Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-03-29
A LESSON IN GOOD ROADS

The Monroe County Good Roads Association re-
Gently Oraginzed at Forsyth presents particularly
happy omen of GeOrgia's progress in highway deve
opment. It has enlisted in the very outset large
and enthusiastic membership. representing
ton and every interest of the county More import
ant still is the fact that it has begun its work under
a carefully planned and busnesske system. These
two circumstances make the Monroe movement
worthy Of observation.
Within the past few years Georgia has taken truly
giant strides in the good roads In the entire
commonwealth, there is scarcely district that has
not awakened to the Importance of BETTER highways
A number Of counties have voted bonds for this pur
pose Others have raised funds through public sub
scriptions Virtually all Of them have avaied them
selves of the opportunities offered by the states
system Of allotting convict labor And so. from the
mountains to the coast there is continuous cam
paign Of road improvement.
II is essential, however that work such this
should be definite and thoroughgoing well as
earnest II the citizens to get due returns from
their money the roads must be constructed in accord
ance with scientific methods of engineering; they
must also be diligently maintained and the separate
laps of roadway must be united into wellrounded
system.
These results are best assured through some such
association as the people of Monroe county have
organized. They working, not as individuals but
as a solid community. There is to be selected for
each militia district good roads captain" whose
duty it will be keep in constant touch with road
conditions in his particular neighborhood and to
make regular reports to the central organization.
Thus the club viii be supplied with accurate knowl
edge concerning every road in the entire county and
win thereby be enabled make its efforts definitely
count
There is another noteworthy and gratifying fea-
ture to the Monroe county organization It's first
meeting was attended by farmers who came to
Forsyth from miles around. despite the inclemency
OF the day That is a most hopeful sign of the move
ments and it is tribute to the progressive
spirit OF the farmers themselves. There is field
OF a community's interests TO which the value of
good roads does not extend They stimulate the mer-
chants business. They increase realty values. They
make the schoolhouse and the church accessible
and thereby quicken the higher elements Of the
peoples life. To every in the county they are
benefit. but the farmer they are indispensable.
II has been calculated that the farmers Of the
United States lose millions Of dollars year as
consequence Of inadequate or poorly kept roads.
Good highways essential to the marketing of
crops. They are the vital links by which the farm
stead is bound to the outside world; and. a very
large degree they determine the profits of agriculture
and the desirability Of rural life
It is a heartening circumstance that the farmers
Of Monroe county have Joined cordially in the good
roads movement OF that particular section Their
ample viii be followed it is to be hoped, by the
state large, for the extent that she builds
roads and more substantial roads, Georgia will wax
great and prosperous.