Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-05-01
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The LiNDES RoAD.-We take more
than common pleasure in laying before
our readers the following communication
From 1t we learn that unintentionally
Mr. Spensley was not done justice in the
TRIBUNE last week. though not slandered,
as in the Democrat Of the week previous.
Common rumor has said that $500 to
$1,000 Of the peoples money had been
spent on the new road, by Mr. Spensley,
without the least color Of authority, while
in fact. as it appears, only 5000 of the
Peep es money has been expended on
this road, and that on The authority as
Mr.. Spens!ey supposed, land no one will
doubt that he was honest in the SUPPOSE
ton of public meeting In procuring
the vacation Of the old road, Mr.. Spens-
ley acted in good faith on the supposition
that the new road was duly authori:edi
and but one road was needed for public
convenience. We fail to see anything
like disposition to accommodate him
self TO the detrimen. Of hundreds OF
others, but only pardonable misunder-
standing OF an imperfect report. Ger
tainly Mr. 5. tnaniiests commendabIe
disposition to satisfy ali parties, as seen
in his proposition. If the people deem
the old road so much preferable to the
new it is but reasonable that they should
reimburse MIR. Spensley Tor his outlay,
for he asks 10 compensation for the
damage tina, will result to him from the
re-opening oil the old road If however,
$500 will make the new road such as
Mr.. Spensley says, the better policy for
the town wouii be to accept the second
proposition Here is the letter:
Mr.. EDITOR Il have noticed an article in
yourlpaper about the Linden road Now
deem 1t necessary that the people should
be advised Of IA few facts in connection with
this matter: About two years ago, the PEG
pie OF Mineral Point were agitated on the sub
Ject OF roa 5. There were several public meet
ings called TO discuss the matter, and subscrip
uons, amounting to about $1,000, raised for
their Improvement. Among other very bad
roads that came up for consideration was what
Is known as the old Linden road. 1t was
thought there might be a more prac lea bic
route chosen than the one then in use 4; and a
committee was appointed To look the ground
all over, and report AT a subsequent meeting.
Now, rs l understand The matter and as | al
ways have urdetst TODD it that committee report
ed IN favor of the route now in use and said re-
port was adopted and the committee that
was appointed 10 appropriate the money that
l,..l !. a
repair the Miin road 5000 to open up the
new road 300 10 repair the Old road 500
total, 81 900. The amount appropriated to
open up the new road was placed at my dis
posti and | thought it very small sum of
money 10 make three-q quarters of mile of new
road with but | had promised to be liberal
in my subscription as | would be greatly ben
Gifted by the vacation of the old road went
TO work with good will, and in good faith,
To open up the new road. | spent the 500 OF
the peoples money, and 800 of my own.
Thus you see, the Lew road has cost about
5000 IN all. and paid 500 Of that. In addi-
ton to the 800 spent on the ROAD have been
to other Expenses amounting to about 500
making $500 Of my own money that | have
expended. Still | am charged with selfish
motives in fencing up the old road
Last fall petilioned the Board of Super
visors Of the town of Mineral Point to vacate
the old road. They met, think, in Deem
Der 1872, and filed an order of vacation
Now, although l think the old road very
great damage to my farm, | will make two
propositions If tie public, who clam to be
injured, will pay me back the actual cash ex-
pended, namely $500, will remove my fence
and open up the road or, if the public will
raise by subscription otherwise, the sum Of
800, will give Sl00 making 500, to be spent
on the new road. and ] think that amount
spent judiciously will make it one of the best
roads in the county.
JAMES SPFNSTFY