Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-05-12

To the Commissioners Of Jefferson County,
W. Va.-I herewith forward for your pc
rusal and inspection full and complete
transcript Of the books, which show the
entire work and constitute the usual an
Eual report of the Shepherdstown and
Halltown turnpike, for the year ending
April 80, 1888.
In this report it will be seen that the
aggregate receipts from all sources for the
year ending April 80, 1888, is little less
than that for the year ending April 80,
1882, the difference, however, being only
sl4.73. This difference is entirely In the
item of annual toll, or toll taken by the
wear for the accommodation of those who
find it inconvenient TO pay every time
they pass the gates. This indulgence in
some instances has not been rewarded by
those who have been so accommodated by
a prompt response when the annual period
rolled around. In justice to the farming
community, must say the great majority
of them have generally been prompt in
paving their toll either in cash or the de-
livery of stone on the road, and by the
means thus acquired, with the monthly
toll, principally collected from persons
living outside the county, the repairs Of
the road have been made; while some
others resort to every device in order to
avoid paying toll, and are generally heed
less to any demand of the gate-keepers
when called upon to pay the dues for the
time they have obtained n credit. For
this class Of individuals know of no
other means of keeping up the road for
their accommodation than to demand pay
ment Tor the past, and in case OF their
further neglect or refusal to pay, to close
their accounts at the gates and demand
payment as they pass or prepayment semi
annually. Some persons have obtained
credit so long by repeated promises to pay
that their accounts would be barred by
the statute if they were DESTROYS Of ac-
curing the character that attaches to the
privilege of settling claims in that way. l
am glad, however, TO state to the commits
sioners that the number of this class OF
persons is very small at either gate; yet
if their dues were paid it would be quite
sufficient to complete the repairs on the
road already begun (but not included in
this report), which are actually necessary
and in all probability will exceed the re-
cepts for the year ending April 80, 1884,
from $50 to sl76.
One considerable expense to the county
is in keeping up that part of the road ly-
ing between Unionville and Decks Shop,
constantly being used by persons in that
section who very rarely pass either gate;
! this part of it is used in bad weather by
all who can avail themselves Of the use OF
lit without any source of revenue what
ever, and it has thus far been kept up for
their convenience by those who live near
the gates at either extremity of the road
whose business compels them to pass the
gates while using it. This fact has given
lust cause for complaint, and have here
tOt0rC Clllcu Tue dllenllOu VI IHC Soui W
it. How this injustice TO those who pay
their toll and keep up the road is to be
remedied | shall leave to the wisdom of
the commissioners.
have now paid all tho individual stock
holders except that held by myself in the
road, and | would now demand its pay
ment if it did not take too much from the
receipts now needed to keep it in the order
! it should be. The work remaining unfin-
ished upon the road aid not included in
this report, will amount to perhaps $50.
For the year ending April 30, 1883, the
entire receipts from all sources were
s473.59; the total expenditures, $474.99,
as the vouchers accompanying this report
will attest. After deducting the neces-
sary incidental expenses, salaries to gate
keepers, &C., and the amount remaining
unpaid at last return, there remained
s24S.60. With this sum, and the 81 40 re-
naming unpaid at this return, you have
put upon the road for the year ending
April 80, 1883, $50 perches Of stone, finely
broken and spread.
Is. TANNER.
April 80, 1888.