The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-13

mine how we may proceed at once to
MAKE these improvements, and how
this matter can be forcibly and effcc-
lively brought to the immediate atten-
ton OF our city fathers, who may be
constrained to act without further tenn
porlzlng. energetically to their own
honor and to our city's most substantial
and immediate benefit.
Mr. Skinker stated that few months
ago, in conversation with some gentle
men, MIR. Rawn among the number,
they discussed the matter Of macadam-
izing and while he had been in favor OF
the appropriation which had been voted
being spent for permanent,improv
since he founc out from the city solic-
itor that 1T was questionable whether
the city could colleot assessments for
any pavement which might be put
down, and to prevent a recurrence of
last winters bad streets, he determined
TO yield and consequently made
motion In Council that they dispense
with the idea of making any permanent
pavements this fall and proceed at once
10 macadamize some of the main thor
oughfares, as outlined in Mr.. Rawn's
papers.
The street committee had discussed
the matter very thoroughly and while
the chairman of the committee was, at
hrst opposed to the idea, he had since
been won over and tho committee made
unanimous report in favor Of maca-
dam. Bids will DO advertised for i'm.
mediately, and tho work pushed for.
ward as rapidly as possible
Mr.. Herman Crcuger was opposed to
the present method of taxing property
holders. He was in favor of public im-
proponents, but thought all property
holders should DO taxed alike. He was
answered by MIR. Skinker, who said that
the committee had written to about
fifteen of tho leading cities of the
county, and this was the universal plan.
MIR. Oscar Saabyc favored macadamiz-
ing the streets, but he thought the
macadam Should DO moro than six
inch deep in some places. In his
opinion Councils had been too hasty in
this respect. He thought the city engi-
neer should be the proper person TO
determine tho thickness of the mac.
adam.
MIR. Skinkcr said that this thickness
had been adopted for two reasons. One
WAS on account of it's cheapness and the
other vas owing to tn fact that it was
intended as u foundation for future
pavements. Mr. Rawn stated that since
tn, heavy steam rollers had come into
use 1t was unnecessary to lay the mac
adam 20 thick.
j. L. Engleby stated that Colonel
Lewis and himself were in Hartford in
January and that the people there were
very much pleased with the macadam-
led st! GETS and wanted no other.
Mr. j. Allen Watts thought that the
county roads leading into Roanoke
should be improved. He was satisfied
that If these roads were put in good
condition great many moro farmers
would come to Roanoke. 1t is impos-
sible to get the counties to put in the
money necessary to macadamizo these
loads and properly grade them, and it is
also impossible to get the city to do so.
City Engineer Dunlap thought that
six inches deep would bo deep enough
for tho macadam if it was properly
70 led. lie knew OF cases where six
inch macadam had lasted for wears ard
made good streets.
lie said If the proper steps were take II
there is no reason why an act should
not be passed by tho legislature this
winter, by which macadam roads c,uld
&c built with toll gates. He had no
doubt but what companies could be
organized to build these roads. The
toll charged each person would amount
to very little, and the farmers would
not object to paying it for tho sake OF
having good roads
~ resolution was adopted requesting
Councils to hold meeting at the
earliest opportunity and order one mile
of macadam TO be laid by force account
as rapidly as practicable, and that
councils be asked to lay macadam on
such streets as already provided for 1T
tho earliest moment
BASEBALL YESTERDAY.