The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-10
Work by Contract,


 The work is being done by contract un- der the supervision of an expert road engineer and the entire system covered by the present issue of bonds will be completed as soon as the work can pos sibly be done. All sections of the coun- ty will be provided with improved high ways as equitably as possible. Judge Skeggs tells me that all market centers will be treated alike, as far as practi- cable and that no advantage will be given any point in the county.
 The plans as outlined are comprehensive and are intended to accommodate all sections and trade centers alike.
 The people of Morgan county are very much interested in the movement that has just been started in Lawrence couu- ty for the building of good roads, A main thoroughfare from Moulton east to the county line would complete the linS from that town to the Decaturs, and the good road in Morgan to the line Is a great incentive to the people in the adjoining county for the improvement. The im- provement on this side emphasizes the need for the improvement in Lawrence.
 Want Wagon Bridge.
 Decatur also hopes for the building of a wagon bridge across the Tennessee river to connect with. the system of good roads that is now being built in Lime stone county. This would open to the Decaturs a new and very productive agri- cultural territory that is now practically cut off by the river.
 Judge Skeggs is one of the original good roads enthusiasts of the state and very proud of what is being accomplished in his county. He worked long and hard to interest the people in the movement and had to overcome much opposition, mainly a prejudice against the issuing of bonds, but now he is receiving the uni versal approval of all the people in the county:
 He said: '"rhe work of building the roads in Morgan county has been delayed considerably on account of the bad weath- CT that prevailed over the first half of the year, but we have succeeded in con- pleting about 15 miles, enough to con vince the people of the great value of the improvement. We hope to be able to build between 60 and 80 miles of road with the money in hand. These improve ments will be distributed as equitably as possible over the county so as to be of benefit to the greatest number of people and central trading points as practic- able.
 People Delighted.
 "Where the roads have been improved the people are delighted with the innova- ton. really believe by the time the pres ent issue of bonds Is exhausted there will be clamor for another issue that tho system may be made complete over the county.
 We realize that improved roads of the best class in Morgan county will be Il strong inducement for other adjoining counties to follow the example. They will want to connect up with the main cross country roads. Indeed, believe the peo- pie will demand it.
 This good roads question is contagious and will not subside until every county In the state Is in line and the system is complete over the state.
 "The enhancement of land values is the strongest factor for good roads. Every man is selfish more or less and will not ob- ject to a small increase In taxes if t makes his property worth more and makes life more comfortable.
 Lands Arc Valuable.
 By the way, do you know that the people of Alabama do not appreciate as they should the real advantages they have over most every other section of the country I was never so much im- pressed with this as during a recent trip through the west. I saw lands selling for $200 and $500 per acre that are not one bit more productive than OUTS and there many farms must be irrigated at a large expense Lands in that country are valued on the basis of what they will produce.
 acre in North Alabama sell at from slO to $90 per acre. Figure the percentage of profit on the amount of money in-