Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-12-17

The people Of this State are now looking
out for the speediest manner OF building up
the interests of each particular section and all
have as with one accord, come to the con-
clusion that the solution Of the problem lies
in the opening up of lines of communication.
Especially do VIC in this section look forward
to great good from the completion Of the
great line from Norfolk or Newport News to
the Ohio, which runs through this county. and
the consequent construction Of two other
railway lines up and down the Valley, to
cross the Chesapeake and Ohio in this coun-
ty. and connect with the combined roads
from Norfork to Memphis at or near Salem.
That the result of the completion of these
roads must be most advantageous to the peo-
pie Of this county and the Valley will not be
gainsaid. But the question suggests itself
how can we derive the greatest benefit from
it. These roads can not run by every mans
door, ard, while they give ready access. in
all directions, to markets, unless all can
readily and easily reach the various dcpots
with heavy loads, it were almost as we'll that
Che roads were never constructed. 30 be
ever near to market and yet not be able to
reach it with produce, would make our peo-
ole another Tantalus chained to rock, with
water surrounding HAM to his lips and yet
diving with thirst The remedy in our case,
however, is easy, if the proper steps be ia
ken, and consists in the construction CT good
county roads-not dirt roads, bat good
McAdamized roads. Such roads can be
made in every section of the county if we
only make the effort. Stanton must take
the initiative and McAdann;zc her un-McAda-
snized roads to the corporation iilnif There
the county court should take the matter in
hand and McAdamize, say two, three, five
or seven miles, as it may deem best, on
each Of the main roads each year until they
reach the county limit. Then the cross
roads should come in for their portion Of
Improvement This would cause an addi-
tional tax Of small amount each year, but
we know of Nc object for which our people
would more cheefuily bear tax. The in
creased amounts they would be able to
transport, in all seasons, and at times when
obey could no nothing on their farms and can
cot use the present roads Oh account of thelf
muddy condition, and the saving in wear
and tear Of teams. wagons Nc, would more
than four-fold compensate them for the
yearly cost of making good roads and keep |
ing them in repair. |
The New Constitution, on the subject Of
roads. has the following:
"ART 7.--Sec. 4.-Each Township shall |
be divided into one or more road districts
In each road district there shall annually be |
elected one overseer of roads, under whose
direction the roads shall be kept in repair ut
public expense, in mode prescribed by law.
Sec. 5.-Thc General Assembly, at its
first session after the adoption Of this consti-
Zion shall pass such laws as may be necessa-
ry to give effect to the provisions of this
article"
1.-THE Legislature is to pass law for
keeping in repair county roads. at public ex-
pensc, it must do it by taxing. That it will !
make such law there is scarcely doubt. |
Our object then is simply to encourage
the idea of first class county roads, to be
built froRa central point, on the score of
economy. If all the oTerseers provided for
in the constitution were to commence simply |
putting in repair our dirt roads, it would |
cost large amount yearly to keep them
in repair. Whereas if we commence from !
central point 10 McAdamize and extend it
yearly as far as can be done, in few years
we have good roads over the county, with |
necessity for only a nominal tax &c keep
shem in order Is it not well for all of our |
people to consider this subject, and especial
iy our Legislators, who AUST in all proba-
bility, in very short time, frame law to
oarry into effect the new road system
The bill for the removal Of disabilities,