The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1908-11-06
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Better Roads.

Periodically there are great bursts
OF agitation ii. Canadian ard Ameri-
can papers for good roads that ap-
pears to have one centre of energy.
The bicycle was the root of this
agitation. The novelty of spinning
twenty miles on a Sunday morning to
attend divine worship became easier
Tin mind) than walking one mile.
In fact, worship was preferred at the
former distance. How true the fol-
lowing words are: "All things work
together for good" Notwithstand-
ing the age of this proverb and its
familiarity, teachers of ethics and
metaphysics as class denounced the
bicycle as an instrument of the devil
There would probably never have
been such thorough inspection of
roads ESQ called had not the inven-
tor and manufacturers of that man.
motor hypnotized the public to be-
lleve its propulsion was easy work.
However, to many this work, self-im-
posed, was delight augmented by
ever-changing scenery and thrilling
experience of coasting steep hills.
AS the writer recalls these scenes be-
fore him is spread a perennial men,
tai banquet The animated fashion
plate of the exchange sitting by the
dusty roadside clad in sweater and
skull cap. almost unrecognizable with
dust and perspiration, trying hard to
mend puctured tire, is very distinct.
Rapid transit is celebrating, particu-
larly if it is done with comfort. Mans
ingenuity for some time was taxed
with this problem. Now we have the
gasoline carriage that beyond doubt
has come to stay Its sale depends
very much upon the condition of pub
lie highways and by-ways. The capt.
tai that is behind these carriages al
lows no opportunity to slip whereby
their business can be improved.
Hence this continual agitation. Apart
from the interest this manufacture
may have, it is pleasure to have good
substantial roadways, credit to the
community and pleasure and comfort
to the traveller either by motor, foot
or quadruped.
The furious driver of any vehicle
on a public highway is liable, and
should be treated severely, particu-
larly the one who depends upon steer
ing gear possibly unavoidable.
Ontario wants good roads the
best roads.
l see California has organized a
best roads convention. They propose
to build about twenty miles of the
best roads each year until all the
main highways of the county of Santa
Clara have been made first class alb
solutely. The expense of this con-
struction can, it is declared. be met
by levying an annual tax of 81 per
$1,000. and although it may be done
in different districts of the county,
all will form part of a pre-arranged
general plan.
Both political parties in the United
States have conceded that the MAIN
tenance of trunk roads ought not to
be laid upon the adjacent proprietors,
as roads are through lines of COM
munication, and are really of nation
al Importance. If this idea and sys-
TEN was adopted at once by Ontario,
many of the unemployed could be en-
gagged in permanent national work
creditable to the country.
According to all indications work
will be scarce this winter. The un-
employed will suffer. Our Canadian
winter will be new to many now with
us. Work as above outlined would
be boon to many. The British emf
grant-the class we Canadians are of
now seeking work and home in
our midst would appreciate it. and in
some measure realize we are kinsmen
that meier forget Aud Lang Syne.-
Lew Alexander, in the Hamilton
(Ontario) Spectator.