Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-12-29

fact that for the past two years. the ex-
pense of assessing and leyying the same,
has been in excess Of the income, and it is
To be hoped that the legislature may pass
some measure, whereby such result may
be avoided.
UsrLFss ood TAX.
In regard to dog tax, the expense of
levying is III excess of the income, indeed
the act of General Assembly passed April
18th 1891, makes no provision for the col
lection OF dog tax, nor dues it provide for
the collection of colored school tax.
rSrAxED PROPERTY.
The receiver of taxes and county treas
Irer has stated to this committee that
property III the city OF Wilmington aggre-
eating more than S2D10,0O0 Of asscssablc
valuation has escaped taxation. THIS at
the present rate of taxation means a yearly
loss of $4,000 Of county revenue.
Aud certainly a method of assessment
can be provided that will prevent such
omissions III the future. II has been sttg-
gested that an annual assessment be made
of the city Of Wilmington. The city is
growing so rapidly and property changes
ownership so frequently that it IS inn
purtant that something be done to correct
the errors and omissions noticed.
WilmingtOns municipal system Of
assessment and collection commends itself
to this committee, for in that system the
minimum of error is reached and all tax
able property is brought under the law.
THE JAIL QUESTION.
This committee would fail in its duty
did it not call attention to the matter of
additional Jail facilities. The jail at New
Castle has had for the past two years
within its 40 cells an average of l70
prisoners per day, and at times this mum.
bcr has been increased to 200. Such u
population within the narrow confines OF
those walls is Il reproach, and is offensive
to the instincts of decGnCy and humanity.
That n contagious disease has not de-
veloped is because of the extreme care and
watchfulness of those in charge. Many
improvements have been made and when
the Levy Court visited the jail, on Decem-
bcr 10th last. 1t was noticed and remarked
that the atmosphere was pnrer and
healthier than it was on former visit.
STILL with all that can be said in COM
mendation OF the management, there is
urgent need Of action by the people of this
county of so increasing and enlargng the
facilities as to afford relief from the over.
crowded condition.
NEW JAIL NEEDED.
The Levy Court has informally CON
cludcd that to enlarge the present Jail
building is not to be considered, but that
the remedy lies in the construction of
another building adequate to the wants Of
rapidly growing community already
aggregating 100000 souls with a percentage
OF crime and drunkenness in proportion.
BALL TRAMP LAW.
Another view of the Jail question is one
affecting the finances. The execution of
the act of the General Assembly passed
March Goth, 1881, known as the Bali
Tramp law, entails upon this county,
an expense of more than 5000 annually
~ in,
disposins Of what has been broken. This
expense Of Bali Tramp law is additional to
the expenses of commitment, board &C.,
the boarding Of the prisoners alone costing
$4,000 per year.
Including all charges the annual cost to
the taxpayers of maintaining the jail
fOptS up $4,000.
1t is the opinion of this committee that
the prisoners in the jail should at least
earn their own subsistence.
WASHINGTON STREET BRIDGE.
After fixing the tax rate and making ap-
preparations for the current year the Levy
Court decided to construct a bridge over
the BrandyWlne ut Washington street, and
through its duly constituted committee
entered intna contract for the work at q
cost OF eS5,UDO to be completed May 25th,
lo.5. On account of this contract, there
has been paid the sum of $4,000.
The North Side Improvement Company
has subscribed $500 towards the cost Of
construction; the Water Commission will
contribute $4,000, and Wilmington Coal
Gas Company $l,U0O making total of
SlS,5OO III subscriptions aud contributions.
These will reduce the amount to be pro-
vlded through tho Levy Court to sol 800.
SPECIAL CoNsTABLEs.
An appropriation OF $4,000 was made
for, expenses Of the general election.
4 NI,t a ,..V. 81