Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-11-24

years by other alterations, in which case the
money expended on them is lost, or they pre-
vent the execution of other and greater i'm
provements, whereby the public are deprived
of a convenience which they might otherwise
have enjoyed, and often at less expense.
In view Of these considerations, valued
friend Of ours, in the northern section Of the
County, has suggested to us the propriety of a
plan which we perceive has already been pro-
posed by correspondent in the last YeonaGn.
viz. survey of the County in order to make
correct Map of the same. A large amount is
annually paid to committees appoiuted to ex-
anime the proposed routes of new roads.
Such committees must necessarily in most
cases not be sufficiently acquainted with the
topography of the country to rely on their
own Judgment, in making the necessary ex
examination, and are liable to be led into er.
rors by the representations of interested per-
cons. In such cases a good Map would be Of
great use, and it is believed that in short
time it would make a saving of sum equal to
the whole amount Of the cost of the necessary
surveys and other expenses. But the uses
| Of good Map would be much more extensive
and would be found convenient for reference,
by every man of business in the County.
We should suppose sufficient number of cop
les would readily be subscribed for to defray
the expense, or, if any part should be want
I ing, we should deem it good policy for the
County to make up the deficiency, in order
to ensure the success of so useful work.
We merely make these remarks in order to
introduce the subject, leaving 1t to our friend
before mentioned, (who has promised to give
US his views of it) to examine it more thor
oughly and more understandingly than we
are able to.
For the Massachusetts Spy.l
Mr.. Editor--Whether there be a greater
propensity to extremes in this than in other
sections of our country, my information is not
sufficiently extensive TO determine. Medioc-
rity seems not to be the sphere in which we
feel contented to move. In every enterprise
of public or private nature, men seem I'M
willing to be restrained in their views within
rational bounds. The project must be carr-
ed to the verge of folly and desperation, or
nothing is accomplished. This may be deem
ed a noble spirit, and the most laudable spring
Of: human action. 1t surely claims higher
degree Of merit than listlessness and cold in
| difference. The former may be said to exhib-
it only here and there strong marks of folly,
while the, latter would present one indiscrim-
mate scene of sluggishness and poverty. Wis
dom would dictate middle course.-She
would shun all communion with naction and
Tashness. Solid and lasting benefits would be
E;eyery where visible in her operations. Pub
lie and private interests would cooperate,
harmonic, and be advanced under her pat
ronage. No age, country, or society can claim
the high distinction of having undeviatingly
pursued such an unerring guide. Rivalry,
prejudice, clashing interests, and many other
causes equally illaudable, warp the better
Judgments of men.
have been more particularly led to these
remarks, by reason OF the great zeal which
pervades this region for the location Of new
ways. @
would by no means discourage real inn
provements of this nature. They. certainly
promote the convenience of the community.
and elevate its character. That portion Of
the country which exhibits to the tra7eller a
rough irksome way. furnishes conclusive evil
dence of great restitution Of public spirit.
| would not apply this remark to new settle
ments, where there has not been sufficient
time, means, or physical ability to the accom-
plishment of such desirable objects. What
more exhiiarating to the traveller than we'll
wrought highways, where his eye is every
where greeted as he passes along with neat
mansions, villages, fields, herds and groves,
the domains OF industry and plenty How
dismal the contrast between such a scene and
one where he is jostied and chafed every step
he advances, having nothing TO cheer his
toisome journey but barren waste, with
here and there despicable cottage scarcely
sufficient to defend its miserable tenants a.
gainst the pelting storm. Perhaps nature has
been equally bountiful to both these terrific
ries, The disparity is to be sought in the
difference Of dispositions which characterize
the proprietors. Bodily and mental viSor is
strikngly manifest in those of the one, while
the vital principle is scarcely discernible in
those who cucumber the other.
The writer venerates and applauds that
people who are the Jealous promoters of the
public veal, whose views are not circum-
scribed by the narrow bounds of selfshnes
But this sordid principle, or something which
deserves no better name, we have reason to
apprehend is too frequently at the bottom of
many of those projects which are advocated
on the score of public utility. In all cues
tions relating to the location Of highways, the
public benefit is to be compared with private
detriment. The former is not to prevail,
where the latter preponderates. The Consti.
tuition Of the Commonwealth guards with Pc
culiar vigilance the right of every individual,
and requires the citizen to yield his property
TO- the public for fair equivalent only in
cases where such surrender is obviougly
necessary. Tits not presumed such AUTH n
was intended TO be exerted over the rights Of
the citizen contrary to his will, for trivial
causes. This provision OF the Constitution
seems at first view to verge towards an ex.
, ercise Of arbitrary power, and to be in some
degree Tepuguant TO rational liberty. lint a