The Newtown bee., 1893-04-21
Editorial Ink Drops.
PERTINENT POINTS.

Now that spring has opened, the selectmen of the towns in this state will proceed to expend thousands of dollars in repairing our so-callcd roads. This waste of money has gone on for generations and has been heavy burden for the tax payers. We need more road-building and less repairing.
 What farmer would be content with build ings. fences or implements that needed to be constantly repaired? Most of our sO'called roads are but little better than trails and when they have been "repaired" with the same old gutter. wash that has been used for the purpose tor years, they are objects of dread to every one who Is obliged to use them,
 There would be but few abandoned farms if good roads prevailed. Many farms are aban- doned because it Is hard to get to them, hard CT to get away, and because there is no avail able market. No greater stimulus could be devised for the farming industry of this state than to establish q system of good hard roads The farmers expenses in the way of market ing his produce and hauling his supplies would be reduced to minimum. And not only the farmers, but all classes would be benefited. We should have better acquain- tance with our neighbors; an evenings drive after the days labor, would be pleasure, and we should not be detcrred, as now we oft en are from attending an entertainment or social gathering, account of the bad con dition of the roads.
 The labors ot the countSV GssteT would be less ardaous; he could visit q ls@W~~ number ofpatients and accomplish n s>eater amount Of good; and in eases 10 emergency where de lay is dangerous his service could be secur- ed with the least possible waste ot time. Vil- lage improv, ment, which also includes bet ter roads fosters social refinement, and tends to more thorough civilization. We should have better schools and more regular atten- dance. The country clergyman could more readily visit the homes Of his people, gain their confidence, learn their needs, join in their pleasures, console them in trouble, and be of more real help through such friendly and social intercourse than all the 1nespun btIilOus tilhl COulh Dt "llNlcu III II lilCtlulCs
 To the demand for better roads, the matter of costs should not be opposed. If we are to be taxed for Improvements, let 1t be tor per manent ones, and not for repairs that need to be renewed every few months The old wooden bridges are being replaced with dur able and handsome iron ones. These bridges greet the eye of the traveller at frequent in tervals, and are a standing rebulIe to the con dltion of the roads leading to them. The con- trast should be removed. If public taxes were increased, private expenses would be lessened There would be much less wear and tear on vehicles of all kinds; fewer hor ses would be required to do the work heav. fer loads could be carried and much valuable time saved, and produce could be marketed without having the cost Of transportation con sume good share of the proceeds, as now often happens.
 The people begin to ask for the extension of tree delivery; it they really want it they will first prepare the way by building good roads. Then in the morning we may wei cofhe the carrier as his gig rattles up to the door, bringing us letters from friends, busi- ness communications and the news of the day. Then we shall be in touch with the city life and the suburbs of every large city will extend until they meet those of a neighbor- ing city. There will be c tendency to weak. en monoply which Is the enemy of the poor. With good roads and cheap transportation, the people may bring, sell and do business where they please. It is time that the honest industrious dwellers Of the rural districts en joy ed some of the benefits and pleasures SC long monopolized Dy their city cousins. Let the people demand, secure and maintain their rights.