Evening journal., 1897-01-27

William II. FOulk acted as toastmas-
ter in the absence of the president of
the Builders Exchange, Calvin 1.
Swayne, who is still very i'll. Mr.. Foulk
gave a short account of the condition
and prospects of the Exchange, which
ELECTED much applause. The next
speaker, was Mayor c. r. Jefferis.
MAYOR JEFFERIS' SPEECH.
The mayor spoke as follows: Gen
tlemen of the Builders Exchange: An
other year Of pleasure and crosses has
passed, and we are still face to face
with the problem of depressed trade
without the realization of the hopes in
dulged in a year ago. But this thing
cannot go On forever in the nature of
things. l can see no earthly reason
why the Wilmington of the future shall
not become formidable rival of Phil
adelphia. Our greatest drawback has
been our isolation from the great water
highway in front Of us The meadow
in front can, and will be raised, ma
cadamized and severed. The Christi
ana offers the best harbor on the river
between Maurice river cove and Phila-
delphia. We can have a river front
then practically unlimited, since it may
extend from Naaman's creek to New
Castle, or farther.
"Such a movement once undertaken
would furnish employment for all
grades of labor for years to come in
that section alone"
Mr. Foulk next introduced Hugh c.
Browne, who said: II am honored to-
night in addressing the men of the
Builders Exchange. There are advan-
tages in Wilmington that do not exist
elsewhere. but there has been consider
able complaint about our city, regard
ing our hills. One stranger says that
the exercise has so developed his leg
muscles that the chance of pulling it is
out of the question" The speaker then
talked about the resources Wilmington
| offers. saying that the bonds issued by
Council and which were sold here yes
! terday give proof of Wilmington S
standing among the financiers Of the
] country.
The manner in which those
bonds were bid for, and those who
sought to purchase them. is a high
compliment to Wilmington. The city
has good water works; it has twenty
eight public schools, with several thou
sand scholars attending, and the school
buildings are monuments of workman
ship. There is an excellent police force
second to none in the country. Will
ington has excellent streets, and direct
communication with all the great Gen.
tres Of this country. having excellent
| railroad facilities, and the best street
cars.
"Out on Delaware avenue" Mr.
Browne continued stands Garfield
monument, looking towards Rising
Sun, and it seems to say: i wonder Il
the Wilmington City Railway Com
pany owns that part of Wilmington?
I'VE have several thousand miles o.
telegraph wires; five daily papers; si'
weeklies. fifty-two saloons; twelve
churches and SAC, 10000 in the clear
ing-house which is not ours. We have
in fact, gentlemen, everything that gee
to make a first-class city. We have
baseball team, and more senators thar
any state in the Union. What are W
living for? Why, the rising genera
tion. Let us push to the river front
Wilmington will not riseuntil her poll
tics are placed where they should be
: in the hands of the people. We mus
; have free ballot. and clean one. VIII
should n governor have the power I
elect officers? City Council shoul
have the power to act as a legislatiy
body Let the mayor have more powel
E beyond the appointment of dog-catche
and few other minor officers. IL