Smyrna times., 1924-07-09
GOVERNOR ACCEPTS GIFT
Governor Denney, on Behalf of State,
Accepts the Gift of Highway

Accepts the Gift of Highway
Governor Denney, formally accept
ed the highway in behalf Of the peo-
pie of the state.
The Governor extended a cordial |
welcome to all, remarking that they
bring with them a fresh reminder
that the gift of a great public high
way is a gift not only to the State,
but to the Nation, a bond of unity |
and strength assuring a closer fell
lowship, facilitating commerce, bring
ing prosperity and progress, promOt-
ing education, robbing sickness in re-
mote places of its horror, breaking
down the age-old barriers of isOla-
ton and prejudice, and pointing the
sure way to understanding and peace.
Continuing, the Governor said:
"We are met today on this historic
spot and on this historic day, the
148th anniversary of Caesar Rodney's
ride, to dedicate to the public service,
the Coleman dupont road, nearly one
hundred miles in length running from
the southermost boundary of Della
ware to the City of Wilmington, and
costing Mr.. DUPONT nearly four mil
lion dollars and to pay our tribute OF
admiration and gratitude to the man
whose vision, courage and unparallel-
ed generosity, have made this High
way such a splendid reality. 1t Is
the most colossal gift Of public road
ever made by an individual to his
State.
"Mr. dupont gave not money alone
to this road He gave to it creative
genius which is an attribute only OF
a firm mind illuminated by rare i'm
agination and intelligence and inspir-
ed by a profound and unselfish pur-
pose to perform a great public SER
vice; he gave to it his own labor
Beginning at Georgetown, on October
12, 1911, before the creation of the
state highway department, he con
structed without the aid or cOopera
ton of any state agency, a portion Of
the road from Selbyville to Glendale
He gave to the work in its early
stages, the closest personal supervi
sion. He was present day after da!
directing the actual building opera
tions. He gave to it his skill as
civil engineer of high distinction. Hi
broad scientific knowledge was inval
liable. 1t is directly due to sucl
knowledge and skill that Delawar
today has perhaps the finest ant
most permanently constructed system
of cement highways in the world.
He gave to it five years of con
structive service as a member of tn
State Highway Department, bringing
to that department a wealth of tech
nical knowledge, business judgmen
and rare wisdom. He gave to it on
of the finest exhibitions | have eve
known of clear and strong faith an
undaunted courage.
"The first estimated cost of tn
road was less than one and One-hal
millions of dollars and had ther
| been no delay nor obstruction, tn
work would long have been tinishe
and at a cost of one-third of wha
was finally expended, and without an
: contribution from the state whateve
"a man of less faith and courage
long ago would have become wear
in we'll doing and made sick at heal
by ignoble suspicion and apparent il
gratitude; would have abandoned HI
hope and his purpose and given up
despair. But he was never discoul
aged; he never wavered; he neve
e counted the cost he never lost tn
vision nor surrendered his determine
y ton to perform a public service. H
1 has given to the State and nation
+ the Governor of the State of Del;
t great road. But even better tina
that, he has furnished to US and I
our children an inspiring example {
perseverance and courage that is b.
Il yOnd all price.
. History is full of the story
great and good men, who have ded
Gated their wealth and labor to ii
!. public welfare. Hospitals have bee
endowed, colleges built, church
erected, and multitude of helpf
agencies organized and supported Z
over the world. Innumerable are Il
gifts by which wealth has beneft
the masses of mankind, illustratil
the truth that rich men often tim
prefer to take from their priva
possessions in order to bestow a pu
lie benefaction. But never before h
any man so we'll conceived and
ls noblv demonstrated the simDle tI1l