New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-16
THE GOSPEL or GOOD ROIDS.

A. "A recent gathering Of Pennsylvania road
reformcrs Mr. \. ]. MbcrIson. Il wellknown
civil engineer who has done effective work IN
the reconstruction II roads in Ncw-Jersey, gave
some Interesting facts bearing on the prog
ross OF road reform in recent years. 1t
has been proved. he says that on sandy roads
20 bushels Of grain are load for two horses;
ON so.called pike roads 30 bushels are the maxi
mum load: on macadam roads 100 bushels; and
ON the best grades Of tclford roads 300 bushels
can hr carried II these figures are correct, and
there is no reason to question them, they furnish
an impressive argument for the Improvement
Of roads-an argument. moreover, which ought
TO appeal most powerfully 10 farmers, whose in
terrst in the question has thus far been rather
sluggish. The agitation for good roads accom-
pshcd little so long rs 1t was discussed from
the speculative point OF view. People who read
appcals on III, subject agreed with them in the
ory perhaps but they saw no reason why they
should personally do anything in the matter.
But the growth Of bicycling at once changed
MI that Every wheclman became an advocate
of good roads for the concrete and personal rca-
son that without good roads bicycling would be
practically of the question. 1t is this in
telgcnt self-intercst Of the wheelmen that has
dom. ullcu 10 Stllulllllc Ilt popular INTEREST
in the question of improving roads-an interest
which has already been effective in results in
many States. But. as Il class, the farmers, upon
whom the cost Of improving the roads must
largely fall. have been thus far apathetic in re-
gard TO the matter. II not actually hostile. They
have too generally looked upon the agitation as
4 foolish fad OF city folks and wheelmcn, which
would result in no material benefit to farmers.
But the farmer Is practical man; and If it can
be shown that on good roads he would be able
to haul a load five or six times heavier than he
can on bad road it will not be long before he
will take his place in the front rank OF road re-
formers.
But there are other practical arguments In
favor OF good roads that also appeal strongly
70 the farmer. 1t Is said that certain New
Jersey cannerlcs pay cents less n basket for
tomatoes that have been hauled over rubble
roads, because they are injured by the joting
they receive In Holland dogs which are large
" used in place Of horses, can draw over the
fine stone roads Of the country as heavy n load
as horses can draw on many highways In the
United States. There are few farmers who do not
now keep one or more dogs, which are generally
Of no practical value whatever. On the con-
trary they have made 1t impossible to raise sheep
in many parts Of the country, and have thus
proved to be a costly luxury. Now, the argument
Is made that If by the building Of good roads
these dogs could be utilized for hauling loads.
as they are in Holland, the vexatious dog ques-
ton would be settled In such way as to add
largely to the wealth Of the country. and per-
haps ultimately to pay back all that would be
expended on road Improvement
The dog, however, is only side issue In the
case. and remote one Mt that Moreover, many
persons might be indignant at his subsection to
such servitude. What Is certain Is that the in
terest In good roads Is rapidly growing among