Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-08-28
NEW YORK'S EXPERIENCE

"HOSE who are doubtful as to
the wisdom Of borrowing ex-
tensively for the creation of a
vast system of improved highways
in Pennsylvania would profit by a
perusal of a recent article by Con-
troller Travis. of New York State,
on Financing New York Highways" ."
Mr.. Travis goes at length into the
history of road building in the En-
pire State and his story of the many
mistakes and costly experiments
that preceded the Inauguration of
the present effective system of con-
struction and repair is highly inter
esting to the good roads advocate
as who is not in these days of au-
tomobile travel? But of particular
import is his account of the bond
system in New York and how it has
been worked out. Says he:
Perhaps the. most significant
act on the States part in aiding
the good roads movement, how
ever, arose in connection with the
method OF financing it's share.
Up to 1905 1t had been the
improvements out OF the annual
receipts of the treasury. But the
fallacy of including such eXpendi-
lures soon became apparent, and
ed upon the policy of providing
the necessary moneys by the Gre
alton of a State debtN 1t was
pointed out that this outlay is
for the benefit of the people of
the State and in no sense to be
considered an ordinary eXpendi-
ture. 1t was, therefore, eminent
ly proper that these costs should
be distributed over a long period
of years.
Briefly described, the issuance
of these securities proved to be a
device whereby this Common
wealth was enabled to spread
over a series of years payments
exceeding already over S120.000.-
900, which amount would other
wise have to be met out of cur
rent taxes. In substance. such is
the scheme whereby New York
rebuild It's highways, a practice
Justifiable because these improve
ments will be inherited by COM
ing generations, and it is only
just and reasonable. therefore, to
ask them to share the burden of
expense.
The benefits derived from the
States construction, maintenance
and repair of our public high
ways seems to be of a more far
I reaching character than was ap-
preciated even twenty years ago,
and to-day these advantages are
SO diffused as to render taxation
levied for this purpose seemingly
most equitable and just. The
question has often been raised.
however. not only as to the, fair
raising the necessary funds for
this work, but also as to its eco
nomical ana effective use by our
administrative officials; In all
ing for the introduction of eX-
tensive plans and heavy eXpendi-
lures change OF method in man
agement is bound to happen. al
srward proved to have been un-
wise and eXt-avagant.
To manage successfully such a
stupendous public work. as the
necessitated the devising OF com
prehensive plans requiring
term of years for its fulfillment
Moreover. intricate financial prob
far in its successful completion.
. But public utilities, such as our
good roads, affect so intimately
the life of every one in the COM
struction and maintenance are of
vital Importance.
These are the findings OF an ex-
pert in finance-not a practical road
builder. They are the conclusions
of an experienced financier after
years of study. They ought to be
convincing to those who are doubt
full as to the wisdom of creating
a public debt in Pennsylvania for
the purpose of highway construc-
tion. What has proved beneficial
to the farmers and people in gen.
eral of New York State should be
no less so to those of this Common
wealth.