The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-01-27
The Road Commission.
he Kalamazoo Telegraph.

ton.
1.-THE success of the present movement
for good roads In Michigan" said Mr. Kin
name In reply to the question by THE TELE-
GRAPH representative depends upon two
characterization and legislation. The
question itself Is OF more Importance and
involves The interests OF the general public,
more especially the farmer, to greater ex-
tent than anyone can realize. who has only
given the matter casual consideration. /
earnestly believe that upon the outcome of
this movement, which is now general
throughout the country, depends to a large
extent the question whether the decline of
farm values, and the decadence of country
life among the American people and the
resulting influx of the young people Of both
sexes into the cities shall continue, or
whether farm values will appreciate and
farm social life be, as 1t ought to be, the
pleasantest and most healthful. This may
seem at first thought an extravagant state
ment. yet no intelligent person will question
the fact that for years past the decline in
farm values has been gradual and steady,
and that there is marked and general
tendency on the part of the young genera
tion, as they grow up, to leave the farm and
seek employment or business in the towns
and cities.
'And 1t Is certainly true that while Mich
igan has advanced and developed rapidly
In many directions within the last fifty
years, she has made absolutely no progress
either In manner or methods in road max
ing. The reason of this Is not far to seek,
1t lies In the vicious system, under which
the highways of the state are managed and
maintained.
at is essentially township system. The
township commissioner and 'pathmaster'
are hedged In by constitutional provisions
In such way that they have almost arbi-
trary powers; their authority can not be
curtailed or abrogated by the legislature,
and 1t is therefore impossible, withou:
amending the constitution, to enter upon
any plan of legislation to apply to any high
way greater in extent than the limits of a
single township. In other words there is no
way to get away from the present old sys-
tenn or to enter upon any scheme to improve
the main highways of the county, for ex-
ample. those leading to and from the county
seat, (Which should certainly be within the
county cOntrOD without amending the con-
stitution so as to give the state legislature
power.
"First-TO provide for the laying out,
construction and maintenance of county and
township roads.
'SecOnd-TO provide for the making and
maintaining of county roads at the expense
OF the county and TO place these roads under
the control OF a board of county commits
siOners.
"Third-TO provide for the nee ssary
taxation for the above purposes and to repeal
or modify the powers and duties of town
ship commissioners of highways and wipe
out the present path-master system.
Our commission after canvassng the
matter as fully as we were able to do, sub
United TO the legislature draft of con-
stitutional amendment embodying the above
and some other provisions and which will
probably be submitted to the people for
their approval at the next spring election;
and If carried, the needed legislation may
be had at this session, provided the iegisla-
ture shall not adjourn before April.
''Our idea had been a radical change from
the old township and district system to
what would essentially by county system
with the exception of short, lateral or
neighborhoOd roads; the main thorough
fares OF the county to be improved and de-
velopcd upon some plan devised by COM
petent civil engineer, plan which might
be developed through series of years, and
while resulting in permanent improvement
would not, it is believed, exceed the cost
annually expended under the present sys-
tenn. For example: Kalamazoo county ex-
pended last year $l4, 1858 in labor and money
upon the county highways, much of it worse
than wasted, the veriest patchwork without
continuity OF plan or method. i feel sure
that If the facts can be fairly and persist
emily placed before the people that the
amendment will be carried beyond doubt.
If understood 1t will fully justify itself, but
herein lies the Importance of the sO-called
educational feature of the movement. I'm
less it is fully understood and appreciated it
Is reasonably sure to be voted down by the
conservative elements of our small pOpula-
ton, the very class who, in case of its sue
cess, would be the chief beneficiaries."
What of the convict labor phase of the
question ?" was asked,
THAT" said Mr.. Kinnane, lean, think,
best be stated in the language Of our report,
which is as fJllows:"
1.-The other matter referred to the COM
mission relates to the employment of con-
victs for the the improvement of the high
ways. Assuming the term 'convicts' to
refer to such as have been convicted of
felony, and sentenced to our state prison,
we are of opinion that it would not be wise
to employ such work upon our public high
ways. The following considerations have
influenced the commission in reaching this
conclusions:
First-Convict labor has been employed
upon the highways In monarchal countries,
and perhaps when thus employed has been
productive Of good results. The principal
employment has been in the breaking of
stone, but with the improved machinery
now i'm use for that purpose there would be
no economy. In Michigan convicts SEN
fenced for life wonld have their OppOrtuni-
ties for escape greatly increased, and know
ing that no additional punishment could be
inflicted upon them, would not hesitate to
avail themselves of the opportunities how
ever closely guarded. If worked with a
ball and chain the demoralizing spectacle
would be abhorrent to every citizen. Neces-
sarily others must labor with them and
direct their labOrs, and the effect upon the
common minds would be to make labor ap-
pear to be degrading. Labor thus employ
ed would be associated with crime and
criminals. We think, in this country
under our institutions, all labor Is honora-
bic, and there should be nothing done,
under the sanction of the law, which might
have tendency to make 1t appear other
wise. If the ball and chain were not ADOPT
ed, the rifle would be In constant use to pre-
vent escape, and the lives of the guards
would be In constant danger unless the
guards were I'm such force as to prevent be-
ing overpowered. Then these conyicts