The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1912-05-03

mediately, but If the people approve
the proposition, then the legislature
would have the power to borrow the
money and establish the system, If II
should see fit to do so. All the details
would have TO be worked out by the
legislature. 1t would have to decide as
to the kind of a road, as TO how much
OF the s5000O,O00 would be borrowed
each year, how the roads would be re-
paired and maintained etc.
So much for the proposition. I do
not suppose there is hardly man or
woman who would not like to see our
roads improved. The only question is
as to the best method to adopt in i'm
proving the same What are some ar
guments in favor Of above proposi
tion?
First: 1t would make our road
building systematic and uniform.
The state could secure experts and
construct the most lasting roads
known to science and adopt the most
scientific method OF maintaining them
after they are constructed.
Second: The great centers of pop
ulation and business enterprise
would be connected with great net
work of good roads. After which
the roads leading into this system
would gradually be improved.
Third: It would compel the cities
to bear their just share of the bur-
den to construct the roads and
maintain them. This is only fair be-
cause they reap much of the benefits
to be derived from good foads, as
much possibly, as the farmers, them
selves. The wealthy cities of Cleve-
land, Cincinnati and Columbus, with
the other cities, would bear their
proportionate share OF the expense.
They do not do this when the farmers
and townships are assessed for the
| building of roads.
Fourth: With such a system of
roads the people OF our cities would
drift into the country rather than the
ties. The greatest evil of our times is
the country people deserting their
farms. their churches their schools.
their out door life, their independent
existence, (and fiocking to our cities
where every vocation and calling is
full TO overflowing. With a system OF
good roads, together with the tele-
phone, free delivery of mails and al
most all the modern conveniences at
the door of the farmer, the drift of
population would soon be from the city
to the farm.
| Fifth: II would save thousands OF
dollars every year 10 the people of our
son the merchants of our country lost
thousands of dollars because the farm
ers could not come to the towns ow-
ing TO bad roads. Farmers lose thous.
ands of dollars every year because
they are not able to market their pro
duce at all seasons of the year.
Sixth: 1t would greatly enhance
the value of all the farms of the state
We would find no deserted farms for
the reason that the farmer would find
easy accesse TO the city and could dis
pose OF everything he could raise in
stead of being compelled to see much
of il go to waste as he does now.
Seventh: BY 50 doing the cost OF
building the roads will be distributed
over a long period OF time and future
generations who will get a part of the
benefits of the roads, will help to pay
for same.
Now what are the arguments which
ought TO induce a man to vote against
the above?
The main argument used is the state
ought to raise the money to build said
system by taxation rather than borrow
the money. and thus avoid the paying
of interest for the money borrowed:
Second: II the state has not such
large sum OF money al it's disposal
the same might not be used to the
best advantage but might be reck
lessly and carelessly used.
Third: That $4,000, 900 is an enor
nous sum to owe. However. when We
remember that the taxable value OF
the proeprty of the state is $4,000. 600.
OOO the sum is not SO large after all
The above are some OF the argu
ments used for and against said pro