FARM MANAGEMENT 163 



The fact that some people who will oppose all attempts to im- 

 prove the highways because of their lack of appreciation of the 

 advantages that will result therefrom often change their minds when 

 the improvement has been made in spite of their opposition, is abun- 

 dantly illustrated by the case of Capt. S. B. Alexander, author of 

 the famous Mecklenburg road law of North Carolina. When a 

 member of the legislature of that State, in 1878, he introduced a 

 bill which afterwards became a law, providing for a general tax 

 upon the property of the entire county, both city and country, the 

 proceeds 01 which were to be devoted to the permanent improvement 

 of the roads in Mecklenburg County. The people who had elected 

 Captain Alexander to the legislature were so much displeased at this 

 action that he was defeated at the next election, and his successor 

 in office was elected to effect a repeal of the obnoxious law. This was 

 done. The law was in force long enough, however, to produce a few 

 miles of good road in the county, which served as an object lesson 

 to educate the people. By the time another two years had elapsed 

 and a new legislature was to be chosen Captain Alexander was re- 

 elected, with instructions to secure the re-enactment of the original 

 law. The law has now been in effect for many years, being of great 

 advantage to the people and producing a transformation of the en- 

 tire county. The law and its author have both 'become famous. Cap- 

 tain Alexander was elected to Congress, and the Mecklenburg road 

 law is regarded as a model of road legislation in the entire country, 

 especially in the Southern States. One may travel a thousand miles 

 in a southwesterly direction from Washington without seeing an 

 improved highway except in Mecklenburg County; but as soon as 

 the boundaries of that county are reached, any passenger can tell 

 where he is by the excellent appearance of the highways and the 

 advanced condition of agriculture. This is only one of many in- 

 stances that could be given, but it is the best to illustrate the general 

 rule. (Ag. Dept. An. Kept. 1903.) 



The problem of laying out roads in each county which will 

 connect the farms with the towns is often too large for counties be- 

 cause many of the roads would cross county lines. The state may 

 well be appealed to to plan such road systems and to help in their 

 construction. Such roads would be good dirt roads with easy grades. 

 In many cases there are too many roads, so that money is wasted in 

 half keeping them up. Such a survey should freely abandon old 

 roads as well as make new ones. Complete surveys and plans should 

 be made at one time so that all road improvements may be made with 

 reference to the final plan. (Ag. Dept. B. 295.) State aid, wisely 

 offered, will incite local interest, and local interest once aroused 

 becomes the strongest factor in solving the problem of good roads. 

 To the road improvement of every town there should be offered a 

 State supervision which gives to each town the benefit of the expe- 

 rience of all the towns, and which enlightens local authority rather 

 than supersedes it. (P. R. Cir. 33.) It is only through State aid 

 that those cities and villages which are quite ready to assist in road 

 building can make that aid available. (P. R. B. 17.) 



