Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1844-06-20
PLANK ROADS.

city, for the pas two years, has turned the
attention of the enterprizing and thought
full among our citizens 10 plans of secur-
in g its permanent and SPEEDY advancement.
None of these schemes. in our judgment,
are more worthy of consideration than
those which have been PROPOSED for i'm
proving the high ways. connecting us
with the interior. Good roads are abso-
lutely essential to the development and
prosperity of any country. They are the
great arteries through which flow the life
blood of domestic industry. Produce is
naturally attracted by the nearest, easiest
and cheapest transport. Especially is
this true where the produce of country
consisting of gross and bulky articles.
as the fruits of agriculture, and is raised
at great distance from its Ultimate mar
ket. When the cost df transportatin runs
above a certain point, it consumes the
whole profit, and leaves no reward to
the producer. Industry is robbed Of all
motive, and of course expires. But
when,by wise provisions, the cost oftrans-
portation is reduced so as to leave an
adequate reward, the industry Of the pro.
ducers is excited encouraged, the fruits of
labor multiply in rich abundance beneath
his hand. and vigorous prosperity is
impaired to every place, which this pro,
duction creates and sustains.
The citizens of Boston, with their far
reaching sagacity, have awaited themselves
fully of the operations Of such causes
BY improved roads and railroads, radia,
ting in every direction from Boston, they
have secured to themselves the whole
trade of New England. They havemade
it for the interest Of the producer TO bring
the fruits of his industry and skill to their
marts; and ne therefore brings it. And
now the city is reaping the rewards offs
comprehensive policy in q rapid advance
in value Of real estate, an invigorat ed and
extended trade, and an increase Of popa-
lation which rivals even the magic growth
of the West. ....,
The recent census shows that in edu-
cation, intelligence, enterprise, industry
and general thrift, Michigan is already
the N. England ofih West. And what
Bost on is now to New England Detroit,
by similar policy. may become to Mi
chigan.
The interior Of our State is admirably
adapted for the growth of many agricuItu-
raj staples. The soil is unequalled for
the production of wheat. Indian corn,
oats, barley, wool, pork, potash and sugar
can all be produced in large quantities fol
export. All that is desired is tina, suitable
outlets to the Ea stern markets be afforded
These must and will be afforded. And
that part on our lakes, which shall, by
such means, most effectualy connect it.
self with the interior, must of necessity be.
come the point Of receipt and distribution
for the whole State. The imports and
exports of nearly the whole peninsula.
must pass through the hands of its mel
chants. A popuIous and wealthy city
cannot fail to spring up where this trade
pours together its coPious streams.
These benefits may be easily and per.
manently secured for Detroit. In popu.
lation, wealth and acquired trade, it IL
now IN advance Of any town in the State
The absolute security and unlimited capa.
city Of its harbor, it's central position
and the fact that all communicated be.
tween the upper and lower lakes must
touch at its wharves. give it signal or ma.
tural advantages. If,o these things, we
link it to the interior by the cheap modes
Of transit, no rivalry can rob US Of the
great trade of the State.
Something indeed has been done by
means Of the Railroads, but while these
serve greater purposes, and are Of vast
importance, they do not meet the wants
of our domestic industry. Our produces
is agricultural the fruit OF the farmers
hands; and wise policy requires that the
largest possible share Of his own labor.
should be incorporated with it. So soon
as produce leaves the hand of the farmer,
the cost Of transportation being to denim
ish its value; but so long as he can EN-.
ploy his own industry on it, whether by
raising il on the soil, or in Transporting