grpartmEiit nf ^nsiire, United States ^District ffiaurt, Jvnrtlimi gistrict nf Floridn, Office nf (filerk, Vinsacnln. January 18, 1922 Hon. John Graft, Mobile, Ala. Dear Sir; When in Jacksonville last week attending the Southeastern Good Koado Conference, I learned that Mr. Keller of the State Highway Department had told Judge Phillips, of our State Road Department, that the first main highway in Alabama to be constructed would be through Birmingham, Montgomery and southeaster2y through Andalusia connecting up through Jackson County with the Old Spanish Derail. This, i presume, is a mere tentative plan, and you. should take immediate measures to convince your State Road Dept, that this program is not the logical one to carry out. Mobile would heva a very strong case along this line of argument that Escambia County Florida xvas now constructing a paved road north to the Alabama Lina at Flomaton; that we are also bridging the Escambia River, and would thus have a splendid road system complete from Flomaton to Tallahassee, as all of the bridges are now being constructed; that if they go through Andalusia they will strike rather poor road3 through Jackson County,Florida as there is no money available for connecting Marianna with the Alabama line. By constructing the road from Birmingham through Montgomery to Mobile, they will serve the double purpose of accomodating motor travel destined for Hew Orleans and the West, and for Jacksonville ar.d Miami on the east, and that this road should be the first to oe constructed for that reason. This will enable you also to stress the necessity of constructing the road through Flomaton, Bay Minette and bridging Mobile Bay. X think action should be taken at once ly you Hobilians in order to head off further development of the Andalusia idea. I would like an opportunity to come over to Mobile and hold conference with you, and probably address the KiwaAis or Rotary, or Chamber of Course roe," and help you in this movement. Probably some time in February would spit me better/ I have other matters to talk over with you also, in regard to the Old Spanish Trail. Very sincerely, Copy fo Mr. Ayers Vice-Free, for Fla