The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-02-25
or
SILVER SPRINGS TO ocALA


one Of the latest propositions among
the plans for a greater Ocala is that OK
annexfng Silver Springs.
The Star doesn't know what the de-
tails OF the proposition are. The only
way 10 carry II out would be TO ex-
tend the city limits TO the springs. In
dependent nations can secure extra
territorial rights by conquest or
treaty. but towns the size OF Ocaia
cannot II is not possible. neither Is
II desirable, TO annex all the territory
between Ocala and the springs. and
we have no doubt that the people OF
silver Springs would make strong
and very likely successful protest
against being incorporated with Ocala.
when the said Incorporation would
bring them increased taxation without
any benefit
All that ocaIa wants OF silver
Springs is safe and speedy transporta-
ton to the springs themselves. The
best way 10 obtain this would be to
build a road. broad, paved road over
which autos, auto trucks, buggfes.
carriages. wagons and bicycles could
pass easily and safely between the
city and the springs.
The star thinks It would be TO the
interest Of the city TO build such
road But such a road would not be
kept In a high state Of efficiency un-
less the city kept it up, and the city
could not have full power to keep 1t up
unless ii had the same control over II
that IL has over one OF it's own streets.
IT might be possible for the legisla-
ture TO give the city such power II
II did, Il would not be necessary for
4he road to enter the town OF Silver
Springs. 1t could follow the present
road to within a quarter OF a mile OF
the springs. and then take the route
OF the old Silver Springs and Western
railroad thru the hammock TO the
waters edge.
such a road would be Of doubtful
benefit to the city unless 1t could con-
troll a landing at the springs. The Stal
believes that all the springs water
front belongs to either the Seaboarc
Air Line or the Carmlchaels.
would be no use to expect the railroad
TO surrender any space to a compel
itor, but there Is little doubt that thu
pubIic-spirited CarmichaeIs would do
all in their power 70 aid the under
taking.
The present road to the springs II
only a fairly good one at the best
Sometimes, IL lapses into bad condl
tion In places, and weeks pass hefor'
the county. with its limited resources
can have Ii repaired. If 1t was undel
city control, a good road to start with
and kept in good condition, 1t woulC
be a most valuable asset to not onl!
the city but the county. 1t would b.
a big factor In freight rates, as tn
merchants could haul goods from tn
springs in their delivery wagons
without having to wait or pay TO
public transportation of any kind
Oea1a hasn't patronized the Oklawahi
water route as 1t should for thirt,
years, but il will some day. and al
np-to-date road would be the creates
connecting link, incentive and help o
any.
If such a road IS built it should b
OF brick and laid to last like the Ap
plan way. 1t should follow Fort Kim
avenue out Of town almost to the Mar
ion Farms. and then turn into tn
present road by an easy grade.
There are some things that the cit
needs more than this proposed extern
sion, or road. whichever it is best
call IT, But it needs the road yer
much. as we all know. and 1t will be
good idea for our people to investigat
and see what can be done.