Connecticut western news., 1922-09-21
EXTENSIVE MUNICIPAL
 IMPROVEMENTS EXPECTED
Babson Says Revolution Will Take Place in Next
 Decade
BETTER DISTRIBUTION
Is Basis of Construction Program To Reduce the Cost
 of Living

Roger w. Babson this week issues warning to cities and towns to get busy on their municipal improve ments immediately. His reasons are as follows:
 "A revolution is to take place. in city development during the next decade. The automobile is to have as great an effect on living condi- tions as the sewing machine had on weaving. AS the mill has taken the place of the home spinning wheel, so the suburb is to take the place of the city for residential purposes. Ire mendous movements from the city to the suburbs may be expected during the next few years. Wise cities will begin to immediately prepare for this great suburban development, which, in many cases, will mean the eXtention of city limits.
 "Such a revolution in living must result in the extension of water plants, expansion of sewerage sys- tems, and tremendous era of new road building, home building and other improvements. This will cause great demand for carpenters, ma sons, plasterers, and common labor of all kinds. The building boom has not yet reached its height. Every feature connected with building. from the supplying of the raw mater ials to the furnishings of the home, should prosper for the next year or two. This is the real reason why cer- tain forms of labor is scarce today and why certain building materials and commodities are strengthening in price. It is the real reason why the mine operators of the Central States and the mill owners of the Eastern States have been obliged to take back the workers at the old wages. It is this emigration from the city to the suburbs which has changed the labor market. Of course labor leaders claim credit for checking wage cuts, but it clearly is not due to them. Henry Ford's fiivvers are causing this demand for homes in the suburbs, and the con sequent demand for mechanics, car penters, and common labor.
 "Wise are the cities and towns that take advantage of these new conditions. Those city fathers who do not, will miss great opportunity. Moreover, the time is now especially propitious for municipalities to capi- talize this great movement. Money rates are low. There is a good de- mand for municipal bonds. The Federal Income Tax and state and city taxes are especially favorable to municipal borrowing. How long cities will have this advantage I do not know, but the situation certainly should be seized while it lasts. Moth ing helps a city so much as good paving, a splendid water supply, proper sewerage, and, of course, good schools.
 "This especially applies to the Southern cities which have not in the past had the available funds that some of the Northern cities have had. Great opportunities present them selves to those cities that are to benefit from river improvements, flood protection, and other natural problems. New Orleans, is an illus tration of a city which should take advantage of this present opportun- ity of low money rates in paving it's streets and developing its suburbs.
 During the next ten years we will witness great municipal race,-. yes, a great municipal Marathon
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