The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1898-01-28

features OF ifhe case. and consider the
convict not as a subject Of our con-
demnatlon and punishment. but as ore
diseased morally and needful OF treat
ment and cure
What does such patient most need7
Not physician but will answer thathrst
Of all he must have bealthful exercise
and plenty oflt. When We come toaPply
the remedy what do we find? That
public sentiment Is opposed, and right
fully. TO the competition OF convictlabor
with free labor. How. then. shall the
convict be employed for the public ben
eft without entering into competition
with free labor2 In just such manner
ns Mr. Edwards suggests, only We
should extend his field Of usefulness
Just as far ns the nature Of the individ-
nal convict permitted. and make him
worker upon the roadbed, giving TO
-trusties" such q degree Of freedom as
would aid 10 make them better men and
fit them TO return TO honest ways when
their term Of imprisonment had ex-
pred.
We have heard much Of good roads Of
late years; but most OF the discussion
has ended with talk. and but little. COM
paratisely speaking. has been accom-
plished. We believe this Is largely due
10 lack of concerted movement. We are
convinced that IL the states through
which an air line road from. say. Buffa-
10, v. Y, TO the Pacific coast were 70
white In the construction Of such high
way. and would employ no other than
convict labor. each states prisoners 10
work upon the roadway Of tina; state,
the result would be such an era OF good
road making as would soon lift the ag-
riculturai sections OF the United States
out Of the mlre. transform travel and
life In the country as much as the paved
streets 10 the cities have added TO the
comfort and pleasure OF those who
dwell in them. and remove the heaviest
tax now resting upon agricultural pro
duction. This may be said TO be a seuti'
mental way OF going about II. But We
do many things from sentiment. and
more interest can be aroused 10 some
such Interstate roadway than by all The
states In me union working single
handed and without purpose.
Such a road would bring 10 It's sup
port the wheelmen Of the nation. and
they have shown q eommendable spirit
Of helpfulness and a willingness 10 beai
their share OF the burdens attending
good roads. II would lead TO the con
struction OF the states through which
this interstate highway passed Of q
series Of laternls which would bring al
sections into connection with the main
avenue. II would make possible sum
Iner outing for thousa nds Of people who
now are withheld from its enjoyment
by the expense attending. and would
transform the country into a scene OF
l.fe and pleasure. such rs now Is wit.
messed only In the country districts OF
certain European lands.
Our prisons are to-day burden upon
tie people They shouid be made self
supporting. and in doing this the high
eat good Of convicts may be conserved.
To use this labor in transforming the
boys and mudholes. which compose n
large portion OF our country roads. into
dry. smooth highways. would be TO
give TO II purpose In Itself stimulating
TO the moral growth OF the men engaged
in It. OF its advantages 10 the people,
especially 10 agriculturists. there Is no
room for Observation-Disclosures Voice