Evening journal., 1894-07-05
A GRAVE Responsibility.

A Grave Responsibility.
President Cleveland has nominated
Colonel Enoch Moore to be postmaster Of
Wilmington, to succeed Daniel F. Stew
art. Republican, whose term has expired,
and there is no apparent reason why the
Senate should not promptly confirm the
nomination and allow Colonel Moore Ia
qualify and assume the duties Of the
Office.
He is Senator Gray's choice and his
selection for the place has called forth
no unfavorable comment, unless it be
from other men who sspred TO the place,
ana their immediate friends and support
ers. Colonel Moore's Democracy Is I'M
questioned and both Democrats and
Republicans have faith that he will
fairly and impartially administer the
affairs OF the post Office. While a
thorough going Democrat, he is not a
radical partisan, and will take no step
which he does not think will better the
local mail service and reflect credit upon
his administration.
The Importance Of Colonel Moores ap.
pointment does not end with his Undue
tion into Office. There is an attendant
matter which is Of vital importance to
TO the citizens OF Wilmington, in fact,
more directly affecting their interests
than any Federal appointment which
might be made IN the Delaware Con-
gresslonal district. The colonel's ac-
ceptance Of the postmastershp entails
his resignation az a member OF the
Board ofStreet and Sewer Commissioners.
which has supreme control Of the most
important department of our city govern
ment. 10 has, within the past three
years, had absolute control of the ex.
pendlture Of half million of dollars for
streets and sewer improvements, to say
nothing Of other large sums Of money
which have passed from the city treasury
TO It's hands and thence 70 the contrae-
tors and employees.
The law provides that the board shall
be composed Of three persons to be sp-
pointed by the mayor, not more than two
90. be. Of the same political party. In
event Of the death, resignation or 70
mcyal Of one Of the commissioners It ia
the duty Of the remaining two to elect
his successor to fll out the unexpired
term. The person so elected shall be Of
such political faith as to leave the board
two Republicans and one Democrat. or
the opposite as the case may be. Under
existing circumstances, Commissioners
Gawthrop and Moore being Republicans,
and Colonel Moore being Democrat. his
successor must necessarily come from
that party.
When Colonel Enoch Moore resigns
grave responsibility will rest upon
Messrs. Gawthrop and Chambers. They
must name Democrat and be respon-
s:ble for his official conduct. This
should impel them to be particularly
careful in making their selection There
are many good aud competent Demo
Gratis from whom to choose commits.
sioner, and it is to be hoped that they
will select a man who will know moth
ing but the clty's welfare in his official
actions. One who will deal impartially
with all sections Of the city; who will
know nothing Of Jobs by which un.
scrupulous contractors flch the public
money; who will be as careful in the
Administration of the financial affairs Of
the department as he is where expandi-
lures affect his own pocket. Not
surly and unreasonable watch dog of
the treasury, but man with a liberal
mind, grounded on strict business prln.
ciples, who will know no contractor or
jobber as his mutual friend when the
public interest is at stake, aud who will
make his own landed interests subser.
Went to those Of the municipality.
There is no department Of the city
government which could be worked
more advantageously or prodtably by
jobbers If the commissioners were in
league with them Fortunately. since
the board Of commissioners was created
by the General Assembly it has been free
of scandal, and the Democratic party has
been fortunate In being represented by
men whose official actions neither
brought discredlt to themselves, to their
party nor to the mayors who appointed
them. It is TO be hoped that the Sc.
lection made by Messrs Gawthrop and
Chambers will have equally happy re.
suits.