The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1893-09-26

| closed many industrial establishments,
has caused hundreds to be run on re-
du ed time, while others are being
! operated without profit in order that
employees may be given work. AS a
consequence a large number of men,
many of whom have families dependent
upon them, have been thrown out Of
employment. This is a subject of grave
concern to all the people of this coun
try.
TO alleviate the present distress and
to provide against worthy woTkmen
and their families becoming objects OF
charity, I suggest that the Itate Legis
latures and city and town authorities
take immediate steps to furnish en-
| ployment in the construction OF public
works, and in no way can this laoor
be more wisely employed than in the
betterment of the highways.
To illustrate the value of the work
that might be done, it is stated in the
report Of the Massachusetts Highway
Commission that the loss from bad
roads in the State amounts to between
five and ten million dollars per annum,
probably a larger sum than would be
needed to put the roads in good condi
ton. It has been estimated that Iii
nois loses 800, 900, 900 per year from
bad roads.
States, cities and towns can borrow
the money needed, and the labor and
materials can be obtained cheaper at
present than in times of prosperity.
Philanthropy, economy and wise states
maUship dictate that the idle should be
given employment, as that employ
| ment means a direct gain to the entire
community, and VIII promote health,
happiness and prosperity and prevent
poverty, degradation and crime.
During the present session of Con
grees, as soon as the silver question Is
| settled, why should no5 a bill be passed
! making liberal appropriation SStor the
! irrigation of arid lands, thus giving
| employ ment to the miners of Colorado,
| Montana and other Western States,
and opening up vast tracts for agricuI-
| tural purposes. This would add great
" to the value of public lands, and
would ultimately prove to be a profit
| able investment to the government.
The amount Of gold might be largely
| increased if Congress were to pass a
bill making appropriation for the con
structiOn Of suitable barriers IN the dis
tricts where by draulic mining is pro
hibited 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 harboTs and rivers are improved
l. is estimated that there Is sufficient
gold in districts in California, tha5
might b. obtained by by draulic mining
process es, to pay off the sum Ot-thG ma
tional debt several times ever.
Congress should feel the solemn re
spOnsibiEitY that now rests upon 1t, ana
should bear in mind that its present
duty lies in atleviating the evils of the
! business depression and promoting the
| welfare of the laborlng classes. A
! great industrial and 50 ;Ial emergency
! has arisen within the paSC few months,
| and the peace and prosperity of the
! country is treateued. Wise legislation
can avert the pending disasters. Pub
lie works might now be undertaken
| would be Of i~ncalculable advantage as
q means of providing immediate relief
| and securing gre 1t future benefit.
Very truly yours,
ALBERT A Pope