The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-11-20
The GOOD ROADS SPECIAL.
Invites the People of
the State to the Goods Roads
Convention in December
---The Great Need of
the South.

On behalf of the citizens of Green
vile an invitation is extended to the
people of South Carolina to visit our
city during the week beginning
Monday, Dec 10Th, when the Good
Roads Special Of the Southern Rail
way will be here for the purpose of
building sample roads and holding
meetings with the view of teaching
the people in practical road building.
This is the only point in the Piedmont
section where the train will stop to do
any work, and everyone who can do so
ought to take the opportunity of learn
ing for himself what can be done in
the making of roads with necessary
machinery handled by men who are
experts in the business.
So much has been said and written
in regard to this subject of good roads
that the people Of the South are prac-
tically in thorough accord with the
idea that good roads are an acquisition
and benefit to any community. Every
one is convinced that the lack of good
roads is one of the greatest drawbacks
to the gowth and prosperity of the
South, and to supply this lack is
one of the most serious problems be-
fore US today. A network of main
roads built under scientific direction
with durable and permanent material
will alone meet the urgent demand of
our rural districts and market towns.
The lines of competition are being
drawn more closely every year and the
margin of profits are growing more
slender in consequence, so that it is
imperative to employ every element
looking to low-priced production and
cheap distribution of the crops that
are grown on the farms. and which
are to be consumed by the non-pro-
ducers. The entire population of any
section is interested in whatever may
contribute to this result, and it is
clearly demonstrated that good roads
are prime factor in the development
of the country, while providing the
greatest economy in bringing the pro-.
ducer and consumer together, so that
both classes will profit by easy and
cheap transportation over our public
roads.
How can we secure better roads in
the South? This is the question to be
discussed by practical men in the
Good Roads convention which will be
held. in this city while the road-mak-
ing is being demonstrated on the
roads and streets. Organized and
practical lines must be laid down to
secure the results aimed at, and it is
necessary that every citizen shall give
his moral and financial support to
measures which are intended for the
benefit of all. Goods roads mean a
direct benefit to every farmer, as there
in no plan that will do more to enhance
the value Of lands and develop rural
communities than permanent and vel
constructed highways. Nothing can
be found to contribute more to the
contentment and happiness of a farm
ing population, and whatever conduces
to this state of affairs on the farm
confers lasting benefits upon towns
and cities, for the prosperity and ad-
vancement of the farmers are quickly
reflected in the growth and wealth
producing character of their neigh
bors.
While there is great unanimity upon
the advantages of good roads. there
is in reality very little practical
knowledge as to the means and ap-
pliances for securing this desirable
result, and hence the proposed conven-
tion ought to attract men from every
walk of life, especially those who are
engaged in making and executing the
laws of the State. The burden of con-
structing and maintaining good roads
must not fall upon any particular
class. and while the work of road
building is practical necessity, there
is also an imperative requirement in
providing the ways and means for
constructing roads upon an equitable
and just basis. This can be ascertain
ed by discussion and demonstration,
and hence the propriety of organizing
Good Roads associations while giving
instruction in practical road-building.
Both of these objects will be attained
in. the coming of the "Good Roads
Special'' next month to Greenville,
and such an opportunity is rarely
given any people also moderate cost.
The citizens of Greenville are max
ing full preparation for the accommo-
dation of the hundreds and thousands
who are expected from every quarter
of the State, and in addition to the
hotels and boarding houses. the private
families are asked to take boarders for
the week in order to provide for any
extra demand on this occasion.
James A. Hoyt, Chm'n,
+ F. Richardson.
a. j. S. Thomas,
j. r. Horton,
las T Williams IL