The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1903-07-17

ZIWBtINN
M%NM highways during the past winter and spring has
MR&L~w VN most forcibly demonstrated the necessity for their
NnEsex = I'm permanent Improvement, Many sections of the
W4N&N. I'M country where the business and farming interests
WaMwr~ B were either openly opposed o indifferent to inn
WSMxxN proving the public roads, are nov giving the sub
icct thoughtful consideration in an honest endcavor
TO device methods and means for securing a permanent system Of
good roads for their counties and districts.
In many parts o. the country transportation by vehicle has been
wholly suspended for weeks at a time 1t has been impossible to
move the products IRON the farm to the market ccntcrs, and the bust
les of many of the towns and cities has been paralyzcd, and trade
suspended because the impossible condition Of the roads would not
ALLOW the farmers and trading people TO get into town. The local
merchants have suffered. and the jobber likewise by reason OF the
lcsscnng OF the demand for merchandise. and the delay and default
II the collection OF their bills. Commission men, and stock and grain
dealers, railroads and other business interests. have likewise suffered.
The Standard oil company has had hundreds OF its wagons
and teams tied mp and its oil delivery business practically suspended
!or weeks at a time. cntaGng heavy expense and losses, without cal
cutatng the inconvenience to the numbers OF people depending upon
these deliveries for their light, and in many cases fuel
The rural delivery OF mail has been very much embarrassed, it
being a frequent occurrence for the delivery to he suspended for days
at a time, The post office department requires that the roads shall
be Kept in good pas'ahlc condition wherever rural delivery roads
ere established The past season has shown that the system OF in
spcctton is at fault. The po,tmasters fail to make reports. aud the
carrier, endure these conditions without complaint for fear they
might lose their jobs. and thus the efficient mail service required and
promised by the department is not obtained. Strieter rules OF in
spcction must be enforced and special inspectors must report on the
road conditions from time Jo time, and the department insist upon
better roads The business men and people in the towns and cities
are beginning 10 apprchcnd that they are affected and materially con
cerucd in the subject OF highway improvement.
Commercial bodies are directing attention to the subjcc, and
are learning tai highway Improvement docs NOT bcWng socN 10
The rural districts. 1t is unjust and incqutablc to lay the burden OF
their cost and maintenance upon the farming classes. Improved roads
are for the benefit Of all and their cost and maintenance should be
shared by all The state, county and district, and, at least in some in
stances. the general government should cooperate a proportionate
share III their cost Of construction. There should be one comprchcn-
sic, classified system of roads under proper state and county super
vision. Competent. practical engineers should have charge Of all
work, and modern methods and strict business principles applied TO
;heT management. Enough money is wasted each year to give to
each state aud community a good system Of roads. il properly applied.
While improved conditions may be had by grading. browning
and draining earth roads, still the fact remains that these roads will
not endure the frost and wet seasons Of winter and spring, aud resist
the traffic that must 20 over them during these seasons therefore It's
absolutely essential that counties and districts. while continuing the i'm
proveincnt OF their earth roads. must inaugtrate and carry forward a
system OF macadanizng and Suracng at least their main thorough.
fares with durable material This can be accomplished by proper lie.
termination upon the part OF the people Of each county, and in a
wy not 10 he burdcnSomc. il the cost is properly cquaizcd and APP
portioncd. The people Of no town city. county or district have ever
yet complained or regretted the Improvement Of their streets and
their highways,
In fact, these primary and necessary improvements always in.
crease The pride. contcntmcnt and prosperity Of the people.