Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-01-08
Communication.

Mn. EpIToR-Whenevcr we notice the prevalence !
of public evil naturally look to the press as
of the readiest methods of removing ii. Ifunabc in |
this manner to correct it, we can at least expose it, |
and warn others of their danger. Permit me- through
the medium of your paper, to call the attention of
the public to evil which must be regarded as a Sc
rious one, and ought to be considered disgrace to
the village. I mean the danger incurred by those
who walk the Streets from the furious teams and the
no less furious or needless drivers. Whether from
wish 10 display the horse to good advantage or his
own Skill by driving near possible without act
ualy running over one, entire disregard to the
safety and convenience of oil but self it is rendered
absolutely unsafe for any to appear in the streets
on foot unless stout man, and he armed and con.
stantly on the look out
It's almost at the hazard life that one undertakes
to walk to church on the Sabbath; and would ap-
pear ludicrous were not the occasion too serious to
see ladies and gentlemen who walk, twisting their
necks, and turning their faces behind them, watch,
ready to Dodge, if possible the next sleigh But this
seems their only security. We might expect least
a show of gallantry or common poli,encss would be
observed towards the ladies' but they, too often
obliged to step into the snow, and doubtless think
themselves fortunate, if they escape so.
| But the danger is not confined TO church going
In fact feel sure that he is safe any day.
or at any time Of day. A few evenings since, gen.
tcman was walking down Pearl street, quite on one
side of the road when sleigh behind came close
upon him before he was aware, that he could not
avoid it, before he was knocked over the shaft caught
his clothes by which he was dragged at the imminent
hazard of life, near the horses heels, till his cloak
was srlpt from him, and his coat torn off, when he
was fortunately left The gentleman driver (for he
had the exterior of gentleman then regned up his
horse long enough to have him freed from the cloak,
still hanging to the harness. and to find that the per-
son knocked over not seriously injured but he
could rise and walk and speak, but without waiting
to ascertain the extent of the injury done drove off
Nor is this the only accident Of the kind that has
Cured in our streets from similar cause. would
not impute it to design on the part of the driver, but
certainly no better can be assigned than sheer
carelessness. If gentlemen wish to display their
craftsmanship, land some. it must be confessed, can
drive extremely mark and not hit it) don't let
them make us poor bodies who walk, the subject OF
their experiments.
In city, where royalty is displayed and titles of no
bility recognized, and carriages constantly passing
emb azoned with the family coat of arms we might
perhaps be awed safe distance; yet even there We
might claim humble path where could walk Sc
curey But in this land Of equal rights, where we
call master lord even if he does ride while
walk) and where the privilege is conceded 10 none
Of tramplng on his fellows with impunity, it is toe
bad TO be thus exposed Ifthe loss Of all
the evil would be less but to endanger life and limb il
serious matter.
And why cannot we have the side walks open, a
least one on street? If gentlemen who are fond o
displaying their teams, would attach them TO small
scraper, after fall of snow and drive through TIL
I side walks where it can be done, they surely cou
not display the horse driver to better effect. Blu
, if i, cannot be done without, had better have
contribution taken, and some employed TO shove
4 them out, rather than be SO much exposed. Eithe
this or carefulnes, and accommodation on the part
] all drivers, would oblipe many-I sure, at leas
OSE WHO WALKS TO CHuRcH