The log cabin Democrat., 1911-04-25
FAvORS PROPOSED
 PIKE ROAD BILL
OPPONENTS ARE ANSWER
FRANCIS BACON SAYS COST WOULD BE SLIGHT COM
 PARED TO BENEFITS.
Editor Log Cabin Democrat:


 During the last few days l have no- ticed several articles published in your paper, denoting spirited opposi- tion to the proposed Little Rock and Fort Smith pike. Now l am a citizen of Faulkner county and a taxpayer, but 1 do not ride to my office in an automobile, neither am l one of those | high rollers, nor am l member of the joy-riders Still, it is impossible for me to conceive how sane and sensible citizen of this commonwealth could oppose a measure which would add so materially to the beauty and attractiveness of the state.
 Arkansas is known throughout the union as the state of bad roads. We must commence the Improvements and the best time is now. As in railway systems, which the judge loves so well, tthe trunk lines must be built before the branches, so in our system of bet ter roads the main pike must be built before the smaller ones. We citizens of Arkansas need education on this subject. Without some positive and material start, for many years to come, we will jolt along over the same old road of ruts and rocks. But once tthe advantages of good roads are seen, within five years, so conceived will our people have become of the utility of good roads, that the i'm provement will have extended throughout the state
 As to expense, consider how trivia it is in comparison with the magnl- ture of the benefits which will accrue Making a conservative estimate of on ly one hundred million dollars of tax able property between Little Rock ano Fort Smith, inclusive, for the whole cost of the road, the tax would be about 83 cents on every S100, and the gentlemen who so vigorously opposed the measure would have thirty gears in which to pay this meagre sum Then, does this expense appear 2 valid reason for retarding the prog ress of the state?
 I am glad to note that one of the gentlemen who opposes this measure "got up in the legislature in 1897 anc had measure passed by which the roads would be improved" But we realize that the present measure ab- sorbs some money from his affection ate friend, the railroad, who in time of need made noble reparation to hin for injury sustained from flying cin- der. And the other gentleman might appreciate the road more if it led tc Union township, or if he had not re gently purchased river bottom farm within the proposed district.
 However, although the gentleman | 4l. sto conceived in iniquity and born ir h--, and that as child of h il should be dropped like hot coal,' it is beyond our comprehension how the nordinate loce of golden sheckles could induce them to take such a hot stand against advancement. Still we believe that in spite of their most re- spected opinions that the vast major ity of the citizens of Faulkner county and of Arkansas are heartily in favor of the bill and that their convictions are regarded in almost the same light as the story of the man who, when he was thrown from the mule and receiv. ed broken neck, had presence o1 mind enough to grab his head, set il on straight, remount the mule, anC ride 20 miles to the doctors.
 We realize that this is a subject that needs careful and serious consid eration, and if the judge can spare time from his Perry county duties ol the other gentleman from his farm obligations to reply, We will await their pleasure, and assure them now that we have cards up our sleeves on this subject that never saw deck.
 Your for Internal Improvements.
 FRANCIS BACON.
 Conway, Ark, April "A, 1911.