The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-08-08
COOP ROADS CHEAPEST.
some sensible Observations Made By .
Missouri Farmer.


Missouri Farmer.
During the last winter the roads were
never In worse condition. Their bad
effects were seriously felt in all the
marts OF trade. A quarantine would not
have closed the avenues of trade and
communication more perfectly. And II
holding board meetings, writing ana
talking would have built them, the time
would have been prohtably spent But
while agitation may be necessary, 10
certain extent, IL requires something
more substantial 10 build them. And
whenever a community manifests an
earnest desire TO have good roads, there
Is always a way TO have them. In early
days when the population was sparse
and there was but little travel. "A mere
trail through the woods was considered
sufficient; and roads could oe changed
as often as necessary. But times hare
changed. All the land that could be
used for agricultural purposes is i'm
closed, and. sink or swim, or stick in the
mud, we aie compelled 10 confine our
selves 20 the established highway.
Moreover, where there was one load OF
produce marketed so years ago there is
100 mai keted to-day, and all the various
kinds OF trace, traffic and travel have IN
creased proportionately
But good roads cannot be made with
out labor; and labor means money! aud
here lies the great obstacle 10 be over
come i'm building good roads. A large
majority OF taxpayers are unalterably
opposed 10 the expense of buitiine them,
overlooking the great fact that good
roads cost less than bad ones. II is
well established fact that all our civil
lied comforts are expensive. But are we
going to recede from the refined infu-
ences OF civilization because they cost
something? Nay, verify. Good roads,
like churches and all charitable institu-
tions, exert civilizing influence wher'
ever they are located, and IN
more ways than one the money spent ia
building them finds its way back into
the pockets OF those who build them
They draw immigration and enhance
the value of every acre of land with
in n reasonable distance. They save The
wear and tear OF harness and vehicles
The merchant. the farmer, the mechan'
ic and the day laborer all get their por'
ton, and the whole community is bene'
flied thereby.
/ don't believe there would be any
great hardship IL there were law com
polling every owner of land on the pub
Tic highway 10 make n good road, anc
keep il in good condition as far as his
land extends. The owner would simply
be advancing the value of his owl
property, and il would go far in solving
the problem of good roads But roac
building is trade, just the same al
blacksmithing or any other trade, anc
the old custom of electing or appoint
ing inexperienced men as road over
seers has worked out its legitimate re
suits in making bad roads. So far al
the condition of the roads in my owl
county is concerned, the thousands o
! dollars spent in the last 20 years nigh
! Just as well have been dumped in th
river. Road overseers and engineer
! should be men OF Judgment in thei
!. calling and build with an eye TO perma
, nency by using indestructible material
: Many states that cannot boast of tn
|, wealth and population thatwe have ar
! moving right along in building GOO
: rock roads. What is the matter wit
! poor old Missouri &C. Glover, in jour
! nal of Agriculture.