Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1911-02-24
DELAwAREs OPPORTUNITY.

n HE splendid opportunity open 10 DeidWHc ~
Il secure a State highway unsurpassed by that
of any other commonwealth seems to us TO put
a heavy responsibility upon the men of the State
who arc loosely characterized as prominent cit-
zens" and leaders of thought" holders OF pub
Tic place and the like.
Stripped Of any other suggestion other man
in the history of the State has made magni-
hcent an offer as that of Mr. DUPONT TO give out
right 100000 for the building of a State high
way.
This phase Of the situation alone suggests new
fields Of opportunity for philanthropists and pub
lie spirited persons who have given and do give
large sums for educational and other purposes.
Mr. DUPONT possibly has pointed out the way for
them to turn their thoughts towards one of the
most practical and beneficial plans to aid the
pubc-that of contributing money for the build
ing of good highways and their maintenance
There is nothing more conducive to the welfare
of any community than good roads, good streets
and civic improvements, and yet this wide field
has not attracted the attention of men of wealth
as il should do.
The offer TO aid in the building Of the good
highway together with Mr.. duPont's other plan
10 advance whatever sum is necessary for the
building of the road he to be repaid in, the tenta
tive manner suggested, or possibly in some other
way is the most important subject before the Leg
islature today
Public spirited citizens and leaders of opinion
endeavor to bring about happy solving of the
problem that now confronts the Legislature No
man who loves Delaware, no man who regards his
high duties as a citizen as something more than
grabbing positions and the money which goes
with them, devsipg schemes for'the purpose of
obtaining favored legislation that may bring
money into his pockets, opposes progress in Della
ware.
1t is doubtful if even the most ardent advocates
OF good roads appreciate fully what the construc-
ton of a State boulevard would mean to Delaware.
II will begin 10 dawn upon them when they think
more over it.
What is needed now is the showing of proper
appreciation of the civic spirit displayed in the
offer and united and determined effort that
something tangible shall come out of the present
situation as regards road improvement 1t has
really been thrust upon the people of Delaware TO
say whether all the talk about wanting progress
and public improvements amounts to anything.
Some years ago similar question was put up
TO the people of Wilmington when a large industry
now in Philadelphia wished to locate here. BY a
series of unfortunate complications and foolish
ness this great industry was lost to Wilmington.
Let not the State give similar exhibition of
failure to grasp opportunities.
If there is any public sentiment worth while in
Delaware it will assert itself in demanding that
the opportunity that so fairly conironts Delaware
shall be taken advantage Of
II is time for the small men, inc Jealous little
fellows, the schemers who seek to discredt per-
sons and TO find out sinister motives to step
aside. The proposition for good State highway
is too big for them 10 meet They are Lillipu-
tians whose fitting place is in the kindergarten
school for Islander.
Let there be a united effort for the accom-
plishmeut of this great project-the building of
a State highway.