American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-05
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH
From the National Intelligencer.

From the National Intelligencer
PROPOSED PLANK ROAD TO THE DISTRICT LINE,
PIKE
MEssRs. EplToRs: The Importance and expe-
diency Of growing city like ours providing for
easy, abundant and economical intercourse and
communication with the agricultural districts
within reach, will be with you and my fellow
citizens, all interested in the subject, sufficient
reason, trust, for some attention and conside
ration to the topic of these brief articles.
It is for the business portion of the commu-
nifty more Immediately interested, and the citi-
zens generally in view of the increased facilities
to be secured in the matter Of produce and mar
keting, to examine the subject, and decide
whether the proposed improvement for inter-
course with the Industrious people Of Mont
gomery, and the productive country to the
northward and eastward, should be carried into
execution. The advantages Of plank roads
do not deem it worth while, now that they
are generally well known and admitted, here
to discuss and dilate upon. Sufficient to know
that, from the nature of the soil and other
local and general causes, the company find it
very difficult and expensive to keep the turn
pike, which enters the city at Seventh street, in
good travelling repair and condition. Anxious
to contribute to the general prosperity and
comfort Of the community, and satisfied that
there are capital and enterprise enough here to
undertake and complete the proposed improve
ment at a recent annual meeting the Board of
Directors appointeda committee to inquire into
and report on the subject, with view to early
and efficient action. 1t is to be hoped that the
inquiries of the committee will result in estab-
fishing the expediency, practicability, and adj
vantages Of the enterprise, and that in due
season sufficient additional funds will be sub
scribed and placed under the control Of the
company for the construction Of plank road
aiong tie present route, fUe miles in length, to its
terminus at the District line 1t is understood the
company will contribute their present stock,
| and the advantage Of road, broad, direct, and
well graded-in fact, nearly ready for the laying
down of the plank-if a sufficient amount OF
shares, as provided for in the charter, can be
| taken, and the funds be forthwith appropriated
| and applied to the work.
| 1t is to be hoped that the residents and busi-
ness portion of the citizens in the section of our
town affected by the increase or diminution OF
intercourse with our worthy neighbors in Mont
gomery, will be reused enough on this inter
esting subject to induce them to put their
shoulders to the wheel, and open their hearts
and purses to the appeal. Very probable, nay,
even certain it is, that if something, and that
right speedily, be not done to offer better ac
commodations and inducements to the neigh
boring farmers, those interested must be pre-
| pared to sec business take another direction.
And if this be the result, owing to negligence,
indifference, or supneness, not only will our
fellow citizens Of the Northern Liberties, that
hitherto growing and prosperous portion of our
town, feel the change in comfort and in pocket,
but the supplies for market and general con-
ell 1fc,
rs matter of course in proportion.
Every one knows that to Montgomery, a county
acknowledged to be one of the most progressive
in the State, the city is largely indebted for its
agricultural supplies. Every one knows that
our population is increasing in a ratio beyond
the most sanguine expectations Of the most san
guinc. Every one knows that the destiny of
the metropolis is upward and onward and that
if we enlarge in numbers and wealth, as trust
and believe we shall, the demand for food and
agricultural accommodations will increase in
rapid and accelerated proportion. And all will
acknowledge that it is highly important and
absolutely necessary to provide in due season
for that expected enlargement of demand by n
proportionate facility and quantity Of supply
and production. Hence, town and country will
go hand in hand The progress of agriculture
around us of course will confer inestimable
benefits on consumers The wants and com
forts Of the consumers will give adequate re-
turn and stimulus to the tilers of the soil, and
the day--not very distant, believe-will arrive
when commerce, agriculture and the arts will
attain their full development and influence in
our midst.
To aid and accelerate that desirable state of
things, have deemed it one of the best and
most efficient methods to invite, through the
public prints, the public mind to subjects Of
internal improvement; to our canal; the beau
tifying and establishment Of the metropolis by
Congress and Individuals and last, but not
least, to the opening and facilitating of our
roads and communications with the productive
and abundant agricultural districts with which
we are 50 fortunate as to be placed in easy dis
tances for intercourse.
Time is valuable, our wants are urgent, the
evil is upon US. 1t is necessary and expedient
to improve our means Of intercourse with our
agricultural neighbors in Montgomery A
plank road will, in my opinion, help the cause
materially. Shall it be made! What will be
the expense? What kind Of an investment?
What will it do towards the public good? These
arc questions which will be naturally proposed.
and hope and believe satisfactory answers can
be rendered. Perhaps | myself may do some
little towards it. J. G. b.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE.
To the Editors Of the dn'erican Telegraph.