The weekly times. (Wilmington, Del.) 1886-18??, 1886-10-16
THE CITY ON A HILL.
WILMINGTON'S ADVANCE
MENT PICTURED.
A Go-Ahead Place That is Devel-
oping on Every Side. Pro-
gress the Watchword.

ed in thinking of its hopefulness is its
healthy situation. Standing 440 feet
above the level of the sea and on hill
that gives natural drainage of the most
purifying kind. only the ordinary sani-
tary precautions become necessary to
keep its sick and death rate to the min
imum. A fair idea of the advantage
enjoye in respect to its altitude is
obtained from the fact that there are
some cities in this country not more
than ten feet above the sea level. The
blessings secured by temperate eli
mate are also enjoyed.
The sec nd consideration is its great
natural advantages in commercial and
manufacturing sense. Directly con-
nected by water as well as rail with the
immense mineral and other resources
OF Pennsylvania and the growing
South, and with capital already ceuter-
ed here, the busy wheels of industry
must find profitable employment.
Then there is more enterprising
spirit shown by all kinds of business
men than has before been seen by that
prOverbial individual-the oldest inhab-
itant. AS result, business is increas-
ing, new people are being brought to
tile city, and buildings are going up in
what were once called ''off-places. -
This interest is not confined to one
locality, although the central and wes-
tern sections show the greatest activity.
Two years have worked remarkable
change. The Ninth ward, not very
long ago the quiet village, is asserting
herself right Justify. A new bridge
across the Brandywine, electric lights,
street railway and the opening of a
large tract of firm land to the north
being signs ETA progressive spirit that
will soon speak for themselves. The
Arlington Mills are preparing for a
larger force and other concerns promise
not to he tardy in following in the same
direction.
The b. IL p. railroad has considerably
enhanced the value of property near its
tracks, and become potent stimulus
along the line.
The Pullman Car Works, the Will
mington Glass Works, Ford & Ryan's
morocco factory, J NJ. Pusey's stock
ing factory, Lea Pusey's ice factory,
William Alsentzer's seal, otter and
othe skin wearing apparel factory, the
ParodoX Varnish Company, the Will
mington City Electric Company, and II
dozen small Establishments are grateful
additions. The Central National Bank,
the Security Trust and Safe Deposit
Company. the new building of Will
mington Saving Fund Soriety and re-
modelling of the National Bank of
Wilmington and Brandywine, and the
Union Ma ional Bank Indicate financial
strength. n new Government building
is now assured. A Commercial College
that promises IA good system of special
education, the Mechanical Drawing
School and the new High School are
additional evidence of expansive ideas.
The growth and firm founding of tile
Womeh's and Young Women's CHRIS
tian Temperance Unions in their half
dozen attractive kinds of eleyating
work, the permanent organization of;the
Associated Charities, til new Aims
house and the renewed activity of
older established benevolent institu-
tiJns show that the progress has been of
no narrow material. A free dispensary
is assured The new life that the In
stitute Library has developed is of sach
civilizing kind as to be fit company
for the other elements of success.
The spirit of advancement has even
struck the Police Department. Instead
of ploddng and uncouth set of men as
so often characterizes such systems,
Mayor Rhoads's force has shown a de-
cided taste for improvement. A gymna-
sium, bath room, library and paror, all
furnished in the most comfortable man
ner, are evidences of refinement not
found in similar departments of many
large cities.
Wilmington may be pointed to by its
citizens withsut shame. Not only is
she going ahead in the material ways
enumerated, but Outstanding influ-
ences are at play along with the rest,
and she is trying to deserve her adj
vancement.