Daily Republican., 1880-02-13
Turppihe. and Cheap Tells.

For the Republican. ....
In your paper Of the 10th inst, some
remarks were made in relation to high
tolls, that the toll paid by one Of the
manufacturers on the Brandywine, was
very large, aud that the Wilmington
and Great Valley Turnpike was real
"Bonanza," all Of which declarations
arise from erroneous impressions. !
would not undertake to rectify these er-
rors, were it not my desire to do simple
justice to the turnpikes entering Will
mington, which have been OF great val
ue to the people Of this city and the
farmers, furnishing the former with
abundance OF provisions Of all kinds at
moderate prices, and the farmers
roads at all times, especially In the
winter and rainy seasons, giving easy
access to our markets with their poul-
try, butter, eggs, fruits, milk, vegeta-
bles, etc. These turnpikes have great
ly added to the prosperity OF Whining
ton and enhanced the value of farms
contiguous or near them. They have In
a great measure been the cause Of the
fame our city has obtained OF being one
of the best markets in the United
States. Since your statement of the
10th inst, inquiry has been made and
/ find that the manufacturers pay
scarcely half the sum stated, the next
highest toll is not twenty-seven dollars
per appum, and the general toll Is from
six to eight dollars per year.
As to high tolls, the company only
pay an average dividend of fraction
over three per cent. per aunum, while
their charter allows them to charge six
per cent. Is this high? and if you
think it a "bonanza," the stock can be
bought at one third its cost. l remem-
Der thirty years ago of hearing many
of our old citizsns speak of the old
roads, and what blessing the turn
pixies we're. But the present genera
tion know nothing Of the troubles Of the
past, or they would show their graft
tude to the turnpikes instead Of com
planning of them. The turnpikes are
short; the Great Valley but six miles
long, nearly all the tolls received from
the hundreds through which they pass,
are returned to the residents for stone
and material for repairs and for labor.
Twill close with an extract from the
application for charter made to
the legislature in the year ISL
Whereas, it appears that some OF the
public roads in New Castle county have
become almost impossible in rainy sea,
sons by which the number OF beasts OF
burden have been greatly increased to
carry a scanty supply of such articles
as the farmer must sell and which are
indispensably necessary unto mechah-
les and others; whereby the expenses
of every citizen are much enlarged
and the spirit Of improvement
which ia so much wanted to put the
farm in a proper state Of cultivation
and to promote the extension Of manu-
factures is daily depressed, that the
intercourse between Wilmington and
the Great Valley has suffered for many
years, and at present languishes SO
much as to become deeply injurious and
ssnsibly felt by the public"
The above extract describes the con-
dition Of our roads and wishes Of the
people before turnpikes were made.
Let the curious examine their origin,
and they will find them to be mutual
beneficial associations of great value to
town and country. PUBLIC GOOD.
Feb. l3, 1880.