The daily gazette., 1881-02-07
Wilmington. Feb. l. IAsl

tations were sent to leading citizens
and taxpayers but very few re-
sponded, as there were not more
than twenty persons at the meet
ing, all told. Among those
present were VIM. G.. Gibbons. VIM.
I. Porter, Samuel N. Pusey, James
l.. DeVou, Isaac Darlington, I'd,
ward Darlington, John w. Hawkins
George e. Lobdell, Albert W
smith, Richard Gibbons, John q
Baker, George w. Bush, L. Tatnall
Warner, George S. Capelle, C. A.
Rodney, James z. Hayes, John
Green.
State Senator Edward Belts and
Representative Edward G. Brad
ford, Jr., were also present.
The meeting was presided over
by VIM. G.. Gibbons and Albert w.
smith acted as Secretary. Council
man Merris Taylor was called upon
FOR his views in favor Of the bill and
gave them briefly, claiming that il
was the only plan by which the city
affairs could be conducted on strict
~ cash basis, without borrowir ,
money from year TO year.
Councilman Rodney opposed ihe
Dill aud argued in favor OF requiring
people to pay their taxes in April
instead of in July.
Senator Belts said there was an
Impression abroad that the bill was
designed to cover an existing float
ing, deb, and asked Mr.. Taylor If
such was the case.
Mr.. Taylor replied that to his
knowledge the city did not rest un.
der a dollar of aoating debt. There
was an Indebtedness Of So 900 to the
Union Bask, but it was provided
ior IN the appropriations of the pre-
turity.
John w. Hawkins said he could
see no objections to the bill.
representative Bradford beine
called upon, said that while he had
not iully determined the matter. he
saw mrch to approve of in the bill.
1 ne main question with him was
whether the money to be borrowed
oetM cen April aud July this yeal
should be paid in one year or il
four.
senator Belts spoke in favor Of |
the fiscal year TO remain |
AS at present, and borrowing enough |
from the banks each year to run Tho
city from April to July.
Ihls motion seemed 10 be favora
Oily entertained by some, and mo
lion was made and adopted TO ap>
point committee of three to pre-.
pare resolutions expressive of the
,ense OF the meeting. Il. Tatnall
Warner, Geo. w. Bush and Geo.
Japelle were appointed this connie
zee, and chairman VIM. q. Gibbons
vas also made member.
After half hours consultation
he committee reported the follow.
ng:
WHEREAS, The constantly incre as,pe
leps oi thiS city Is TO be deprecated, |
WHEREAs, The only means by which
he citizens can hold the City Council IL
stFict accountability and CONSEQUENT
economy lies In sn adjustment OF tax |
ate that will prOdHce sufficient money
meot the current expenses OF each |
ear, therefore
ResotUed, That this meeting of tax
aye esS must earnestly protest against
ny authority being given 10 the Mayor
nd Council OF the City of Wilmington
y the Legislature Of the State of Della
rare To negotiate any loans, excepting a
5mporary one, % any year in which The
mount OF money raised by taxation
haII Do Insufficient to meet the current
Expenses OF said year; that Is TO say, {
rom the hrst day of April to the first ,
Ay OF July; and that we reqHest the
legislature to authorize the Mayor land
'ouncll OF Wilmington To borrow from
le banks OF this city, on notes payable
. or before this first day OF August OF
po year In which they are issued, an
mount not exceeding one fourth of the
atn collected from taxes; land said notes ,
h4ll not be renewed.)
The closing words oil the resolu-
Ion, enclosed in parenthesis, were
dded after its adoption.
A motion TO adopt the resolution
reated a slight discussion. Ex-
councilman Baker favored the mo-
ION, and ex-Councilman James =
iayes opposed it and favored the
lty's fiscal bill. Senator Bets
ames l.. DeVou and Mr.. Warner
avored the report. Representative
bradford said while he would have
'reat respect for the views of the
meeting he reserved the right to aoE
n accordance with hia convio,;n. |