The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-01-31

pUBL1o DRIyFs.-Charleston stands alone among
hor sister cities soil tary instance Of corpora
lion not possessing suitable place for puDhc
drive. In the days of auld lang syne the Meet.
ing street, King street and Rutledso street ROADS
were the resort OF the gay and happy who wore
fortunate enough to possess vehicle, OF to OWN
a horse. Tho summer days were then halcyon
period, when the plank road was hourly crowded
with moving throng, who gladly escaped from
the heat and dust of the city to breathe the pure
country air, and be lulled to forgetfulnoss by the
rustling OF the pines Now this is all changed;
it is true the air is the same, and the music of tho
troes as melodious as ever, but the plank road is
a misnoner it's foundations are gone, and it's
glory has departed.
Owing either to the neglect and misusage occa-
stoned BY the war to tho raids made upon it for
firewood during that period, it suffered extensive
", and would now compare fayorably with the far
famed corderoy roads of our ancestors. tits true
that it still offers an admirable field for homeo-
pathic practice, and any dyspeptic or nervous
individual who will endure days jolting over its
inequalities, can return homo new man. No ono
who has any regard for life limb, or even comfort,
presumes to drive upon the so-called plank road
in its present dlapidated condition, but sido cut
has been extempcrized, and ths sand or mud OF
that is far preferable to the ground and lofty t1
bling experienced on the other.
Il is high timo that some steps wore taken to
improve the condition of these roads. the city Is
too poor (Which is unfortunately the CASEY, let 1t
be made public enterprise. It is true that, OWING
tc the location Of Charleston, the space Is very
limited and the drives few in number, but this
will only entail less expcnce and render those rev
more popular than ever Rutledge hlng ana
Meeting street roads al the main avenues to the
citv large portion Of them lying within the city
limits and should, by all means, be rescue from
Tho shame and reproach that has fallen upon them.
The Rutlelge road was never blessed with the
improvement of planks, and now presents dreary
waste of sand that no one would encounter for
pleasure; the others several shades better, but
o drive upon them is far from being the acme OF
happiness. Augusta is noted for the beauty OF its
drives, and the roads leading to its suburbs are
always crowded by the pleasure-seekers. The
one of these is turnpike, which is kept
in excellent order by the small toll exacted; but all
are in splendid travelling condition and reflect
credit upon the city.
Although Charleston, from it's position, has no
suburbs, and the soil is far more sandy than that
of Augusta, yet i: promises an advantage in only
having three thoroughfares and little timely at
tention would make these compare favorably with
those of any city. The plank road has been tried
as the least expensive, and while new, answered
the purpose admirably; but it required frequent
repairs, and when out of order was excessively dis
agreeable. In New Orleans and other places, the
shell road has been used with great success; but
although the material is abundant it would require
q vast amount, and be ultimately very expensive.
By far The best paving for road is what is
usually known as the Nickeson's. This has been
in general use in several of the Western cties and
has given universal satisfaction, as it requires but
o small outlay and is very durable. 1t is composed
of small square blocks of wood four feet by six,
laid closely together and tho nterstices filled with
gravel This pavement will last for years, and pre-
sents a far more even surface than one formed OF
cobble stones; besides it has the advantage Of
cheapness, especially in this country, where tho
wood can be procured and prepared at small
cost
A turnpike road established on these principles
would not only soon pay fer itself, but ultimately
afford good revenue for it's projectors. a good
road is essential to tho prosperity of any city, and
there are fow who need one more than Charleston.
IF we wait until the city authorities are able to
this improvement many years will
elapse and the road become daily tho worse for
wear. Private enterprise mas always succeeded
better than that Of corporate body, and If this
matter is taken in hand by our moneyed citizens,
next summer will see these old roads rejuvenatcd,
and rejoicing in the increased travel which their
improved condition will command.
TIE BALTIMORE Gazette Of Monday January %,