Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1897-02-11

Eight counties have awaited themselves
of the above advantages.
The length OF stone roads built in three
years up to 1895 equals 74A miles. In
1885 461 miles; for 1896 d miles have
been approved Tor construction and 100
miles additional petitioned for. The
estimated number OF miles in the State
is $4,000. The average cost of those i'm
proved is about $1,000 per mile. The pay
ment of the State ooes not correctly
represent one-third of the total cost, as
the Supervisors salary in construction,
the cost of assessment and collection OF
the ten per cent. benefits, charges on
supplying funds up to date of receiving
State pay. The incident deficiencies AMI
some preliminary expenses, are not IN
eluded in the aggregate from which the
States share is proportloned. Hon
Henry c. Budd, our State Road Commits
sioLer, very justly recommends that the
State increase its aid toward road iin-
pIcvements, and that it also provide tor
the construction of a portion of expert
mental steel rail wagon road. We nave
thus referred to the actual work in diff
ferent sections of the country as being
a better index of our future road posi-
bilities than any theory we might adj
vance, 1t is evident that the subject
has claimed deep thought during the
ages past. Many of the highways OF
those earlier days attest the skill and
workmanship of the ine. And later on
John L. Macadam, of England, in 1872
formulated his system of road improve
ment, which for simplicity of construc-
ton, dura bility and cost adapted to gem
eral use stands to-day a model in road
building. But just how far communi-
ties can macadam their roads, especial
ly at the present contract charges, de-
ponds upon circumstances and business
cond.tion Our resources us well as
needs must be considered; and while
great care should be exercised in the
expenditure of public funds, yet from
the standpoint of humaae treatment Of
the faithful horse as well as man, in
addition to the convenience and saving
effected, we may be allowed to take adj
vance position in this matter of good
roads. And if we cannot macadam all
our roads now we may at least study to
relieve the system in vogue here of the
needles perQuisites that help to render
it burdensome to the people; that the
latter may aid themselves in becoming
masters of the situation. A surprising
change in these matters may come in
the near future, and pending this event
let the people prove that they can wait
and by close application and liberal use
SUCH UudlCIlstl us udLuIt- noeS dUuAQoJlC-
" supplied, either the vast drifts of
glacial gravel underlying the water sheds
of this State between river and ocean
and between the streams or shells near
the navigable waters. While plans de-
yised by associations of builders, cycle
clubs and road leagues may be g0od-in
theory the best, yet not always based
upon the ability of taxpayers to pay
we would suggest that in order to secure
the best results in township road work
the Committee Presidents organize and
adopt a system so knitted and welded
together as to insure uniformity of ex-
cellence. The township roads of Glou-
cester County cost about $4,000 per
year exclusive of city streets, and if this
sum could be so worked ON said roads
as to give us the increased possible bene-
fit, it would partially solve the question
proposed. Hon. d. e. De Hart, of the
North Side Board of Trade, N. Y. City,
related that the city having previously
included within its limits several sub
urban towns, the improving of roads
and streets in the newly acquired section
was referred to the Hon. Park Com
mission, with an appropriation of 10000
each year for that purpose. The said
Commission would send delegation from
their number up into that section to view
for repairs and would examine the spe-
cial part and engage person to per-
form the work. The delegation would
dine at a first-class hotel and return a bill
of $500 for repairs and $40 for expenses.
But that kind of soldering was after
ward stopped and the whole matter
placed in the hands of one superinten-
dent who did more permanent improve
ment in one year with $250,000 than
had been done in Is years under the
said previous management. Now IN closing
allow us a wor further on the desirable
macadam road Let us work to
have as many as possible of such consistent
with the outlay. And cannot the State
safely contribute larger sum and pay an
per cent of cost in construction
of the highways awaiting permanent i'm
This may be done without in
crease of tax. The annual cost of our Leg
islature is $125 600 The adoption of BIZ
annual sessions would save us one half of
this. The amount expended or armories
and citizen soldiery last year was about
100000 Now in these days of adj
vanced thought as to settlement of diff
cnlties without resort to the sword. could
this sum be reduced one-half without
serious danger TO the safety Of the people !?
When this is done liberal sum can be
assigned 10 the roads and a like amount to
the public schools of the State. Worthy
causes would thus be subserved and
tax payers burdens ligntened. Facts show
the possibility of permanent road improve
ment, and ii we will utilize the reconrces
we may have at command by intelligent
we can greatly improve our
highways to the convenience of business,
the credit of the community and comfort
Of our homes.
Mickleton, N. j.