The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-11-17
wOaK FOR THE IDLE
Why Not utiiizo Unemployed Labor In tho
Construction OF Roads:

Why Not uti,izo unemployed Labor In tho
Construction of Roads:
The present business depression has
closed many industrial establishments.
has caused hundreds to be run on re-
duced time, while others are being op-
Grated without profit in order that cm-
ploycs may be given work; us n conse-
quencc :. large number of men, many
of whom have families dependent upon
them, have been thrown out of employ
2ncnt. This is subject OF grave con
germ to all the people of this country.
10 alleviate the present distress and
to provide against worthy worlliueu
and their families becoming objects of
charity, suggest that the state lcgis-
lntures and city and town authorities
take immediate steps to furnish en-
ploymcnt in the construction of public
works, and in no way can this labor be
more wisely employed than in the bet
termcnt of the highways.
To illustrate the value of the work
that might be done:
1t is stated in the report of the Mas
sachusetts highway commission that
the loss from bad roads in the state
amounts to between five and ten mil
lion dollars per annum, probably q
larger sum than would be needed to
put the roads in good condition. 1t has
been estimated that Illinois loses $780,
O00,0 per year from bad roads.
States. cities and towns can borrow
the money needed, and labor and ma
terials can be obtained cheaper at pres
ent than in times of prosperity Phil
anthropy, economy and wise statesman
ship dictate that the idle should be
given employment, as that employment
means direct gain to the entire COM
munity, and will promote health, hap
pincss and prosperity, and prevent pow
erty. degradation and crime.
During the present session of con-
gross. rs soon as the silver question is
settled, why should not n bill be passed
making liberal appropriation for the
irrigation OF arid lands, thus giving
employment to the miners OF Colorado,
Montana and other western states, and
opening up vast tracks for agricultural
purposes This would add greatly to
the value of public lands, and would
ultimately prove to be profitable in
vcstmcnt to the government
The amount of gold might be largely
Increased if congress were to pass Il bill
making appropriation for the construc-
ton of suitable barriers in the districts
where hydraulic mining is prohibited
by law because of the damage done to
rivers and farm lands by the debris.
These internal improvements could be
made on the same principle that har-
bors and rivers are improved 1t is cs-
timated that there is sufficient gold in
districts in California. that might be
obtained by hydraulic mining processes,
to pay off the sum of the national debt
several times over
Congress should feel the solemn re-
sponsibility that now rests upon it and
should bear in mind that it's present
duty lies in alleviating the evils of the
business depression and promoting the
welfare of the laboring classes A great
industrial and social emergency has
arisen within the past few months, and
the peace and prosperity of the country
are threatened. Wise legislation can
avert the pending disasters Public
works might now be undertaken which
would be of incalculab BILE advantage as
a means of providing immediate relief
and securing great future benefit. Al
bert A. Pope.