Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/13

 the protection of the Roads. Where such control is duly exercised, good management with economy will be the result; and wherever a mistaken notion of economy shall continue to prevent the application of such wholesome and necessary control, the roads will be imperfectly repaired, and the funds dissipated.

It appears from the returns made to Parliament, that the sum annually raised for the use of the Roads exceeds the neat revenue of the Post Office; yet is this very large sum expended through the hands of persons of the lowest rank in society, under an appearance of control; which equally deceives the public and deludes the expectation of those who conduct the general business of the Roads.

Commissioners can only act with effect, as a deliberative body; and their most beneficial resolutions are rendered valueless, through want of a steady executive power. Any attempt on the part of individual Commissioners to exercise