Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-05-12

of highways ceases to be a virtue.
We now approach the second division OF
the subject, viz: some solution to the
problem. OF course many schemes have
been promulgated by different men to
remedy the present wretched condition of
the avenues of communication. One sug-
gested that the roads be placed under the
| government as is the present system of
roads in France. This method would in
yolve three departments: First, Roads to
be located in respect to military and pos
tai demands; Second, In respect to State;
Third, In respect to country and town.
Col. A. A. Pope, by whose kindness so
many are contending for the bicycle prize,
in the March number of the Forum, made
three suggestions in somewhat modified
form from those just previously mention
ed.
First. That the State legislature should
establish bureau of dissemination of in
formation relative to the expense, me-
chanical instruction, care, durability, use
and extent of the different kinds OF roads.
Second. He would have State super
vision and advisory assistance by a corps
of engineers thoroughly cognizant with
roads, appointed by the State to have
charge of building and maintaining all
the roads in the state on scientific prin-
eiples.
Third. He would have the state own or
control and maintain some Of the chief
avenues and make connections with roads
in other states.
Either. of the two systems would neces-
sarily mean a tremendous expenditure at
the beginning but that is OF little account
when all the results are summed up and
weighed in the balance.
Which ever way OF management would
be deemed most serviceable to the great
est number the farmers would cheerfully
lend their aid to its accomplishment.
Some have stated that the above named
class would highly object to granting the
State or National government control as
the present practice OF "working out
their taxi would be abolished. This does |
not necessarily follow. Why can't the
taxes be paid in part or in full under |
either of the new systems, previously |
spoken OF as under that which is now in
vogue.
In France the system of government
control is highly successful and perfectly |
to her people. The yearly
outlay both in building and repairing the
roads is considerably less than it would
be under the old mode. Doubtless one OF
the two systems, already dwelt upon,
with few changes, will come into exist
ence before many years have passed a
way. Already that tremendous and pow
erful ruler "Public Opinion has sounded
its trumpet and the call for better roads
is reverberating throughout the land. 1t
is only a matter of years when a nearer
approach to an ideal condition OF roads
will be attained.
The third and last point of considera
tion is the roads utility and great service
to all classes We naturally turn toward
the farmers as the people who are most
directly affected. When a man of this
sets out to rent or purchase a
farm he considers principally four things,
First. The value of the land in respect to
its producing qualities. Second. Condi-
tion of the buildings, water privileges
and their situation as regards convenience
etc. Third. The distance from town,
market, church, school and postotfice.
Fourth. The state OF the roads leading
out from his home to all points necessary
to go to.
M conree oil these cannot he ohtained
but he endeavors to get the best things
possible under the circumstances in which
he finds himself. The last element of de-
cision does not, however, play as impor-
tant part as it should. Let us note in
brief the numerous benefits for the farm
srs which would arise from better high
ways. Larger loads could be carried and
those much swifter, produce could be
to market when the demand
Is greatest without being subject to the
weather, and from the latter we deduct
this fact, that the market value OF farm
ying adjacent to good communicating
lines would be largely increased, and even
hose at distance would feel the infiu-
snce. The agricultural class are now de-
Drived, more than we imagine, of the pleas
lres of social life, the acquaintance with
men OF learning and refinement, the touch
With public feeling on questions of the
lay, the facilities Tor giving their children
/ training beyond the district school, the
privilege Of attending church and of all
lectures and musical entertainments, the
sasy communication with the market and
.he postoffice, and the advantage of always
asserting the rights of citizenship by vot-
ng at town, state or national elections.
OF recent years our city cousins come
% the country for rest and the delights of
country life. Here again good roads" are
factors, for where they are best
md most comfortable there you viii find |
he most people from town. Public pride
should also assert its authority in push
ng on the good cause. The Worlds Fair
will soon be upon US and surely il we can
not show foreign nations an advanced