True American. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1835-18??, 1838-09-29

on the citizens of New Orleans by the exsten &c Of
round stone pavement,are over 2 millions oidoars
annually This enormous amount is form I'd of
variety ri expenses, damages, and LOSSES contingent
upon the present style of pavement; and of the
savings that would occur from the use of cubic
stone, or hexagonal blocks of wood.
by the records in the Mayors office there are
now ZIG licensed drays and carts; and 121 public
hacks. These 2l76 carts and drays, costing $50
eaeh' over tho round stone pavement last only
average OF two years: whereas smooth road
their duration would be 10, agreably to the opinion
OF experienced men; the consequent loss to the CT
t'zens Is, therefore, in this item alone S43 $40 an.
naaiy' The III hacks, at an average value of
$iooV now run about years, though competent
to endure 9;the difference to owners is therefore
$@o'oe9 year. For these carts, hacks and drays,
there must be at least 24lS horses allowing only
one 10 each drayand two to every hark:these at an
average value of $3.50 cost $3l4,34O, and, though
capable OF labor - years are new worn out in two:
tho difference therefore, to the citizens is $l3
annually. Alta moderate calculation there are in
the city l60 private carriages and $50 barouches,
wagons, gigs and other pleasure vehicles The
cost OF the former being about $1,000 ouch, when
comPlete' and OF the latter at least 900 each,
tner aggregate value is $265 900; and to this be
adood the price OF 1000 private horses used for rid.
ing, or driving. at the moderate estimate of $500
each' It gives an amount vested in private car
riages NC. of S565,OOO. Now making an allow.
ahce OF ~ per cent, upon this sum for the con-
s'an' oreakage, and wear, and tear upon carriages
ana harness; OF accidents and frequent lamcness of
the horses on rough pavements, more than would
afree on smooth, and there is another annual, and
indirect tax of $500. The difference in shoes
'of lhese 54le horses would be Sl2 each, yearly.
amounting to $4l,0l6 and from the very superior
cleanliness of smooth pavements, about $3.50, 900
e. sn' ~ saved from the sum now paid every year
LOT keeping the rough streets in order. Nearly all
ths Inconvenience arising from mud dust or noise,
would BIO also avoided were the whole of our streets
paved'elther with wood or granite; and over which
horses could d. at least, a third more work, and
yet improve their condition,
Inns list OF indirect taxes, arising from round
stone pavement, does not include ono 10th part of
every thing, and yet it shows an amount of
So@s'seo. But the heaviest tax Of all is 'drayage'.
ms cnarge' so onerous to our commerce, pro.
verbally sxorbitant in this city, and felt by every
Individual IN it,-citizcn or stranser,-amounts to
SO vast sum az to starto any one who makes
ejaculation OF itAs its present high price evidently
arises from the unparalleled destruction of horses
ana VehlcleS. consequent on our rough and defsc-
tive Pavements, it is but fair to calculate on di.
minutlon OF one half, if smooth surfaces were
adopted since cattle could then do at least third
IL not halt more work. they would live five times
their present duration, and at greatly diminished
expense in shoes, harness, &c. &c. 1t i. admitted
ny The owners OF numerous drays that their weakly
receipts average $50, $3.50 yearly, for each of
those 2lib drays and carts, thus making tho annual
amount expended in draying $3,3s4, $50. Nor can
this estimate be deemed e1travagant, when it is
membered that all articles of produce, or import,
average three drayages at 3 bits each, and that,
Independently of all dry goods, &C. fcw items Of
our receipts produce as given in the Price Cur.
rent, show the following enormous quantity of
articles carried to and fro in draws and rtsand