The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1904-08-27

III "' %;'f int: ,"::ss,o '::''s.:: and n,:;:: :;:
~o9 and quarters, the public
roads have been established Oh tie
section lines. These roads consequent
" run either north and south or eG st
and west. crossing al right angles. This
method of locating roads is sometimes
called "the checker board system" and
the term is quite appropriate. In some
States the road laws contemplate the
establishing of 4 road on every sec
ton line. so they VIII be only one mile
apart. but not nearly all these reads
have been actually opened.
In comparison with the system, or
lack of system, which prevails in the
older fsettlcd States Of the East and
South, this checker board system has
some advantages. The roads are not
\ leftstO be located at hap-haZard or on
| crooked farm boundaries. or accord
ipg.to the whims 0. selfish interests Of
the locators. The order and mathc-
matical regularity OF the system na-
turally appeals TO the minds of those
who read about those roads or study
them on maps, but to those who actu-
ally travel thcnt their location appears
to be very far Short OF ideal perfec-
ton. In fact he system Involves two
yry grave dSfccts. If a man wishes
| 10 travel directly north. South, east or
west, tbese roads take him Gy the
shortest route. But large maiority
Of the people wish to travel in other
directions. Let us suppose 4 man lives
exactly ten miles northwest from his
country seat In order to reach it he
must travel Seven miles east and seven
Thus a majority of travellers suffer
hardship in Tie matter of distance.
But the second defect in the system
Is far graver. The mathematical pre-
csion with which these roads are
located carries them across hills and
hollows without any regard to econ
Omy in the matter Of grades. Where
the country is perfectly level there is
no difficulty; where it is rolling the
roads can only be improved at a heavy
cost IN making cuts and fills; where
there are steer hills and deep ravincs
to cross the srStcm is wholly imprac-
|, ticable.
Doubtless one OF The first benefits
that will follow the adoption of the
national plan will be tie modification
| OF this system 50 as to remedy these
defects ina large measure. Naturally
The first roads to be improved in Il
county will be those leading directly
north. south, east and west from the
county seat. Then main roads or av-
enues leading northeast, northwest,
southeast and southwest from the
county seat should be opened and i'm
proved. Thus the frst defect shall be
largely eliminated.
The second defect pointed out can
only be cured by departing from the
secuon lines where the lay OF the
nad makes it economical TO do so.
Under national ard State aid coupe
tent engineers will lie employed to
correct errors of location, 50 as to In
crease the usefulness Of the roads, and
" the same time reduce their cost.
The sentiment for national aid Is
making great headway in this part Of
lne country. In Nebraska the Legis-
azure has declared in favor Of it.
SeVeral members Of Congress from
Missourl are outspol:en advocates Of
aae plan. In Illinois a State Commits
son has been appointed 20 investigate
ana report OF national aid. III mum.
Def OF other States definite action will
ptopably be taken in the near future.