The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1905-11-11
WEALTH CONSERVING COMMON
SENSE.

WEALTH CONSERVING COMMON
SENSE.
The law as laid down in the books is simply
common sense applied. Successful agriculture
is common sense applied. Money-making in
any legitimate channel is but common sense
applied. 1t may be set forth as an economic
fact that the Government of the United States
would 60 to pieces in an astonishing short
time if the principle of common sense were
not at the very foundation of its administra-
ton. And it is this principle that underlies,
gives force to and will ultimately enact into
law the Brownlow- Latimer bill to extend
j national aid to highway construction and inn
provement in the various states of the Union.
Common sense long ago fixed upon the farmer
as the first factor in progress and prosperity,
and that some common sense points deter
minedly 10 the fact, not to be disputed by any
reputable authority, that the farmers as class
are less cared for by the Government which
owes its continued existence to them than any
other class in the land.
The Department of Agriculture, the most
important to the farmers of all our institutions,
states in bulletin that for the lack of good
roads the farmers suffer more than any other
class, and that it is this which constitutes the
greatest drawback to rural life. 1t is obvious
| ~ unnecessary, therefore, to discuss the bene-
fits to be derived by them from improved roads.
The Department has gathered facts which en-
| able it to publish broadcast that 'those locali-
ties where good roads have been built are be-
ri0bor nd
| thickly settled, while those which do not
possess these advantages in transportation are
either at standstil or are becoming poorer
and more sparsely settled, and''-continues
this Government authority-"if these condi-
tons remain. fruitful farms may be abandoned
and rich lands go to waste"
One of the results of bad wagon roads is that
| life on the farm becomes isolated and barren
of social enjoyments and country people in
some communities suffer such great disadvan-
tage that ambition is checked, energy weaker
| ed and industry paralyzed. Common sense
sums up for us the benefits of good roads.
Like good streets, good roads make habitation
along them most desirable; they economic
time and force in transportation of products,
reduce wear and tear on horses, harness and
vehicles, and enhance the market value of
real estate. They raise the value of farm lands
and farm products to the producer and yet
cheaper the latter to the consumer who now
buys from the middleman, and they always
beautify the country through which they pass;
they facilitate rural mail delivery and are
potent aid to education religion and sociabili-
ty. Charles Sumner once said: 1.-The road
and the school master are the two most i'm
portant agents in advancing civilization"
Common sense teaches that the difference
between good and bad roads is equivalent to
the difference between profit and loss. 1t
teaches that good roads have money value to
the whole people as well as political and
social value, and leaving out convenience, COM
fort, social and refined influences which good
roads always enhance, and looking at them
only from the almighty dollar" side, they
are found to pay handsome dividends each
year.
People generally have come to realize that
road building is a public matter; common
sense declares it to be function of Govern
ment, and that the best interests of American
agriculture and of the American people as a
whole demand the passage of the Brownlow-
Latimer bill to extend Government aid in the
matter. 1t is measure of wealth-conserving
common sense.
In HIS proclamation designating Thursday,
November 3Oth, as Thanksgiving day Presi
dent Roosevelt says: when nearly three
centuries ago the first settlers came to the
country which has now become this great re-
public, they confronted not only hardships and
privation, but terrible risk to their lives. In
those grim years the custom grew of setting
apart one day in each year for a special service
of thanksgiving to the Almighty for preserv-
ing the people through the changing seasons.
The custom has now become national and hal
lowed by immemorial usage. Welive in easier
and more plentiful times than our forefathers,
the men who with rugged strength faced the
rugged days; and yet the dangers to national
life are as great now as at any previous time
in our history. It is eminently fitting that
once year our people should set apart day
for praise and thanksgiving to the Giver of
good, and, at the same time. that they express
their thankfulness for the abundant mercies
received, should manfully acknowledge their
shortcomings and pledge themselves solemnly
and in good faith to strive to overcome them.
During the past year we have been blessed
with bountiful crops. Our business prosperity
has been great. Mother people has ever stood
on as high level of material well-being as
ours now stands. We are not threatened by
foes ON without. The foes from whom we
sho Id pray to be delivered are our own pas
sions. appetites and follies; and against these
there is always need that we should war;"
No MATTER how many promises and conces-