People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 March 1894 — SETTLED. [ARTICLE]

SETTLED.

Tbe Gravel Road* Question Went With a Whoop. Last Friday was the day set for the voters of Marion township to decide whether they should tax themselves to build gravel roads or not. The same question was before them last fall, but was defeated by a small majority. This did not satisfy those who were interested in the improvement, and finally they presented another petition to the county commissioners praying for an election for the purpose of voting on gravel roads. More hard work was done this time by both sides than before. Those for the road determined that if it carried this time it would be by a fair majority, and the opposition likewise. The newspapers were used by both factions in explaining the different views pro and con. The street corner crowds talked it over again and again. Finally the day arrived when the question would, no doubt, be finally settled. Great care was taken that the election should be carried on in a legitimate manner, and the Australian system was used to a letter in every particular. The day was a beautiful one and brought a great crowd to town to see the fun. Everything passed off smoothly and nicely. The vote cast was a full one. It seemed that those who had said they cared little how it went and did not know whether they would vote or not, were out in full force and consequently a full vote was polled. The following was the official vote as taken at the different voting places:

COLLEGE ROAD. I'or Against Majorßy E;i>*. 140 i,4 ,V, Vfj.l I'lvciiHM 158 9il (12 !~ouili i’lucitict 112 55 ;r/ Total ypti> MO 235 155 LONG 111 DOE HOAD. East I’li < inct 14T 55 02 i • .■%; !*.<■»*: • n• r . l(i*3 !>i{ (>») -outit i're ’inct 104 1.» ' Ui) Total vote 413 22:; l'.Kl I’OOU EAIUi Jfc I‘LEASAXT MIDGE ItUAD. East I’reetnrl 142 58 k 4 West, Freeinet li'iO lit till •toutli I’rocinct Hit 51 tilt Total Mi1e....... GOO 222 . The large majorities for the gravel roads surprised even those who were for it. It was a complete defeat of the opposition, and, of course, tickled those who were for it. There is no one who will deny the worth of good roads, but it is a question in our mind as to whether it was a proper thing to do under the existing circum stances. The outlook for the future is as gloomy as the past. There is not much prospect of a better time coming, and with these vital things staring our people in the face, we do not think it a proper thing to vote this tax on them at this time. We think that the commissioners should use good judgment in awarding the contracts for the building of these roads. Let the contract be given to home parties. This will give our laboring men work and help the taxpayers pay the taxes which has been thrown upon them. Other roads have been built that w r ay and the money kept at home for the entire work. Thi£ is what should be done and we hope to see it that. way.