The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-03-30
Pixies.

Less than one year ago, under an
act previously pssse by our Legisla-
rure, the vote of Findlay township. by
large majority, authorized its Board
of Trustees to levy a tax for macada-
Inizing and improving the roads in said
township. The tax was levied and
the funds are now in the hands Of that
Board, to be, by it, expended in
macadamizing our roads. How to be
macadamized, is the Important ques-
ton. There are two theories One is
that the macadamized track should be
at the side of the road. and about
eight feet in width. with a dirt or Sum
mer road, along the side of it. Such
a road would be very Objectionable in
the business part of our town; and in
the near approach to it, where many
roads are uniting in one, and the trav
ell is considerable, the Same objection
in modified form would exist. Apoth-
er objection to such a road is the un-
just discrimination among those who
travel it. When teams meet upon the
road, the law requires each to turn to
the right. All going in one direction,
no matter how heavily laden, would be
required to take the dirt or mud road.
whilst those travelling in the opposite
direction, though carrying nc load at
all, would be entitled to the macada-
mized track. The other theory is,
that, where the gound and other cir
cumstances are favorable there should
be side track, but that the macada-
mized road should no where be less
than fourteen feet in width. That in
some places, a side track would be
impracticable, and there it should be
dispense with. This latter, we un-
deIstand to be the theory of the pres
ent Board. We think our experience
shows that a Inacadamized track of
eight or ten feet in width is a failure.
We have had such IN the vicinity of the
old and the new fair grounds, and afro
on West Sandusky street. In every
case We think public expectation has
not been realized. Let US try some
thing be ter. Let us build a macada
mized road, not less than fourteen feet
in width. on which all teams and load
ed vehicles IN pass each other with
out hindrance or Inconvenience. A
macadamized road is intended for the
equal benefit of all, at all seasons of
the year. A side track Qor summer
use mainly is a matter more to be
desired outside than Within, our cor
porate Limits. Business and utility
should be our motto. Our roads
should be like our gold and silver, pos
sessed of real intrinsic value. They
shoCld be thoroughfares for the far
mers and the business men of our coun
ty. In making these improvements
common sense says 'Get your road
bed out of the water by thorough
drainage" Have it thrown up SO
high that the water will not effect it.
Have the macadamized road so wide.
that wagons. no matter how loaded,
may pass each other on it. Give us
what we are taxed to pay for; good
substantial roads for business, not
roads for pleasure only. We can af-
ford to be taxed for that which bene
fits us all, but not for that which is of
doubtful utility. If the views of the
present Board are satisfactory, let
them be sustained at the approaching
election. Let no partizan or political
feeling interfere with the true interest
of our township. What interests all
alike, should receive the support and
appreciation of all. CITIZEN.