Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1851-06-05
FAYETTE AND GLASGOW PLANK
ROAD.
To the Editor ofhe Times:

At the last session Of The General Assem- |
bly,, acts Of incorporation, special and gen.
eral, were passed, providing for the construc.
ton Of Plank or McAdamized roads in
various parts Of the State; but the act, intro
duced by one OF our representatives, granting
10 this mode OF Improvement the same (a>
clities awarded 10 rail roads, was rejected.
The act OF rejection was the great sin of the
session, and the appropriation Of millions, 10
TWO favored sections, coupled with refusal
Of thousands, 10 the great tax paying part
OF the State, is problem, in our destiny, to
be solved; ard, in all probability, atoned for
in future legislation In the only way left
for their action, cur own section was not
neglected, by our representatives, and what
has occurred, consequent upon local charters,
is known. Intelligent gentlemen, in every
part Of the county, deemed it not improper
to seek the public aid, for public improve
ments, intended 10 promote the public con.
venience and interest, but a majority Of
those who chose 10 exercise the right OF sui
fragc, repulsed the application. | need not
state how deeply Notifying 10 me, 10 you,
and other gentlemen Of my acquaintance,
was this result. Our duty was to yield to
the public judgment, on q question Of public
policy, and | feel that | have achieved a
cheerful acquiescence. Time, and circum-
stances, hope, will accomplish here, what
it has elsewhere, on the great question OF
improvement, and progress, and thrust | may
live to see many Of my fellow citizens change
their course on this vital question Of the
age.
The signal repulse and severe rebuke,
administered by the majority mentioned, did
not effect an abandonment Of principle, but
inspired new zeal in cause believed to be
identified with the best interests OF the couni
try. Immediately after the election, it wss
decided TO persevere. The State had re-.
fused-the county had refused and the paper
appended is the result Of private enterprise,
acting under double repulsion It's pro-
position to you Of Glasgow, in the terms
stated. 1t has been signed here. in nearly
every instance, in obedience to conviction
tina. well constructed road will pay q
handsome dividend; but with the under.
standing that, if after full and careful nves>
tigation, it is decided otherwise, the work
will he abandoned. II Glasgow responds,
Maj Jackson and Col. Elliott will inms
taIely visit one or more Of the adjoining
states, 10 carefully examine similar works,
in the progress Of construction, end make
account Of every fact and circumstance
deemed important. Conditional contracts
for right Of way, will then be made, the
road located, estimates oil construction and
receipts prepared, and final decision rem
dered in q business sense, seven lcnlhs o.
interest 10 govern.
No one, we imagine, will make objection
to this mode. Private gentlemen will no
be expected 10 squander their means, 10 ad
vance the public interest, and 10 take par
ticular care how they appropriate SO large ;
sum IS fifty thousand dollars, is consonan
with precept and example. The specf
cations are deemed appropriate and just, anc
we trust our friends in Glasgow may ecu
cur. II the road, upon careful estimate
will not pay, it should not be constructed
by few; and if abandoned, for that cause
the county may be long time without bet
ter than at present unless our iellow.citizen
consider it their interest 10 appropriate por
ton Of ther means to promote their comfor
and convenience. For one shall not b.
without hope and in the extremity contem
plated, will not utterly despair,
In the list OF great Improvements whicl
has given to this age the character it mus
have in history-the age Of privilege ant
happiness 10 the PeOple-lhe plank road i
considered most appropriate for the section
in which we reside. /! is second only Il
the canal or railway in many respects pre-
ferable 10 either: and after being used by tn
people, will be declared OF priceless value
Let US then not permit it TO fail, wiihou
being able to furnish just and salislactor
reason. An effort may be necessary Oh
your part! as it has on ours, but by whom
soever made, will be worthy Of all praise
Respectfully. WESTON F. BIRCH
i MEMORANDUM.
The subscribers hereby agree 10 furnish
sniff Giant snnl of mnnhu 10 hnild nna half Z