The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-01-23
GREAT PROGRESS
IN ROAD BUILDING
CONTINUED From First Page.)

Continued From First Page.)
counties that have. received help of
this kind is that II is one OF the States
very best investments
Three Methods of State Aid.
Three methous of state aid that are
being much discussed are: Appropria-
lions to the counties for actual con-
struction of roads: by giving to the
counties engineering assistance in the
location and construction of roads and
building bridges. and by using State
convicts for good roads construction.
1t is toward the system of aid
through engineering assistance that
public sentiment seems to be turning
most decidedly. DR.. Joseph Hyde Pratt.
who is North Carolina's highest au-
thority on good roads. says his idea
is that when 1t comes to the State
actually assisting the counties in road
construction the State shall not obli-
gate itself to the actual construction
of the roads. but that for a certain
number of years it will give to each
county that will make certain ap-
preparation for public road construc-
ton a certain amount In order that
good road construction shall be begun
7 In that particular county, as he be-
lieves that If once good road construc-
ton is begun in the right way in any
county 1t will be continued right
along.
DIR. Pratt takes the position. how
ever. that the most satisfactory form
of State aid to counties, and the one
that will meet with the most general
approval. is engineering assistance to
the counties. He declares that IL the
State makes q sufficient appropriation
to enable the department having this
work in charge to employ a sufficient
number of road and bridge engineers,
SO as to give the engineering aid that
the counties call for, it will be found
that very great advance will be made
in every section OF the State.
1T is generally conceded that the
most serious drawbacks to good road
construction in North Carolina has
been the waste of funds through the
ineficlency and incompetency Of those
in charge of the work.
Use of Convict Labor.
North Carolina is to face the ques-
ton Of state convict labor for public
road construction when the Leglsla-
ture convenes again. Now convicts
are hired out to railroad companies at
$1.50 per day, pay being taken in stock
in the railroads being constructed.
There is a steadily increasing senti-
ment that 1t would be much better to
use these convicts on terms mutually
advantageous to the State and the
county. Instead OF using them on rail-
roads that pass ultimately into the
hands of corporations.
Leaders in North Cardinals good
roads work are proud OF this States
record of fifth among the Southern
States In the matter OF good roads ac-
tivities. Within less than one year
since the adjournment OF the last
Legislature, In fact--twelve counties
have Issued road bonds aggregating
$.64o,000, and more than three times
as many counties are constructing
good roads than were engaged In this
work a year ago. While large part
OF this activity Is along the lines. Il Of
tho great automobile highways, m
\ sptred by the automobile pathftnders
and those Interested In these great
/ undertakings, the work Is SD eadtnE
/ Into renlote conntios, and there vii
lhe no aneAt Lon Snes more GENERAL ana