The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1901-09-26
THE VALUE OF GOOD ROADS.

The question of good roads seems
to be the absorbing subject in many
of the Western counties. CASTOR
county, which has within its limits
more cotton factories than any other
county in the State, has large force
of convicts engaged in working the
roads. Mecklenburg's example is
thus followed by her next door neigh
Dor, and Lincoln county in a quiet
way is moving in the same direction.
Soon the counties lying adjacent to
Charlotte will have perfected con-
tinuous lines of country roads lead
ing to that inland city. 1T is no
small wonder that with such in
fuences surrounding her Charlotte is
a large manufacturing center: afford
ing market for all products of the
forest and farm.
Henderson has two large cotton
factories and in time should have
other enterprises which her location
on through railroad lines and prox-
unity to Northern markets should
demand. The section OF country
contiguous to Henderson is capable of
supplying almost every staple article
not only the crude material to be
worked up by the factories, but pro-
ducts for the support of the opera
tives. But while Henderson town
ship has made a short step towards
improving the roads within said town
ship proper, a vast amount Of work is
required on the roads beyond Hender-
son township to make them passable
for loaded wagon.
The late rains have wrought great
detriment to the roads and the atten-
ton of the County Commissioners is
respectfully called to their truly de-
plorable condition. If Henderson
ever expects to fulfill her destiny as a
trade center for Vance and adjoining
counties it's high time the citizens
were Up and doing to bring about a
change in such conditions.
Granville county is moving on these
| lines, and if her citizens are as active
as they should he Oxford will profit
largely by such well directed efforts.
1t is an uphill business for Hender-
sons future if she neglects this all
engrossing subject of public road i'm
provement.
The property owners of Vance
county should be aroused to the i'm
portance of taking steps looking tc
good roads. The cost by taxation
will be small in comparison with the
present cost of repairs to vehicles o
all kinds, and it's only question
whether one paws tax to wagon maker.
or the sheriff. 1t is to be doubted
whether there is a county in the Stat'
which is so afflicted with such exc
cradle roads or which is cut off from
mail facilities by reason of higl
waters as frequently. Give US goot
roads, bridge our streams, and tn
county will have a good market il
Henderson for all its products ant
Henderson will increase it's value
and it's general prosperity.
There was time when countr,
people were most solicitous for rail
roads and so anxious were they TO
such highways to the markets of tn
world that they rushed pell nell t
polls to vote large subscriptions TO
such con structions. That time
past. We have the railroads. Blu
what we most need now are goo
country roads to our factories, which
all things considered, offer bette
prices for crude material than can b
obtained by shipment 10 more dis
tant markets with the attendant eA
} penses-
The home market gives the best re
suits and with good country roads t
our county seat we will be keepin
our money at home and at the sam
time aid in the upbuilding of thi
specially favored section of Mort
Carolina.