Delaware state journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1870-1883, 1873-03-08

The bill now pending in the State Legis-
lature authorizing the Governors appoint
Commissioners 10 manage and control the
Water Department of this city, lie beyond
question the worst piece Of legislation yet
introduced in that body, and shouid call
forth tho earnest aud indignant remon-
STRANGE Of the people Of Wilmington,
without regard 10 party. For such
measure to be proposed BY q body In which
Wilmington had her fair aud just repre-
ssntation would be an outrageous interior
ense with the rights Of our citizens, but
for II to be introduced In a body In which
our people have less than onesixth their
Just representation, and to originate In
that branch In which Wilmington has no
representation whatever, is calling almost
beyond endurance.
The question lie simple one, easy Of
comprehension by the merest novice In
politics. Heretofore the people Of this
city have exercised the right to manage
aud regulate their local affairs through
their chosen representatives. They have
the right to change these yearly and have
thus held check over their official action.
Tho matters thus controlled and acted
upon have been those which alone concern
the people OF this city,ss such. They are
he affairs OF our own household, which
we are, and of right ought to identified to
regulate according to our own wishes and
desires. This lie about the only right OF
self-govenment allowed US, since we are
practically denied any share In the law
making power Of the State.
This right this bill proposes to take
from us and the people Of this city and
their properly, are to be delivered bound
hand and foot, into the hands Of three
gentleman to be appointed by the Gov
ernor OF this State, usually gentleman
unaequalnted with our city's needs. These
commissioners are to be empowered tc
borrow money pIedging the ciiy's credit
therefor, to determine on the extension oil
nou-extenslon of our water supply and al
without any check or control, and with
out responsibility to the people whos'
money they will spend and whose supply
of one Of the great necessarles Of life will
be In their bands. That such PROPOSE
tlon to establish a trumyirale In our city
and utterly subvert the democratic princi
pie of local selfgovernment should nnd
single supporter, or even apologist In on
midst, surprises and pains us.
That II should be seriously advocates
and urged,at the dlctatlon of a caueus,b
members Of our own City Council who
Of all men, ought to most jealousy guar
> and protect our muKiclpal rights and frar
chises, is another Of the alarming indies
lions OF tho dangerous extent to whlc
l. devotion to party has usurped tn
e place Of real patriotism and love {
9 Justice and liberty. For the miser
s bic mess Of political pottagc whic
e might be had through the change,
d portion of our Councilmen are willln
l. TO barter away their own and their col
II siituents' blrth-right to selfgovernmen
l. We warn these gentlemen that they a
r making q mistake in the matter, for the
If constituents will not support them in Il
n position they have assumed. The mass
a Of our people, without regard to part
l. are already smarting under the wrong
Il practical Acknowledgement, and they 10,
II with natural and proper Jealousy on eve
lie threatened encroachment on their righl
lie Their experiences this winter have n
1r been such as to make them desire a
le further regulation of their affairs frC