71 



place a much higher estimate upon the industry, thrift and 

 enterprise of the whole State of New Jersey? The noisome 

 and unsightly Hackensack meadows strikingly discredit the en- 

 terprise and thrift of the two million people who live between 

 the Orange and the Hudson River. They are seen by people 

 from all parts of the continent and every visitor from trans- 

 atlantic shores. I may even say that they discredit not only 

 New Jersey, but the entire United States. They are within easy 

 hauling distance by truck of markets which are ample to absorb 

 everything which can be raised, and in which there is at present 

 a constant deficiency in garden and dairy produce. 



TOO COSTivY IMPROVEMENTS UNDKSIRABI^E. 



T must point out a danger, however, in the opposite direction. 

 If improvements of these lands shall be undertaken on a very 

 costly scale, by filling large areas, building wharves, and other 

 works before there is a market for such property, the carrying 

 charges will become a serious burden and the work of reclama- 

 tion will be discredited. It is for this reason that I have urged 

 the reclamation of this entire Hackensack meadow district first 

 for agricultural purposes. If we can get it out of its present 

 discreditable condition, so that it is attractive instead of un- 

 sightly, we have accomplished wonders. Its ultimate utiliza- 

 tion for commerce and industry is, in my opinion, inevitable, 

 but it will not all be needed for such purposes for a century. 

 If first redeemed as I suggest, it can then be gradually taken 

 up by commerce and industry as it may be needed, and the 

 workers in such establishments will be surrounded by sanitary 

 conditions meanwhile. The effect of this will be that the value 

 of every piece of property improved for commerce or industry 

 will be very much greater after improvement than it is under 

 present conditions, in which it is surrounded by intolerable 

 nuisances. 



