Norwich bulletin., 1915-01-07

and a material addition to the tax able property of the. State. We may with pride and confidence invite 8 comparison of these improved high ways with those of adjoining astates
 But these improvements have been the cause of the largest singlesitem of state expense forI several years, and in view of the present condition of the finances, this subject calls for care ful consideration and conservative ac- ton.
 In 1904 the net debt .of
 the State was ..,....S 214,5S449 In 1909 it was .,.~....,.. 2,01S,O49.74 In 1913 It was ......... 6,74S, ,66S.32 In 1914 1t was ........,. 1O,961,3120 08
 This is an increase of. S4, ,212, ,60S.71 during the fiscal year ending October 1, 1914, and it should be remembered that the yearly expense is increased by the interest on this debt.
 The estimated public expense for the ensuing two fiscal years is. given as $1T,6T6.2 .265, one item of which is $4,456, 000 for improved highways or more than one-fourth of the whole amount It is to be desired that all of the, highways much used by the residents of the State. even in the less settled communities, may, in the not distant furture, be so improved as to come within the good roads class.
 I think it may be conceded that to a reasonable extent the cost of the per- manent construction of the improved highways can be properly met by is- suing bonds to be paid Serfally within reasonable limitations of time and not extended beyond the permanency of the improvements. but manifestly the cost of the repair and upkeep of these roads should be included in the nec- essary yearly expense of conducting +5, af ta Inv it revenues received from year to year.
 This meeting of the normal expense as it arises is necessary to the Soi- vency of any corporation, whether it be the State or a municipal or pri- vate corporation therein, otherwise we shall bequeath to the future a griev- ous burden of liabilities.
 I would suggest whether, in view of existing conditions, it is not wise to defer for a, reasonable period any con- siderable extension of our improved more permanent repairs in those al- ready constructed, thus increasing their efficiency and decreasing the cost of their upkeep.
 Municipal Home Rule.
 Altogether too much of the time of the General Assembly and of certain of it's committees is taken up with matters relatfHg solely to the admin istration of the local affairs of cities, boroughs and towns. For instance, there are numerous bills introduced at each session providing for the issu- ance of municipal bonds. Bills are all so considered extending to one or another municipality special admin istrative privileges which are not pro- vided for under the general law.
 I am of the opinion that there should be a larger degree of local self government given to the different municipalities under a general law, re- gardtng such matters as the manufac- ture and sale of ice; the control Of parks; the regulation of salaries; the making of public Improvements, etc, with power to issue bonds under pro- per restrictio"s as to the time of their payment. and a proper relation: to ex- isting indel -edness and grand lists, all subject to the approval of the electors of the municipality. It, seems that the people of each municipality