The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-03-19
From the Baltimore Enterprisel
Suggestions Upon the Subject of Country
Reads in Maryland.

The peculiar location of Maryland rem
ders our State very desirable fer almost
every description Of agricultural and man
ufacturing industry, and there is class Of
desirable farmers in Pennsylvania. New
Jersey, New erk, and further east, to set
tie among Us, particularly for Truching,
Fruit R"ising, Dairyi0g, sc.
There is also a growing desire upon the
part of large number of persons in the
cities of Baltimore and Washington to seek
localities convenient to the railroads, and
who do not care about a distance of several
miles to drive, when good road ways are
attainable; sbut the almost universally bad
condition Of our country roads, and in
many localities INSTRUCTED by gates, place $
us in the position of almost insulation.
The suggestions and projects for improv-
ing our country roads are very numerous,
and yet nothing practical appears to result.
We are left in the mud |" while the subject
appears to be "the business of everybody
consequently nothing is done.
In this dilemma it would seem fitting for
the State to move forward and contribute
her credit and aid to Il thorough censtruc
ton Of all interesting and Lateral roads
connecting with the highways, rail or turn
pike, or navigable waters.
To do this effectually, the State, having
contributed to railroads, and canals, there
should be no objection to issuing bonds to
be applied to this specific purpose, matur-
ing at such 4 period 4 would not only allow
time for the work to be completed, but Il
reasonable period for the lands to enhance
in value. AS there can be no doubt, COM
paratively few years would add largely to
our population and capital, and the basis
of taxation increased as to pay the en-
tire debt.
4 small toll might be collected from per-
sons using the road, sufficient to pay the
interest Oh the construction bonds and to
keep the reads in order.
4 Department doubtless should be Organ-
lied at Annapolis or Baltimore. with an
Engineer and Surveyor Of known ability at
the head, with power to select his assistants
in the several counties, all of whom should
thoroughly locate at proper distances for
general utility, 4 system Of roads and high
ways, establishing their width and mode
of construction, governed by the character
of material through which they may pass.
The contracts, the whole or in parts, to
be given to men of responsibility and skill,
with the understanding that no compensa-
ton is to be advanced or given until the
| Chief or Supervisory Board shall en-
anime and report the work properly and
faithfully done. After which the Treasure,
| of the State shall issue to such contractors
''the Road Script Bonds of the State Of
Maryland which will pass as current as
grecnbacks.
These suggestions. hastily thrown to-
gether, will Of course require proper and
careful consideration-but there can he nc
doubt such a lar once upon our Statute
Books would be made known by enterpris.
ing Land Agents Throughout the Eastern
States, when an active demand would spring
up for our surplus acres; and by the time
the work is completed the glorious Old
State would become a vast community
teeming with high civilization and every
interest prospecting. ID. NJ. r.