The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-13

REFERRED TO THE SUPERVISORS.
Justice Says tho Fcrry at Ashford's Moods
Attention from tho Supervisors Of
Newborry and Fairfield.

Newborry ana Fairfield.
Why will not tho Supervisors of
Newberry and Fairfield Counties listen
to words CT warning before too late.
Time and again have their attention
been drawn to tho condition OF affairs at
Ashford's Forty. For the last two yours,
matters went along smoothly, and no
complaint, but since tho beginning of
this year there has been nothing but
complaint after complaint, but to no
purpose.
Tho contract to attend TO the ferry
was lot out to tho lowest bider without
any question as to qualification Zone OF
tho most necessary considerations and
givon to Mr.. Ladd, who knew moth
Ing whater about ferry. l would be
safe in saying he had never put fiat
over tho river in his life before getting
the contract. Then he employs u deaf
negro, deaf as post" and a boy ut
that, who knew as littlo as Mr.. Ladd
about forry, us fcrryman. Now, those
arc the parties whom the people of tho
surrounding country must rely for
safety and protection in crossing the
river, and in whose hands their lives,
the lives Of their women and helpless
children are entrusted.
Those living at distance from riv-
ers, and having little occasion to cross,
little know what risks and dangers
they encounter while crossing streams
with inexperienced hands. They gcn-
orally trust, without question, the
Judgment OF those in charge. There
is Il great responsibility resting upon
tho Supervisors, and they should see to
IL that none but efficient and expe-
rienced fcrrymcn should attend to the
various crossings. Better close up the
road entirely than run such risks with
the lives OF the helpless.
Aside from the dangers, there is lit
tie or no accommodation. In the spring
during rainy spells when farmers can
not plow they wish to haul their guanos
and other supplies. With good steol
wire and magnificent fiat, such as they
have at Ashford, with an experienced
ferryman, tho river could be crossed a.
most ut any time while the river remains
In the banks. But rs it is if tho river is
the least swollen the fcrryman claims
he can't manage the Hat, and parties are
frequently turned back, u distance of
SIX or eight miles, or have to wait
hours upon hours for tho fall of the
river.
Then, when Mr.. Ladd has occasion
to be absent from his store, the negro
Will leave too, or being deaf cannot
hear the call, consequently the parties
wishing to cross must either await Mr..
Ladd's return or not cross. This, on
one occasion, the writer knew to bo q
fact, and why is all this thus? Are the
countlos too poor TO employ good and
experienced ferryman? or can they not
DO had? Good ierryman, like experts
at all other trades, come high. The
numbers arc few, it is true enough, but
real fcrryman should be employed or
else none. The counties nor the poo
pie can take such risks, nor be ey-
porimented with.
The Supervisors should look after
this matter, for should any accident
happen to life or property the County
is held responsible. BY negligence
Newberry County has already had to
pay for Il team OF mules and several
other head OF stock and vehicles:
while neighboring county had to pay
damages of several thousand dollars
through the loss OF life OF Il lady and
child. All this, by not properly at
tending to the wants or requirements
OF we'll conducted ferry. II people
pay their taxes to have ferries for the
accommodation Of the public they want
good, attentive and safe service. The
very idea OF 3 deaf, inexperienced,
worthless negro boy attending to q
ferry where 80 much in life and prop
erty are at stake is preposterous to say
the least.
NOW, II any one doubts these assor-
tlons 1T can be easily proven by num-
bers OF people who have had to DO
turned away, or by examining the
records OF either Supervisors Office
and SEQ the complaints that have beer
made in writing by different parties.
JrcTIrI,