New-York tribune., 1920-03-02
Jersey ignorant
OF Finances, Says
Edwardls's Message
Governor Informs Lcgisla-
sure New Highway System
Will Cost 1867, 800,
Instead of Sis, 100000

TRENTON, N. j., March 1.-Governor
Edwards sent special message to
the Legislature tonight informing the
public of the facts regarding the finan-
clal details of certain state affairs.
He said the people Of New Jersey had
been allowed to remain in woeful ig-
norance of the real facts in connection
with the highway program as outlined
under the Edge road tax act. He fur
thcr said it was high time the people
should know the details of the prob
lens they are confronted with, and it
also was time to put on the brakes
The problems dealt with in the message
are the state highway system, the inter
state bridge and tunnel and state in
stitutions and taxation.
The Governor made it clear that in
stead of the original $15,0O0,0OO it
was estimated the new highway system
would cost, the total sum necessary
would reach 3S,667 800. 81 do not wish
to make any undue structures on the
policy of the Highway Department or
the past administration in dealing with
this matter" said the Governor, "bu,
it does seem TO me that both the Legis-
lature and the people have been allowed
to remain woefully ignorant Of the real
facts. 1T was known in 1917 that $685.
100000 would be required to complete
the highway program, and that the
sum called for by the Edge road tax
act would not complete even half of
the system. 1t is my belief that the
general understanding of the people of
the state is and has been that the
moneys they paid by way of tax under
that act would be sufficient to defray
the cost of complete state highway
SYSTEM"
Time to Put on Brakes
The Governor also dealt with the
bridge and tunnel. and told Of the i'm
portance OF completing these arteries
of travel between New Jersey and the
states of New York and Pennsylvania.
He then took up the request of the
Department of Institutions and Agencies
for $16,000,000 to rehabilitate institu-
tions Of the state
what are we to do about it ?" asks
the Governor. "Shall we, at d time
when the people already are over
CN' N~iiSO Will Vic CCSl Oh governments /
lead upon their backs an additional
heavy burden? If the state had made
proper provision during past adminis-
trations for the state Institutions, and
if the people had been made ac-
quainted with the facts concerning
the lack of sufficient moneys for the
highways and adequate provision had
been made for the actual cost thereof.
we would not now be confronted with
the problem Of dealing with the three
emergencies 1t is my view that in
this particular situation it is time to
put on the brakes and go slowly. The
present burdens of the people are
such that, in my Judgment, if tkey are
asked to provide for all three there
is no chance of any of them being
acted upon favorably."
Urges Submission at Election
He suggests that the question of
the bridge and tunnel be submitted at
the 1920 election; that the request of
the Department of Institutions and
Agencies be carefully stgated at
this session Of the Legislature; and
that the re-tinancing of the highway
system be postponed until next year,
as the highway department has at the
present time sufficient funds tsA carry
on its immediate work until tt Il time