The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-03-11
CHARTER DID
NOT APPEAR,
Democrats Had It In Hand,
But One Vote Was Need
ed to Pass 1t.

ed to Pass 1t.
Contrary to tho plans laid by tho UnioI
Republicans ana Democrats ofthe Genera
Assembly TO pass the Rossell-Dicke
Charter through The House OF Representa-
tives to-day, the bill failed to materialize
1t was in the House. however, bat the alb
scnce of one man. Representative O'Day,
had the effect of keeping the bill in The
hands of the Democrat who was TO present
it. Notwithstanding tho fact that The
bill did not appear Unicu Republicans anc
Democrats expect it to mako its appear
anco before the end of tho session.
Everybody was on the alert for tht
measure this morning. Leaders OF the
three parties wcr5 here discussing the
merits and dement's Of the bill with their
respective followers Regular leaders wore
In tho majority. Fred f. Bach, William
Michael Byrnc Robert G. Houston, Hugh
C. Brown and William H. lieald compos-
ed the delegation aud at almost every
minute tAcy had their mon in conference,
But Byrne did not conflne his labors to
the Regulars. He had time to talk to the
Union men and to some he pointed out
what evil effect the proposed charter
would have OH the city and the Repub'i.
can party, while with others he discussed
tho Senatorial Situation in all its serious
phazo'. But the charter question was
paramount. and the Regulars 50 realizcd.
They expected to SEQ 1t introduced i'm
mediatoly after Mr.. Rose moved for a sus-
pension Of the rules governing the intro
ducton and second readings of bills, but
they were disappointed whom Mr.. Rose e1-
puined that his motion was intended to
refer TO Tho Senate bill establishing state
neurological labratory at Newark.
only. At that timo, II o'clock, there was
no intention Of launching the moasure as
Mr. Hunter Union Republican. was nb.
sent Interest in the inattor then nba'ed
until ? 80 o'clock when tho Hou=o rc-ls-
scmbled Col. d. p. Barnard, who is nam
cd in the bill rs tho head of tho Depart
ncat Of Highways. occupied seat on the
floor, while other Regular and Union
leaders fitted about tho former in nervous
expectancy.
1t had been intended to offer the act at
3 o'clock, and every member Of the House.
with tho exception Of Representative
O'Day wasin hisschair at the hour. There
r., In, q IA.
approached. but the uneasiness was dis
PEELED by President Salmon of the Senate
appearing in the chamber. He approach
ed Representatives. Shallcross and Taylor,
Democrats, ana Representative Kitchen,
Republican, and whispered to them. 1t
was said that ho informed them that tho
bill could not pass but this statement
could not be verified. Loading Democrats
said tho required twenty-four votes were
available, but would not be called for I'M
til more opportuno time. Union lie
pubicans insisted that the scheme had not
fallen through but for some unknown
reason the charter failed to materializa.
Tho anxious ones remained In the House
Chamber urtil5 o'clock when adjourn
mcnt was made until tomorrow morning
Representative O'Dty WAS not present at
that hour.
1t WAS said tonight by leading Will
mington Democrats that the bill would
not mako It's appearance in the House be-
cause Of tho refusal Of three Democrats,
Representatives Shallcross King aud
.Je; ter to support It.. Three Assembly,
mon had agreed on Thursday to support
tho measure but tho association OF John
It. Dlckey with 1t compelled them to go on
record against the measure Tho Will
mingion lAssemblyman admitted. how
ever, that II Mr.. Dickey's name was strick-
cn from tho bill 1t would pass, and as
Mr.. Dickey may consent to this, the bill
is yet far from being dead. The Union
Republicans, notwithstanding the posi-
tion OF Representatives ShaIlcross, King
and Jester fell satisfied that tho bill will
pass, even ifthe session has to be prolong-
ed several days to accomplish It, or course
the Regulars would refuse to attend the
session nftor Monday but as tho Demo-
Gratis and Union men In both Houses COM
prise two.third membership the charter
could be passed without the presence of
the opposing Republican. Whether this
course will be pursued will not bo known
until to morrow afternoon by whiah time
tho Democrats fnvoring the measure will
have interviewed the three men who are
said to oppose tho bill.
II was said by Regular Republicans this
afternoon that the Union men were using
the Charter story to whip them. tho
Regulars, into the Addiok' limos, bnt the
Union men declare that there Is absolute.
" no truth In tho story. They believe that
If by some unfursoen happening tho Unit
eG States Sonatorship question fails to ba
solved, thas Republican control OF two
important Offices in Wilmington would he
preferable to Democratic control of the
entire city after tho June election. They
also look for Democratic supremacy
throughout the State, and rather than al
low the Democrats to have everything for
the moro asking, they think 1t far bcttor
to ncccpt oflico within their grasp. RcGu-
lar Republicans, OF course. Wow tho
matter In another light. Thoy realize
"half loaf Ia batter than nono' but
would prefer starving to accepting n half
loaf from the Democrats In this position
the Union msn claim there opponon y are
inconsistent, inasnuch as only n few days
..,tt