Evening journal., 1903-03-06
Hoped. to Have Kept Mat
ter Secret and Then
Push 1t Through Both
HOuseslOf. Legislature
Heads of Departments
Named But Promoters
Have Not Settled on
the Terms of Office

Union Republicans and Democrats have
combined to give Wilmington a new city
charter.
Should 1t pass the citizens Of this city
would have no say in THE government Of
the municipality and it would be practi-
cally useless to hold city elections.
This obnoxious measure can only be
compared to the famous Ripper bill"
which was forced on Pittsburg by the
Legislature of Pennsylvania two years
ago.
1t leaked out week ago that such a
bill was proposed, but when Democrats
were spoken to about the matter they de-
MED It vigorously. It is now known that
such bill is proposed.
Already the bill is partly drawn. Al
though all that remains TO be done is to
add the few finishing touches, everything
has been done with the utmost secrecy, as
it was feared that IL the plans were made
known Khere would be such a wave OF
public sentiment that the men back of the
measure would not dare insist upon the
passage of the bill. 1t has progressed SO
far that the following men have already
been slated for positions; =
Director. Of Public Works. James Jones,
Union Republican, now water commits
sioner and member Of House OF Repre-
sentatives.
Director of Water Works, Frank Nc
Nulty, Democrat. now State Senator.
Director Of Public Safety, William b.
Clerk Union Republican, formerly Ad-
dicks candidate for mayor; now morocco
manufacturer.
Director. of Finance, William Lawton
Union Republican, Market street business
man.
Collector of Taxes. Jesse X. Bayhs
Democrat, manager of Opera House.
There are two matters which the pro.
moters have not yet been able ito decid,
upon. One is the length of the term OF
office Of the men who are to be named IN
the BILL The other question vexing IN,
sbhemerssis whether to'vest the appoint
ing power in the Mayor or the governor
The Union Republicans would rathe
have the Governor given the appointins
power. as they think they could do NOR,
with him than a mayor elected from thu,
city.
Some of those interested prefer the tern
to last Tor four years others six, and
few go SO far as to recommend that tn
5fhceholders be appointed for a term O
ten years.
Death to Home Rule.
1t can easily be seen that u such bill
went through there would be no homl
rule. The officers could be appointed b,
the Governor, who does not know any
bhing about the city affairs. In this wa,
the will of the people would be disregard
ed. Under the present hill the Goveuo
or Mayor could not act to suit himself
but would have to name the person
given above. In the course of four, six
or ten years a machine could be built III
which 1T would be almost impossible l.
break, short of a revolution. So anxiou
are the men back of the bill TO get thei
hands on the reins Of city governmen
that they have TO put clause in IL pro
vidins that it go into effect on April /,
few days after the Legislature adjourns
The fact that such q hill was propose
leaked ont in Dover on Sunday and Mon
day. when a rumor was heard that tn
Union Republicans had promised tn
Democrats TO pass a Ripper bill" for tn
city If they would hold Off and not max
any coalition wsth the Regulars.
When the Democrats failed to join wit
the Regulars ON Monday this story wa
told certain Democratic members. The
Indignantly denied that such a PROPOSE
tion had ever been made ito them. Union
denied the story after the election Of Sen
;ltors.
Since the return from Washington Oh
men who were first Identified with thi
infamous measure have been hard q
work on It again.
Story Is True.
This morning man was found VIII
knew all about the bill and the secret am
underhand work being done to put
through. His name is withheld for th
present, as are those Of a Republican an
Democrat who are mixed up in III
affair.
These names will be given If necessar,
Democrats high In THE councils of th'
party know of Il. When the facts becon
known 1T Is believed there will be a grei
howl and the bill defeated.
Few Board of Trade Features.
"'rhe bill contains few features of u
Board Of Trade chanter." said "a man wi
Is interested, this morning. I'm fact,
does not contain any Of the good once. +"