Evening journal., 1915-04-17
SATURDAY APR. II. 1915
nor DISCOVERY, BUT A NOTORIOUS FACT.


ONE Of our local contemporaries that is evincing
~ unwonted interest in road improvement now that
the Legislature has adjourned and the Levy Court is
almost bankrupt for the time being, says
"That the southern end of the Philadelphia turn
pike leading into Wilmington, is in extremely bad
condition. needs immediate attention prevent
from passing the stage of repair, was discovered by
the members OF the Levy Court who made of in
spection Of the stone roads in Brandywne and Chris
tiana hundreds yesterday"
Why speak of It discovery when il is now, and
has been for months. notorious fact that the road
referred TO is not only in bad condition but also in
need of reconstruction rather than repair? bill
providing for bond issue TO obtain the funds needed
TO rebuild that section of the public road was intro
duced in the last Legislature Arguments in its be-
half were made orally and in writing in Dover and
elsewhere and it commented upon repeatedly and
favorably in some instances by the newspapers Not
withstanding all that. the bill was never passed
In view of those things isn't It rather ridiculous for
the Levy Courtmen anyone else speak the pres
ont condition of the turnpike discovery Of yoster
day the day before month or the month be-
ioreg It isn't discovery any than il would be
visitor TO walk up Market and the
Court House or TO take trip to Atlantic City and
discover the Atlantic ocean.
The net result of tho refusal Of the Legislature to
pass the bond bill alluded to will be more make
shift and waseful repair ork on the old turnpike when
ID is we'll for the public to bear in mind. however,
that the Wilmington ami Philadelphia turnpike is in
tho district of Everett W. Hongsworih President Of
the Levy Court That also is true OF the Concord
turnpike and OF other roads relative TO the condition
OF which there is much public complaint In view
Of the Official that has been made by President
Hollingsworth the people have ceased expect much
Of constructive and beneficial nature from his admin
istrston OF the Office of Levy Court Commissioner It
is only natural however that they should indignant
that Of the roads that under his supervision
have been permitted TO IAN into such deplorabe state
Of disropair Nor is It surprising in view of the pub
lie understanding that President Hollingsworth fayors
the acquisition by the county Of the Kennot turnpike
that the indignation against him has been intensified
Concord turnpike taken by the county and,
measured by presentday good roads standards. it is
FAR from what it ought TO be. That acquisition was
followed by the purchase OF the Wilmington and Phil
adephia turnpike. It's condition today is a public
scandal The Kennett turnpike. which the county has
not taken is the only northern approach our
city that is in fair condition In view OF the showing
already made the Concord and the Philadelphia
turnpkes. it would be a crying offense against the
travelling public and the interests Of the city of VIII
mngton for tho county take over that turnpike
until the Levy Court has been purged OF some of lis in
comDetents and the finances OF the county have been
rehabiaied by gray-maor methods TO an extent that
will enable the reconstructed Levy Court to put and
keep in proper condition the road mileage already
under its jurisdiction. II is far better for Kennett
turnpike to be under competent private control than II
would be for it TO pass under that incompetent public
control Of which President Hollingsworth now Is the
presiding and representative genius.