The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-11-08
FOR WIDE TIRES
A Strong Advocate of Their Use on the
Roads.
Parker, Va, Nov. 3D..

Parker, Va, Nov. Sd.
To The Free Lance:
am glad that Spotsylvanla is moi
only looking ahead, but is pressing for
ward.
Only a few years ago the county was
dotted over with saloons and treder'
icksburg also had saloons and loafers,
and negroes carOused and idled then
time way. How different now anC
how much better II is to see the people
who were formerly loafers earning
their living by honest toll instead OF
hanging around saloons talking non
sense. Spotsylyania has not only put
down the drink shops which was a curse
and disgrace, but has taken a steT
forward, that OF improving the public
highway, which will be a benefit to al
who are convenient enough to trave
over It.
While ! cannot say that / was in
favor If the bond issue. because II
would mean the raising Of taxes and
did not think We were getting IN this
part Of the county as much work on the
roads as we paid taxes for, but hope
II will not be long now before someone
will come this way and fill up the mud
holes, putting culyerts in where needed
and giving the roads a slight ridge in
the middle. Then We will be ready foT
the next step, which Will be the in
creasing Of the width of the tires, and
from observation and what little eX-
perience that | have had with the wide
tires, think it will be a good thing
to make the change, for ! consider that
il will not only preserve the already
improved road, but will IN most
cases benefit the ordinary dirt road.
If the macadam road requires the
broad tire (which it doesl to prevent
cutting ruts in the road, II Is more i'm.
portant To have the broad tires on the
roads that have not been hardened. But
there are some few who are opposed t.
il because they would have to lay aside
their narrow tires and rims and buy new
ones. thereby causing an extra expense,
but / think there will be given at least
two wears to make the change and II
ones tires were new at present tive
wears would wear them a good deal. s.
the LAYING Of them aside would not be
much loss.
Another objection is that the broaC
tires would cost more than narrow ones
Well. if they do they will last longer
Some say they would be IN favor OF II d
il was State law, but If not STATE
law wagons Of other counties could pass
with narrow tires, damaging the roads
have been informed by one who ough
TO know that any one hauling over the
roads would have to load their Wagon
according TO the width of the tire (sa,
/ - inch tire could carry l-3 as mucl
as 4 IL inch tire) and II they loaded
heavier than the law allowed they
could be fined for II.
believe If we had broad tires th'
roads could be kept smooth and with
slight raise in the center the waite
could easily get to the side drains an'
the roads would dry off quickly. M
matter how high the roads are thrown
no in the middle if there are great rut
cut in them by narrow tires the waite
can't get out and the sun VIII have Z
dry it out. Often before that Is done IN
ruts are refilled by rain. | suggest tina
if we make the change let's have th'
tires wide enough to be Of some profit
saw about 3 inch tire for 2 IL thlmble
3 II inch tire for 2 81 inch thlmble
4 inch tire for a inch thimble/
) inch tire for a Ia inch thlmOle
Is inch tire for II inch thlmble.
Then the wagons would in most cases
preserve the roads. and not only that
but improve them in many places.
L. L. j.