The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-05-09
Wilmington letter.
WILMINGTON, DEL, May Z, 1885

The mayoralty question seems to be
occupying the attention Of our politicians
on both sides. Just who the candidates
will be-Democrat and Republican-no
one can fairly predict The usual amount
of wire-pulling is being INDUCED in, and
talk is heard at the different head
quarters of this, that and the other fell
lows chances for the position of Chief
Executive of our thriving city. Several
gentlemen have been spoken of thus far,
among the number being Harry c. Con-
rad, Esq. Mr. Conrad is Republican
and gentleman eminently qualified for
the position. Should he secure a nomi-
nation, it is very probable he will be
elected.
The spirit of improvement has taken a
firm and healthy hold on our citizens.
We doubt if at at any time in the city's
history there has taken place such a
widespread field of operations in build
ing, remodeling, etc. Old places that
have stood nnmolested since Whining
ton grew from a village into city, have
at last been torn down, and in their stead
erected buildings of fine architectural
design and beauty. Westward and
northwestward blocks of buildings are
going up, and the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad that skirts along that portion of
the city, will put renewed life into the
place, and attract spectators and others
who will purchase land and build
thereon.
Are we to have a public park, do you
ask? Not for brief period, at the least.
We have plenty of philosophical men,
but we fear not enough spirit for park.
But we will eventually have a park.
How soon? Just as soon as the beauti-
full Brandywine is walled in, no sooner.
As long as this romantic place is free to
all who desire to stroll along its pictur-
esque banks, just so long will there be
no clamor for made up" place, chock
full of rules, where one will be compell-
ed to carry ones self pretty straight, or
else fall into the brawny arms of the law
and be made suffer for indiscretion. This
is all avoided on the banks of the
Brandywine, whose rocks hide multi
tude of sins, and whose spacious shade
trees give refreshing shelter to the weary
and oyer-worked, who usually make the
visit on Sundays during the summer
months.
We now have but one skating rink.
The Wilmington rink closed last week,
after most successful season, financially
as well as otherwise. The Citizens rink
and natatorium, which has been open to
the public trifle over month, is doing
a good business, and of course will do
still better business, because it will catch
much of the patronage from the closed
rink. Attractions are never scarce and
wonderful feats can be witnessed nightly.
The fellow that cannot afford a pair of
skates and leather bag to hold them in,
is considered little "short." We sup
pose they mean short in pocket, but from
the appearance of many of those with a
leather bag strapped to them we would
say they were Short" in the neighbor-
hood of the Uranium. There can be no
question but that it draws heavily
upon the purses of many poor father
and mother to array their dudish sons
for the rink. But this is not our fault, or
in fact, theirs, but simply the fault of the
present generation. Mcclure of the
Philadelphia Times is afraid the coming
generation will be affected by all the
things (dudesl, but we think there need
be no danger apprehended from that
source. Times change; so do our people.
The Grand Opera House only had one
play this week, BARLEY Campbell's
white Slave" 1t was well presented,
having a strong cast, with the possible
exception of the williams character. A
large audience showed marked apprecia-
ton by frequent applause. There is one of
BARLEY Campbell's plays that the people
want to see again in this city, and that is
any Partner" 1t is magnificent play,
and abounds with morals that cannot
fail to create much good.
POINTS.
Lawn tennis has grown immensely
in favor with our people.
We still think our base ball club will
yet make good showing.
Spring suits are making their appear
ance daily from camphor beds Spring
is what they cam(phor).
The location for the new postofTice has
not been selected. The views of some
old foggies has to be asked yet
Clothiers have been complaining, but
it has been merciful spring to young
men after all. His winter clothing suited
him all the longer. WILMINGToNIAN.