Evening journal., 1921-01-06

manned and equipped. II would be
practical. too, in that our boys at
Delaware would have the advantage
Of studying under the conditions here,
which are considered by expects as
the last word in road building. The
opportunity and demand for highway
engineers throughout the world is
greater than ever before. In my
Judgment such a course would become
one Of the most popular in the engi-
neering department
Another interesting addition TO the
department has been the war surplus
material that has been allotted to
Delaware by the Federal Government.
We have received, TO date, fl autOmO-
biles, 80 trucks, 30 20-ton tractors.
trenching machine, 1 asphalt plant,
10 ton stn leg derricks, concrete
mixer, industrial locomotives, 81
maintenance wagons, Q transits, $4,000
worth OF auto and machine parts.
This is worth by conservative esti-
mate S22J.O 900. TLls additional equip
ment without cost TO the State will
add much 10 the efficiency OF the
department.
The program outlined will necessi-
tate the authorization OF more bond
ISSUES and probably an increased ap-
preparation from the general fund.
The plans projected will connect all
the towns in the State. Sussex county
VIII probably ask for further bond
authorization TO complete its regional
system leading into the main hhzh-
ways Other counties should do the
same. The State should do. every
thing possible TO encourage the State
aid program, giving dollar for dollar
30 the counties agreeing TO the State
program.
The practical question Is often
asked whether the roads will last.
This Is pertinent inquiry. especially
i'm view Of our past county expert
ences in road building. The commits
sons made wise provisions for this
In its original policy. in that $3.50 per
mile per year is reserved for main
tanning repairs AID upkeep. With
this amount available Immediately on
the completion OF the road, their per-
Nancy is certainly reasonably cared
for. The same Is true Of the pro-
visions for payment OF bonds. sums
are now being set aside in sinking
fund whereby all bonds viii be paid
within 40 years.
other questions will arise in the
considerations OF highway legislation.
The Levy Court OF New Castle county
should be abolished and tpe commits
eioner form established. Experience
in other county governments shows
this TO be far superior In efficiency
and economy. Such action repre-
sents, | believe, the opinion Of the
great majority Of New Caslle county
citizens. suggest its serious con
sideration.
Lights on all vehicles, increased po-
lice power TO highway officials ana
legislation on safety first Is absolute
ly essential Auto traffic Is increas-
ing at wonderful rate and every pre-
caution for safety should be taken.
The issuance Of licenses should De
very carefully guarded and notarles
and justices Of the peace should DC
cautioned in this responsibility
No legislation. in my Judgment Is
more worthy OF your attention than
the needs. OF the highway program.
FINANCES.
With the program outlined, IL was
necessary that consideration he given
10 finances. The fees on automobies
vas increased and fixed according TO
rood-weirht. and this money was
Transferred from the general fund 10
Inc highway account. The receipts
from The income tax laws enacted'
nm ia s25O.OO0. was placed to me
credit of the school fund, above TINS
amount being placed to the highway
" 4 detailed statement OF the States
frnances taken from the treasurer
hooks is being prepared and VIII De
presented TO you imYediately follow
ing the close OF the fiscal year, Janu-
ary TO- A general stateent IS pre-
sented here.