Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-01-27

for" The bill says the $3.50, 900 appro-
priation shall be in addition to all other
appropriations now provided by law for
the State Highway Department. Ii re-
peals the provision of section !, chapter
8, volume 20, Laws of Delaware, appTo-
priating to the State Highway Depart
ment certain moneys raised from the IN
come tax.
The Joint session was held by request
of the State Highway Commission, which
is composed of Governor William ID.
Denoey, ex-officio, Coleman du pont,
Josiah Marvel, Walter o. Hoffeckert and
Joseph r. Holland. The Commissioners,
Nj. Upham, chief engineer, appeared be-
fore the legislators.
WHAT COMMISSION HAS DONE
Governor Denney announced that the
commissioners would answer any ques-
tions the legislators asked.
The General Assembly requested former
Governor and former Commissioner John
c. Townsend, Jr., to tell what the com
mission did in the last four years and
what il expects to do In the next two
years. Mr.. Townsend said it was organ :
izcd nearly four years ago and adopted
the policy of building roads where traffic
showed they were most needed. He men
toned the du Pont Boulevard, section of
which Commissioner du Pont is TRIMS
ferring to State control as they are COM
pleted. Among the commission achieve
ments he cited the road from Wilmington
20 The PENNSYLVANIA line, which is six miles
long and cost 5000 900, and various roads
constructed in Kent and Sussex counties.
4 "a. -, IN
ment received 500 600 from income tax
in 1919 and smaller sum in 1920. hut
viii not receive anything from that source
this year or next year. Saying the State
treasury has a surplus of 81 ,700, GOO, he
urged continuance of the road building
program. remarking Tets have good
roads while we live. ao that we may enjoy
them" He estimated that che program
can be completed in two wears and pre-
dicted that road building next spring will
be as cheap rs FIVE wears hence.
Senator Price asked now much money
the commission has in its treasury.
Practically none, replied MIR Town
send, who explained that it's income is
derived solely from automobiles.
Mr.. Townsend, replying TO Senator
Murphy. stated the automobile income
is insufficient for road construction.
rs BALANCE FICTITIOUS?
Senator Alice estimated the automobile
income for last wear at $500. 900 He said
State highway bonds now aggregate
s.. 100, 900 and money is being laid aside
to retire them IN 30 years lie alleged the
State treasurv's surplus Of 81, 100000 is
hctit+rus, and Mr. Townsend declared
it IS actual Senator Alice thought con
templated needs gnd contracts will wipe
out the surplus and mentioned additiC nal
expenditures including S450.C00 for the
public schools
Mr. Townsend, answering q question
put by Senator Murphy, stated the cost
Of constructing roads varies according
TO location lie calculated TIE cost in
Sussex county at $40, eco 70 j0,00O per
mile
Senator Palmer INQUIRED whether the
proposed appropriation from the general
fund would jeopaTdize the States financial
condition, and Mr. Townsend answered
If thought so ! would not be here. !"
would INCREASE AUTO FEFs.
Commissioner Marvel explained that
the commission requested cross-examiua-
ton because its biennial rerort is very
and technical He favored
automobile license fees. He
that SS0000O viii be required
for roads running north and south Among
roads he mentioned enc
between Middletown and Newark and
two running out of Wilmington. Lancas-
ter and Newport pixies He said the COM
mission Is authorized 10 go $3.50 with the
counties on roads running east and west
and IS ready 10 say To New Castle, Kent
and Sussex lay out such roads and il the
approves them II will build
one-half with its funds.
Senator Murphy sou0ht information
on engineering expenses, and Chief En-
gineer Upham stated they amount to
5.67 per cent, although 10 per cent is
permissible
Chief Engineer Upham, replying 10
Senator Alice, said all let contracts can
be finished without additional bond issues.
Commissioner du Pont expressed the
opinion that engineering is well worth
while he cited the eI gir eenrg cost Of
to l3 per ceIt III New York, New Jersey
and Penn sylvania ard 4 per cent In Ten
lessee. lie explain ed that ergineeYing is
costly in Delaware because Of numerous
surveys, but thought the cost can be cut
down.
Commissioner Marvel stated the com
mission has reached its borrowing limit
and IS living within its income. Mention
ng Governor Denney's dislike to serve
1n COMMISSIONS, he suggested amendment
)f the law so as to permit the governor
10 retire from the State Highway Com
mission. He said the commission contem-