Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1911-02-23
, DISPLAY OF CIVIC SPIRIT.

HE great point about the offer of Mr.. T. Cole
- man DUPONT and that Of Mr. Theodore b.
Rogers to assist the State financially in the con-
struction Of State highway is the splendid civic
spirit displayed.
The possibilities Of Delaware are realized by
them, and the dream of making the State real
garden spot bright as any throughout the broad
country is in a fair way of coming true.
Certainly it seems TO us that Mr. DUPONT who
has shown so great an interest and concern in the
building of the highway and is the pioneer in
bringing the matter so effectively before the pub
lie, should be made a member of the State High
way Commission, should such a commission be
named by the Legislature
What a great thing il would be for Delaware
to have one Of the biggest captains of industry
in the United States devoting even but a small
part Of his time to the construction Of highway
such as he contemplates. What a tribute II would
be to a TO be remembered the who
had brought about one of the greatest improve
ments ever made by commonwealth What
broad mind must IL be that has put within
reach one of the things that those who love
Delaware have long hoped for
Talk about advertising the State, what could he
a greater advertisement than a splendid thorough
fare from one end Of the State to the other? 1t
is contemplated in the construction Of such high
way that because of the proposed width, small
slices OF land Of the farms along which the road
would pass would have to be taken
The suggestion Of Mr. DUPONT contemplates the
payment of the land owners a good figure for
their property, but We think it would be extremely
narrow minded and selfish property owners who
would not gladly donate the land necessary to
make the road IT, proper width Promoters of
trolley companies who wanted to build their lines
down the State have had little difficulty in the
past IN securing whatever land was needed for
their lines and surely the owners Of property
would be willing to do the same for the fine broad
highway such as has been proposed by Mr.. dupont.
The Legislature is confronted with the grave
and important duty of handling this State high
way matter in a manner that shall prove satisfsc-
tory of the people IL is for the members TO work
out feasible plan the best plan, but they should
always keep in mind that the one thing to be at
tanned is the building of the highway by one
method or another
We have been informed that some of the mem
bers are obeoting 10 the Drexer bill because
Drexer is named as commissioner snd because
DreXer introduced il. They don't like Drexer
This of course is foolish objection that will
cause tho average citizen TO smile, but we do not
believe that Senator DreXler will permit his per-
sonality TO stand in the way of the contemplated
public Improvement for Delaware.
Perhaps il may he unnecessary 10 do so, but
The Journal serves warning on the members OF
the Legislature be they Republicans be they
Democrats, that IL the present session adiourns
with nothing done for the building of a State
highway those who blocked the wheels of progress
will be marked men in this State.