Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-02-03

dividuais. He called attention to the
fact that each Of these individuals
discussions was being conducted from
the personal viewpoint Of individuals,
whose Interpretation of the various
sections and their operation might be
mistaken, aud unless the proper in
depreciation was plain to all, there
might result some misunderstand-
ings which might lead TO confusion
OF IDEAS. II was decided that the
former Governors suggestion should
be followed
DUPONT Boulevard Not Affected.
At this juncturo the question was
raised as to what would become Of
the DUPONT Boulevard In case these
bills we're passed. Josiah Marvel an
sWered this question by stating that
the proposed acts provided that the
highway would not be affected He
said that the proposed act provides
for an amendment to the boulevard
law which in turn provides that
instead OF being turned over TO a su-
perintendent or some particular Off
cial for maintenance and operation,
II shall be turned over to the State
Highway Department for mainte-
nance In other words. upon its
completion It reverts to the State, and
becomes a part of the general road
system OF the State. under 1urisdic-
ton OF this proposed department.
Philip j. Isaacs asked the chairman to
explain upon what, il any, provision OF
the bill would the proposed highway en-
gneer make the choire Of roads to be
improved and taken over IL was ex-
planned that the act contemplated first
Of all, that the remainder Of this year
from May /, when the act, If passed
would become operative, should be de-
voted 70 a systematic and scientific
study Of road conditions and require.
ments over the entire State, which
would include surveys, maps. detailed
scrutiny Of county road records, sys'
TENS, road building materials which
would be applicable to special conditions
Of traffic in each locality, and kindred
matters, which, before December 81
should Be crystallized into a definite
plan of operation to be followed during
the next year OF 20, and this plan OF
operation submitted TO the peopl,
through advertisement In two papers Of
each county for at least two weeks
which would give ample time for anyone
having either objection or suggestions "a
submit them 10 the department for con.
sideration and action. In other words
that the answer to his question was con-
tained In sections and Of the pro
posed act.
Bonding Provision Explained.
Mr.. Isaacs also later in the meeting
asked II there was anything in the bill
which would form a basis for calculat.
ing and limiting the borrowing capacity
Of the department. It was explained
that the amount Of bonds which could
be issued under the net was entirely de
pendent upon the receipts from autOmo
bile license fees, and that no more
money could be borrowed than those re-
ceipts could care for ny covering, first
the interest on the bonds issued undel
the net was entirely dependent upon th,
receipts from automobile license fees
and that no more money could be Dor
rowed than those receipts could care fo
| by covering, first, tho interest on thl
bonds issued second, by setting asid
l-2 per cent. sinking fund, whicl
would retire tae bonds in forty years
third the cost Of read construction ant
maintenance; and fourth, pay the ad
ministrative and operating expenses 0
the department. BY this means IN
amount Of bonds issued always woul
be dependent upon the known receipts Z
take care of them.
The question was raised az Z,
whether the proposed law contem
plated the State taking over the re
sponsibility OF the payment OF the
various road bonds which have beer
issued by the various countries, and
Mr.. Scott replied that II was not con.
templated that this should be done
The county would be relieved OF al
improved road maintenance expense
he explained, and this would permit
OF each county recognizing its road
taxation weights. He explained that
improved roads are a constant source
OF continuing expense, and produced
no revenue. II they we're producers
of revenue the bonds would be taker
over and such revenue used for theii
retirement, but II was felt that by
taking over the roads and theil
maintenance and the construction o.
new roads, the counties would be re
lieved Of very material drain upor
their financial resources. and permi
OF the diversion OF this money int
the general channels OF county ad
ministration. This setmed to be salts