The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-03-19
CetterS tc tbe Gdftcr
Good Roads--The Pettus Road.

Editor The Advertiser:
 l do not object in the least to my old neighbors and friends of Mt. Carmel differing from me. They are nice men and esteem them as such. It Is not sSrprising that they would rush to the defense of the board that will build them a roaS and almost exclusively for them. The board has great responsi- bilities resting upon 1t. If I under stand its workings three out of five can vote away all the money lG the county treasury and this, too, against the protest of ths other two helpless Ecem- bers. I think there are instances ia the memory of those now living in which three members voted to build roads that were little more than pri- vate ones at the cost of $4,O00 a mile when the two other members were strenuously opposed to 1t and one of these was the lamented and trusted James c. Gilchrist. If a man had case in court, one hundred dollars be- ing the amount in litigation, twelve men would have to agree, before this could be adjusted. But three members of our board can wisely or unwisely dispose of our money in the face of two opposers who may be the better and safer business men. l am not certain but have heard some of these gentle men complaining of the favoritism and selfshness that characterises the actions of boards heretofore. An off, cer of a government ought to be a public man. He should be too big to
 
 nearest him. He should ask himself how can I benefit the greatest number and especially the greatest number Of the poor. He should court criticism board has done right their works will show 1t. If not, 1t will do the people good to know it. No officers of our county should be watched more close the Board of Revenue. We are all in- terested. for we are taxpayers. If in singing facts around l should chance to gather in some mud this Will be a In, shall not complain. would not be afraid to call the attention of such lear-headed men as you to any propo- sition if it were not that such stu tercepts all the rays of light upon any other object. Interest in gravel roads is not a new thing with me, as you know. I have encouraged every road was not manifestly constructed in the interest of one man or few men. have contended and contend right now that the first object of road making IS to build those that enable the greatest number of people to come to Montgom- cry. This Is my reason for urging the building of the five miles to Ada ana the four and a half miles towards Highland Home and Lapine Sensible men like you know I am right. It is no use to insinuate that l am selfish, for you know that have a plantation in a mile of the Pettus Road and the gravel laid down from Ada points right towards my. place. would hate my, self if could not rise above the small business of seeing self and selfs in terest only and always first. Now, my friends, I do not deny that you had ad not even deny that some of them were from other sections of the county. But here Is one thing you will not deny that for every white or Diack ianu the Pettus Road, enable to come by vehicle at any time to Montgomery 100 can be found who can do the same by the finishing of the roads to Banner Naftel Stoddard, Lapine. Bradlyton Petrie, Helicon Honoraville, Best, Pa nola, Saville. on the one hand; Grady Brier Hill, Dublin, Banner, Pine Level, each than you have and these are beg Eing the board to help them come to Montgomery. Is 1t astonishing that and these people are disappointed at the action of the board when so much could be accomplished for Montgomery and the people by such little effort and so small an outlay? The delay in this matter Is inexcusable. Another thing, were either of you nine gentle men in the city and stranger were to ask you how to go to any place south of here save Mt; Carmel. would you tell him to go py the HStIus Nodu, even were 1t grayeled? Would you tell him to go that by-path to Saville, Rut- ledge. I,uverne etc. etc.? No. sir. Nor would you at Rutledge, Bradlyton, Sa- yille tell a man to go the Pettus Road to Montgomery. Then shall side track have the concentrated effort and attention and expenditure in preference to the main line. This Is just as 1t Is and you know 1t. You know l am working for the people. It Is high time that the business men of Mont eomery would express themselves and demand that the interests of Mont gomery and the trading public should be subserved when their money passes from the treasury. You Will get your road ana when finished 1t will be monl lment to this board. You and your kith and kin will rise and call them blessed. Another board will in time be elected: I trust these will heed the call of all those have mentioned and many more and give attention to build ing up the city, the county and not some little interest like the wonderful Pettus Road, the wonderful "one-horse shaw" There was some work done on the road from Sellers to Mt. Carmel you say That Is so but did you know that your representatives on the board voted against this improvement and every other in the lower part Of the county except the work on tho Pettus Road and such as pointed that way? My information is he was on on tour when the order was obtained 70 so thls
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