Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-18
County ROads-COncluded.
For the Spectator

MEssRs. EDIToRs.-Is it necessary to
present to people fully awake to their
material interests, enjoyments and comfort,
arguments to impress the necessity of bet
ter roads under some other system of work
ing than the present mode? There are
yet, probably, some of those good old peo-
ple,-patriotic, prompt and faithful in the
discharge of every public duty, for whose
many virtues, all entertain the highest es-
TEEN and respect-who still cling to the old
modes, conscious of their readiness to do
their duty, which, if seconded by all, would
produce the desired result, who forget the
tremendous change in the labor and politi-
cal systems Of the country, and fail to see
and heed the fact that events were about
to result in the settling the whole burden
Of improving and keeping the roads on
property, by heavy taxation, voted by
thousands who would not feel the burden.
True philosophy suggests that we deal
prudently With the facts as we have them,
and by timely direction avert an irremedi-
able injustice. This of itself ought to per-
suade men of forecast and business, that
it is not safe to try longer to enforce the
old system, which is growing worse yearly,
while tie rapid progress, without, is leav-
ing US in the rear. But, the changed con-
dition of the business of the country and
times presents stronger reasons than those
already alluded to, which should impel to
unanimous aD6 nror,p ootioo
or transporting by private effort constitutes
one Of the largest and most expensive de-
partments of business. Look at i'll think
closely and carefully all over the walks of
of life and observe how largely everything
is primarily moved in this individual and
private mode. In every department of
business, public, private, domestic, and
what not, the inventive genius of man has
given new shape and development. How
rapidly these are seized on and utilized to
the amazement and delight of this progrea-
sive age.
The tenant OF the soil has been astonish-
ed at the wonderful helps which have been
brought by the artizan to Tighten his bur-
dens and assist in rapidly developing his
resources. The aooumulations of produc-
ton are simply immense. Then and now:
mark the contrast The old reaphook, the
grain-cradle, the reaperand- -dropper, the
''Self-binder': Then, the treading-f floor,
the horse power machine; now, the steam
thrasher and cleaner; then, tie haul By
| .aI>
quantities; now it is often sold by the car
load, delivered in day or two, at the near
est depot, for the cash in hand. Haying:
then, the cold Dutch scythe," the Yankee
Sow cvne am, n s,I,athe; now, the mowing-ma-
chine which walks tre rro4..-a1 =, thlng Oh
life and bids the toiler, STOPPING beneath a
| scorching sun, to stand erect and behold
the genius of the immortal mind, which
the creator has givon to relieve the druid
gerry OF life; then, the mandrake, the fork;
now, the horse-rake, the hay-sweep, the
hay press by steam; then, an occasional
load sold to neighboring town; now,
thousands of loads enter the = markets
abroad, constituting one of the greatest
staples of our soil.
| Time and space forbid an enume ration of
all the splendid array of labor-saving
helps which greet the age, turn which way
you will, except when you view the Public
Roads! zsWhy is it that the plastic hand of
genius and energy has moulded all else in
to convenient shape and the roads remain
untouched? Brother farmer, what re-
sponse shall we make? The roads have
been chiefly under our care. They have
been our lifelong and chiefest servants.
They are just as they were transmitted to
us by our fathers, without improvement.
| Every branch of business has taken up the
march of progress and is keeping abreast of
the advancing age. But here we stand,
stock-still, swamped in our muddy county
roads, with our produce on our hands,
waiting for the change of season to dry tie
mud, no matter what spring there may be
in the market; all of which was most sadly
experienced year ago. In excuse, it
would not do to tell our Fathers, that
''they got along with such roads and haul
ed to Richmond and Scottsville," for they
would at once reply, that they felled the
forests, built our houses and made our
farms for us and that we have relatively
little to do. Besides, the necessity has in
creased since the immense production of
the staples by the West. We cannot urge
posterity to build on our work, for they will
reproach us with having done nothing.
Look abroad through some of our more
progressive States and counties and see with
what dispatch at all seasons they transact
their business. Their speed almost makes
or heads swim and startles with fear when
riding with them.
Business must be transacted quickly and
cheaply. The staples must be handled in
large quantities, at little cost and rapidity,
to make profit. For which there must be
better roads provided. Good roads will
lead to many new avenues OF trade and
profitable employments; which, at present,
cannot be pushed with progress and celeri-
ty over our mountain roads. The smaller
local advantages must be developed, or our
business will continue to languish, while
more united and provident communities 90
flourishing. The county of Loudoun,
which is our greatest sister, by her good
roads is largely excelling Augusta, which
once was her rival. The people of that
county had many conflicts of opinion, at
first, but by frequent changes, they have
perfected system of roads which is pro-
ducing splendid results in developing the
small products of the locality, enriching
her energetic population. What we lack is
harmony and concert of action. The in
dividual preferences of all, cannot be met.
Necessity is upon us. Let us be up and at
work.
FARMER.
DELINQU SUBsCRIBERs.-The
Charleston CIV. Va.) Times says