Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-08-18
Country TOAD ImproYcment.

Soiuo OF our readers may be getting e let
tie tired OF this btect; but it is one which
interests directly every man who rides,
drives, does business or pays taxes. The sub
iect is kept before us by the condition OF the
roads in this quarter of Vermont. They
probably have not been in worse condition,
at this time of year, for a quarter of n
century, if ever.
But there is no need OF having roads
which are washed aud quilted and made
we'll nigh impossible by every heavy rain.
There are counties in the United States
which have permanent good country roads.
In Union county, New Jersey, system of
improved roads has just been completed,
opening up the entire county. They are
first rate Telford roads, extending from tho
city Of Elizabeth west to the city of Plain
field; from the city of Railway north to
Springfield and summit; making contact
with all the other townships and ntersect-
ing at Westfield, the centre of Union coun-
ty. One who knows oil about them says
lone can drive q carriage, ride bicycle,
or 20 on foot from the county seat to any
other city or township of the county on
these Telford roads without soiling the tire
of a wheel or the sole of his shoe. Burdens
three times as heavy as heretofore can be
hauled upon them with the same horse
power, with far less wear and tear to
vehicles. and with much greater and
comfort to draught animals and drivers. -
Since the construction of these improved
roads, the country through which they pass
has changed as if by magic, and central
New Jersey is developing by reason of them
at IA rate before unknown for half century.
New impetus is given to every enterprise
and industry along their lines. Agricul-
tural lands have advanced in value twice
the cost of the roads already; while lands
suitable for villas and other building pur-
poses have increased more largely in proper
ton. In some localities the advance has
been a. great as fifty per cent on former
values, and in others it has been even a
hundred per cent These excellent i'm
proved county roads are the pride of New
Jersey and the admiration Of all who travel
them, They richly repay the cost Of con
structing them.
Why cannot Chittenden county, Yer
mont have as good roads as Union county,
New Jersey? Why does not Vermont do
something worthwhile to better our country
roads 1t is time that \ermonters woke
up to this subject Elsewhere the people
are coming to understand the Importance to
| State aud national life and prosperity OF
good country roads. 1t has been suggested
, that if the money and time which the ma
ton now expends in ''river and harboi
bills" could be put into the scientific i'm
provement and development of country
roads, we should all-urbans, suburbans
and rustcs--be the gamers. That is, OF
| course 50, but we cannot wait till Con
gress naugurates the reform OF TIE roads.
The States. or the counties, must do the
work
viii Vermont follow New Jerseys ex.
ample VIII not Chittenden county do, al
least for some OF its main thorougtares
what Union county, New Jersey, is doing
for all its roads 1t is a matter OF very
great Importance to all the property owners
of this county. Why will they not consul
their own interest? Let us 'mend oul
ways''-and mend them with some new
/ good, Telford ways.