Page:Remarks on the Present System of Road Making (1823).djvu/43

 Much must depend on the selection of the officer to whom this charge is committed; he must have a considerable share of general information respecting country business; the subject of road-making ought to have been well considered by him; his station in society should be such, as to secure to him the support and confidence of the Commissioners, while it commands the obedience and deference of the subordinate officers.

The success of the exertions of individual Commissioners, in particular parts of the country first suggested the opinion, that a better system of road-making might be adopted, and the examples of a better practice extended to all parts of the country; but the benefit can never be rendered thus general, unless accompanied by the zeal and activity that produced it; and this can only be supplied by officers, whose sole duty it shall be, and who will be accountable to the Commissioners under whose orders they act for the execution of the trust confided to them. Gratuitous services are ever temporary and local, they are dependant on the residence, and life of the party; and have always disappointed expectation. Skill and executive labour must be adequately paid for, if expected to be constantly and usefully ex