The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-05-28

We have given little attention to this spe-
cies Of public improvements, under an i'm
preston that it could not be introduced, to
advantage, in most parts of our Stare Elk.
ceptions there certainly are-and among
these, are the side thoroughiarcs between
the lumber and marble regions of Western
Vermont and the several Railway Stations
hThe general introduction of Plank roads, we
Still think TO be undesirable and impractical.
bic. Our opinion, however, may have been
too hastily formed.
We subjoin an interesting letter, which
we find in the ". Y. Courier and Enquirer,
containing interesting statements of facts re-
specting the introduction and effect of Plank
roads in Ohio, from one of the leading citi.
zens of Cleveland. 1t indicates that, in that
region, the enterprise has been highly sue
cessful.
CLEVELAND, April 10Th, 1850.
My DEAR SIR-In reply to The questions
YOU asked me, concerning the effect which
the Plank Roads, leading into Cleveland,
have OH the lands through which they pass,
and on the property, generally, in this City
and State, | will state, that, owing TO the
fact that our roads were only commenced last
summer, and have not yet penetrated into
the interior but short distance, their effect
is but very imperfectly developed; but the
change already produced on the lines of the
road, even beyond the point 10 which they
are at present finished, is really wonderful.
Property readily changes hands people have
commenced TO build i'll anticipation of the pro-
gress Of the Road, and know Of land in
large tracts. though the country wa. com.
paraIivoly new, readily bringing double
what II was sold for six months previous to
the location of the Plank Road-upon tue
county road already running near the prem.
ises.
/ consider the average increase in price of
land adjoining the Road (and owing TO that
improvement only at about 80 per cent.
when the common price ranges from 81 10
$50 per acre.
You will also agree with me, think, in
the opinion that our three plank roads have
exeitcd strong influence towards produc-
ing the large increase in the value of real
estate, which has taken place during the past
year throughout our city. Still, the advan-
'ages gained by the country, which. by
means Of plank roads, is enabled, at all
times. and in all weather, to send its produce
to market at less than one half the usual ex-
pense over mud roads and steep hills, is com.
paratively greater than to large towns
1t was difficult here at first, as it Is almost
everywhere, to induce those Interested TO
subscribe literally Cor even at al) 10 forward
that class Of improvements; for three or four
years, nothing could be done: one said The
roads would not pay interest," another that
they would shortly rot out, &C., &c. These
objections have now all vanished, and the
subscription list Of any feasible plank road
company is Immediately filed up. II is a
fact. they are by far the best paying stocks
we have. These remarks are founded upon
an experience Of about one year, in this re-
gion. West of US, in Huron County, where
the Inhabitants have completed more lines,
and used them some two years, learn that
the effect is the same on property, and the
socks pay from s to % per cent in cash,
clear.
Within the past year, the desire for plank
roads has icreascd in this State to such a de-
gree that the tables of The Ohio Legislature
we're literally loaded with applications for
new charters. About forty-nine bills were
pasSed-making some seventy or eighty in
the State. Next winter, general law will
undoubtedly be passed, under the provisions
of which all companies can organize.
The usual rate of tolls in this State, so far
as can learn, is about two cents per mile
for two horse loaded vehicles or pleasure
carriages, and one cent per mile for unload
ed two horse. or one horse vehicles four
horse stages, believe, pay about three cents
per milo. Plank roads are destined 10 be-
come the most popular Improvements of the
day. With respect.
Yours. &c.