Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-11-04

The revelation of u gross misappro-

LAo icNeluAluu VI BEbEb
priation of culored school funds by the
Levy Court of Sussex county has re-
suited in strong demand for reform
in The management Of that county's
affairs. And it is demand that is free
from partisan flavor, papers Of both
political parties joining in it. The
truth OF thv matter ia that affairs in
Sussex county have been going from
bad TO worse and unless thpre Ia a
speedy and radical change the county
will become bankrupt.
The Delaware Democrat OF George
own reads the citizens OF Sussex
county wholesome lesson in an edi-
torial opposing an appropriation for q
new iail-noE that new JUL is not
needed, but that the county IS not in
financial condition to incur the expense.
And then the Democrat proceeds:
II the county is unable now to meet
its obligations what would it do with q
large annual Inherent to pay and pay
ments on a bonded debt TO meet, We
do not meun to say that the county
cannot be made to pay what il owes
duu hlbD hdGp Itd
tuTes, but that under present control it
has been unable 10 do it. What ia
wanted 10 first the levyiug of sufficient
tax to meet all expenses Of the county
government, correctly and honestly adj
ministered. The collectors should he
made to get tho money from the tax
payers and their bonds should not be
discharged until this is done. The Levy
Courts should be careful and economical
in the matter of allowances and not, as
some have been, careless in voting for
them because it ie the money of the
people and not their own they are dis
posing OF.
If these things are dome it will not
be long before the county will he clear
OF debt and the orders will he as good
as cash in the hands of the holders.
The current expenditures, too, would
decrease, for the county could then
have it's work done at cash prices
instead OF being charged more because
the creditors have to wait an uncertain
period for the money, or have their
orders discounted.
Let us get out of debt instead of
getting further in. let US be sure that
provision is made and the money col
lected for each years expenses before
creased. Let this be done and the tax
payers will not grumble il the taxes
are somewhat increased, for the object
Is a praiseworthy ono, and the fact
that provision for the payment of the
debt will be made, without bearing too
hard upon them, will reconcile them to
the Increased expenditure.
Upon the same subject the Sussex Re.
publican speaks editorislly as follows:
The trouble is not so much in the
Leyy Court but in the system, and as
long as the present one is retained we
can expect no improvement in our
financial condition. As matter of
fact we believe all the trouble to arise
from the expenditure of more than is
collected. That may seem strange and
perhaps contradictory, but orders are
issued in payment of debts contracted
whom there is no money in the county
treasurer's hands, and the man who
receives the order pays his tax with it
or carries it in his pocket for year, or
perhaps some loss, until he can find
some collector or sometimes. perchanCe,
the county treasurer, with money
enough to cash it. This is not con
dition of the present alone, but has been
the rule of the past. True, the Levy
Court was authorized to borrow and
did borrow what was supposed to be
sufficient sum to pay off the floating in
debteuness and put thinga on cash
basis, and the money We suppose was
applied; but matters wore not improved
to any Visible extent and now they are
Just as bad or worse than ever, and all
comes from a bad administration of
afairs, because Of a ridiculous and IN.
wieldy system in the hands of incapable
-. and sometimes irresponsible public ser.
wants. II the trouble arises from an
expenditure greater than the amount
raieed by taxation, why do not the
Levy Court put a stop to it by confin-
ing their expenditure within the
amount of their receipts? Echo an
swers why? When Levy Court can
obtain an accurate knowledge of tho
resources OF the county and havp suf.
hcient ideas OF business 10 keep some
account of the expenditures they may
keep the affairs of the county in good
shape after they have disposed of that
great unknown floating indebtedness.
The Republican recommends radical
change in the system OF government
such as the substitution of five com.
misaioners for the present cumbersome
Levy Court of thirteen members. This
change is also urged by the Milford
Chronicle, Union Republican paper,
which Hnys:
We do not now see that anything ia
to be gained politically by either party
In controlling the Levy Court, as in the
past. for the assessment and collection
OF poll tazea, as In vogue 10 tho mast,
as part OF the qualification of a voter.
las been abolished and done away
with; and the Levy Court Commits
Fioners will in the future interest them
selves only in the financial manage.
ment OF the county il they are true To
their constituents
We believe they should be eloeted nv
districts--and that stringent laws should
DO mRde to govern the commissioners
that no faroritism may be shown in
any way, aud that everything ehall ba
conducted from purely business stand
point--and full accounting published
at least Bemi-anuually of all receipts and
expenditures, and what for.
We oil, irrespective of politics. arc
striving for good government, econotpi-
cally administered. Would not such n
law and its honest application and en-
inrcement hasten such an era? Why mot
then let men pf both political parties
who have ripe, sound, judgment and
experiences, and are familiar with Lazy
Court laws and methods, meet and
draft law that will be acceptable 10
Inc taxpayers, for they have got 10
furnish tho means to run county affairs
with, ana net leava thu 1roftino -