The Dawson journal. (Dawson, Ga.) 1878-18??, 1883-02-01
Defects IN our Road Laws.

Defects Ia Quar- Road Laws.
| Numerous and reasonable coui-
plants are constantly being made
concerning the defects and serious
enbarrassments consequent upon the
workings of our road laws: The
law in force in Thomas and adjoin.
ing counties is the general road law
of the State, anil it requires tint all
citizens shall, when called upon, do
road duty, and the penalty for failure
I'd G0mply with the demand for such
duty is a very heavy fine. 1t conse-
quence, case has recently been
called to our attention in which the
injurious workings OF this law were
most fagrantly demonstrated A
farmer in this vicinity, being unable
~ secure colored labor, had empluy-
Ell five white hands, who were busily
engaged on his place. The roads
needed working and all FIVE of these
white hands were called upon, at the
same time, to assist in the work; and
they not being able to pay the fine,
aud their employer being unable to
pay it for them, were forced to leave
him III body. He thus found him.
self high and dry without a hand on
his farm, and with important work
demanding immediate attention:
This is only 6ne instance in which
such fragrant injury was done, it is
true, but it shows what damage may,
Mt any time, be inflicted upon that
most useful class of all our citizens
the farmers. Surely something can
and should be done for their protec-
ton in this matter.
This protection can be guaranteed
in various ways In the first place
it can be secured if the present law
was so changed that in lieu of re-
curing citizens to perform manual
labor upon the roads. p regular road
tax, say 81 per year, Twas imposed:
This would prove doubly beneficial.
II would not only provide fund
which would enable our County Com.
missioners to let the working of our
roads out DO regular contractors
and doubtless there are many persons
who would be willing to take such
cOntracts-but il would make oil
citizens contribute their mite to the
general welfare, At present there
are hundreds of citizens of Tie coun
ty who by hook or crook, avoid road
road duty, and leave that work to
be performed by the more useful and
industrious classes. This tax would;
at leas', make all such give some:
thing in return for their privileges al
| citizens.
Again, If a direct general road tax
is objected to, the law might be 10
amended as to provide for O COM
mutation tax in lieu of persoEAl scr,
vice. This plan is already in forCS
in OR cities. There all citizens are
liable TO street duty, but are relievetk
theretrom upon payment of sms1f
sum OF money. which goes to make
up fund to defray the expenses of
the work required. IL such a system
we're adopted ON our roads then il
would he left optional with any OF
ali our 81 liens whether they give
manual abor or money TO KEGS our
highways in order, ard at the SAME
time a contract fund, such rs is
above mentioned, would be accumu-
lated.
A third plan which might be adopt.
ed in case neither of the above meet
with favor is that only fixed prc.
POI On oflabOrers from any one farm
should De liable to be called on a.
any one time to work Che road.
Fhis, while not SO good system, in
our Judgement, as either OF those
alluded to would at least guard our
farmers against the apprehension of
ever being absolutely stripped of all
dependence for the cultivation Of
their lands at critical periods.
| This is subject well worth the
attention of our farmers and the
Legislature. True instances where
our present laws are abussd are rare.
and it is conceded that mo- where Ia
the country are people more. blessed
with fine roads than in this. f i
not whether the law is abused,, How.
ever,' as whether or not it il liable ia
abuse, which should, be considsfed.
1t, would be wellfof the farmers and
citizens gehefaily to consult together
on this matter, and'fsaine sibh d Law
for the consideration Of the Be.,isla,
tnre as will be most advantageou.
! to the interest Of all dohOernAA.