Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1903-05-16

tenn. and the willingness OF
Congress TO appropriate money
for extensions faster than the extern
siOns can be made have been surpris-
ing even to the most enthusiastic
friends OF the system. why. the thing
is spreading like wildfre." remarked a
gentleman who had beea reading up on
the subject. AT this rate rural free
mail delivery will bc universal in few
years" Al first glance this view APP
pears TO BE- correct. but I'm fact such
view is merely superficial. II takes no
great amount OF investigation to con-
vince one that the system must meet
and overcome some very great ohsia-
cles before 81 can even become general
20 say nothing OF being universal So
FAR the system has sailed on smooth
and open seas with favorable winds.
But now "a is rapidly approaching re-
gi0n Oe rocks and snags AMI storms.
Dropping the maritime figure and
coming back "a terra frma the great
obstacle TO the general spread OF The
rural free delivery system Is the mis-
cradle roads OF The country. SO far the
system has only hcen extended Co com
munities blessed with good roads
Among the many communities demand
ing the introduction OF The system the
PoStoihcc Department has been able
20 select those which have good roads.
either rs result OF favorable natural
conditions or superior wealth. The less
/ favored communities which have been
! passed 10y have cousOlcd themselves
with the thought that their turn would
come soon But when these disap-
I pointed communicated their num-
/ Der is increasing very rapidly-fnd ont
/ that they are permanently barred from
enjoying the benefits OF free delivery
on account OF the condition Of their
roads. cry Of indignant opposition
will hc raised. and Go Will grow into M
angry roar. above which 90 Is doubtful
+ 81 tho friends co. free delivery can Ag
heard when this storm breaks The
honefciarics OF the system viii %,
found @ Doe q small minority and th,
/ disappointed n large majority OF iLe IN
RAJ population. Suppose the minority
stands on Cts dignity AMI says. ~Wh1'
are You going to Go abous it, What:
20 prevent the disappointed majority
from wipinc out The whole system an,
thus restoring equality before th.
law:' or suppose the minority says
why dome you improve your roads
and thus secure the blessings 81 free
mail c-livoryt~ The majority can an
swcr. I'm improving our roads We hav'
10 overcome greater obstacles. AMI on
means arc less. Why NOS help us q
. improve OUR roads through general tax
atom such "a demand rs ihis is a'
most certain To result from the agiia
ton for rural rrco delivery % the mails
And what 81 There unreasonable or nm
just about such q demand2 The gen
eral improvement OF the roads of Oh
country IS work too stupendouS &
he left entirely 20 the small municipal
ties. Besides. Is 10 not more descrvln
OF national aid than The building a
the railroads and canals and the ia
provcmcnt OF rivers and harbors:
a proper distribution Of the expense
OF general road Improvement amun
the nation. tho States ana the locs
communities appears 10 be tho onl
practical solution OF the road problem
and the road problem must bc solve
Fl rural free mail delivery is 20 bc mad
general.