JOHN C. NICHOLSON, President
NEWTON, KANS.
G. A. MacNAUGHTON, Sec-Treas,
SAN MARCOS. TEXAS
STRAIGHT AHEAD
MEIRflDflAIM HIGHWAY
WBNNIPEG-MEX1CO
Newton, Kansas 1)00 I6th,i922
H B Ayers, Managing director,
San Antonio, Texas Sear Sir:
I thank you for yours of the 11th inst. I did not know that I’r Colp had been doing anything for the F.eridian Highway for years until I learned of late that he was assiting in having it sign posted. So far as I know he has collected no money for it. He may have collected some to pay expenses of the trip to City of I'exico which exception t should also make.
I organized the Heridian Highway-formerly I'eridian Hoad-ten years ago and placed it then and have tried to keep it ever since on a purely natriotic basis -collecting only enoug^money to p3y actual and necessary expenses and doing so without putting any in the field to collect money- and I am sorry to say at quite an expense to myself. The Texas division has never paid in one cent to the International Association but the International AssH has put up some money for the Texas division with the promise it would be repaid but which has not been done.
The I'eridian Highway is ready and willing to co-operate with the 0 3 T or any other highway to the mutual benefit of both and. it seems to me we should be working together just now-by inter exchange of tourist travel. I wish you would inform n:e as to conditior^c^_the C S T from San Antonio west and if ooen all winter for tourists and that you sonc me .some maps, ’"e have a lot of California tourists seeking best way across, "'e also have a few going east so tell me about entire trail with maps.
The ?' H is open and in good condition for tourist travel from some place up north to your place so far as I know, but snow or rain may put it in bad condition now any time.
I will appreciate and treat in strictest confidence any information you will give me about Mr Colp and the M H
He has been trying to put me out as ^resident of M H and at same time promoting another north and south road as a competitor to M H. I know of no reason why any one should not work for an east and west road at same time he is working for the !' H and I so -rote him.
riease let me hear from, '"hanking you for your favor I am