Walla Walla Statesman

THE WALLULA ROAD.—We have already adverted to the fact that Wallula is likely to be made the landing point for merchandise designed for the various mining districts in the upper country, and in this connection we have to urge that measures be immediately taken to place the road between Walla Walla and Wallula in good repair.

For a great part of the distance there is a good natural road, but at one or two points repairs are required before the road can be made practicable for loaded teams. Four miles below Walla Walla, at the crossing of Mill Creek, the road has been washed out to such an extent that it is scarcely safe for empty wagons to pass that way. At this point the road seems to be badly located, and it would seem to be necessary to change the location so as to cross the creek about a mile and a half lower down. During high water loaded teams find it impossible to reach the present bridge, and at low stages there is no occasion to use the bridge. Parties who are largely engaged in teaming, assure us that by the proposed change a good crossing would be secured at all seasons of the year, and that the road would be materially shortened. To effect this change, it is necessary that parties interested should petition the County Commissioners, setting forth the change desired, when we doubt not the application will meet with favor.

Further down at the crossing of the Touchet, repairs are urgently required. Here the water forms a number of sloughs, over which it is impossible for loaded teams to pass without miring down. What is required here is to open out three or four drains to be spanned by bridges fifteen or twenty feet wide. This done and the balance of the road filled in with gravel, of which there is an abundant supply, the road would be all that could be desired. On inquiry, we learn that Charles White, Road Supervisor for that District, has been authorized by the County Commissioners to make the necessary repairs.

As the road now is, it is almost impossible for loaded teams to come through from Wallula to Walla Walla, and if the present state of affairs is allowed to continue we shall lose a large amount of valuable trade that otherwise would pass this way. Our own citizens could well afford to make the necessary repairs and changes, but this is unnecessary. The Road Supervisor is fully authorized to make the repairs at the crossing of the Touchet, and we trust that he will give this matter his immediate attention. With regard to the crossing of Mill Creek, measures should be taken to bring it to the attention of the County Board at their next meeting, when we are quite sure that the desired change will be ordered. It is of the utmost importance that these improvements should be made without delay, and we trust that the parties concerned will at once take hold and place the road in a passable condition for loaded teams.