Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-01-21


lance from gravel beds. there is wide
range in the estimates of the different
correspondents. Many of the estimates
are necessarily mere guesses, while 9th
ers are based or a 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 t. 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 The average estimated in
crease in tie selling price OF land due to
existing improved highways is So. As
per acre. The estimates from which this
average is made fer in most cases to
lands near the improved roads, but in q
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,
Second. Tho estimated average in
crease per aero that would result from
improving all the pnblic roads is 50.
Third. The estimated average cost
of converting the common public roads
into improved highways is 81, LAG per
mile.
Tho estimated average annual loss
per leo acres from poor roads is SIC. %.
If these estimates are even approx
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 76
cents In five years the losses would ag-
gregate 81, 432 for every section Of land.
and this sum would construct two miles
at cost of &l,2l6 per mile, which is
$40 per milo above the estimated aver
age cost given by the farmers them
selves. Tho I.esent road tax, which, un-
der existing laws, is largely thrown
road maintenance, doubtless keep i'm
proved highways i'll 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 CT 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-
ton-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., 7G0, 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 in
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 Il per cent.
This would mean an annual increase
in taxes OF 8 cents per acne or SO per
100 acres. Would not cur objector, 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 GU
highway Improvement, and he can then
remove to some native wild whose quiet
waters have not been troubled" by the
spirit CT progress.
am aware that many intelligent
farmers will not accept the estimates Of
their fellow farmers as to the money
value of good roads-many who will
even deny that improved highways have
any appreciate money value. am glad
to know, how ever, that many of these
very same farmers favor good roads,
and would aid in their construction for
the same reason that they would huild