The Harrison times., 1915-10-23
The .RusSeIlviIIe Road

RuSSeilville, and | comply with some
ditfidence because | am sure there
are Others that can do this more
ably. However, it is a proposition
of such Importance and interest that
shall introduce the subject with
the hope that it may at least be
taken up by Others and openly dis
cussed to the benefit of all.
1t may be assumed that all good
citizens want good roads. 1t must
be assumed that improved roads
cannot be had without the eXpendi-
ture of money-much more money
than is used on bad roads. This
does not mean that good roads cost
more than bad roads. If any man
who uses, for instance, theroad from
Harrison to Jasper, will take the
time to calculate the cost of
hauling over this road in its average
condition, including time, weight or
amount of load, wear and tear of
team, wagon and harness, | think |
he will find the cost to be not less
than twenty-five cents per ton per
mile. The farmer when busy with
his crop, will come to town only
when he cannot work on his farm,
and that is generally when the road |
is in the worst condition. If he is
far out he will not come then unless
compelled.
With we'll graded, well drained,
smooth roads he can come when he
pleases with twice the load in about
half the time at a cost of from eight
to twelve cents per ton per mile.
Good roads shorten the distance. In
figuring on good roads we are too
prone to count thecost and discount
the benefits. We regard any kind of
a tax as a burden and shrink from it.
As a matter of fact, clearly proven,
bad roads are the biggest burden
that any country or community can
suffer from. In the United States
are found the worst roads in the
world, and one need not 60 far from
this particular section to find them.
In England, France, Germany and
some other European countries,
where good roads are regarded of
prime Importance, the average cost
of haul per ton per mile is from 8 to
- cents-with us twice that.
We are trying to make two blades
of grass, two ears of corn, two hogs,
two yearlings grow where one grew
before. Why not make our roads so
that two tons can be hauled in one
hour as far as we now haul one ton
in two hours? How can we make
our roads better? The best way to
build good roads is to build them,
Various methods have been and are
being tried. The "Alexander Law"
is now on trial. Some approve,
some condem, some with, some
without, understanding this new
law. recently asked farmer how
the people of his community felt to-
ward the proposed Harrison
Russellville road, and he said with
emphasis that they were against it.
When | asked him why, he replied
because it taxes our land thirty per
cent of its value the first year and
twenty per cent the second year,
making fifty per cent the first two
years, and we can't stand it."
When asked where he got that idea
he said he had been told that it was
the law. The absurdity and
impossibility of such an interpreta-
tion should have put him upon
inquiry into the law which contains
no such provision.
The alexander Law" may not be
the best road law that can be
devised, but it is practical and
simple and contains ample safe
guards against graft and fraud. 1t
is criticised because it provides for
Commissioners and assessors and
for their compensation. If proper
care is taken in choosing these
officials, selecting citizens who re-
gard themselves as conscientlously
bound to secure for the people
great benefit at the least cost, there
is no danger in these provisions.
Our court house was built under the
supervision of commissioners. 1t
has been pronounced a good job
without graft
There must be some head to the
scheme to whom the people can look
and hold responsible.
1t is also contended that the
issuance of interest bearing bonds
ten or twenty years-will greatly
magnify the cost of the road. When
you borrow money from a bank or
loan company, you give mortgage