not exceed a length of 45 feet; a truck and one trailer shall not exceed a length of 60 feet.

Strike the maximum weight set up in the bill, retaining the limitation of 18,000 pounds per axle and the formula as shown.

With reference to a connection other than a draw-bar, such other connections are to be a chain or metal cable.

The 1500 pound weight governing requirements for brakes on trailers or semi-trailers shall be raised to 3,000.

Strike that portion of the trailer brake requirement, which referred to application of brakes occasioned by accidental break-aways.

At this point, Mr. C. M. Martin acted as spokesman in discussing House Bill 137. The Highway Commission concurred in the following requested changes: That the word "may" used in the section pertaining to issuance of permits for blending be changed to the word "shall."

That the section proposing exemptions on certain sales of kerosene and designated as Section 1677-B, be stricken. This places exemptions on Kerosene back to five gallons.

That the period of filing refund claims be changed to six months instead of three months.

Where A. P. I. gravity of 37.5 appears in definition of motor vehicle, it be changed to A. P. I. gravity of 40.

That the rate applying to Diesel Fuel of "twice the motor vehicle fuel license tax per gallon" be changed to read "five cents per gallon."

That, with reference to cancellation of license under Section 1673, the Motor Vehicle Superintendent before cancelling any such license shall notify such person who shall have opportunity to apply to the Highway Commission for a hearing before said license shall be cancelled.

With reference to Senate Bill 16, the Commission again called the attention of the group present to the fact that Senate Bill 16, as originally proposed, carried certain reductions proposed by theHighway Commission amounting to $98,943. However, since it has been introduced further reductions on unladen weight fees amounting to $168,368, have been proposed by a Senate Amendment, which if adopted will make a total reduction of $267,311, based on 1936 registration and will seriously interfere with Arizona's road-building program in that it may not be possible to to match the Federal Aid Funds that will be available. Mr. Stowe stated the group is favorable to the bill as originally introduced, but they do not favor it with the Senate Amendment because of the curtailment it is bound to bring about in highway construction. Mr. Martin asked if it would not be possible to work together on matters of legis lation to the extent that the Highway Commission authorize a representative to work with a committee from their group in obtaining the restoration of Senate Bill 16 to its original status and the adoption of the proposed changes in Senate Bill 17 and House Bill 137, as previously outlined. The Commission answered they were agreeable to this plan and on being questioned, the group stated they were strongly opposed to any diversion of highway funds. It was also agreed that the proposed changes in Senate Bill 17 and House Bill 137, not objected to by the Highway Commission, are to be drawn up by attorneys for the group present and submitted to Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch for his approval before they are presented to the Legislature.

Highway Commission amounting to $98,943. However, since it has been introduced further reductions on unladen weight fees amounting to $168,368, have been proposed by a Senate Amendment, which if adopted will make a total reduction of $267,311, based on 1936 registration and will seriously interfere with Arizona's road-building program in that it may not be possible to to match the Federal Aid Funds that will be available. Mr. Stowe stated the group is favorable to the bill as originally introduced, but they do not favor it with the Senate Amendment because of the curtailment it is bound to bring about in highway construction. Mr. Martin asked if it would not be possible to work together on matters of legis lation to the extent that the Highway Commission authorize a representative to work with a committee from their group in obtaining the restoration of Senate Bill 16 to its original status and the adoption of the proposed changes in Senate Bill 17 and House Bill 137, as previously outlined. The Commission answered they were agreeable to this plan and on being questioned, the group stated they were strongly opposed to any diversion of highway funds. It was also agreed that the proposed changes in Senate Bill 17 and House Bill 137, not objected to by the Highway Commission, are to be drawn up by attorneys for the group present and submitted to Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch for his approval before they are presented to the Legislature.

The Commission recessed at 12:00 Noon, February 23, 1937, to meet again at 2:00 P. M., the same day. The Commission reconvened at 2:00 P. M., all members present except Commissioner Langmade who arrived at 2:30 P. M.

A delegation headed by Mr. E. B. Kelly, Mayor pro tem of Wickenburg, appeared before the Commission pertaining to the matter of drainage at the Wickenburg Underpass. Mr. Korella, City Engineer for the Town of Wickenburg, explained the existing drainage condition at the underpass and stated the town is faced with the possibility of a suit if a flood should come up before the conditions are remedied, due to the fact that during the construction of the underpass, the drainage was taken down Center Street toward the new bridge and stopped at Valentine Street, a dead end street, and from there flows over private property, the owner of which has threatened suit if his property is damaged by flood. The State Engineer informed the delegation that it was the intention of the Department originally to continue the drainage down to the river, but due to additional costs that were necessary on the design of the structure, the drainage had to be stopped at that point temporarily. He said it is the intent of the Engineering Division, when the Commission authorizes additional funds to carry the drainage on down to the river. The City Engineer requested the Commission to please budget a sufficient amount to carry this drainage on to the river. The State Engineer presented communications from Mr. R. J. Holland, Resident Engineer, concerning the sale of concrete pipe forms purchased Nov.

January 9, 1935, from the Torson Construction Company for $611.23, for which they have no further use and on which they have received bids as follows: The Arizona Concrete Company offers 847 Tons Class "A" Crushed Stone at 65 cents a ton, total $550.55, in exchange for these forms and the W. E. Hall Company offers cash or sand and rock in the amount of $260 in exchange for the forms. After being advised by the Assistant Attorney General, A. R. Lynch, that it is legal to make the exchange, it was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Angle, and unanimouslv carried, that the offer of the Arizona Concrete Company of 847 Tons Class "A" Crushed Stone at 65 cents a ton, total $550.55, be accepted in exchange for the two concrete pipe forms. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Langmade, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, the resolution recommending the abandoning of the railroad crossing at Coldwater, Arizona be adopted.

The proposed changes in House Bill 137, previously mentioned, were discussed until 5:30 P. M., at which time the Commission adjourned to Feb. 24. The Commission met in open session in their offices in the Highway Building at 9:45 A. M., February 24, 1937. Those present were: Chairman Dowell, ViceChairman Angle, Commissioners Langmade, Scott and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary and Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch.

Mr. E. M. Carrow, of Valentine, Arizona, appeared before the Commission concerning right-of-way controversy existing over his property located on the Ash Fork-Kingman Highway. Mr. Carrow stated he has been informed that the Highway Department contemplates constructing a cattle-pass, which will cost from $1,300 to $1,500, by which the livestock may cross the highway to water. He requested that instead of a cattlepass the Department finance him in drilling water not to exceed $700, which amount he is willing to accept as a limit insofar as any expenditure on the part of the Highway Department is concerned; all equipment needed after the drilling of the well to be furnished by him. He also stated he has the necessary equipment with which to drill the well himself and if no water is secured after the expenditure of $700, he will not insist on further contribution on the part of the Highway Department toward finding water for the cattle but he would assume that risk himself and release the Department from further responsibility in the matter of constructing a pass for the cattle. The State Engineer said he had conferred with District Engineer Shaffer and Right of Way Engineer Sieboth on this case and it was questionable in his mind and in the minds of other engineers that a cattle-pass was absolutely necessary. However, that was waived and due to the fact it was not contemplated to hold a Commission meeting before March 1st, he had instructed the District Engineer to proceed with the building of a cattle-pass inasmuch as the Department had no authority to enter into an agreement for the drilling of a well on private land. A supplemental agreement for construction of the cattle-pass had been entered into with the contractor.

It was brought out that there is a condemnation suit pending with Mr. Carrow and when it was mentioned that possibly a compromise, involving the condemnation suit and the construction of the cattle-pass, might be made, Mr. Carrow stated he preferred to settle the matter of the cattle-pass separately and not have it enter into the case of the condemnation suit.

Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch stated he doubted that the Department could legally drill a well on private property. However, he would look into the matter and Mr. Carrow was requested to contact Mr. Lynch for further information. Following this, the State Engineer was instructed to proceed with the construction of the cattle-pass. Mr. Harry Osborne, Assistant Right of

Mr. Harry Osborne, Assistant Right of

Way Agent, reported to the Commission that he had approached Mr. Cleve Van Dyke for right of way near the town of Miami across some mining claims belong ing to Mr. Van Dyke, who stated he would give the Highway Department the requested right of way, providing some sort of a monument, preferably a statue, is erected to Mr. Tom Maddock, former State Highway Engineer, who was responsible for constructing the highway; the location of the monument to be some place between what is known as "Top of the World" and the town of Miami. The State Engineer stated that, from a matter of sentiment, he would like the Commission, if possible, to grant this request and upon being questioned he stated memorial plaques have been placed at certain points honoring such engineers as Mr. Lamar Cobb, the first State Highway Engineer, Mr. C. C. Small, Deputy State Highway Engineer, and others. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Langmade, and unanimously carried, that the Plans Division be instructed to make an outline of a suitable plaque to Mr. Tom Maddock, former State Highway Engineer, to be presented together with all estimated costs to the Commission at a future meeting.

The Commission discussed proposed amendments submitted by the Highway Users' group until 12:05 P. M., at which time they recessed to meet again at 2:00 P. M., the same day.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The Commission reconvened again at 2:25 P. M., all members present, except Commissioner Langmade who arrived at 3:20 P. M.

Mr. R. H. Martin, Contractor, appeared before the Commission concerning compensation for the construction of a concrete box on the Globe-Safford Highway, on which project he was a sub-contractor under John Mulligan, of El Paso, Texas. At the time of construction, the box was condemned by the Bureau of Public Roads' officials because of faults and Mr. Martin requested to tear it out and rebuild it. Due to the expense that would be attached to tearing out the box, Mr. Martin had requested that he be allowed to leave the box inplace and he would waive all claims on its cost. Now that the box has held up for the past ten years and is still holding up, Mr. Martin feels that he is entitled to some material consideration and has had a bill introduced in the Thirteenth Legislature for relief in this respect.

Mr. H. C. Hatcher, Statistical Engi gineer, informed the Commission this project was a one-hundred-per-cent Federal Aid Project and it was finally agreed that if the box could stand certain tests, Mr. Martin's request would be granted and the box left in place. He stated, however, that the Bureau of Public Roads refused to allow the State any money for the box and the State never paid Mr. Martin anything on it.

Mr. Ralph Hoffman, Bridge Engineer, stated he remembered the case well; that box had been poured with drv mix and rat holes appeared in the walls and the slab and were repaired afterwards by Mr. Martin. The Bureau of Public Roads at first refused to accept the box, then Mr. Whittle of the San Francisco office, agreed to leave the box in place since it had withstood certain tests, but would not participate in its construction costs.

Mr. Hatcher also informed the Commission that he had been summoned before the Legislative Committee concerning information pertaining to the relief bill presented in behalf of Mr. Martin and he told the Committee, upon being questioned as to whether or not there had ever been any discussion on paying Mr. Martin for the box, that a discussion had been had with District Engineer Hutchins and Mr. Hoffman and it had been suggested or recommended by District Engineer Hutchins that Mr. Martin be paid fifty per cent of the cost of the box inasmuch as the box will have to be torn out if the highway is ever widened and inasmuch as Mr. Martin was saved a certain amount of money when he was allowed to leave it in place. The Commission thought this recommendation a very fair one and no objection was raised to furnishing the legislative committee with the facts presented.

Mr. D. B. Hutchins, Motor Vehicle Superintendent, submitted an addition to the memorandum furnished each member of the commission regarding the request made at the last meeting of the Com-mission by a group representing the State Farmer's Bureau and the Farmer's Union to be exempt from weight fees or taxes on farm equipment.

The Secretary presented a report covering the physical examination of Mr. C. H. McKnight by Alonzo A. Browning, M. D., Phoenix, Arizona, together with a Pathological Laboratory Report on Mr. McKnight to the Commission for their information. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that inasmuch as the examination made discloses the fact that Mr. C. H. McKnight is not physically able to perform such duties as would be necessary on such positions as he can fill with the Department, that he not be employed.

Commissioner Langmade arrived at this time, and general discussion was had on proposed legislation.

It was regularly moved by Commissioner Seale, seconded by Commissioner Scott, and unanimously carried, that the Shops of the Arizona Highway Department return to the status of working on an eight-hour basis instead of the sixhour basis they have been working on inasmuch as the emergency is over that existed at the time the six-hour basis was put into effect.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was regularly moved, seconded and carried, that the Commission adjourn at 4:15 P. M., February 24, 1937, to meet again at the call of the Chairman.

MARCH 12, 1937

The Arizona State Highway Commission met in special session in their offices in the Highwav Building at 10:00 A. M., March 12, 1937. Those present were Chairman Dowell, Vice-Chairman Angle, Commissioners Langmade, Scott and Seale, also the State Engineer, the Secretary and Assistant Attorney General A. R. Lynch.

A resolution adopted by the City of Phoenix requesting the budgeting of sufficient funds for an underpass on South Central Avenue was read. Mayor John Udall of Phoenix introduced several representatives of local organizations interested in obtaining the grade separation.

Mayor Udall, speaking for the group present, stressed the great need and importance of the South Central Avenue underpass. Mr. James Girand, City Engineer, addressed the Commission informing them the design of the underpass in his opinion meets the requirements of the Highway Department and those of the Bureau of Public Roads. In order to reduce the right-of-way costs, he stated it had been necessary to use the single barrel type rather than the twin barrel type of underpass which was originally designed. He also said he had received hearty cooperation from the Chief Engineers of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe Railroad companies. State Engineer O'Connell impressed upon Mr. Girand and the delegates the Bureau regulations regarding grade crossing funds and the necessity of having absolute accord from the two Railroad Companies.

Mr. George Fry, Member of the Mari-copa County Board of Supervisors, stated the Board has discussed the construction of an underpass on South Central Avenue, Phoenix, many times and they wished to join in the request being made to the Highway Commission.

APRIL, 1937 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS

Commissioner Seale stated he felt the Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific Railroad Companies should be represented in discussions on the proposed underpass and after several members of the delegation addressed the Commission concerning the construction of the structure from the standpoint of safety as well as traffic, it was regularly moved by Commissioner Langmade, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that the City Engineer, the State Highway Engineer, and the Railway Engineers be requested to get together in order to work out necessary details, engineering and otherwise, for presentation at a later date.

State Engineer O'Connell recommended, subject to the approval of the Bureau of Public Roads, that the contract on the Tucson-Nogales Highway F. A. 86-A2nd Reo. (1937) A. F. E. 8962, be awarded to the low bidder, the Tanner Construction Company, in the amount of $52,714.81. It was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that the recommendation of the State Engineer be accepted.

Awarding of bids received March 11, 1937, at 10:00 A. M., by the Purchasing Agent on the rental of 4 eight-cubic yard-Hydraulic Dump Trucks or 5 fivecubic-yard-Hydraulic Dump Trucks; on Class "A" Emulsified Asphalt, not more than 90,000 nor less than 50,000 gallons; and on 1900 Cubic Yards (approximately) Chats, to be used on the CoolidgePicacho Highway, F. A. E. 8760.

Commissioner Angle stated that while bids on the foregoing had been received through advertisement, he felt there is a more advisable way of doing this work and made a motion that all bids received on the rental of trucks, emulsified asphalt and chats, to be used on the Coolidge-Picacho Highway, A. F. E. 8760, be rejected. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Langmade and unanimously carried.

It was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Seale, and unanimously carried, that a resolution transferring funds in the amount of $38,983.76, be adopted.

On the recommendation of the State Engineer concerning A. F. E. 8760, Coolidge-Picacho Highway, it was regularly moved by Commissioner Angle, seconded by Commissioner Langmade and unanimously carried, that the State Engineer be authorized to call for bids on the seal coating of the Picacho-Coolidge Highway to go as far as possible for $9,000 and, if after investigation, the Chief Accountant finds it possible to bring this amount up to $16.000 by making a transfer of overages from that vicinity, the call for bids cover the seal coating of the entire project.

AFTERNOON SESSION

With reference to the Duncan-Safford widening project from Lone Star to the end of the concrete pavement about two miles East of Solomonsville, a letter signed by Mr. A. C. Sieboth, former Right of Way Engineer, was presented. The communication stated the land affected at Solomonsville has not been considered; options for the widening of the highway amounting to ninety-five per cent have been taken on a three-year basis, the balance of the land being largely owned by non-residents and belligerents from whom the options were not secured. The cost estimate for the land taken is $7,000 and the encroachments consist largely of residences of a well improved type. It is estimated that $6,000 will cover the damage to lawns, trees and garden and moving of residences; making the total cost for the project $13,000.

State Engineer O'Connell said he had been instructed to get an estimate and options for the widening of the right of way from the present width of 66 feet to 100 feet with the idea of putting it in the ensuing budget. It was the option of the Commission that right-of-way options for the project, including through the Town of Solomonsville, should be obtained by the Right of Way Division and the communication presented was referred to the present Right of Way Agent, Mr. J. D. Sheley, in order that he might go ahead and have figures ready on the matter for the next budget.

The Commission went into executive session at 2:30 P. M., and meeting again in open session at 5:15 P. M., all members present, they adjourned to meet again at the call of the Chairman.

Arizona Highway Safety Council Notes

Traffic in Cities." It was decided that a study of pedestrian habits was necessary as the basis for a more positive campaign, and that we should start telling pedestrians what to do to avoid accidents on the streets instead of what not to do.

Your character is judged by your action on the highway.

Have you checked your brakes recently?

APRIL, 1937 ARIZONA HIGHWAYS Building Safety Into the Highway

To right-of-way fence has safety built into it. The dustless surface, for your pleasure and economy, the center stripe for your security, the flat slopes to keep you upright in case you run off the road, the stabilized base to keep holes from occurring in the road under heavy and fast traffic, the fence to keep the road clear of stock, the walkway for pedestrian safety and long vertical and horizontal curvature for your sustained speed, and signs to direct you and warn you, are the things you asked for and are getting today.

A quick comparison of ten years ago of the things which are now built into a mile of modern road in the interest of safety looks like this:

Some of you will no doubt think that this is exaggerated. You may feel that some of this should be chargeable to the increased amount of traffic and the increased weights that our roads are now subjected to. With the possible exception of a portion of the increased base the remaining is all chargeable to increased design, influenced by speed and safety. I purposely did not mention three or four lane widening or separated roadways, which is obviously chargeable to traffic increases as well as safety. This comparison covers only a two-lane ordinary highway of which the largest portion of our system is made up. We really have but a comparatively few miles of real modern highway. Some of the roads built in the last year or two can be so classed but hardly any built prior to 1934 have all the safety features mentioned. We have a big job ahead in the reconstruction of a large portion of our system in order to make each mile comparative in safety. Our policy now is to reconstruct the obviously dangerous portions first. We are continually planning ahead and we are building for the future. All of our recent work is de

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signed so as to fit into a plan of reconstruction five or ten years hence. We now plan with more assurance that your road dollar will be placed not only where needed today, but where it will still pay you dividends for many years to come.

Art in the Rough

Poultry keepers. They captured the wild turkey which seems to have always been on this continent, and tamed them. The bones of these birds mingle with those of discarded infants on the communal trash piles which give inquisitive archaeologists so many glimpses into prehistoric closets and the skeletons concealed therein. In the back rooms of their houses they corralled their turkeys at night. Coyotes and cougars and may be hungry Indians prowled around freely after sunset. On a cliff above an ancient turkey pen, appears a flighty bird making frantic attempts to escape a coyote. This same cliff inscribed with a frieze of marching turkeys and threatening animals. Even a twin chindee hovers over the scene, a prehistoric "giant killer" no doubt.

So intriguing and fascinating are these prehistoric writings to the hundred thousand people passing this way each year, that the United States Government has made it a major offense to deface one of the drawings, or to remove even the tinest one within the Monument. That is why this prehistoric art gallery is beyond the power of money, and Mellon, Morgan, Huntington and other art fanciers must content themselves with mere million dollar masterpieces.

Tales of Calabazas

(Continued from Page 10) fellow, who spent his Sundays on the cinder path and was always beaten by Murphy. The barber ragged him unmercifully "Why did ye stand still and let me run around ye?" Each Sunday saw Murphy the victor; each Sunday also saw the day's sports full of whisky, and the air thick with talk of wagers, odds and champions.

One Sunday night a number of the club members were in the Golden Fleece drinking, and Murphy, as usual, crowing over the foot racing railroad hand. Growing weary of this, the railroad hand's employer said he didn't think the barber was any great shakes at foot racing anyhow. Utter indignation filled the place. The air was full of offers of bets against anyone of the contractor's men who could outrun Murphy. The contractor thought that, given a little time to train, his employee could beat. Murphy was sputter-ing. He could tie his two hands behind him and give the young fellow a head start forninst him and still have wind to spare when he won.At last the contractor was forced into making bets that his employee could beat if given ten feet start in a two hundred yard dash. The young fellow protested, but was promptly told to shut up, the contractor saying: "Hell, this is my money! All you have to do is run!" The race was set for the following Sunday.

The intervening week was used by the contestants training. Murphy was timed and improvement was indicated, but his rival showed no betterment in speed, train as he would. The contractor's money was as good as lost. He himself seemed to regret that he had risked in drunken folly, his good money.

The day of the race arrived. Murphy dressed in his formal racing costume, his rival in a suit of cotton overalls. A referee and judge were selected and the men placed toe to mark. The pistol was fired and Murphy easily out-distanced his opponent over twenty-five feet, in addition to the ten foot start allowed him. The contractor gave his man a dirty look and sent him back to camp.

This was the first event involving real money. Murphy was treated and the contractor kidded. The latter drank heavily and good-natured interference was all that saved a fight. The contractor, after several hours and many drinks, persisted that he still thought his man could beat, but that he would make no more bets. More drinks and the contractor became so heedless he. bet Curley George $250.00 against $450.00 that his man could beat Murphy after two weeks' training, even start. This was like finding money. Pete, Bob and Harry obtained bets at the same odds. The money was put into the store-keeper's hands and the contractor assisted to his buck-board.

Some weeks before Murphy came to Calabazas another son of Erin had made his appearance a wizened Mick with a face like a monkey, one Tim Riley by Specialists on Reinforced Steel Mesh Guard, Fence Stays 1534 Blake Street, Denver Plants at Denver and Pueblo