Evening journal., 1916-04-22
SATURDAY. APRIL %, 1916.
OUR COUNTY AND Irs ROADS.

FNNireL arc Two outstanding reasons why Whining
ionans have vital interest in the condition OF
the public roads of New Castle county
One is that Wilmington taxpayers contribute approx
imately two-thirds of the money required to run the
county government, and they have a right TO know
whether that money is being spent wisely and
micay or ioolishly and extravagantly
Another is that the condition of the roads has
direct and important bearing upon the material in
terests our city and comfort and convenience
Of its citizens and is only the right but the duty
OF Wmngtonians to insist that those interests shall
be served by official body that draws from them
two-thirds OF rs borrowing and spending power
We publish elsewhere in paper today the report
OF three eminent engineers and road experts employed
by special committee appointed by the Wilmington
Chamber Of Commerce TO inquire into the business az
fairs Of our county and to endeavor reduce them to
more efficient and substantial basis The engineers
report. dspassonate technical document deals with
the county road problem as they see it, They make
the following criticisms Of the manner in which things
pertaining TO the county roads are administered:
first-That the organization is such as TO pro-
puco best results.
second-ihai the roads have not been constructed
20 a. 90 form satisfactory system OF highways.
Third That Tho accounts OF the highway appropra-
lions have not been kept in such way as 10 show the
COSTS of the different classos Of work ON specific high
ways. both as To construction and maintenance
Fourth That sufficient attention has NOT been given
70 preliminary INVESTIGATIONS surveys designs plans
estimates ctr, before advertising FOR proposals for
ne nork
Ffh-1hai me advertisements have not been given
sueh pubii6s 10 secure wide competition
sizth-That ihe fo-ms of proposal contracts and
specifications have been drawn as TO permit divided
authority. such changes IN work as 10 favor II de-
sired certain contractors. and in many cases have
been So indefinite not permit intelligent and eco
nomie building
The enEneers who prepared the report are Professor
Arthur ~ BLANCHARD who is in charge Of the grad
uate course In highway engineering az Columbia Uni
fersigf Henry g. Shirley. Grief Engineer OF the
Maryland state Roads Commission. and George W
Iiiison- a civil ensneer who. through his work in
OMAHA. Ncu York city and elsewhere has gained
national reputation for engineering efficiency II
would be ihe height Of folly for the Levy Court Com
mssoners OF anyons else 20 try 20 brush aside care
iessly OF eontenpuously the findings Of three such
men They cail ior full and frank answer from the
le'y Court ami one lhst IS free from passion and
siiterins gene9lities wnch count for nothing {,
discerniul mind
The report of the engineers is long one II
viii require time FOR taxpayer 10 read and digest IT,
Noi"ihsiandins that. We think il the duty Of every
taxpayer 10 do and then suspend judgment until
the Levy Court make It's reply and the taxpavor
has opportunity 20 read and digest and weigh il
on The scales Of reason the critical comment
OF the engineers Certainly there should De no snap
Judgment in favor OF against anyone involved i'm
he controversy
The reply Of tho Loyy Court should Doe categorical
and complete There should be dodging or side
stepping. The roads question i'm this county is one
that should be taken up in am unmpassioned way
considered in an unmpcssoncd spirit and settled ON
unimpassionod basis
The Chamber Of Commerce through It's special COM
mitteo, has obtained the critical views Of three onB
cheney experts Of recognized standing Those views
have cost the county nothing. whereas under other
circumstances. they might have cost IL thousands OF
dollars If those critical views be wen founded and IL
Extravaganza. unwisdom and inefciency have existed
In the past, mutual and friendly agreement shonla
be reached that will permit of things being elim
mated in the future
Inc good roads question in this county is an eco
nomic and not political one Those who annroacl, 4,
should do so in that spirit and with an eve SINGLE 70
producing situation that will give TO the axnavers
the best results possible from the money exnended
The instant that faconal partisan politics invades
the field that instant will the value of the reno s
the engineers be impaired and the sincerity of tho
motive underlying it be thrown under the shadow of
public suspicion.