The evening times., 1900-02-10
FOR and AGAINST ROADS
The People of Alexandria County
to Vote Next Monday.
The Close of a Long Campaign in
Favor of ImprOvements-A Mass
raj Experts-Objcctiont to the Pro-
posaI to Issue $150,OQO Bonds.

N~-N
County Court House at Fort Myer Heights,
Va, last night marked the close of live
ly campaign in favor Of improved and in
creased road facilities for Alexandria
county. Nearly four hundred citizens
were present, and information relative TO
road construction was discussed at length.
Maurice o. Eldridge and E. G. Harrison,
both of this city, were present, represent
ing the Agricultural Department, and
gave suggestions, illustrated by stereopti-
con views thrown upon canvas, OF the
process followed in proper road con-
stTuction. Speculation as to the result
of the election is rife in the county, but
owing to the opposition which has de-
veloped, no accurate forecast OF the vote
can be ventured.
1t was eight o'clock when the gathering
was called to order last night at the
County Court House. The court room had
been cleared and several dozen lamps,
placed at intervals, gave abundant light.
Mr.. James Z. Clements called the meet
ing to order, made a few remarks, and
then introduced DIR. Eldridge "as an ex-
pert on road building, one who will give
us valuable information on the subject.
Arrangements had been completed for
ctereopticon views during the afternoon,
and Mr.. Eldridge, after a brief talk prin-
eipally upon the advantages TO be gained
from good roads, plunged into volume OF
interesting and scientific data regarding
experiments formerly made by the depart
nf a
where improved roads had become an ac-
complished fact.
His remarks were illustrated from time
TO time upon the canvas and were most
interesting and instructive. Mr.. Eldridge
showed the various estimates for macada-
mized highways in different sections OF the
country. He also submitted to view on the
canvas pictures of roads elsewhere, and
briefly explained the methods which had
been followed in securing the improved
-oads in several localities.
George y. Saegmuller, Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors Of the County, said
a few words in favor of the bonding propo-
sition. as provided for in a bill recently
passed by the Virginia Legislature. He
called attention to the present deplorable
condition of the public highways and closed
with an appeal to the people TO support the
project at the polls on Monday next
Mr.. Harrison followed presenting num-
Der of views from various sections. pur-
porting 10 be the result of scientific inves-
tigatIon and research into improved road
building. He referred 10 the cost Of bond
ing Alexandria County for $3.50 900, as pro-
posed, and stated that in his opinion,
money would be saved the people in the
aggregate by the adoption OF the proposed
measure.
The speaker was of the belief. he said,
that the bill would be upheld by the peo-
pie; that they would recognize the great
Importance Of the proposition, and wo-ld
accordingly support the measure as passed
by their representatives at Richmond. He
closed with reference to the financial con-
dition. of the county, which. he said,
would not be in the least worsted by the
bond issue.
There were other short speeches, all fol-
lowing along the same line as those
quoted. 1t was evident that a strong
minority present was decidedly dubious re-
sarding the subject, yet the meeting was
organized by friends of the measure. and
no opposition developed at the meeting.
Now that election dag is almost at hand
interest in the project to bond Alexandria
county for the improvement and increase
of public highways is growing. There is
no doubt that the proposition will evoke
serious OppOSltlOD. \ campaign OIL euO-
cation" was declared necessary about two
weeks ago by those fathering the measure,
so great has been the feeling against the
bill submitted TO the people. This cam
paign closed last night
1t has been waged nightly, meetings
having been held throughout the county,
and speakers from this city, Alexandra
city. and the county. having urged the
matter before the voters Nearly every
meeting held recently whether called by
the opponents of the bill or by friends of
the measure has been attended By pow
erful faction known TO be violently oppos-
ed to the whole project. The friends OF
the measure which will be voted on Mon
day next. are dubious to the result.
The various bills brought forward pro-
viding for the bonding of Alexandria
county were discussed in the County Board
of Development an organization composed
of representative business men having in
terests in the county. Consideration OF
the subject occupied several months be-
fore the board special meetings being
held almost weekly, and warm debates
marking the progress of the discussion. 1t
was only after various concessions, prin-
cipally the drawing of substitute bill,
that the measure was finally approved by
a majority of the board Whether this ac-
tion will be seconded by the vote of the
people Monday cannot now be safely pro-
dicted.