Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-06-06
Tho oInI,n. should DO Paid.

Tho Claims Should DO Paid.
A meeting of interested creditors Of tho |
State Of Delaware was held at Dover,
Tuesday, to consider some means Of
having their claims paid within a
reasonable time, instead Of being COM
peeled to wait until the next session of
the Legislature.
This decidedly abnormal circumstance
is not due, in the slightest degree, to
the inability Of the State of Delaware to
pay its lawful obligations. These
creditors comprise those whose claims
against the State were presented to the
recent Legislature and carefully ex-
amined, but failed Of payment on ac-
count of the summary manner in which
the General Assembly adjourned, leav-
ing the payment Of bills among the
mass of other unfinished business. The
peculiar and exciting circumstances
that led up to this unique and unsatis-
factory ending of the session are well
understood, and will not be soon for
gotten.
But the fact remains that these claims
are honest claims, and that to compel
these creditors TO wait for another legis.
latiye session for payment would be
rank injustice. But how to pay thom,
now that the Legislature has adjourned,
is the question.
The plan suggested at Tuesdays con-
ference was for the State Treasurer to
pay the bills, which have already been
audited by committees Of both branches
OF the Legislature and formally APP
proved by the House of Representatives
and have his vouchers for the payments
accepted by the legislative committee
which meets at Dover next January.
This committee is appointed for the
purpose Of settling With the State Treas
urer, among other matters, and for this
purpose has all the power and authority
Of 4 General Assembly.
Two members of the JOINT legislative
committee, who attended the meeting,
pledged themselves toapproye the action
Of the State Treasurer in thus allowing
the claims, and signed an agreement
10 this effect. Assurances were given
on behalf Of the other three
members that they would do like
wise. Tho State Treasurer was
called into consultation, and promised
upon the reception of this pledge, bear
ing the signatures of all the members o
the legislative committee, to give careful
consideration to the question Of hi
right under the law to pay the pending
claims.
There is no doubt that this would b.
q fair and satisfactory manner of extri
eating the State from the unplcasan
predtcament in which it was placed b,
the summary dissolution of the Legisla
ture before the claims had been finalil
passed upon. II should be remembered
that the State Of Delaware has more Il
stake in this matter than any or all 0
the creditors The State has reputa
ton for honesty and fair dealing whicl
should be maintained without question
While no law may be found to plainl,
authorize the state Treasurer to act il
the manner suggested, it cannot b
urged that such proceeding would b.
illegal. 1t would be move for til
Fighting of wrong, and in the abscne
OF dlstlnctivcly prohibitory statute, a
action so manifestly right could not b
construed in any manner to be uulaw
! full. The State Treasurer, with tn
, assent of his sureties and the member
of the legislative committee, can thu
repair the injustice already done to
, number of people, and al the sam
: time do real service to the State.