University of Virginia Library

Bad Roads Cause People to Leave Country.

Another great detriment that has come to this Nation from its
wretched country roads is that it has forced the people to leave the

rural sections and congregate in towns and cities. This fact is strikingly
disclosed by the census returns. In 1790 only 3.4 per cent of our
population dwelt in our cities; in 1850, 12.5; in 1900 the percentage
was 40; in 1910 it was 46. This explains why so many acres of
fertile land still remain untilled, while the city, with its unsanitary
and unwholesome tenements, is crowded with human beings whose
standards of living and methods of life result in their mental, moral,
and physical decay. Statistics gathered by the Office of Public Roads
and compared with the reports of the United States census reveal
that in 25 counties, selected at random, possessing only 5.1 per cent
of improved roads in 1904, the decrease of population averaged 3,112
for each county for the 10 years between 1890 and 1900. The records
of this department further show that in 25 counties similarly selected,
which possessed an average of 40 per cent of improved roads,
there was an increase averaging 31,095 to the county. These significant
facts show more eloquently than language the great benefits accruing
from improved roads. Statistics gathered from the same
source show how education and school attendance are affected by
improved roads. These statistics show that in five States in which
about 34 per cent of the roads are improved 77 out of each 100 pupils
enrolled regularly attend the public schools. That in other five States
in which the improved roads only amount to 1.5 per cent only 59 out
of each 100 pupils enrolled regularly attend the public schools. These
figures prove more forcibly than language the advantages accruing
to education from good improved public highways.

Each census discloses that our urban population is very rapidly
increasing at the expense of our rural sections. This is not desirable.

It means an immense national loss, not only financially, but morally,
intellectually, and physically. The pleasures and profits of country
life are largely dependent upon the condition of the public roads.
Social intercourse and pleasure are only possible in those sections
where comfortable traveling is possible over the roads.

Good school facilities and good public roads go hand in hand.
They are companions which can not be separated. Carefully gathered
statistics disclose that efficient country schools and the attendance
of scholars are invariably dependent upon the condition of the
public roads.

The country has been the great nursery which has furnished the
men of genius and patriotism who have builded this mighty Nation.

We should do what we can to encourage our population to remain
there, and develop our wonderful soil and agricultural resources.

Then, the agricultural people of this Nation are the mighty sources
of patriotism and courage who will preserve this Nation in the coming
hours of storm and stress.