New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-09-14
SCHOOLS AND ROADS.
New-York, s

TWO SUBJECTS WHICH OUGHT TO RECEIVE At
TENTIoN ARTHE WORLDS FAIR IN CHICAGO.
To the Editor Of The Tribu ne.
sir: Since in all past international exhibitions the
extension Of the field Of knowledge in important
directions resulted, there is every reason why we as
people should make the forthcoming exposition at
Chicago as profitable TO us as possible.
submit for consideration two subjects. First, our
school system which needs Averaging up; for the
difference between the ambitious institution Of learn
ing representing public school system in the larger
cities and towns and the structure modelled after a
sOap-box Pigcon-coop in the truly rural districts is
too great the contrast invites unpleasant reflections
In the cities are needed more buildings less preten
tous on the outside but with better facilities for small
children, in the way of comfortably adapted seats
properly arranged light, heat and ventilation. In the
country comfort commodlousness and convenience
usually sacrificed to cheapness, and building which
should DO tasefully constructed, and made cheerful
and inviting by the art OF the architect is usually
most TepulSive and commonplace. And II is this
matter of exterior design fitting for the purposes with
out lnordnate display expense that may be made to
serve most valuable purpose every man, woman and
| child being interested.
| 1t is important TINT information should be furnished
by the object in the design and interior arrangement
of classroom, entrance and exits, seatng heat light
| ventilation, and tfat other important sanitary
cessory which, in most instances, even in cities
Another subject is that of roads, rOadmaking and
maintenance. If could make the roads of country
good lawmakng would be TO follow. This free
paraphrase is intended TO be impersOnal There will
no deubt, be provided exhibition of machinery and
appliances Of all sorts for in constructing
roadways, and for their repair and maintenance
chinery for breaking stone and otherwise preparing
material required for road making; steam-rolles exca
vator scrspers and apparati and tools aplenty,
venient and practical exploiting Of which will be
greatly to the advantage both of the exhibitor and of
those who seek information.
Contiguous TO such exhibition there could be pro-
vided an open area, where, within the compass of
couple Of acres, there could be ranged many
pies of road construction, varied in detail and
material to afford, in the most simple aud compre
hensble way, information to thousands seeking know
edge the subject everywhere throughout the country
We would admit If you please, street payements in
in cities, ihapplcabe for the purpose discussed
but in all else short stretches Of roadway showing
Openend section which would disclose all details and
including In one form Of construction another all
classes Of matenal-earth, gravel broken stone and
combinations Of these, and of widths and depths in
tended 70 meet local requirements and exigenciss.
Drainage and the of water should be illustrated
Countless machines and apparatus could be practically
exhibited, and here the visitor from Vermont from
Kansas and from Texas could in day get ideas
on this most valuable feature Of the public economy
than town committees and supervisors absorb during
term Of Office.
As a people we are only awakening 10 an appreca-
ton of the Importance of substantial and Intelligent
system Of road service, and Of the business end affect
ing the interests of ALL of proper system of repair
and maintenance. More money is yearly wasted by
ignorant and dishonest in this branch OF the public
expenditure than would, under intelligent and honest
management. with moderate accession Of funds per
haps, make and maintain fair roads.
The value of continuous and intelligent maintenance.
the keeping of the surface In order and the proper
disposition Of water, which Is the greatest enemy of
roads, hardly understood let alone practised in
any OF our rural districts
1t is the experience Of many engineers it GER
tany my own that II rarely happens but that fairly
good roads may be constructed out of material readily
available at very small part Of the cost usually sup
posed 10 be necessary. To make every dollar tell In
construction and proper attention thereafter, Is the
simple secret in more than enough instances to justify
1t o. a rule.
It may be that the project may be deemed to be
impractcable. think not. Possibly some such plan
has already been born in the brains of the Commits
sioners of the Fair but harm be done In sub
uniting through your columns the suggestions herein
contained. JOHN Y. CULVER,
New-York, Sept. 3, 1891.