The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1902-04-19

- OF the Province VI O.ao'
Il ia with some degree OF timlo-
ity that I attempt 10 address so large
and distinguished an assembiage Oh
public spirited representatives gain
cred from so many distant states ana
European countries. on SO important
a subject and Of such wide nauonai
interest as that Of good roads.
Having followed with deep interest
the progress Of the good roads move
ment OF recent years in both the United
States and Canada, l desire brieny 10
touch upon few points OF the good
roads question from the farmers point
of view.
| II It is sound public policy and the
true function of government to do III
the interest of the community as
whole oil those things which the indi-
vidual cannot well do by himself. does
Il not appear clear that the State
should pay the whole cost for improv-
ing its main thoroughfares? These are
to be the leading arteries connecting
all business centres. and continuing
from county to county across the en-
tire State and separate from the many
other local roads to be cared for by the
local authorities.
The principle of State built highways
appears to be as old as civilization
itself, being adopted by the first ex-
tensive builders of good roadside
Carthaginians and Romans. Not since
the building by the latter of the APP
plan Way and the 5000 miles OF solo
roads across that ancient empire, anc
which remain as monuments Of theil
wisdom to this day, has any country
obtained the priceless boon Of good
roads without some measure of State
aid. Let the State first build its mair
highways and they will be ever pres
ent object lessons to the local authort
ties for constructing the other roads
The length and number Of streets ii
the city are short and small comparet
with the compact concentration o
wealth. thus making the burden o
cost comparatively light for street Inn
:. provement. In the country district
the length and number of only tn
leading highways to be improved ar
50 far out Of proportion to the sparsel
settled and scattered wealth of tn
farming communities that it Is entirel
!. out of the question for the farmer
: alone to think Of paying the muc
larger comparative cost for such frs
class stone roads as are required. TIL
farmers have always borne their shar'
: sometimes more than their fair SHARE
Of needful taxation. and will not objes
: to paying their just part for State but
good roads.
Partial measures of State aid al
steps In the right direction, so far q
they go. would not say anything
disparagement OF the good work an
the very commendable degree Of pro:
ress that has been made under til
partial systems Of State aid for goo
: roads In those leading States Of Me-
Jersey, Connecticut and New YOrl
!. But in the foremost State. Massach,
y sets, which has adopted more nearl
the European and Roman systems, W
find the nearest to the ideal plan,
continuous system Of good roads bui
across the entire State. under comp
tent State authority. The work is PR
:, jected and the roads properly locate
: where they will be of the greatest GOO
: to the greatest number. The Stat
!. builds the roads and pays the who
cost, and afterwards charges on
fourth Of it to the county throug
which the road is built This far lei
complicated system overcomes an In
mense amount of difficulties, draw
backs and delays with the less ente
prising local authorities of county
. township.
- Let the general governments of Il
. United States and Canada build ide
!, continental highways from ocean
= ocean Let the States and province
a build similar highways from border
= border. Let the European nations e.
= pend some of their war millions
a. building ideal highways from Eurol
.. across Asia. thereby placing Westel
~ civilization in closer touch with Il
Chinese and other Orienta1s. Let Il
United States and England build got
roads In the Philippines and Sou
Africa, and they will more effectual
= pacify the Filipinos and Beers at Z
=, less cost than by use Of the cannon
= j. r. Bean, vice-President Ontar
Good Roads Association, at the Bl
falo Good Roads Congress.
e. srs.. $685.