The Monitor-register., 1897-02-26

take an advanced position IN tnlS maIGeF
of good roads. And if we caunot maca-
dam ali our roads now We may at least
study to relieve the system in vogue here
Of the needless perquisities that help to
render it burdensome to the people; that
the latter may aid themselves in bec0m-
ing masters of the situation. A surpris
ing 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 a liberal use
of such material as nature has abundantly
supplied, either the vast drifts of glacial
gravel underlying the water sheds of this
State between river and ocean and be-
TIVE en- the streams, or shells near the
navigable waters.
While plans devised by associations of
builders, cycle clubs and road leagues
may be good-in theory the best, yet not
always based upon the ability of tax
payers to pay-we would suggest that in
order to secure the best results in town.
ship road work the committee presidents
organize and adopt system so knitted
and welded together as to insure uni
formity of excellence. The township
roads of Gloucester county cost about
$23. 900 per year exclusive of city streets,
and if even this sum could be 70 worked
on said roads as to give us the bene fit, it
would probably solve the question pro.
posed.
Hon. d. E. DeHart, of the North Side
Board of Trade, New York City, relates
that the city having previously included
within its limits several suburban towns,
the improving of roads and streets in the
newly acquired section was referred to
the Hon. Park Commission, with an
appropriation of $400, 900 each year for
that purpose. The said Commission
would send a delegation from their num-
Der up into that section to view for
repairs and would examine the special
part and engage person to perform the
work. The delegation would dine at a
for repairs and $50 for expenses. But
that kind of soldering was afterward
stopped and the whole matter placed in
the hands of one superintendent who did
more permanent improvement in one year
with $3.50, 900 than had been done in 1G
years under the said previous manage.
ment
Now in closing allow us a word further
ON the desirable permanent macadam
road. Let US work to have as as many as
possible of such, consistent with the out
lay. And cannot the State safely contri
butte larger sum and pay an increased
per sent. of cost in construction of the
highways awaiting permanent improve
ment? This may be done without
increase of tax. The annual cost of our
Legislature is $125,0OO. The adoption
of biennial sessions would save us one
half of this. The amount expended on
armories and citizen soldiery last year
was about 100000. In these days of
advanced thought IS to settlement of
difficulties without resort to the sword,
cannot this sum be reduced one half
without serious danger to the safety of
the people? With tue above done liberal
sum could be assigned to the roads and
like amount to the public schools of the
State. Worthy causes would be subserved
and taxpayers burdens lightened. Facts
show the possibility of permanent road
improvement, and if we will utilize the
resources we may have at command by
intelligent Management we can greatly
improve our highways to the convenience
of business, the credit of the community
and comfort of our homes.
Mickletou, n. J.