The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-14
To Improve the Country.
o the Editor OF The News:


The jewel Of civilized and religious
liberty was fortunate in being placed in a
beautiful setting. Here in our own be-
loved state may be found and enjoyed all
that is most attractive in nature. IL Is To
be regretted that so many people have
been and are unconscious OF the fact L
know OF residents here who refuse TO con-
slider the claims Of our rural section when
planning for a summer vacation. IL ought
not TO be So / wish TO suggest To those
interested in the moral and material well
fare OF the people OF tho state that much
can be done In that direction by more
systematic, earnest effort, TO inform those
desirous of enjoying "a season of vacation
in the country, that we have on our hills
and in our valleys many desirable loca-
tiOns adapted for that purpose The
wheomen have done excellent service as
explorers and rs a source OF profitable as
well as desirable information rcgardin z
tho subject, the result Is very gratifying.
A large mum bar OF farmers have had an
opportunity to earn some extra money by
taking summer bOarders who have been
very much pleased with the character ana
supply of food furnished and other attrac
tions within reach. The hoarders in most
cases only complained Of the lack OF good
facilities for carriage and bicycle riding.
Those who served them are greatly bene-
fitted. The church and other good orRani-
zations receive additional contributions,
model range is placed in the farmers :
kitchen, new carpet. pictures and
musical instruments in the parlor daily
newspaper, magazines, and the latest re-
ligious and secular literature furnished.
And best Of all, loving and anxious par
ents can retain the son and daughter nc
home instead OF having to consent, on
account of poverty, for Them to enter into
living contact with the evil environment
fnnnH i'm all nifia and largo
l referred in IA previous communication
to the fact Of there being nearly 800 aban-
doned farms In the state. / wish to in
form those Interested that many such arc
located in very pleasant localities, such as
many summer hoarcers prefer Am sure,
from my own personal experience as
summer hotel empIOye for twelve years,
than nenrly all of them could have been
utilized rs summer boarding places IL
proper efforts had been made in that
direction. This communication may be
read by those who. living on unproduot-
i've farms yet situated in the midst of
beautiful scenery desiring To preserve
their homes, wish 10 earn money by tax
ing summer boardeTs.
| would suggest TO such that besides
getting acquainted with the wheel
men. they ought TO advertise in first class
daily newspapers, society publications
and guide books.
A summer boarding house. especially
when first started. needs extensive adver-
tising as does any business. to be profit
able. An organization should also be
formed in every farming region to pro-
mote the wide tire and good roads"
movement. | would recommend that an
increased nun Der OF ponds and running
streams be stocked with trout and other
fish To accommodate the many visitors
who might be willing TO pay literally for
such accommodation.
The highways after being improved
should DO made beautiful and comfortable
as we'll. Trees add more than beauty 20
country highway although that feature
alone should be a sufficient incentive 90
insure their presence. But they are com
Portable rs we'll, and heir shade helps to
retard the making Of dust.
Every one must admit that the bicycle
has been and Is now an important factor
in the movement that has for its object
the improvement of the highways. lt has
as have Indicated, rendered great services
to those living in the country. "beelmen
everywhere should continue to do oil they
can to engender the kindest relations
between themselves and the farmer When
both SEQ that they are working in one
common cause-good roads. and the inter-
est of oil the people Of the state-they will
achieve results that will DO very gratify-
ing.
We should first stop the cause of poor
roads by compelling tho use OF broad tires
and then fix up the roads in thorough
manner and they will stay so at small
expense. Any amount of money spent in
road making will not accomplish the de-
red result unless the main cause of the
trouble is removed. Ideal road building
would be sure to bring blessings. When
transportation il made good IL is easy to
induce the governments to put into effect
tho much thought OF extension OF the pos.
tai delivery system to the country. and
is also favorable to the further extension
of electric car routes
Owners and occupants Of farms and
house lots should be sincere friends of,
and earnest workers in behalf of the wide
tires ard good roads" movement Such
property is often difficult To dispose of
on account of hein9 almost inaccessible
being without suitable facilities for car
riages and bicycle riding. Good roads will
change that condition, and cause it To be
let or sold TO those able TO appreciate and
who wish to enjoy what nature has so
generously provided u.s.
FRANCIS GALLAGHER.
Providence, Aug. l3, 1897.
Rev. Il. Edward Brown DID,. Of Phil