Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-02-22
FOR BETTER ROADS.

5namelul imposition.
FOR BETTER ROADS.
The following by G. A. Spratt, in
the Charlotte Observer of last Tues
day, is of sufficient local interest to
warrant its reproduction without apol-
ogies:
~ have read with interest contri-
buttons on the subject of road building
that have appeared in your valuable
paper from time to time, all of which
voice one sentiment, and there is no
uncertain sound in the Macedonian
cry which comes from the rural dis
tricts calling for help in this their
hour of need, while they stay mud
locked at their homes, in measure
cut off from the outside world on &C.
count of the miserable condition of
the roads. There has never been a
time when the demand was greater,
or need of macadam roads more keen
ly felt, and there is nothing that would
so thoroughly meet the demands and
wants of the people as some plan
whereby the people could be given
good roads. While it is very easy
to make known our wants, would it
not be we'll to know something of the
cost of supplying this want. Think
ing that probably some facts and hg-
ures might be of interest at this time,
I will give them for what they are
worth. In the first place, this fact
must be borne in mind, that to build
macadam roads requires time and mon
ey; and while the roads that have
been constructed are the pride of our
people and admiration of all who see
them, and have elicited words ofpraise
from every quarter, yet, no doubt,
those who were in authority can look
back and see where the Improvements
could be made, just as an individual
looks back and sees where improve.
ments could be made in his own affairs.
So let us not condemn the action of
those in power, for they acted with
honest motives "and did the best they
could" Now let US see what has been
done and the cost since the year 1884
to the present time.
By an examination of the county
treasurer's books, we find there has
been spent S162,772.S0 in constructing
roads by convicts. There has been
built in round numbers "a miles of the
macadam road at an average cost of
S2,544.33 per mile. This includes the
cost of the bridges that have been
built on the roads that have been ma
cadamized. Also the cost of the out
fit and machinery, etc., now owned by
the county, which is approximately
worth $4,000 or $4,000. Now to the
point: If from the above we see what
it has cost to build "a miles, let us see
what it would cost to build what in a
measure would satisfy the demands of
the people. Take, for instance, the
following: Providence, Camden, York
Vile, Rozzelle Ferry, Beattie's Ford,
Statesville and Lawyers roads, seven
in all, and we have approximately rs
miles from the present macadam to the
county line.
Now from the above figures, we can
form some conclusion as to the amount
of bonds necessary to issue, to accom-
plish the end sought. 1 think H. D.
Stowe was not far wrong in his sug-
gestion that 100000 be issued, and
the work pushed to completion at as
early day as possible. 1t must be
borne in mind that as tho work pro-
crosses from the city the cost would
decrease, from the fact that material
could be procured cheaper and it
would not be necessary to grade the
roads over say 80 feet, whereas the
present law requires them 10 be graded
40 feet in Charlotte township. Now
as to what the bonds could be sold at
cannot be answered, of course, just
now; but suppose they are sold at
par, and at rate of per cent. we
have to pay annually $4,000 interest.
Now we are assessed about $4,000
for working the convicts. Thus we
have at the present assessment enough
$4,000 annually for sinking fund, and
in about 33 years could cancel the in
debtedness and have fine system of
roads, which would and does attract a
good class of immigrants to our coun-
ty, and the great increase in valua-
tions of the lands along the macadam
roads would add materially to the
county fund. And one fact is not to be
overlooked by the farmer, which is, that
by having good roads longevity is add
ed to the life of his horses and vehicles,
which will counterbalance the increase
of taxes if increase there be. think
no wiser thing could be done than to
issue bonds, which would be blessing
to ourselves and our posterity.
LOCAL LACONICj.
Adjournment Yesterday.
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