The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1899-02-05

and done, and with the wonderful ben-
efits Of good road systems before our
eyes in other parts California is not to
/ advance by so much as single step.
! In this connection the report of road
construction in New Jersey for 1898 is
pertinent. The Commissioner of Pub
lie Roads there says to the Legislature
that the more the true principles of
systematized road building are under
stood, the more rapid the progress in
that State, with corresponding bene-
fits. They have proved there, says the
report, that with earth roads properly
drained and surfaced fine results are
obtained without the cost once thought
to be necessary for heavy foundations.
The experience there is that founda-
ton or superstructure sufficient to sus-
tain three inches of surfacing is all
that is essential, but under such q sys-
tenn more frequent repair of surfacing
is necessary until there is a surface of
from four to six inches accumulated.
! Yet in New Jersey they have winter
| difficulties to contend with unknown in
California But they have found in
| that State also, says the Commissioner,
how to maintain surfaces cheaply in
sand loan and gravel coatings form
ing cushion for the horses feet and
keeping the fine or pulverized metal
from wasting or blowing away. 1t is
added that under the State aid system,
perfect success has been achieved, and
the demand for macadam roads is rap
| idly increasing among all the people.
| Indeed, four times as many roads are
| now demanded there than the State aid
allowed will warrant in construction.
In some counties SO convinced are the
people of the great BENEFITS, they are
| not waiting for State aid, but are build
ing in advance of it, and always in har-
mony with the State comprehensive
system.
In California we appear to be divid-
| ed into two classes, one demanding
system under State fostering care and
direction. and the other desiring road
construction to be local and dependent
upon locality ideas, regardless of sys-
| tenn or relation of roads to each other
Concerning the benefits to New Jer-
sey producers alone, of the new road
system, the Commissioner says, for in
stance, that where teams struggled
with fifty baskets Of produce going to
market, there are now carried from 40
to ITO baskets; where but from 200 to
500 teams were hauling produce over
| one line of highways, now from 1 900 to
1,9O0 q day pass loaded It is the
same all over the State; great saving
being effected, productiveness being
greatly stimulated and the margin of
profits much broadened, while produce
is landed fresh and brings better prices
and cultivates larger demand for it.
Where once farmers elected members
of the Legislature pledged to fight the
stone road system, now they are all
demanding of members that they stand
But that is the result of good roads
system wherever introduced. Numer-
Gus bills are now before our Legisla-
ture to patch up road laws, but it is
difficult to understand how any of them
are to benefit the people much, if at all,
except comprehensive system is
adopted, and all work is directed upon
| the lines of that system, however slow
we may be in achieving results.
1t is favorite argument with the
scientific socialists that common bur-
dens, and common shares according to
deserving, will do away with luxury,