San Andreas independent., 1857-04-25
The Road Convention.

the Road Convention, to meet at Mok.
Hill on the End day of May; and judging
from the tone of the papers in different sec
tions OF the State, there is springing up
a considerable degree of rivalry, which
borders closely upon envy, and even jeal-
ousy, of each others interests That each
locality should strive to obtain the Roads
terminus, is natural; but, let not one at
tempt to detract from advantages which
other sections may possess, and stoop to
subterfuge and bold assertions for the pur-
pose of creating prejudice in the public
mind in favor of one and against other
routes
This is matter in which is interested
not alone Sacramento, or Stockton, or Mo-
kelumne Hill, but the whole State of Cal
ifornia; and all the people who are now
here, or may hereafter come to our State.
Then, let the different sections enter into
this affair with the proper spirit, as being
an enterprise worthy their energy, and en-
deavor to lay before the public true infor-
nation in relation to the different routes
which have been spoken of as practicable.
The real question is not whether this or
that route shall be selected, but, which is
the best, which can be made the most con-
venient for the travelling public, with the
amount Of means that is likely to be raised
for that purpose If the amount of money
which can be raised for that purpose, was
unlimited, we might construct roads across
the Sierras at every possible pass; yet in
the end, travel would take the best and
most accessible, for the same reason that
stage routes and stage coaches have been
superseded by railroads and steam cars.
Within few days, the different coun-
ties designated in the call, will select del
egates to attend the Convention; and in
doing so, let them not send delegates
pledged to stand or fail by some particular
route; but, let men be appointed who feel
an interest in the prosperity of the State
and of the community at large; men Of
practical sense and expansive views, who
can sec beyond the present day, and view
the advantages to accrue for years to come
not men whose ideas are narrowed down
to the selling of few lots in some obscure
village, or the obtaining of votes at the
next election, or the taking of contract
on the route to be selected. ANY OF these
are likely to sell the interests of the com
munity, and the conveniences of the ira
yelling public, to crafty their own private
ends
From the fact of this convention call is
suing from the place it did, and being so
suddenly sprung upon the public, has cre-
ated an impression Ono doubt true one,
that behind all this outward show, there is
a grand mover, whose name and objects are
unknown to the public, but whose influence
will work mysteriously, and powerfully, in
the convention. Let the Delegates to the
Convention, in the first place, beware of all
cliques; then, throw aside all prejudices
of local nature, and view calmly and
dispassionately the different projects, and
act judiciously in selecting the best route,
thereby doing the greatest good to the
greatest number. And let the Conven-
tion remember, in all its acts, that upon
the people it must depend for the means
to carry on the work. And when it has
settled upon the route, and comes to the
manner best suited to conduct the work,
let it shun the contract system, as the
members would shun the States Prison;
for, no doubt, many greedy contractors,
who are good at figures, and anxious "to
turn an honest penny are now waiting
patiently to put in bids. The people of
this country are becoming disgusted with
contracts and contractors; they have seen
the State robbed, counties swindled, cor
porations cheated and imposed upon, them
selves as individuals and as community,
flched Of many hard Learned dollar, all
through the contract system. The people
are generous and liberal, as they will prove
themselves in this affair, if the plans are
properly laid out and sufficiently guarded.
As any plan that might be selected to
carry on the work would be Objectionable
in some respects, that which appears least
so, and which would be most likely to meet
the appreciation of those who will contri-
butte to the enterprise, would be to select
a treasurer, who will give bonds, with salts
factory security, for any amount Of money
which might come into his hands-a di-
rector or superintendent, who shall super
intend the work and expend the money
upon the route where it will be most needed.
But, in theselecting of such let us have
no broken down politicians, but men of
probity and honor, whose antecedents are
such as to recommend them to the public.
Then will the people come out readily with
the cash and the work NAV oo on ranidlv
and prosperpously As an encouragement
for individuals to contribute, it would per-
haps be well for the Incorporated cities in
that section of the State interested, to con-
tribute certain amounts in their corpo.
rate capacities. | would not venture an
opinion what sum might be necessary to
make good road, having never travelled
over any of the routes spoken of, but
should think $4,000, a sum which has