The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-11-25
FOR BETTER ROADS.
The MapletOn Convention FavOrs q
Radical Change in the Pre-
sent Laws

| The convention called to meet at
| MapletOn Tuesday to, consider the
road making laws and to determine
upon any desirable changes was an in
teresting one. 1t was held at the
opera hall and was attended by forty
or fifty representative men of the
county. The towns of Mapleton,
Sterling, Danville, Medic, Beaufort
and Lyra were represented. Senator
Geo. T. Barr and Representatives,
Gilbert Gutterson responded to the
Invitation to be present, but the two
Democratic representatives-elect did
not see fit to honor the occasion with
their presence, for some reason.
j. E. Brown presided over the meet
ing, and u. G. Hotaling acted as sec
rotary. The convention was in ses-
sion from two until five o'clock, dur
ing which time an active discussion of
the subject in hand took place, par
ticipated in by many of those present.
Not only the law but practical road
building was included in the discus
sion.
In order to get the subject started,
j. e. Brown offered resolution de-
claring that no change over the pre-
sent system is desirable, though he
opposed the resolution.
A spirited defense of the resolution
was made, led by r. B. Hannay.
Guy Spaulding favored the present
system, but thought that more care
should be taken in selecting pathmas-
tiers. During the past thirty years
splendid work has been done, and
great improvements will result during
| the next thirty years. If change
should be made great caution should
| be used.
| Joseph w. Sprague, of Mapleton, OPP
posed the present system. He thought
that pathmasters are changed too
often, and that the benefit of their
experience is thus lost. He would
have permanent officers.
Martin Pratt, of Sterling, opposed
the present system. He knew that
people who work out their tax do not
do as good work as they do on their
own farms. He favored tax of two
and half mills.
Joseph Dobie thought that the
farmers do their road work faithful
ly, but favored the contract system,
believing that more and better work
could be done for the same money.
Alfred Davis, of Medo. favored the
new system.
r. B. Hannay favored the present
system. He thought that with a good
overseer the present system is all
right.
T. Hannay favored cash tax, to be
expended by each district as at pre-
sent.
Mr.. Mitchell thought that the path
masters should be chosen with more
care, and he would have the tax pay
ers at the town meetings instruct
them as to the plan of improvements
wanted.
Mr.. Chandler opposed the present
system and favored the cash system
and the retaining of a good superin-
tendent
Mr.. Gregg thought that the law
must be changed, as it does not give
satisfaction.
Mr.. Howley favored the present law.
j. E. Brown and VIM. Webb favored
change.
Mr.. Barr was asked to express his
opinion, and stated that he would as
sist to secure any legislation which
would afford good practical results.
He was present to learn the mind of
the convention and it would be i'm
proper for him to say much on the
subject.
| Mr.. GutterSOn responded to re-
quest for his views and expressed him
self as favorable to a change in the
system.
| 10y UulS UllIC Ouly dDOuU UWCuUy I've
delegates were present. Mr.. Browns
resolution was defeated, only three or
four fayorlng it,
VIM. Webb, of Sterling, introduced
a set of resolutions favoring a change
in the system of road improvement,
by which tax should be levied and
money raised instead of work DONE
! This money should be expended under
the direction of the county surveyor,
whose duty it should be to survey
county roads and prepare plans and
specifications for their improvement.
The work should be done by contract.
An advisory board consisting of one
from each township should gather
data on road making. The law shall
not take effect in any township until
| it shall be approved by the voters of
the town.
| These resolutions were adopted by
the same vote that the other was de-
I feated.
4 OF those at first present only seven
or eight approved of the present sys-