Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-03-13
LETTER FROM FAUQUIER.

Correspondence OF the Alexandria GAzETTE.j
PLAINS STATION, March 1.-THE long
and continuous spell of rainy weather has
reduced our county roads TO q state OF
liquidation that makes riding difficult and
driving well nigh impossible. We think
and 50 do the majority Of the intelligent
citizens OF this community that it is hig(!
time The Legislature was reconstructng our
present rotten road system. AS the law
now is oar citizens not only pay high read
tax but arc also required to work two days
or pay Il fine in lieu :hereof. This is not SO
Objectionable TO the sons Of 'Dives" who
travel much and are possessed Of abundant
wealth Nherewith TO pay fines, &c, but to the
poor Ia aborcT, whose travelling is done princi-
palIy on foot, this. law is very unsatisfactory
The roads in this vicinity are let by con-
tract. The contractor summons the hands
allotted TO their respective roads and ii is
poor contractor who can't scratch his sec
ton over in TWO days The roads are then
subiecl 10 the inspection of the commissioner
Of roads who having an astronomical turn
OF mind is said to be more conversant with
the celestial paths, such as the milky way
and other planetary thoroughfares, than
with those terrestrial. Having accomplished
the feat of riding over all the roads without
breaking his neck, they are duly passed or
in other words the contractors are given
certificates by the above named official
wherewitn they obtain their money without
delay. As may be seen by the above this is
simply (by aid ofthe iron hand Of law rob-
bing the poor laborer to enrich a few igno-
rr,, otc -Ip Tnr fba
entirely incompetent, leaving, as they do,
in nine cases out of ten, the ditch III the
middle instead Of on either side. Such an
obnoxious law as the present will not be
tolerated longer, and patience has ceased to
be Z, virtue, and it is to Ee truly hoped that
the present Legislature will before its ad-
tournament consign it to some bottomless
abyss whence it, or rumor thereof, shall
never more reach US, and give us instead
q law that draws no line of difference or
distinction between the capitalist and Ia
borcr.
The agricultural community arc consid-
crabIy interested in the endeavors Of one Of
their leaders who is trying in connection
with the present weather bureau 10 eStab.
ish Il code Of signals throughout the coun.
try for the benefit Of those engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. 4 bill has already been
presented to Congress asking for n sufficient
appropriation to carry out tho ideas Of the
protector, and it is thought there will BIC
little doubt Of Congress acting tavorably
upon it a. the amount necessary will be
small. Considering the number Of citizens
engaged il agriculture il is no more than
fair tiiar their interest should be looked If
ter by our national Congress.
Soda and ginger pop bottled by Summers
:. 4 A las Irt.,
puiar drink OF the temperance lovirg peo-
pie four county. These entarprisiDS gentle
III, have introduced their wares TO the re-
rnotest corner Of our State, AID Alexandria
u,ay wei! be proud of an industry that in-
cfcascs with each additional year and cX
tends It's trade to the inrthest limits Of the
land. 4 few more such gentlemen with the
s.cT!iu" energy OF the above named firm
tand few ike those who are willing to
tear down warehouses, factories, &c, TO gain
Il better view Of the river and few steam
tugs and Alexandria might yet rank as q
manufacturing cty-Queen of the South.
Notwithstanding the severity OF the past winter
the wheat crop is looking well and the farmers
Ichcncvcr the weather permits arc preparing
their land ior cora. Farmers arc complaining
oi their last year. crop being much damaged by
the loug spell Of wet weather. consequently rela-
he seed cora will be hard 10 obtain throughout
this section.
Uopcwcl Il short distance from this place, has
recently bceu muci: stirred up by the mys-
tcrious disappearance Of one OF its citizens
WHO was engaged q short distance from the
above named village cleaning up an old swamp
which is said to contain shrubs ofa sOporifcrous
turc Il is thought that whilst under the balmy
influence OF nature matera medica lie fell asleep
on AN adjacent spur Of the Bull Bun mountains
where he would undoubtedly have beaten tho
record of Rip Van Winklc, if lie had not been
found by the ctizens.wh turned out en-masso.
The Rockhll farm and mill property owned by
Marshall Finch. four miles north Of here was
offered for sale OH yesterday, but was withdrawn,
their being no bidders.
Measles aud scarlet fever arc prevalent in some
parts of our county. BUFFALO BILL.
TIE MOVEMENT SOUTHWARD.-A Potts