The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1884-07-04

There is no demand for public improve
ment in Dallas county, greater than that |
of roads. In wet weather there is scarcely |
a road in the county reasonably passible;
large proportion of them are next to
impassible-at least death and destruc-
ton to teams and wagons and intolera-
BILE worry to teamsters, is the fate OF
those who travel. In adjusting farm
fences il has been the interest and prac-
tice of those improving, to push the roads
off out of their way until they scarcely
have whereon TO lay their beds. They
are made to occupy ruts, ravines, rocks
and all the rough and ragged places, or
the mud, mire and mushy earth OF the
rich, black, waXy lands thatrender them
are uncomfortable nuisances.
II was not so a few years ago
when the country was broad, open and
travel not narrowed down To roads;
when the population was so sparcc that
each individual could select his own
way; no two vehicles compelled TO run
i'm The same track, no two horses in the
same path; when riding and driving was
mainly for pleasure, business scarcely
being known. But now, when the c0un-
try is densely populated, the lands all
incloscd and large commercial mart IN
the center, whore all is push, drive and
pressure of trade; the powerful tramp
and tread of horses, wagons and cattle i
such that no road could stand II
Int the straightest and most sub
stantially built. But few person,
understand what the wear and
tear of roads is under heavily
loaded wagons, or the cOnstan
tread and tramp of horses and cattle; o
the difference between straight, lCVc
roads and winding, sideling roads as I,
their wear; nor do they think of the i'm
mense travel that is concentrated on tn
roads as they near the city. But, thes
things exist in high degree now, an,
while IL is not the peoples business,
is time they are awake TO a sense q
whose business and duty IL Is, and Sc
that those who have charge are sensibl
of the progress and Improvement tina
has been and is being made I'm the coun
tv and are competent to meet the dc
mands of the present interests and pos
sess the capability To forecast and pre-
vide for future developments. The pee
ple have from time TO time chosen an
nut men into office under the spocil
charge of providing roads and keopin
them I'm order. Tho county has II,
stood still but roads have. The con
plant of the people went up to the Lei
islaturc, and at the last session the coul
ty Commissioners were informed OF the
duties and commanded to perform then
All the provisions necessary To enab
them to prosecute the work were mac
and they were required TO perform ccrta
Important parts of It within ninety ia!
from the passage of the acts; hut the tin
has passed and nothing done, and tin
and a"timo's time may still pass and !
roads be laid out, opened or built II u
present Indifference shall he observe
Tho laws are ample and clear cnoug
It's true they are little ragged and
little deficient. hut from the multiplied
of acts we may infer the great carnes
ness of the legislators on the subie'
The deficiencies are mere lapscs, fro
oversight, and u brave body of m
intent upon discharging great aud we
defined duties should not hesiti
to supply the want amt. Il
ossary TO the effective execution of {
purpose intended. Tho regular mo
ings of the Commissioners court {
fixed and are several months apart. i
Commissioners are required To lay q
and open pads by q jury of review
survey, n. Are they bound TO W
from term % term for reports, etc.Y
Is n duty devolving upon themselves n
there IL no reason for thoir Waiting. 7
time allowed persons to adjust tn
fences TO the survey Of road Is SIM
ridiculous aud next TO ncgation of
law.
This much Is said In behalf of
necessity of our road improveme
keeping pace with the progress of
county, and intend no oilenso or unkil
ness TO the good mon who compose
Commissioners court.
o. 49,
baptist state sunday school Convent I
This body, consisting Of about 400
the best Sunday-school officers /,
= teachers In the State, will meet in
\, Baptist church in this city to-day we
-, the 18th instant. A great many OF Oh
" people will visit Dallas for the first iii
20, and II Is desirable that the impress
y we make upon them should be please
dallas Is to be specially favored "
,epublic conventions, reunions etc,
- year, and she must put her best
, 81 howard In each case. Mr.. Hanks
s~Qrms MS that owing TO 40 many of
% ~ Nle going away for the summer, 4
o s. CV 'arcity OF servants at this seas