The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-08-06
OBJ ECTED TO
EXTRA CLERKS.
Commissioner S. Frank Ewart at

Commissioner ,. FRANK EWart at
the Levy Court meeting yesterday
afternoon made a vigorous protest
against an allowance to Comptroll-
er George D. Kelley for clerk hire,
and also against an allowance to
County Treasurer Rettew for adj
.ditional clerk hire. When the month
ly pay roll was presented among
the items was $50 salary for clerk
for Mr.. Kelley, and 1888 for Mr..
Rettew.
Mr.. Ewart objected to those two
items. He could not see much
economy in selling dwelling houses
of poor residents and the properties
of poor farmers to pay taxes when
the money goes to pay clerks. He
quoted the law relating to the re-
ceiver of taxes and county treasurer
showing that the salary of that
official is fixed at 81, OOS a year, with
Il, 600 additional for clerk hire. As
to the compensation of clerk for
the county comptroller is concerned
Mr.. Ewart admitted that if the
court thought the comptroller need
ed clerk they could properly fix
his compensation, but Mr. Ewart
did not think an allowance for the
colnptroller's clerk was justifable.
VI tell you that if this court pass
es those allowances, am going to
appeal to an Attorney declared
Mr.. Ewart. 1.-The law is plain
that Mr.. Rettew is entitled to 81, 900
year and $1,000 additional for
clerk hire, and that he is entitled
to, nothing further
Comptroller Kelley, sitting near
Mr.. Ewart, leaned over and explain
ed that the only allowance for clerk
hire for Mr.. Rettew's office in the
payroll was that within the $1,000
year provision. Mr.. Ewart then
withdrew his objection to that par
ticular item saying he was under
the impression that there was an
item for additional clerk hire i'll the
payroll. Regarding the allowance
for clerk for Mr. Kelley, Mr.. Ew-
art was still opposed to that. All
the members of the court excepting
Mr.. Ewart voted to pass the pay
roll mot as it is. No." was the
explanation of MIR. Ewart, as he
voted.
! Following this action, Mr. Ewart
presented resolution to the effect
that no further allowance be made
County Treasurer Rettew, except
ing that fixed by law. Il mean that
Mr.. Rettew shall have no further
clerk hire than that provided by
law because he gets enough" added
Mr.. Ewart.
Commissioner Chandler address
ed the court about the action Of the
. trustees of the poor refusing to ac-
cept any more smallpox patients
from this city at the emergency
hospital, unless the city Of Whining
ton pays a share Of the maintenance
expenses of the institution. Mr..
Chandler quoted facts AMI figures
to show that the city of Whining
ton pays nearly twice the amount
of taxes as does the rest of the
county, yet the trustees Of the poor
want to bar Wilmington from us
ing the pest house which is main
tanned out Of the rounty's funds.
Mr.. Willitts thought that Will
mington should make an appropri-
alton for the maintenance OF the
emergency hospital and in addition
should make an appropriation an
uually to the trustees of.thc poor.
Mr. Chandler III reply declared
that tIrettifths of the taxes
Of the county are collected in
in Wilmington, which of itself
should give the city the right t..
use the hospital. Net only have
more than one-half Of the
county taxes been paid by Whining
ton, but the city has spent $4,000
out of its own treasury to fight the
epidemic in Wilmington, Mr.. thand-
Ter said. No definite action was
taken by the court in the action.
MI Megginson presented the APP
plication Of Peter }. Ford for the
refunding Of So. 40 oVcrpaId tax on
a lot on Cleveland avenue. Mr..
Megginson said he wa, informed
that the lot was assessed 1T $ll 900
when it should have been 81 600. 1t
was referred to committee for
investigation Mr. Mcgginson turn
ed in check for $3.50, the pro
ceed5 of sale of some Of the effects
OF the old jail. Mr.. Megglnsun Will
arrange for the sale Of the old
prison van.
1t was the last meeting Of the
court for month, as adjournment
was made until September :, AL
though Chairman Wlllitts was EN-
powered to call the court into seS-
before that date If necessary.