Smyrna times., 1917-03-21

Yield Big Revenues for Schools and
Roads and Boost the State
In the way of Constructive Legisla-
ton. the Delaware Legislature went
on record last week of passing some of
the most noteworthy laws ever given
to the state. Public schools and good
roads will receive a wonderful boost.
The series of bills introduced by Rep
resentative Marvel, creating State
Highway Department, Mr.. Boyce's
BILL which will enable the State to get
$4,000 from the Federal govern
meut for good roads. if the highway
bill becomes a law, and Representa-.
tive Culver's bill authorizing Sussex
county to bserOw 81, 900, 900 for good
roads, were all passed by both houses
Of Legislature Thursday and Friday,
without opposition and almost with
out discussion, as the members were
familiar with all the provisions. In
view of the fact that the Kent Connty
Levy Court announces that it will have
$3.50, 900 to spend on good roads this
yesr, provided the S1OO, 900 bill in
the Senate becomes a law, Mr.. Daily
has had stricken from the House cal
endar his bill authorizing a $3.50, 900
road loan for Kent. Under the pro-
vision of the State Highway bill the
commission to be named to serve with
out pay by the Governor within 80
days, is to receive the revenue from
automobile licenses. which now goes
to the general fund of the State. 1t
is estimated that this fund, after the
passage of several automobile license
bills pending at this session, will
amount to from $125, 900 to SITS, 600
annually. The commission is author
lied under the act to borrow anv
amount within its discretion by the
issuing of bonds, provided the amount
is not more than the funds from
licenses will pay the interest on; also
to maintain the roads and create a
sinking fund to take care of the bonds
as they mature.
Expert Road Engineer to be Engaged
In addition to this amout the COM
mission under the income tax bill.
which has now passed both houses.
will receive from 5000, 600 to $780,
OOO additional each year. This tax
law will bring in, it is estimated,
from $3.50, 600 to $500, 900 of which
amount $3.50, 900 is to go to the free
public schools, and the remainder to
the Highway Department for the con-
Sruetlon of good roads. The commits
sion has the authority to select what
roads will be rebuilt but has to main
'aln the roads after they are COM
peted. This will gradually relieve
each county from considerable burden
10 looking after roads. 1t is estimated
10 tne bill that the cost of maintain
ing roads will be about $500 a mile
eacn year for reconstructed roads
and about $3.50 for constructed roads.
4ne terms of the commissioners will
Oe as follows: Wilmington member
Two years; rural New Castle, four;
Aent' SIX and Sussex, 8, and all COM
IlSslonrs named after their terms ex-
pre- will be for eight years. The
'OHlmisslon is required to elect chief
engineer at a salary not to exceed
$500 year.
income and Inheritance Tax Bills Pass
Doth the income and inheritance
YAK pills have passed the Legislature
w. The vote in each House was
unanimous. Several of the Senators
SeieVed the amount exempted should
ua'e been fixed at . higher amount
'uan 81, 200. Senator Frazier de-
''ated that it was one of the most i'm
r'i'dnt measures presented at this ses-
.'oH VI the General Assembly. He
pointed out that the bill would pro-
'Iue Tor the improvement of the
:'uOols and roads of the State, which
.s badly needed at this time. Sem
s s'C'S Wharton, Gormley, Hickman
~ ~" hoHecker declared in turn that
.Iey approved the bill, but believed
s -e exemption clause should have been
SS: SAeu at higher amount than ST., 900,
"u'cn might work a hardship upon
'One married men. Each thought the
s'nptlon clause should have been
p T4eO at 81, 500 or $4,000. Senator
,s;s ,a1ler' in reply to the objections,
Na. a mere had been a strong demand
on. a' no income be exempted, and that
no; s'yOne should pay the tax, and he
sid, u,eo out that the ST, 600 was de-
Co' "u upon as compromise. Senator
nS:a :uley made motion that. action
hs s'u the bill be deferred, so it could
AM enoed to increase the exemption
ho' h'unt' but the motion was lost and
~ VII was than paaaad ,,nanirooualxy