The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-07-12
POLITICAL NOTES
Df our REPORTER.
MONKEY AND PARROT TIME.


The Democrats have thus far failed to
agree on the Craftsmanship Of the different
standing committees Of that body for the
next two years Five Of the seven Demo-
cratic members want James B. Oberly for
chairman Of the finance committee, while
both O'Nelll and Mr.. Leary want 1t for
Themselves. From the actions OF these
two gentlemen In council on Friday even
Ing last they have concluded to bolt the
deliberations Of the Caucus. City council
meets again this evening, when another
trial win he made to settle upon q chair.
man for this most important and good
paying position. This fact has led great
many persons TO think that this IL where
the hitch comes in. It's question Of
dollars.
From precedence Mr.. Oberly should most
certainly have been given the preference,
but evidently Messrs. O'Neill and Leary
think different hence, the dead lock which
took place when the Committees were vot-
ed for on Friday evening, during the ses-
sion of Council. One Democratic member
Of Council can make things very interest.
ing for the other sly Democrat who con.
trolls the deliberations of this very interest
Oberly should stand for his rights as be Is
the nominee of the majority Of his party.
THE LEWIS CASE.
The contest for Mr.. Thomas g. Lswis's
position as Collector and Assessor Of the
Northern district BY M. Eugene Sayers,
comes up on Tuesday evening before City
Council. Tho whole affair rests on Mr..
Lewis ability to hold the Office. Mr.Lewis
claims that he was . qualified property
owner six months before his cleo.
ton, having the deeds of his property to
show the same. His Democratic opponent
was defeated by several majority.
THE LAW BEARING ON THE CASE
Is found In the charters, laws and ordi-
nances Of the city Of Wilmington, known
as the acts Of the General Assembly. The
following act bearing on the Lewis case Is
found on page 220, section eth:
IF any candidate for any Office Of the
Offices before mentioned shall choose to
contest the right Of any persons claiming
to have been elected to such office, such
such election, cause to be presented to
the said council Of Wilmington, his petit.
ton In writing, setting forth particularly
the grounds and specifications upon which
said election is interested, together with
an affidavit that such petivion Is not for
the purpose of vexation and delay, but
that he does verify believe that he has just
grounds for contesting such election, and
shall also at the time cause to be delivered
true copy Of said petition.
Upon the filing Of ..such petition and
affidavit, the Council shall appoint a day,
not less than ten days nor moro than fifteen
days from tho time of filing such petition
and affidavit, for hearing and determin.
Ing the same, giving public notice thereof
in two newspapers published In the city Of
Wilmington, II 80 many DO published at
that time and upon the day appointed for
such hearing the said City Council shall
sit in the City Hall, in the presence of such
citizens and others as may choose to be
present, shall hear the allegations and
proofs of the party and shall determine &C.
cording to the very right Of the matter.
Evidence shall DO confined to the grounds
and specifications set forth in the petition.
The council shall have power to issue
subpoenas, signed by the president Of
council, for the time being, and attested
by the clerks for persons and papers, in.
Guiding all fall Isis, tally lists, statements
and certificates delivered to the depart
mont of elections, clerk OF council, mayor
of the city, or any Of them, to administer
oaths and atflrnations, to examine wit
nesses, and to do all things requisite to ar.
rive at u full and perfect knowledge az to
the right Of the case The decision Of the
council. signed by its officers, shall be
published In two newspapers printed in
the city OF Wilmington, If SO many be
published at that time. shall be final
and conclusive"
Tho above section does not say one word
In regard to property qualifications or any
law that We can f1ud In the laws of the
city governing this casa. The Ma. o and
President Of Council can refuse to perform
any duties In the case, which would place
the majority In u bad hole. There is no
law tocompel either one Of these officials
to perform these duties, If they do not see
fit 10 SO perform them. 1t remains to be
seen what the wild colts will 10 in the
matter, when they come to judge the
case.
We don't think the minority members
should DO keut in session, this hot weather
while tho Democrats are fighting their bat.
ties over tho different Craftsmanship and 1t
would be good policy for them when
motion Is made to adjourn, to vote with
that Democrat making the motion. Lot
tho band play, tho public has to foot the
bill.