Lynchburg Star

From the Republican Argus.

Mr. Einns,

The following extract from the Speech of Morgan Lewis, governor of the state of New York, delivered at the opening of the Legislature of that state, is well worthy the perusal not only of every member of the legislature, but of every farmer of this state, particularly of the farmers and land holders of the county of Northumberland, as the facts therein stated, prove the immense importance of good roads; for to no other cause can be attributed the superiority which the state of New York has obtained over the state of Pennsylvania in the short period of five or six years.

When the advantage which England has derived from turnpike roads and navigable canals are stated, they are so extraordinary as to stagger the belief of persons unused to reflect upon the subject. But the facts stated in governor Lewis's speech, come home to the understanding of every one, we all know that six years ago New York was behind Philadelphia very considerably in the amount of her exports. What is the fact now? She exports nearly double what Philadelphia does. All articles of export bear a higher price there, and all articles of import, viz. Plaister of Paris, Salt, &c. are lower. The more produce there is to export the more of the above mentioned articles must be imported as ballast and the price will be low accordingly.

The members of the legislature will do well to consider the good effects that have resulted from a well-timed appropriation of the public money towards the public roads of the state, and, that money advanced by taking shares in the different turnpikes of the state is not lost, but is returned with immense profit in consequence of the increased wealth of the state, and that even were they to lay a tax to raise a fund for that purpose, they would, if it were done upon a broad and liberal scale, so as to embrace all the different parts of the state, deserve and obtain the name of benefactors of their country.

The farmers of Northumberland county should likewise learn, from a perusal of it, to appreciate as they ought the advantages likely to result to them from the projected turnpike road between Sunbury and Reading. They need not however travel so far as the state of New York for the proofs of the advantages resulting from even moderately good roads. Already has land doubled in value within a considerable distance of the Lehigh turnpike, farmers go miles out of their way to reap the advantage of it, and as I am informed, the stock-holders will receive 12 per cent. for their money.

It is in the power of the legislature of this state by a spirited act of public improvement, not only to regain the ground it has lost. but to make what New York has done appear diminutive: and I think it would do well to invite persons to prepare plans for the general improvement of the roads of the state, suggesting at the same time the means of accomplishing them, for the legislature to make choice of one of them at their next session.

A Friend to Good Roads.