The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1891-10-22
THE NORTH CAROLINA ROADS
The Subject Discussed and Timely Sus-
geStionS Offered.
The CONDITION OF OUR PUBLIC ROADS
A Better System of Constructing and
Repairing Our Highways Should
be Secured, Etc, Etc.

Os~A
be Secured, Etc, Etc.
Mr.. EDIToR:-In view of an edi-
torial in your issue of 18th inst. in
reference to the public roads I take
the liberty of giving some sugges-
tions which are not altogether my
own, but taken from a recent publ
cation upon this subject. The plan
suggested would of course require
some modification, but there are
some excellent ideas which might be
built upon. One of the points at
which this country shows most
striking disadvantage in comparison
with Europe is it's roads. The travel
ler is said to be struck with surprise
and admiration in observing the So
lidity, smoothness and convenient
grades of the common roads in En-
gland, France and Germany, and is
forced to admit the shameful inferi-
ority of those in this county. We
have often wondered why convict
labor could not usefully be employed
in the improvement of the public
should not be idle, and it is equally
certain there is a popular outcry
against their employment in any
industry which may compete with
the same industry practiced by the
reputable members of the comn.u-
nifty. Highway labor would seem
to be the occupation in which the
greatest benefit would ensue with
the least offence. At a recent as
sembly held in Southern State a
committee made a report upon this
subject in which they say that this
subject is one of paramount impor-
tance, and for want of proper atten-
ton, to which strangers from other
States and countries coming into
our borders, are struck amazement
at the bad condition of our public
roads-the very best index OF the
want of thrift and enterprise of a
people. Our public roads, says the
report, are burning reproach to
our civilization, and will continue to
be so unless the Importance Of the
Subject is vigorously agitated by
every legitimate means, until those
who make our laws are impressed
with the sense of the solemn duty of
turning their attention from the tri-
fling local matters which consume so
much time of the General Assem-
bly,, and taking in hand the higher
and mightier matters, among which
is providing for the building up of
our waste places and enhancing the
value of our country inviting to
strangers, and attractive and pleas
ant to our own people, by giving
them facilities for travel and trans
portation. 1t is pleasing to all who
have a spark of State pride to see
the interest which the press is now
beginning to take in this important
subject.
The interest ought not to be per-
mitted to subside till better system
of constructing and repairing our
highways is secured. 1t is obvious to
any ordinary observer that to ac-
complish this greatly desired end,
there must be radical change of our
present road system. 1t must be
done in the main by taxation. This
tax ought to be imposed both upon
persons and property. Establish a
civil engineer for each cOunty-1st.
To survey roads from one Court
House to another, meeting at the
county line, make the engineer
the overseer or boss of roads.
Make all work a certain num-
ber of days in each year or pay $5. 90
q year in tax in lieu of working.
Send all persons convicted of misde-
meanors, who do not pay the fines,
to the overseer. Let all fines go to
keeping up the roads. Have tents
and rations, but no chaines or strip
ed clothes.
If a convict runs away let that of
fense be punished severelyif he is ever
caught, and let them understand
this. Give them leave to visit theil
homes when convenient; let it be un
derstood, and be so felt by the pris
oner that he is not degraded by thif
work, but is merely paying a debt
Work them with other citizens ol
hands hired by the tax collected
The counties should buy proper tools
| to work with and teams when neces
sary. When main roads to Cour'
Houses are completed, then let tn,
engineer and forces survey and built
all other important roads necessary
and also build bridges. By divid
ing the laborers into small squad.
under charge of guards, and thu
dispensing with ball and chain, tn,
labor viii cease to be serioutly object
ionable, either intrincially or senti
mentally. He who plants a tree, i
is said, deserves well of posterity
much more he who builds q mile o
good road. GOOD ROADS.