The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-04-17

ueceesaTy expenses.
To the State Of Pa. bill is pending
providing for an appropriation Of
$4,000, 900 by the State for building
and repairing roads, and the election Of
State and County Engineers. Other
States are considering legislation Of a
like character.
At a meeting Of farmers held at
Behir. Nd, on the 9th of Feb. last,
an interesting address was delivered BY
Prof. Lewis NJ. Haupt, Professor OF
Civil Engineering in the University Of
Pennsylvania, upon the subject of the
Highways Of Hartford, and how to
Improve them" He dwelt upon the
necessity of a skilled supervision as the
6rst step towards better roads.
On the conclusion Of the address, the
meeting. after some discussion, adopted
q resolution to appoint COMMITTEES OF
five 10 report at the next meeting bill
to be presented to the Legislature en-
powcriDg the Governor to appoint
thoroughly competent Civil Engineer
for the State, who shall receive rea-
sonable compensation for bis services.
and for the services Of his appointees,
from an appropriation from the State
treasury; the State Civil Engineer to
appoint q staff Of Civil Engineers, con.
sisting Of one from each county, who
shall be stationed in the county towns
and devote their entire time to the
Improvement Of the county highways.
The committee is also to see that the
duties Of the County Commissioners are
amended go as to place the roads, when
petiiiOned for. under the entire control
Of the State Engineer, aud to place at
bis disposal the usual appropriations
for such roads,"
The advantage is apparent OF having
State Civil Engineer who could be
consulted at all times without charge
by he local officials as to the construc.
ton and maintenance Of then roads and
bridges.
But to have an assistant Engineer 10
every county Of the State might be too
much Of a good thing. Then might II
not strain the prObity of the politician
to make these appointments quite as
much as it does to distribute the fourth.
class post Offices?
One Engineer for the State, with
possibly an assistant or two, Wonld be
sufficient, IL men we're appointed be.
cause Of their publications and not on
account Of political influence. We see
that 10 this matter, as everywhere else,
the appointment and retention Of officers
for their approved fitness rather than
as matter Of political favor, stands at
the very threshold Of advance towards
good administration.
1t might be desirable. though the
necessity is not clear to me, to have a
road master in each county who should
be competent Engineer. bus be should
be appointed by the local authorities Of
the county, and be subject to their
control. Or II preferred he might be
elected by the popular vote Of the
county.
1t would seem that a proper set Of
Commissioners, with the advice and
supervision Of State Engineer in cases
Of especia! d'fheuliy ought to be able to
secure good results. In any event such
a State OfissF should not supsrssde or
control absolutely the local authorities
as seems to be contemplated ia the
Resolution Of the Hartford meeting.
The management Of the roads, the
raising Of the necessary revenue Tor the
same must Of necessity be undsr the
control Of the COunty Comm lssioners,
and | believe under their direct soat.Ol,
without the interference OF the State
officers except as provided BY Law. aud
without the Intervention Of q brood of
subordinate officers who inevitably
become great tax.salers.
The proposed amendment 10 See. l
Article J, Of the State COaslitslioa, 10
be submitted to the popular vote al the
next election. makes it possible 10
pass a general Law, regulating the
election Of Commissioners for terms nOs
exceeding six years asd 10 such man-
ner that there would always be sxper-
fenced men 10 the Board.
After the adoption Of the amendment
We might, for sxaPmle, ia this eouaty
elect three Commissioners. oss foe two
years, one for four years. aad oss for
six years, aud every sscOad year there.
after elect one Commissioner for a tam
af aiw vaara