The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-11-01
PROFIT OF GOOD COUNTRY ROADS.

One of the most important features Of the
present day is the general agitation in favor
of good roads. the need of which seems to be
co~-extensive with the republic.
The demand for this form Of public i'm
%provement is as urgent in the North rs it is
in tho South. and there is equally just cause
in both sections for the complaint which has
been raised on account OK the delay in carry
ing out the different plans which have been
suggested for putting the public highways in
good order.
There is only one general locality in the
United States where r systematic effort has
been made to initiate the energetic and intel
ligent course which has been followed in this
matter n all OF the more advanced countries
Of Europe.
In England and Wales about go. 900. 900 are
annually expended on the public. highways. in
France about SIS 900, 900. while in Belgium.
Baden. Italy and other European States the
principal roads are kept up at the expense Of
tie general government.
The people Of Union and Essex counties in
New jersey recognizing the great benefits
which have attended the magnificent system
Of public highways abroad. have adopted a
similar system. which is uuequaledin America
and unsurpassed in tho world.
The pecuniary advantages which have
flowed from the adoption Of the European
system in New Jersey are summed up in a re-
cent report on its working in Union county,
which should receive tho careful considera-
ton Of the authorities OF every county in
the States. The total outlay Of the board Of
freeholders Of Union county. " sa,s tho re-
port, has been nearly 1850. 600. and there
are now nearly forty miles Of telford and
macadam road in tie county. The figures
are not in excess of what WAS expected by
those who had given the matter careful study.
thus showing that the management of the
financial part had been as discreet us the pre-
paratory work.
But the question will arise at once. has this
expense OF nearly ten thousand dollars a mile
proved wise. as well as beneficial, Good
roads are. of course. good things. but do they
payY The answer may in part be found in
the fact that the property in Union county
has actually appreciated in value far more
than the cost Of the roAds: and this not only
in cases Of sale or exchange. but upon the tax
levy.
Notwithstanding the fact that three hum
bred thousand dollars worth Of county bonds
have been issued to build these roads. and
the interest must be met annually the tax
rate has not been increased 4 in the county, or
in any city in the county, in consequence Of
the extra interest expense. and it is but fair
to say that the actual appreciation of prop
erty due to the increased values Of lands
benefited by the improved roads meets the
taxes already. And none of our
roads mas been completed for more
than a year. while some parts of
them only within the present month.
AS an advertising medium alone. they
have been worth what they cost, Tor they
have brought county property into enyiable
prominence. have already caused the sale Of
many residential sites. have brought new
wealth and new enterprise in the midst Of us,
have given direct impetus to building and i'm
provements in every city aud town touched by
them, and as yetthe benefits are only beginning
10 be realized. 1t is sale TO say that tho citi-
and taxpayers Of Union county would
60 permanently back TO the old system
it's old roads If they were paid many
the cost Of the Few roads"