The daily gazette., 1883-03-05
ivII.MIparoN, MoNpAy. MARca ).


fucreaHe Of Representation ImPsrilled by I
Iadeeislon and 1nacttOn, ,
Tyo-thirds Of an average legislative ses-
aion have gone without any perceptible pro
Rress having been made toward securing
increase of representation for this county.
And vet this was the most conspicuous fea-
rure Of eur party platform and the para
mount issue before our people in the last
political campaign
It Il useless to deny or conceal the fact
1hat this sincomprehenhible delay excites wide
spread solicitade as well as impatient
dissatisfaction. Our people generally, and
Democrats especially, feel that our county's
Just rights are being disregarded aud the
Democratic party's plighted honor subjected
70 suspicion BY reason OF this iuexpllcable
inaction. In reepect to our county's rights,
and the party's duty to fulall Its platform
pledges, the GAZETTE has pursued no doubt
full course and spoken with no uncertain
sound. That some increase of representa-
tIon is absolutly essential to vindicate the
honor Of the party, serve the needs of our
people and respect the rights Of our county
we have steadfastly urged.
That with view to our citys growth and
probable requirements in the far future,
we should strive, by reasonable effort, to
eecure In the present opportunity |
the utmost that was attainable /
we have also believed. We have therefore
zaalously supported the "Bates BILL" as we |
would have done any other measure which |
would make provision for the future beyond |
the immediate needs Of the present But |
the GAZETTE does not believe In sacrificing
what viii suffice for our present need be-
cause we cannot get that which we may not
really require for many years to come. II
is the practice OF practical craftsmanship to
deal with the needs of this present and
the near future, as It Is the habit Impractical
legislators to discard the impracticable
notions Of those who would absurdly seek
to carry any principle to It's logical extreme
In the conduct of human government.
Apply this sound, practical rule to our
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and there will be no
real difficulty In obtaining a satisfactory
solution of this yexlng problem. Let us
secure what we really need for the protection
of our interests and the promotion Of our
welfare in the present, and the near future,
leaving ali beyond that to those who shall
follow us.
Until Senator Belts was elected two years
ago, Wilmington was represented in only
one branch of the Legislature and yet she
generally managed to get more legislation
than all the rest Of the State-frequently
more than she needed, and often more than
was good for her.
Now she has q member always in both
branches, and, instead of too little, the con-
atant fear OF many of our citizens is that she
will get too much legislation. Why, then,
insist upon having the addition at present
of a larger number than will really b'
needed for many years, when, without sucl
iusistance, we can easily and immediatel.
secure all we actually require. Sucl
an iudefensible course, II persiste'
10 will be irrational as 1t will be suicidal AN
will inevitably defeat all hope Of any actio'
at this session towards providing for jus
and fair increase for our city and county
and SO result in both detriment to the peOpl
and disaster 10 the Democratic party. Il
this county's delegation, therefore, in II
Senate and House rouse to Immediate real
zation Of this impending peril and take Il
slant action to avert 1t. No further time
to be wasted. The bill to give present vi
necessary increase by direct legislative el
actment has been tried by Il
test Of public opinion here an
throughout the State. 1t has n
won popular appreciation. 1t should co
seaueutiy be abandoRed without delay, al
some new measure devised as a substitut
Careful inquiry shows that the people
Kent and Sussex and their legislative mer
bers stand ready and willing to keep the
pledges given in the State Convention ID
August, and to give this city and county
fair aud equitable incresse-in fact, al
need. Hence IL hehooves our county del
CATION TO present measure which Will
a tair compromise of all conflictiI
vlews and interests and win successf
sunpnrt by It's rouciliatory rather than col
batiye character Iu devising such
measure its authors must view the ouesti'
from three separate points Of view :
WIlmingtonians, as inhabitants of the OF
side hundreds of this county, and as ci
zeus of Kent and Sussex counties. Esq
cially should such plan provide that t
citizens OF Wilmington snail vote separate
for their proper share of the county represe
tation thus Increased, and those in
outside hundreds OF this county exclusive
for their allotted share. This would dslai
ilmingtou, whose interests are exclusive
manufacturing and commercial, to have th'
cared for 10y their especial representativ
ana at the same time would protect the {
ricultural Interests Of the country from
undue influence, and possible future {
croachments of Wilmington's rapidly gro
ing population, which they appear to drei
Undoubtedly such arrangement would
mutually beneficial and satlsfactt
to both portions Of the coul
and would attain the m
important object Of county divisi
without its disadvantages, while it wol
be compromise between those who dii
as TO county division, and also as to est
fishing the district system in Delaware. ]
plan will make necessary constitutio
amendment, which mode of affording
desired increase is now unquestionsbly
one most popular and judicious
-----S~-~~ s-@-~
THE DEATH of Alexander II. Stephens
moves q prominent ngurr from the poll
OF this oouutry and deprives the South