Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/237

 *keepers and postmasters, stating the advantages they have derived from the improvement of the roads under Mr. M'Adam's system; but which tend to confirm the general opinion favourable to the system.

It appears that Mr. M'Adam has held, from the year 1816 to the present time, and now holds, the situation of general surveyor of the Bristol Turnpike Roads at a salary, the first year, of 400l. and each subsequent year, of 500l.; but taking into consideration, that out of his annual salary 200l. is for expenses incident to his Office, the remaining sum of 300l. is, in the opinion of this Committee, not more than an adequate payment for the constant and laborious duties attached to the situation, and cannot, or ought not, to be considered as constituting any remuneration to Mr. M'Adam for his other distinct and important services.

It further appears, that the three sons of Mr. M'Adam are employed as general surveyors upon various lines of road in different parts of the Kingdom; that they have been and are competitors with all other road surveyors, over whom they possess no other advantage than such as their superior intelligence, skill and industry entitle them to, having no exclusive or preferable privilege whatever; that they have