Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
June 26, 1914
The Ocala Evening Star
Ocala, Marion County, Florida
What is this article about?
C. L. Gamsby, Marion County Engineer, defends the Ocala and Lake Weir Road construction against H. C. Packham's criticism, refuting claims of waste by detailing daily costs under $75, specific per-foot expenses, and justifications for methods like fills for drainage.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
MR. GAMSBY REPLIES
TO MR. PACKHAM
Regarding the Latter's Criticism on the Ocala and Lake Weir Road
Editor Star:
The article by Mr. H. C. Packham relative to the aforesaid road is an unjust criticism of the commissioners of Marion county as well as myself, and from his statement he is in the predicament of the "sailor," between the devil and deep blue sea.
His assertion that the waste is between $50 and $75 per day shows how ridiculous his article is, as the total cost of four convict gangs, two free labor gangs and necessary materials and repairs has been less than $75 per day some months and on others very little more.
The lime road from Ocala to Santos was cut to pieces during dry weather by log and wood wagons, and the owners use the road every day without a groan. The road through Belleview is being built to profile and grades submitted to the city council of that city and accepted by them.
The fills referred to were made to get sufficient elevation to provide for drainage, and avoid having mud holes as existed previous to this change.
If the critic had happened to have stuck there with his buzz-wagon he would have commenced knocking sooner.
For the benefit of citizens and yourself, the cost of grading and hardening the Belleview road for the month of May was 18 9-10 cents per lineal foot, and if you or any one can suggest a cheaper method we would be glad to have your suggestions. As to using road engine, this requires from 30 to 40 gallons of gasoline per day to operate. If you will demonstrate the economy of using this for clay road in place of scrapers and road drags, we are willing to be instructed.
The balance of the Lake Weir road was built as well as a surface road can be made, being as good material as could be had locally and cost 10 cents to 13 cents a lineal foot from Woodmar to the county line. The monthly reports show the work done in each district as well as its cost, which is the property of every taxpayer and at his disposal.
C. L. Gamsby,
County Engineer.
TO MR. PACKHAM
Regarding the Latter's Criticism on the Ocala and Lake Weir Road
Editor Star:
The article by Mr. H. C. Packham relative to the aforesaid road is an unjust criticism of the commissioners of Marion county as well as myself, and from his statement he is in the predicament of the "sailor," between the devil and deep blue sea.
His assertion that the waste is between $50 and $75 per day shows how ridiculous his article is, as the total cost of four convict gangs, two free labor gangs and necessary materials and repairs has been less than $75 per day some months and on others very little more.
The lime road from Ocala to Santos was cut to pieces during dry weather by log and wood wagons, and the owners use the road every day without a groan. The road through Belleview is being built to profile and grades submitted to the city council of that city and accepted by them.
The fills referred to were made to get sufficient elevation to provide for drainage, and avoid having mud holes as existed previous to this change.
If the critic had happened to have stuck there with his buzz-wagon he would have commenced knocking sooner.
For the benefit of citizens and yourself, the cost of grading and hardening the Belleview road for the month of May was 18 9-10 cents per lineal foot, and if you or any one can suggest a cheaper method we would be glad to have your suggestions. As to using road engine, this requires from 30 to 40 gallons of gasoline per day to operate. If you will demonstrate the economy of using this for clay road in place of scrapers and road drags, we are willing to be instructed.
The balance of the Lake Weir road was built as well as a surface road can be made, being as good material as could be had locally and cost 10 cents to 13 cents a lineal foot from Woodmar to the county line. The monthly reports show the work done in each district as well as its cost, which is the property of every taxpayer and at his disposal.
C. L. Gamsby,
County Engineer.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Infrastructure
What keywords are associated?
Ocala Road
Lake Weir Road
Marion County
Road Construction Costs
Convict Labor
Drainage Fills
County Engineer Defense
What entities or persons were involved?
C. L. Gamsby, County Engineer
Editor Star
Letter to Editor Details
Author
C. L. Gamsby, County Engineer
Recipient
Editor Star
Main Argument
the criticism by mr. packham is unjust and ridiculous; actual costs are under $75 per day, with specific per-foot rates of 18 9-10 cents for belleview and 10-13 cents for lake weir sections, and methods like fills improve drainage over previous mud holes.
Notable Details
Total Daily Cost Less Than $75 Including Convict And Free Labor Gangs
Lime Road From Ocala To Santos Damaged By Wagons But Used Without Complaint
Belleview Road Built To Accepted Profiles And Grades
Fills For Elevation And Drainage To Avoid Mud Holes
Road Engine Uses 30 40 Gallons Gasoline Per Day
Monthly Reports Available To Taxpayers