Mr. Hawthorne, in his Foreword, has testified to his belief in the idea of Roadtown; I would here testify, in my Foreword, to my belief in Mr. Chambless. He is made of the stuff of heroes--those who have sacrificed home, friends, social positions, money, personal comfort, yea life itself, in the service of humanity. His is the spirit of perfect devotion to an ideal. He represents in his person the type of valiant martyrdom, which I have read about a thousand times in books, but have met not more than a half-dozen times in real life. As to whether his scheme is practicable or not, I cannot say. Experts, not accustomed to being swept off their feet by bursts of enthusiasm over chimerical ideas, have testified that it is. As to whether his conception will solve all the problems of social life which he says it will solve, I again cannot say. Experience teaches that every original idea has revolutionary possibilities. But as to Mr. Chambless himself, I can say, and say with enthusiasm, that he is a man deserving of the confidence of men. Mr. Hawthorne commends Roadtown to the earnest consideration of all thoughtful persons for itself. I commend Roadtown in a similar way for its inventor. Prove him wrong if you can, but first master his ideas. Church of the Messiah, June 15th, 1910. Park Ave. and 34th St., New York City. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER I WHEN I BEGAN TO THINK 17 How I came to invent Roadtown 18 CHAPTER II A NEW CONCEPTION OF TRANSPORTATION 21 Transportation in nature 23 Our disjointed civilization 27 CHAPTER III LINE DISTRIBUTION--THE LOGICAL OUTCOME 31 Transportation determines the form of cities 33 Building in one dimension 35 A line of city through the country 38 CHAPTER IV THE ROADTOWN PLAN OF CONSTRUCTION 40 To be built of cement 41 The railroad will be noiseless 43 Speed possibilities 46 The street upon the roof 53 CHAPTER V