The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1898-11-04
Vote for Turnpike Bonds

pike question, Discard all prejud ces
and predictions in reference to the
original question o. free turnpikes,
and consider the condition o. affairs
which will inevitably follow the de-
feat OF the bond issue. Mob violence
and an endless debt, for the payment
of guards, will be inf.cted upon the
people. 1t has been demonstrated that
the cost of guards at the gates would
be far in excess of the amount requir-
ed 20 purchase, keep in repair and
maintain the roads of the county.
This being admitted, it is to the inter
est of the taxpayer to vote for the
bonds, and to the interest of every vo-
ter TO vote likewise, in order to secure
for themselves ami their desce ndants
that peace and quiet so desirable in
every community, and the proper main
tenance of good roads, which are nee
essary to properly conduct business
transactions between the citiz.ns of
civilized communities Good roads are
necessary in the delivery of farm pro-
ducts, attending courts and places of
worship, as well as in every kind of
commerce or trade which is conducted
by the people.
1t has been a s""-tained that the 25
ceats, which was Levied on each So.
is insufficient ~ p-y for the roads,
which have been purchased, in seven
years, and keep them in repair; the
amount, for repairs, only being suffi-
Gent to appropriate six rods of met
al to the mile, and every one knows
that this means poor roads. Beside,
this tax will still be collected, ii the
bonds are defeated. With this state
of affairs it appears to be wise and
economical to vote the bonds and have
good roads, which can not be had at
present
1t goes without saying that the vo-
tiers, ia hose sections of the county
where roads are free, will vote for tine
bonds, and it would be to the best in
terest of those, who live in sections
where toll is collected, to do likewise
Under the present conditions, the last
named class are paying tax to main
tais roads in other sections, and, at
the same time, they are paying toll
This is a manifest injustice, a burden,
a hardship which can only be avoided
by voting the bonds, and enabling the
Fiscal Court to purchase and free the
roads in their sections This is the on
ly solution OF the problem, and the
only just and equitable escape from
the objectionable surroundings. This
course will insure the greatest good
to the greatest number in which is the
end sought and desired every well
regulated government, from the most
obscure hamlet to the most powerful
nation.
The Fiscal Court has lately purchas-
ed the seven miles of the Crab Orch
ard road, lying in Garrard county, for
s., 51O provided the bonds carry. This
is reasonable sum an should be sat
isfactory to every body. OF course, if
the bonds do not carry, the gates will
be replaced
1t is proposed to issue $50, 900 in
bonds to run % years, which can be
sold at par, at 4 per cent. interest
This is no large debt, as our public
buildings are in good condition and
current expenses are not excessive
Instead of increasing the levy of 25
cents it would diminish it, the only
difference being that levy would be
made for 20 years instead of seven
years, the amount being so small as
not to be burdensome. The county
once had a debt of five times this
amount, when current expenses were
excessive.
A prominent member of the court
estimates that the levy for current
expenses can be reduced to IL cents,
and, if the bonds carry, the levy for
turnpike purposes. can be reduced to
20 cents, making a total of 81 cents,
which is below an average for years
past. There are 80 miles of road,
which, with improved machinery, can
be kept in good repair at $50 per mile,
or $500, while ditching will cost
about $500. The interest will amount
to 81, 200, and the sum passed to the
sinking fund, annually, 81, 500. These
items amount to s7,70O. In round
numbers, the taxable property
amounts to 81, 600, 600, and 20 cents on
each 500 would yield $1,000, or $500
more than the amount required. By
this plan, the roads could be purchas-
ed at reasonable prices and settlement
could be made. without imposing q
burden on any one. This appeal is
not made in the interest of any faction
or political party. The issue rises far
nhove the tricks, schemes and aspira.
ton of the "~d;nary politician. 1t is
one in which every cii,z IN. democrat or
republican, is deeply interested. 1.
deans w. 4 t'ic pvaoe, II p.Bess and
prosperity >, every c. immunity alike.
Ii behoCv.s those who oppose the
bond to p use ami examine them
selves, in orde, to see if p,rsonal or
political pr j dice i not Diet, rmiuing
their course. The proposed system
has been inaugurated ia other States
and cou ities, giv.1g perfect satisfac-
ton. j he peculiar circ instances ex-
listing in our county, demand its adop-
ton here.
1t should be remembered that two
thirds of the votes cast, at the cleo
ton. must favor the bon Is or the issue