Claiborne Guardian

We learn from our friend James W. Sherrard that the bridge on the Minden road this side of George W. Alexander's broke down with his wagon and team last Saturday, seriously bruising Mr. Sherrard and badly damaging his wagon. Fortunately Mr. S. lost neither of his mules. This is the second accident of this kind that has taken place in this parish in the last few years. A bridge in the western portion of the parish, near Germantown, broke down two years ago with the wagon of Joseph White and killed a mule, besides breaking up the wagon. The parish is responsible for this accident, and we give it as our opinion that it could be made to pay to Mr. Sherrard whatever damage he may have sustained. It is the duty of the police jury to appoint good men as overseers of the roads and to give them every facility and aid that may be necessary to enable them to have the roads under their care well worked. Bridges should be made strong and kept so. If overseers fail they should be made to suffer the penalty of the law.

It is true, and it is a pity that it is so, that the people either because a fellow feeling makes them kind or other reason have a great sympathy for delinquent overseers or hands, and it is difficult to convict either. It is hard to understand how the people should be so blind about this matter. Good roads mean easy traveling, no accidents, quick transportation, a good reputation abroad, an inducement to immigrants, and many other pleasures and advantages for the parish and State. Bad roads mean patched wagons, stock jaded and stove up, losses, mules and oxen frequently crippled, diseased or killed, anathemas upon the people by travelers, increased expenditures on the farm to pay for damaged horses, wagons and harness, &c., &c.

While we oppose giving too much power to the general government we begin to think that the only way to secure good roads is to let the National Congress take the matter in hand, under the plea that as all public highways are needed by the government for mail purposes, the national administration should, to secure rapid and safe transit, assume the right to work the roads. Unless there be some great change the evil will continue.