People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 March 1894 — Queries on Gravel Roads. [ARTICLE]

Queries on Gravel Roads.

“Hello, Neighbor Jones, I am glad to meet you. There seems to be great excitement about the building of gravel roads in this township, and they want me to vote for it. but there are a few things I do not understand and I know you can explain or answer questions correctly, concerning them, you being somewhat verse in the law.” “Very well, brother Dewey, if I can, I will be glad to enlighten you, especially since I see you wish to do unto your neighbors as you would have them do by you. So proceed, friend Dewey.” “Well, Neighbor Jones, if these gravel roads are built, how will they be kept up.” “Friend Dewey, the lav T says by taxing the people of Marion Township. ” “Then I suppose Carpenter Township has to keep up her road, does it not?” “Oh, no, the county keeps it up; therefore, we have to help do it, and are taxed accordingly

and all other gravel roads that may be built in the county under any other law than the one we are voting imder, will have to be kept up by the county, and this township will pay her proportion.” , “Well now, Neighbor Jones, suppose they build gravel roads through our adjoining townships under the old law, can they assess any of the land in this township?” “Yes, they can come two miles in the township on north, east, west and south.” “What! After we have built clear through our township?” “Yes, I am sorry to say they can.”

“Well, Neighbor Jones, do you think they will make us build this big Iroquois ditch?” “Yes. I think they will if they can.” “Well, that will tax the moa. of the land in this township, will it not?” “Yes.” “What is your assessment on your quarter section, Neighbor Jones?” “I do not know. I have asked to find out several times, but they will not tell me.” “Well, Neighbor Jones, this seems to be very strange to me.” “So it is, Neighbor Dewey, but it is the facts.” “Well Jones, I hear they are going to tax the people of the county to pay the expenses of the Waukarusha ditch. Can they do this?” “They can if the people will let them; if not, they cannot. It is not just and I don’t think the people will stand it.” “Well, Neighbor Jones, I shall vote against the gravel roads, and I believe if it is understood this way, it will be defeated. Very glad I met you. Good bye.” “Good bye, friend Dewey.”