The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-06-21
Traction Engine.

The new traction engine for the use OF the
city Of Abbeville Is hauling ebert for the ipaN'
ing of our streets came last week, and was
unloaded from the Southern cars last Fri
day. It, Immediately after being unloaded,
took on coal and water preparatory to its
first trip 10 the ebert beds on the land Of Post
master Link and Congressman Aiken, which
lie some four or five miles Northwest of Alb.
tbeville. Above Long Cane church the road
crosses Leslie's Creek over which there Is a
bridge. Before starting, all the necessary
timbers were placed on the cars for strength
ening the bridge, and when all was ready the
machine pulled out of the depot yard, taking
with 1t the necessary cars.
The return was on Saturday, each OF the
four cars bringing about four cubic yards OF
the ebert, which was properly distributed on
the public square.
The engine is 20 horse power, which is cal
oulated to haul about as much as ten or
twelve two-horse wagons. The engine IL
fired by coal, and, as compared with horse
power and wagons the cost is very little.
The cost OF the engine Is about $500 and the
cars cost $3.50 each. The wheels are broad and
we will have an object lesson in the advan-
tase OF wide tires on public roads.
The ebert Is to be placed on the roadway
from the beds to the city. One ~exinhaustible
bed is on the land Of Mr.. p. A. Roche, and,
as WI understand, the town will take OF the
road improving commodity from both
Messrs. Link & Aiken and Mr.. Roche.
This fact will insure at least a portion o.
good road In two directions from the city.
The ebert is to be put upon the public
square, and all the principal streets will
share In It's benefits.
ebert Is essentially different from clay and
water has q different effect on the two quail
ties of earth.
Clay in dry weather is readily ground into
dust, and with every passing breeze 1t rise
into the air TO the injury Of everything. IL
wet weather, or in wet places. 1t is soft ano
mirery. The feet of animals and the Wheel
of vehicles readily sink into 1t, and thus the
%roadways Of clay become almost impass'
able.
Water has q differ emit effect on ebert. The
more water, or rain, that falls on 1t. the
smoother and harder It becomes. In dry
weathe r the dust does not rise from 1t as from
clay. This has been examined by govern
ment experts who pronounce this the very
best.
An example OF the good results Of ebert on
the public highways may be seen on the road
In "Gordon's lane" about half way between
Abbeville and Due West. All the older citi-
zens know that in former years "Gordon's
lane" In the winter time was almost i'm
passable for man, beast or vehicle. Now,
"Gordon's lane" Is so delightful q drive thai
the young gentlemen in company with
their best girls, call 1t Lovers Lane"
The roadbed in winter especially Is about
as hard as a floor where high headed horses
scamper along at q 2:40 rate to the delight OF
their drivers. The average speed over this
road in winter was formerly about Two miles
an hour. The consistency Of the clay and
water made a mud which was SO adhesive
that the wheels often in winter presented
little less than q solid appearance. Now,
there "a no prettier a drive than along Cor
don's lane.
About fifty years Mr.. T. w. Mcmillan
father Of the Mayor, did some work which
will stand as q monument to hin and to the
town. He built the culvert through the pub.
lie square, and planted the older trees which
the square and shade the side
walks. And now 1t seems fitting that the son
should take up the work and give US greater
and better things than the former days re-
quired or expected. The council, with Mayor
MCMILLAN, has done much for the town. The
streets have been improved, the sidewalks OF
the square have been paved with cement, the
water supply has been increased beyond all
present needs. and now the streets are to be
still further improved by a covering OF ebert.
The immediate management OF all these i'm.
provements has been placed in charge Of Mr..
johnson, and the finished work has been
done faithfully and well, which is the best
guarantee that the plans Of the council will
be faithfully carried out in the future. We
have no complaint of either the school or the
council. which fact goes to to show that Alb.
beville is singularly fortunate in her trusted
offices.
Nothing but good has been heard Of our
teachers and our own council. Not in forty
years has such . pleasant condition existed.