The Monitor-register., 1896-02-28

We do not expect entire unanimity
even In 80 desirable a public improve
ment as the introduction of electric
lights in Woodstown. In fact, it is we'll
that there is sufficient diversity of opinion
rs to insure the matter a free discussion
from every standpoint that the decision,
when it shall be reached, may reflect the
deliberate Judgment of the people, after
careful consideration of all the interests
and possible issues involved. Because of
this, and for the reason that the columns
OF the MoN1ToR-REG1sTER are always
open to the free and fair discussion OF
public questions, we admit this week a
communication from one of our citizens.
who manfully backs up his statements
with his name, which strongly opposes
the jdea of electric lights in Woodstown.
We caS-bardly believe, however, that the
position assumed by the writer is the
popular one, or that his statements are
warranted by facts. Indeed, the CON-
parison that he seeks to make iu the cost
of electric plants is SO extravagant as to
defeat it's force and prejudice the entire
article in its effect upon the public mind.
The introduction of the expensive char
acter of the water works as comparison
to disparage the electric light project is
far fetched. Woodstown's water works
plant is worth all it cost, and for it's size
it is among the cheapest and best in the
State, and no citizen of Woodstown would
vote to-day to have it taken out. The
fire protection is worth each year to our
citizens the interest on the bonds, and
perhaps, If it had not been for the abun-
dant supply of water furnished by the
water works at the time of the disastrous
fire of the Methodist Church, three years
ago, the dana ge resulting might have
been sufficient to pay the interest on the
water works bonds for several years. If
electric lights, water works, sewers and
such public Improvements do not add to
the value Of property, attract residents
and create a general spirit of improve
ment, how is it that the places that have
these advantages grow so much faster
than those without them? Why is it
that rents in Woodbury. and the value of
property there are so largely in excess of
what they are in Woodstown, if these
things have no direct bearing? Why is
1t that progressive and enterprisipg men
everywhere; men who are successful in
business; men who are esteemed for their
Judgment and sagacity, in any commu.
nifty, readily advocate these improve
ments? Has the popular Judgment and
business rewards been mistaken, and are
they hair-brain enthusiasts, and those
who decry all such public improvements
the wise and prudent, or does the true
character of old fogyism find its exact
counterpart here? Why is it that when
our correspondent has municipal bonds
and securities for sale he cites water
works, electric lights, sewers and such
public improvements, not only as indi-
catiIg the thrift and prosperity of the
people, but as adding to the value and
desirability of these securities? Far be
1t from us to add to the burdens of our
citizens in the way of taxes, and this cry
is generally the chief stock in trade of
those who oppose public improvements;
but such an argument loses its force when
the tax rate in Woodstown is lower than
the rate in South Harrison township.
really being less than 81 except for, the
extra school tax this year, made necessary
by the present expensive school law.
But We leave the matter in the hope that
other and ADLER hands will rise to defend
and aid the cause of public improve
ments.