Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1883-12-15
TO THE PEOPLE OF LAFAYETTE
COUNTY.

The subject of roads is one that interests every
one. 1t il one Of the most important questions
the county court lie called upon to consider, and
one Of the most difficult to solve. For genera
tiOns past 1t has been considered and discussed,
and legislative bodies have acted upon it, and
the question (Which Is the best mode Of work
ing roads'' still remains unanswered.
There are many citizens of the county who
advocate the system of working the roads by
contract. believing that better roads would
be the result. In this conclusion we agree. and
have carefully considered the question to deter
mine whether 1t was the interest Of the people to
adopt the contract system, and have arrived at
the conclusion that is impracticable for several
reasons. The amount OF taxes that may be
levied for all county expenses 10 limited by law
to forty cents upon the 800. The taxes arising
from this levy and licenses constitutes the en-
tire revenue of the county. There are certain
necessary current expenses of the county that
every year like an unbidden guest, and
the demand upon the treasury for their payment
is imperative and must be met. 1t requires
about two-thirds of the revenue to meet these
expenses. and the remainder whatever it is, may
be expended Tor bridges and upon roads. We
have. with the best lights before MS. calculated
the probable expense Of the contract system, and
and that 1t will far exceed the amount at the dis
posal of the court without creating additional
indebtedness which we will not for any cause
consent to do. In tact it would require more
than half the revenue, and would not leave an
amount sufficient TO pay the current expenses.
We are, for these reasons forced to the conclu-
sion that this system Is Impracticable, and the
present system must be continued.
We fully appreciate the importance of having
good roads, and anything that can be done by
US within the limits Of the means to accom-
pllsh this desirable result will be done. This
year has bsen q severe one ON rosds and bridges,
aud the expenses incurred have been verylsrge.
1t will doubtless be a Surprise to many to learn
that the amount expended this year will more
than double that OF 1881, and nearly double the
expenses O flss2.
We believe that improvements can be made in
carrying out the present mode that will be beue-
dcIal to the citizens in getting better roads and
expensive to the county. The position of
road overseer for some years. has not been
y desirable one, and it has been difficult
In many districts to get suitable ones to serve.
This ought not to be so. 1t should not be consul
ered that 1t was below the position of any one
TO serve In this important capacity. John Tyler.
after he had held the position OF president, the
highest and most honorable in the gift of the
people. was appointed road overseer, and held
the position two years. HoratIo Seymour, once
governor Of New York, and the democratic can
didate for president in 1868. was afterward over
seer Of his district. and 1t is said made q good
These men accepted the places, not for
profit. but under q sense of duty. And it should
be 30 here.
There are many in every road district that
would be Efficient overseers. who iftendered the
position by the court wouldnot accept 1t, but who
If selected by their neighbors and friends anu
urged to take 1t for one year would agree to do
30. 1t is q sacrifice any one ought to make. The
result would be that there would be better roads:
more satisfaction; loss complaint and reduced
expenses Tor the county.
We therefore ask the people of each district to
select their own Oversecr and recommend him
to The county court at the February term, that |
being the time fixed by law to make the appoint |
ments. The law authorizes them to do 1t, and
We advise 1t believing that 1t Will not only great
" assist US. but rebound to their own interest. |
Desiring that all may see this. We request all
thespspers Of the county to publish it.
ROBT. A. BARNETT,
JAS. W. HARRISON,
ROBERT HALE.