Evening journal., 1911-03-06
MONDAY. MAR. 6. 1911
nae coon ROAD PROJECT.

HERE has been no desire on the part of those
a who have thought that the offer OF Mr. du-
Pont 20 build a State highway, with the probability
that 1t would be followed in the not distant future
by the construction Of a trolley road, to in the
slightest measure stHe opposition or to urge the
Legislature to hurry through with the matter with
out due oeliberaton and intelligent thought
There is a desire that the subject shall be con-
sidered in fair and open minded manner With
out prejudice to the man who has made the oher
and without political any other kind OF bias
The members of the Legislature are willing TO
hear all objections and all such objections will be
given due weight
The entire matter, since the name OF Mr. dupont
has been associated with it, has been discussed by
some newspapers if it we're political subject
and as IT il we're really not worthy OF oonsidera-
ton This attitude we fear, has been taken be-
cause Of prejudces which we believe TO be un-
founded but which, nevertheless exist in the minds
Of some Of the critics. There should be really no
loss Of temper in the discussion of so grave sub
jcct Some critics have thought that they saw
"coored gentleman" hidden in the wood pile,
or that there is some hidden string in connection
with the proposal If there is, let those who think
so communicate their views TO the Legislature
Certainly no wishes comeback" of any
kind.
In his reported change in his offer Mr.. DUPONT,
however, does away with the fears concerning the
concessions, by his proposal TO give the utilities
franchise if he could secure it, TO any legitimate
company that would promise to build the public
utilities within specified time. We don't
what more he could do TO show that there was no
scheme hidden in the offer, as some Of the cap
tiouS critics seem TO think. The reported change
in Mr.. duPonts offer shows, however, that it is
subject 10 thorough consideration by the Legis-
lature. Mr.. duPonts sole idea we have taken
IT, is for the benefit Of the State and his formal
offer and his latest reported offer certainly should
be received in good faith as something on the
Of urhn fc dnefr ,r r,rt,,o
Delaware.
Much of the confusion about the question seems
10 us 10 be due TO a misunderstanding of the in
corporation laws of the State. If Mr.. duPont's
sole idea was to obtain valuable franchises as
business venture he could organize a company
and under the laws of the State obtain a right
Of way skirtng the present State road or any other
highway, OF he could cut through property in
straight line. Any concern that wanted to use
public utilities could do the same A piping line
as we understand the law could get such fran
ohises and the State would not get in return what
II would get under Mr. duPonts plan.
Some objection has been made to the minimum
narrowness Of the road that the proposal call,
for. from Il to i8 feet, but the width Of the rosS
would be adapted 10 circumstances and we do no
for a moment imagine that it would be twev,
foot road the entire length, We should not thinl
that Mr.. DUPONT would want his name LINKED
with a project Of that kind.
Mr. duPonts proposition calls for highway
excellent construction. The probabilities are tina
it wou,c be better constructed than one built b,
the State. We presume that he or his compan
would work in conjunction with some sort of com
mission named by the Legislature The State o
course would have some say as TO the kind o
road.
The tree planting seems TO be wish of Mr
duPonts The State we understand IL, wouli
not have TO plant the trees. The planted tree
would be turned over 10 the State and the State
should take pride in caring for them. Some gooS
roads in other States lined with trees and hel
are source Of civic pride to the community.
The proposition calls for a road from 100 to 2OC
ieet vide, the 100 feet being the minimum.
Diberences OF opinion which can be easily ad
Justed will exist on this point
As for the franchise giving the right to erec
poles and conduits and such things. anv com
pany could secure such rights There is no,hine
said in the proposition about steam railroads bu
as matter of fact company could secure m,
right 10 huild steam railroad under our incor
poration law. charter therefore covering al
these public utilities could be secured u,ithou
practically giving anything in return