Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-04-08
ron the srAuNroN sprorArop.

MIR. EiDIToR.-l see in the Spectator of the llth
oi warren mat II Is In contemplation to submit
plan to the landholders Of Augusta for raising S23.
OOO to aid in making the contemplated McAdamiz-
ed Scottsvlle road This, or any other plan the
good people of Augusta may adopt, is none of our
business; nevertheless, believing as we do, that
large portion of Augusta is interested in the
Howardsville Turnpike than they are in the Scotts
vile road, we trust will not be thought presup
tuous for suggesting to the people of Augusta the
proprety of taking steps to aid in the Howardsville
road. 1t may be thought that we are prompted by
our own interest, regardless of the interest of the
people of Augusta. This, we pledge our honor. ia
not the case, as we think can abundantly shew:-
and we fail to do to the satisfaction of the citi
zens Of Augusta they of course, will disregard our
suggestions. suppose it is proposition SO uni
versally admitted, that Competition is the life Of
trade. :" that none will deny 1.-TWO roads, then,
from Stanton to James River, or rather one from
Staunon to Tinkng Spring Meeting house, and
from thence to James River-one McAdamized
road, torty miles, at grade of three and half de-
grees to Scottsvllle the other three degree rosd
from thence across at Walters Gap and down the
Rockfish Valley TO HowardsviIle, mostly on
strong, gravelly or sandy foundation. distance oe
thirysix miles, would at all times secure To thu
citizens of Augusta good roads, and that at a low
rate of toll. Having shewn the character of the
country and the grade of the proposed Howards-
vile road, we next offer the estimate of cost TAX
ing the actual cost of nine and half miles, (now
under contract,) as sort of guide. This nine and
half miles cost 81 100 Suppose however. that
the road will cost 5000 per mile damage inclusive. \
and you have $2l 600 as the total cost or this
S2l 900 the citizens of Abemarle and Nelson will
certainly subscribe SIP, 900 to make twenty milex
of the road this year, thus leaving only I6 miles TO
make, and only $4,000 to raise 70 make it and of
this S9,6OO If the Augusta people will raise IS 600
the road can be completed, and that in the course
of this and the next year. Now to this couple the
irresistible conclusion that road will, as SION as
ours reaches the foot of the Blue Ridge on the West
side be made from Greenville Gree or otherwise as
the citizens of Augusta may choose,) to, intersect
ours at or near Back Creek. now ask every gen
tleman who may chance to see this article, If the
conclusion is not irresistible that Augusta has an
interest in this road, if not equal to what she has in
McAdamsed road to Scotsville, at least mora
than double what 1t is proposed she shall take.
May we not then with confidence appeal to the en-
terprsing citizens of Augusta to take part in our
work We feel very certain that the whole of the
Southwestern part of Augusta and the Southeast of
Rockbri1ge, will use road whenever it is COM
pleied, and we have no doubt but that most of the
small wagons from other quarters will take our road
as 1t VIII be more level, nearer, and the toll greatly
less. We know that many gentlemen regard our
scheme as visionary and calculated (if not nended)
TO deceive. But mark the prediction AS we
have before said, SO say we now again, that when
our road and the Scottsville McAdamized road will
be completed, will be the most profitable stock
and the cheapest and the nearest for the travel N
and from James River.
EIV,1D