The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-03-24
Senate and Trading Stamps.
Dover DelaMarean

w
The action OF the Senate last Monday on
the trading stamp bill was an unpleasant
surprise to the people and q keen dlsap-
pointment to the business men of the city
of Wilmington.
This bill would affect mostly the city of
Wilmington, where the trading stamp
nuisance chiefly prevails, though there Is
reason to fear that the evil. If permitted to
continue, will extend throughout the
state. The business men of Wilmington
are practically a unit in favor of The bill.
More than 600 Of them have petitloned the
the General As sembly TO pass it,
The opposition to the bill was confined
almost entirely to those interested In the
trading stamp business and their paid at
torneys. Last week the House OF Repre-
sentatives passed the bill by very largo
majority. I Yot on Monday the Senate, ia.
noring the petition Of the Whining yton
out word of debate, without the scant
courtesy of reference to COMMITTEES, In
definitely postponed the bill.
We mean no disrespect to the Senate,
when we say that tho business mon OF
Wilmington have right to be not only
surprised, but indignant at such treat.
ment. This Is business matter which
deeply concerns the people. Tho mer-
chants Of Wilmington have had experience
WIN tIllS bJuInp business. w hen
they come and tell the Legislature that
these trading stamp concerns are nui-
sance and an injury to business, and that
some legislative remedy Is necessary, they
ought not to be kicked out without hem.
ing, and to have their bill defeated with
out consideration. We know something
about how tho business men of Whining
ton feel
p. A representative of this Office was in
Wilmington yesterday and saw number
of merchants. They spoke with one ac-
cord In condemnation of the action of the
Senate. They are deeply chagrined
They ieel that their business interests are
suffering, and that they have been re.
fused that legislative protection for which
they appealed, and to which thcy believe
themselves entitled.
The action of the Senate looks like a
triumph of the lobby over the people. The
trading stamps have become q nuisance.
Thoy contribute nothing to legitimate
business. Thoy are fake. They are do
morallzing to business The business 1nen
They ask for legislative remedy. They.
are opposed By strong and able lobby OF
paid attorneys The bill passes the House
and goes to the Senate. On Monday an
attractive woman appears uqon the scene
to reinforce the lobby of lawyers. She
talks to the senators. She appears on the
floor Of the Senate. The bill Is then and
there summarily killed, and she is delight
ed. The senators are thanked, and the
young woman leaves in triumph But the
business men of Wilmington do not feel
SO gleesome at the prospect Of being COM
PEELED to endure this evil for another year.
We do not question the honesty and
good intention Of the senators. We be-
lievo they wish to do right and we have no
doubt that they would like to please every
body. All of this Is usually true of legis-
lators. But tho public interests are on
titled to consideration before those of in
dividuals. We think it would be well for
the Senate to reconsider its hasty action
and to hear the business men Of Whining