Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1897-03-20

from IL. A. W. Bulletin
lance from gravel beds, there is a wide
range in the estimates of the different
correspondents. Many of the estimates
are necessarily mere guesses, while 9TH
ers are based on thorough knowledge
of the matters under consideration.
The averages of these estimates should
give-and they probably do, approx
mately-the consensus of opinion held
by the most intelligent farmers of the
state as to the cost and money value
of improved highways and the loss due
to poor roads.
The approximate averages for the 40
counties are as follows:
First. 1.-THE average estimated in
crease in the selling price of land due to
existing improved highways is Sc. 4S
per acre. The estimates from which this
average is made refer i'll most cases to
lands near the improved roads, but in a
few instances they apply to all the
lands Of the county. The average i'll
crease, therefore, of &6.4s per acre is
lower than was intended for the lands
near the improved roads.
SttOHu IIo tStlllldltll average III
crease per acre that would result from
improving all the public roads is 50.
Third. THE estimated average cost
of converting the common public roads
into improved highways is 81, 146 per
mile.
The estimated average annual loss
per 100 acres from poor roads is $76.2S
IF fhoca
mately correct, they furnish key to
the satisfactory solution of the question
of highway improvement from the mon
ey standpoint. On the basis of the last
mentioned estimate, the average annual
loss per acre from poor roads is over rs
cents. In five years the losses would ag=
gregate So, 432 for every section of land
and this sum would construct two miles
at a cost of $1,216 per mile, which is
$40 per mile above the estimated aver
ago cost given by the farmers them
selves The present road tax, which, un-
der existing laws, is largely thrown
away, would, under q proper system of
road maintenance, doubtless keep inn
proved highways in perfect repair.
If the foregoing statements are near
approach to the truth, it follows that
the losses and expenditures which farm
ers actually incur on account of poor
roads would also secure permanently
good roads. Can any sane mind doubt
the wisdom of exchanging the losses,
delays, accidents and vexation of spirit
occasioned by bad roads for the COM
fort and other advantages of good roads
when the cost is the same?
But there is another side to this ques-
tion-viz, the increased value of land
from highway improvement. AS already
stated, this increase is estimated by the
farmers consulted at 50 per acre. This
would enhance the value of each section
of land S., 760, which is more than
double the estimated cost ($2 1922 of
the two miles of improved highway,
which constitute the quota for the sec
ton.
just here the objection may be raised
that the improved roads would not i'll
crease the productive capacity of the
land, while the enhanced commercial
value would increase the taxes Let us,
for the sake of argument, grant this
plausible but fallacious objection, and
then find what it amounts TO. Let us
suppose the increase in appraisement for
taxation to be 81 per acre, and the tax
rate l d per cent.
This would mean an annual increase
in taxes of 5 cents per acre or So per
100 acres. Would not our obiector, after
enjoying the benefits of good roads, be
willing to give therefor the extra s. if
necessary? Would he keep the money
and go back to the thraldom of mud
roads? If so, he has the option of sell
ing his farm at an advance, according
to the average estimates of his brother
farmers, that will more than dOubly re-
imburse him for his expenditure Oh
highway improvement, and he can then
remove to some native wild whose quiet
waters have not been "troubled" by the
spirit of progress.
| am aware that many intelligent
farmers will not accept the estimates of
their fellow farmers as to the money
value Of good ronds-many who will
even deny that improved highways have
any appreciable money value l am glad
to know, however, that many of these
very same farmers favor good roads,
and would aid in their construction for
the same reason that they would build
comfortable and even luxurious homes.