Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1897-03-12

~
from l.. A. W. Bulletin.] ra
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
srs 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 aud the loss due
to poor roads.
. The approximate averages for the 40
counties are as follows:
First.-The average estimated in
crease in the selling price of land due to
1xisting improved highways is Sc. 48
per acye. The estimates from which this
average is made refer 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 in
srease, therefore, Of &c. 8 per acre is
lower than was intended for the lands,
near the improved roads.
Second.-The estimated average in.
crease per acre that would result from
improving all the pnblic roads is 50.
Third Tho estimated average cost
al converting the common public roads
into improved highways is 81, 148 per.
mile. .slE - .... %
Tho estimated average annual loss
per 100 acres from poor roads is SIC. 20.
If these estimates are even approx
mately correct. they furnish a 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 ucre from poor roads is over rs
cents. In five years the losses would ag-
gregate 50, 432 for every section of land,
and this sum would construct two miles
at cost of $1.216 per mile, which is
$40 per mile above the estimated aver
age cost given by the farmers them.
selves. The present road tax, which, IN
der existing laws, is largely thrown
away, wonld, under 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
exs 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 CON-
fort and other advantages Of good roads
when the cost is the same? ~a
But there is another side to this ques-
hon-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 IS, 760, which is more than
double the estimated cost ($2, 292) Of
the two miles of improved highway,
which constitute the quota for the Sec
Hou. 4,' .s5
Just here the objection may be raised
that the improved roads would not in.
srease the productive capacity Of tho
land, while the enhanced commercial
value would increase the taxes. Let Us,
1or the sake Of argument, grant this
plausible but fallaoious objection, and
then find what it amounts to. Let US
suppose the increase in appraisement for
taxation to be "a per acre, and the tax
rate ~ per cent. IN. $
This would mean an annual increase
IN taxes Of 8 cents per acre or IS per
100 acres. Would not our objector, after
suioying the benefits of good roads. be
willing to give therefor the extra $5 If
aecessary? Would he keep the money
md 60 back to the thraldom Of mud
Roadsl II 80, he has the option Of SELL
la his farm at an advance, according
70 the average estimates Of his brother
Armers. that will more than doubly re-
him for his expenditure on
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
1armers will not accept the estimates of
their fellow farmers as to the money
value Of good roads-many who win
even deny that improved highways have
any appreciable money value. ! am glad
70 know, however, that many Of these
very same farmers favor good roads,
md would aid in their construction for
the same reason that they would build
comfortable and even luxurious homes.
Road Progress In Massachusetts,.
The Massachusetts, Legislature will be
aaked to add $500, 900 to the 100000
s1raa6v annrnnPiakaA fnR 1nn6 roads