The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1902-11-27

Recently visiting Oakland we were
flattered by the cordial reception and
kindly attention of old friends and
acquaintance. Accustomed to en-
PERTAINING guests and strangers, tray
elers and tourists, a warm welcome
and the glad hand is always assured.
We notice many improvements. The
spirit of age is in evidence. Peace
and plenty, progress and prosperity
prevailing. Many fine residences com
pleted, contemplated, under construc.
ton and contract. The new Catholic
church, a stately structure, is credit
able to the county seat. The First
National Bank building is well under
way and when completed will be the
finest in the county. The grading
and repaving of portions of the prin-
cipal streets adds much to the APP
pearance and attractiveness of the
town. The contemplated trolley line
connecting Mt. Lake and Deer Park
will be a great advertisement for those
famous resorts. Modern electric light
plant will soon follow. Water works
will soon be under contract. With
these improvements and attractions
Oakland offers every comfort and
convenience to attract those who seek
health, rest, pleasure and comfort
This pleasing picture is somewhat
marred by the appearance and condi-
ton of the court house and jail. Less
than 20 years ago the county at an
expense of $25, 900 erected these build
ings and now the bench, bar, press
and public decide them unsafe and
untenable. The overburdened tax
payers will not listen to higher tax
rate or the issuance of bonds for this
purpose. The condition of our roads
and schools throughout the county is
drying good citizens away and deter
ring others from settling among us.
The county is in the hands of half
dozen large lumber companies who in
less than 10 years will have taken the
timber from our mountains and leave
us poor, dry and barren. They do
not bear just proportion of the bur-
dens for the great benefits they have
received and the actual injuries done.
If they were fairly assessed and taxed
a sinking fund could be established,
our roads, schools and county build
ings rebuilt and repaired.
1t must be remembered that only
one seventh of our county is agricul-
tural, less than that fraction under
laid with valuable minerals, with our
farms impoverished, our people NOV
ing, our assets increasing. The good
people of our commonwealth should
unite in an effort to redress wrongs,
correct evils, reprove error and i'm
prove opportunities.
Garrett county is a promising field
for enterprising men. Strangers are
reaping fortunes among us whilst our
bright young men are wandering in
other localities less inviting. The
spirit of and example of Oakland and
vicinity should be emulated. Local
capital should foster and encourage
enterprise and development, thus CIV
ing employment to our own people.
1t is difficult to determine the reason
for the reluctance of our people to
embark in any more meant for the
improvement and betterment of their
neighborhood, whilst strangers and
adventures periodically exploit our
people by fraud and misrepresenta-
ton deceiving and robbing them.
The brains and energy of our county
should be organized and encouraged
to aid and assist local capital in de-
veloping and enriching our county.
The press has done much to enlighten
the public upon our wants and neces-
stiles, resources and opportunities.
Legislation is required to correct
some evils and reform some abuses to
meet the changed and changing con-
ditions of business and society. Re-
form, progress and improvement are
the watch words of the hour
Many inquiries are heard as to the
resources and conditions of Garrett
county, particularly the north east
ern section. 1t is TRANCE how little is
really known of that region and re-
markable that the business men and
real estate owners have not made
some intelligent organized effort to
place their property in proper shape
for investigation and questions.
Recently several thousand acres of
nearly cleared agricultural land with
in miles of Frostburg was sold at
public auction for an average of so
cents per acre. If properly handled it