Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-09-05

the County. Said Commission shall have
power to appoint competent engineer to
assist them in their work.
Copy Teste:
WILLIAM A. BURNETT,
Clerk.
Three years ago, when the public mind
was awakening to the practicability of
commencing system of Improvements,
embracing the bailding Of bridges at neces
sary points and lettering the condition of
the roads of the county, Judge Stout and
the Board of Supervisors had carefully sur
veyed the entire field. They were prepared
by investigation to meet the public senti-
ment with the details of plans well matured
by which first.class gradual system of i'm
provement could be commenced without in
creasing taxation or disturbing in the least
the usual appropriations for other public
interests. Such was really the case, for
every requirement in that respect, of which
there were several, has been promptly at
tended to, and as far as we are informed
there is no demand upon the treasury or
the guardianship of the County Government
not provided for. This order of the Court
has received the hearty concurrence of the
Commonwealth Attorney as an eminently
proper one. In more limited extent the
bridges, and, not in an inferior sense, the
public roads, have received full attention
also from the several district boards and
their officers and in every feature, to the
extent of authority, the management of
them generally kept pace with the spirit of
the progress which had been so thoroughly
discussed and agreed upon as wise and pru-
dent in giving direction to these measures
of public utility.
The improvement of the County roads is
a subject which has received much con-
sideration by the Hon. Alex. II. Fl. Stuart,
who has repeatedly written his views which
were published. From what he has said,
we are inclined to think the proposition
now made will receive his concurrence. AT
all times, and especially when it concerns
any leading question affecting the interests
OF the people, his countymen will gladly
welcome the enunciation of his views and
profit Ky their consideration.
The people Of Augusta have observed the
quiet workings of their County Govern
ment as firstclass bridges were reared by
its authority, and after two or three more
are provided for the necessity for such will
be thing of the past and not to be known
again perhaps in several generations, for
they are Of stone base and iron superstruct.
ure. Whilst these bridges have been going
up more than ordinary attention has been
bestowed upon some of tho leading roads,
especially those connected with the bridges,
and exercising wise discretion in meeting
the public sentiment, the Board of Super
visors and the Court propose an advance
movement on exactly the same basis and
guided By the same prudence in expendi-
ture Of the public funds that governs in
the erection of the bridges, for the perma-
uent improvement of the roads Of the
county.
TIE people of Augusta will hail this
movement with the highest degree of
pleasure. 1t is wise. timely and judicious
preparations for the action which is called
for by conservative, but nevertheless a
true progress. It is happy reflection for
the people to know that without increasing
one iota the rate of taxation, they are now
prepared through the judicious manage
ment of the County Government to gradn-
ally secure to all parts of the county within
few years roads of easy grades and firm
beds. The order covers n wide ground,
but that is judicious, for discretion is
assured both in its terms and the ability,
we'll known prudence, and character of the
Commissioners. There will doubtless be
some crossing or interesting roads with
the main lines which the public necessity
may require to be placed on the same foot
ing and to be taken up tor appropriation in
an earlier Classification for carrying on the
general design than such roads would re-
ceive if entirely excluded till the time for
investigating all the roads of less impor-
lance shall arrive, for the understanding
is that all will be ultimately included.
We have the guaranty in advance that
when this progress is commenced every
foot of the work will be made good as it
goes on, and free from any just ground of
objection 10 its essentials. Considering the
advantages, it would be difficult TO specify
any interest, public or private, not promo
ted thereby. The facility and safety Sc
cured in travel and transportation cannot
be estimated as to superiority over ordinary
roads. The enhancement of the value OF
real estate is the other prominent benefit.
10 wagon-transportation, the question will
DOT be, as now, how much can the team
dr0w, but the quantity the wagon can bear.
Many valuable considerations in sssocia-
zion with the improvement of the roads OF
the county U! on the scale proposed could
be adverted to. Such improvement will
promote, indeed secure, the unity of the
people in the general progress Of develop
-ment which will be greater than ever
before, and Augusta is recognized all over
tho State as possessing a homogeneous
population, Illustrating that the highest
inns Of States and communities is best at
tanned ip tie unity of effort and concen-
ration of purposes upon those things
which promote the happiness and prosperi-
y of all. With Fl s'-class reads penetrating
every neighborhood Of the county conyerg-
NJ to tie coun'y seat aud leading hither
aaf t''iiher as public utility requires, will
produce social condition, 10 speak of moth
ing elsa. Of The highest order. If lands are
for sale, The highest ra'ne will be readily
obtained, Openings will be made 10 every
producing iutsiest in the course of time
WITCH will, of ite'9 compensate fer all
tho outlay Which has been made 10 project