Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-05-27
Proposed Road Convention.

Although we confess that we are
looking for no big things all at once,
we sincerely hope that the road con-
vention which it is proposed to hold
in Rock Hill on June 2, will be pro-
ductive Of good.
The principal good possible accord
ing to our view Of the matter Is the
bringing together Of the various indi-
viduals, who are earnestly and en-
Enthusiastically in favor Of improving
the roads for the sake Of the benefit
that will accrue to the county.
This, Of course, will only be start
er. There is nothing to be accom-
plished by talk alone. Success can be
attained only by work and by hard
work. There Is nothing to be expected
from the politicians. Politicians are
interested more in themselves than In
roads, and they are not going to give
the roads anything that will seem to
be at their own expense. The key OF
the situation is in the hands Of the
taxpayers and voters, and the task or
those who would have better roads Is
to induce the taxpayers and voters to
give the proposition practical as we'll
as theoretical support.
There has been more or less inten-
ton Of ulterior motives on the part OF
individuals who would promote this
work. We are not insensible to the
fact that ulterior motives are COM
mon in almost every public movement,
as we'll as in every line Of human en-
deavor; but it Is just as we'll for the
public to refrain from harmful sus-
picions. No one will likely secure any
considerable reward from talk alone,
and as for the man who succeeds In
accomplishing practical results in so
good a cause, we say that whatever be
his motives, he will be entitled to the
fullest reward.
What we hope for is something prac-
tical-the hearty cooperation Of every
citizen and taxpayer in a single uni
ted purpose to improve the roads and
increase the wealth and prosperity Of
York county. We know that this Is no
easy undertaking. Men will differ not
only as to the best means of carrying
out given end; but in their willing
ness to adopt such means after they
have been decided to be correct.
In our view there is no question of
the fact that we can hope to get good
roads only through means Of taxation.
1t must either be a special levy for
road purposes or bond issue. We are
inclined to the idea that bond issue
that would permit the speediest COM
pletion Of the work Is the most practi-
cable plan; but at the same time we
are aware of the fact that there are
hundreds Of property owners who are
willing for neither special, ordinary
levy or bonds. We are aware that
those who are opposed to more taxes
will be willing to fight hard and long
to prevent the same, and we are aware
also that it will be no easy task to
overcome such opposition.
The taxation proposition however
is not a one-sided one. 1t will GER
tainly not lay burden upon the peo-
pie Of the country for the benefit Of
the towns. The towns will have to
pay their full share and their share
will be about as large, if not little
larger than the share Of the people Of
the country.
Also. all Of the money raised by
taxation, whether by means of spec
ia! road levy or bond issue, will have
to be spent in the country. None Of it
can be spent in incorporated towns
The towns will be benefited, Of course
but the direct benefit to the people Of
the country will be much greater.
But there must be no town and
country issue in the undertaking If it
is to be successful. Success can come
only through the united efforts Of the
people Of the whole county, working
tn one end-common benefit.