Evening journal., 1903-01-06
NEW CHAIRMAN
OF LEVY COURT
Philemma Chandler Elected
President of That Body
For 1908
c, c, HOPKINS NOW A MEMBER
Committees Will Not Be Appointed
Until Next Week-Trusiees Of New
Castle County workhouse Submit
Annual Report

TN'Hecf thCRoft
the Levy Court OF New Castle couu-
ty organized this morning for 1908 by
electing Philemma Chandler president
to succeed Merritt N Willis. Notwdth-
standing rumors OF contests for the
ehaimanship, there was no evidence
whatever of one this mornlng, as Mr.
Chandler's election was unanimous.
He was elected after the Republican
members had held a short caucus in
the county compuoller's room.
Members Of the court were at the
Court House unusually early, and Il was
scon apparent that a decision had been
reached as 30 who would be chairman
Caleb Candy Hopkins. the now MEM
Der who succeeds S. Frank Ewart. was
among the first TO aruive and was con-
graduated by the other members. Mr..
Ewart was also in the room when the
election took place.
At 1890 o'clock Mcss-s. Willis,
lChandler, Megginson. Elliott and Hop
lkins, the Republican members, went
into caucus Messrs. Mea1ey and Arm
lstrong, the Democratic members, re-
manned I'M the court room while the
caucus was going on. In fifteen min
lutes the Republican members entered
the room, and many of the spectators
looked for a spirited contest
On motion Of Mr.. Elliott, MIR Meggin-
son was elected temporary chairman.
After the roll had been called the Gre
, dentials Of Mr.. Hopkins were read and
approved.
Mr.. Megginson stated 1t was in order
to nominate a permanent chairman.
, land asked for nominations.
Mr.. Hopkins said: "At the request
5 of the Republican members in caucus,
nominate Philemma Chandler
On motion of Mr.. WiIits nomina-
tions were closed and vote by ballot
was taken with Messrs. Armstrong and
!. Mealey acting as tollers.
After the ballots had been counted,
II Was found that all seven members
> had voted for Mr. Chandler.
? In a short address TO the members
Mr.. Chandler said. in part:
Il accept the office of president of
the Levy Court IL is a position OF
honor for which l thank my friends,
but it is Of more importance as a posi-
tion of trust. | was elected member
of this body because the people had
confidence in my ability and honesty
to take care of their interest. When
first came to this body / could only
protest and vote against outrageous
bills. / am now in position 10 take
= t..4r I
t that it will be done.
Reporters of papers are welcome
here, for 1t is through them the public
learns the working and business of this
court"
After Mr.. Chandler had concluded
his remarks. routine business was
transacted. A number of small bills
were approved and ordered paid.
Mr.. Willis stated that he would sub
nit an itemized account OF the election
expenses at the next meeting.
The report OF the trustees OF the New
Castle worldhouse was read. 1t show
cd that the institution was opened on
November 8. 1901. and the first prison
crs were received on November s. The
population during the year varied from
PA, the highest TO 15l. the lowest.
About 100 convlcts. more or less. wero
employed i'm the manufacture of mems
= clothing, and the amount realized from
{ this source was $5,S73.32.
At this time last year the balance
( on hand was si46936l. Out of this
$13.024S4 was paid for contracts to
finish the buildings. During the yeal
S27. .367.91 has been received from the
Levy Court and the United States Gov
r ernment for the keep OF prisoners. al
= forty cents each.
n The report also contained the official
q report of the fire On November 20. The
cause Of the fire has not been discover.
ed Thanks are extended to the Police
and Fire Departments for their efficien
r service at the fire.
The report states that should th'
+ Legislature pass bill to send dowI
v State prisoners to the workhouse, NOR
cells would have to be provided.
n Warden Meserve's report showes
a that Dacember I, 1901, there were 16'
Y inmates. During the year 1,135 wer'
q received and 1130 discharged. whicl
left ia prisoners on November 30
# 1902 The health Of prisoners durinl
4 the year was good and there were bu
= three deaths. The warden suggest
! that an effort be made to secure legls
n lation by which an officer of the In
stitutlon may be appointed a notar,
> public; also by which the guards ma,
. be clothed with police authority.
Ie The total expense Of the institution
rs for the year was SAG. .S2S.49.
Chairman Chandler. after tho meet
N ing, stated he did not know when tn
at attorney for the court would be electet
ID The committees for 1903 probably wi
ie be appointed next Tuesday.
ct While there WAS no oppositio
whatever TO the election Of Mr.. Char