The record-union., 1896-07-19
A SERIOUS LOCAL MATTER.

1t is no longer a matter of mere COM
plant and annoyance, but one of serious
import, as to what shall be done with
our graveled streets. It is now a ques-
tion that must be seriously considered,
since it is conceded that the present
condition of these streets reaches the
unendurable stage. The earth or dirt
streets are to-day a hundred per cent
better nine months in the year than the
so-called graveled streets.
The facts are simply these, that
whereas the people paid the highest
price for graveled streets some years
ago, now that the surface gravel has
worn off and been carted away, it has
developed that they were eggregiously
swindled, for beneath a very thin coat
ing Of gravel there is found to be moth
ing but beds of cobbles. The disclosure
is now patent to every eye that the
taxpayers have been swindled, and that
the greater mileage of graveled streets
of Sacramento is simply a mileage of
cobbles This renders many Of the
streets well nigh impossible. The
stones and rocks are daily working
loose, and not only impede travel but
are dangerous to animals and destruc-
tive ITO vehicles.
But these streets have been accepted
by the city, and no new assessment can
be laid upon property for their repair or
reconstruction, except by consent Of ad-
jacent property owners. This consent,
it is conceded, will not be given, since
the majority Of the people believe-and
they are sound in that belfef-that as
the streets are used by and are for all
people, their cost should be at the ex-
pense of the general public, precisely as
police, the street sprinkling and the
general sewer system.
What, then, can be done? For that
something must be done is not to be
successfully denied. The suggestion
heretofore made in these columns, and
which has the support Of competent en-
gineers, is that the grayeled streets, one
group at a time, be shaved down some
three inches, and all the large stones
be removed That on the clay and stone
substructure thus uncovered, and
which, as a rule, IS very hard and firm,
and has not sunk TO any material ex-
tent, there should be placed. first, lay
ef of coarser or second grade macadam,
and then a finish of third grade or
screenings
on the assumption that the substruc-
ture is amply firm and thick, there can
be no question whatever that the mac
On macadam substructure. This sur
q rnacadam substructure. This sur
facing at the outside need not exceed
three inches; both layers being well
puddIed and well rolled will give Us
good streets that will wear for many
years. All the cutters and curbs have
been constructed and are good There
is no necessity for new surveys, since
the lines Of present grades would be fol-
lowed, so that the expense will be, COM
pared to new construction, very light
The city now owns its steam roller, so
that the cost of rolling and pudding
will be at the least possible expense
Macadam of the two sizes needed is now
procurable from the State works at the
lowest cost ever produced in the United
States. and transportation Is but TWEEN
ty-five cents. Under these circum-
stances. is would seem to be the part OF
true economy to try the experiment
with one or two blocks. It can be en-
tered upon and completed inside of a
fortnight, and by fall we viii know how
the new street surface viii wear. Let
two blocks be selected, where there is
heaviest trucking and teaming, and
most driving. If the experiment is suc-
cessful. then the question can be SUBJ
mitted to the people whether they will
incur an Indebtedness Of say S200,Oo0 te
be created and the money used during g