Evening journal., 1905-03-11
Mr. Haneroft's suuaestions.

As respects a reorganization OF the
city government. I havei never felt
sure whether Il would not be more ex--
pedient for us to try to reach a better
condition by changing one thing or a
few things at a time, than by such a
new charter as has been proposed.
Perhaps may say TO proceed on evolu~
tionary lines rather than revolutionary
ones.
Supposing we would better try to
get a general new charter. are we pre-
pared for it now? II would seem that
there should be a somewhat general
agreement among Wilmingtonians be-
fore going to the Legislature This
has never been the case. There has
never been any approach to a general
agreement among the members OF tho
Legislature from Wilmington in favor
OF anything proposed.
-Four years ago and two years aga
there We're pretty good opportunities
for those interested to study what was
proposed. This year there has not been
even such opportunity Ny opinion Is
that what is now offered Is much less
desirable than what was proposed in
1908.
How would II do to have a commits
tee organized with rather more OF the
partisan element than on previous oc-
casions-say two representing tho
Democrats and two the Republicans oe
the city. and two appointed by tho
Board Of Trade. Authorize this body.
by two-thirds vote, to add to their
membership, TO say nine IN all, and
to hll vacancies II any should occur.
Let this committee employ a secre-
tary and an attorney. Have them or
ganize az once and work the thing up
diligently SO as II practicable to get
their deliberately considered proposals
into print, say by January. 1906.
Let the draft thus made be distrib-
uted very widely. and then try to draw
out, from all who win consider Il, an
intelligent expression OF opinion.
II there shoold be a general agree
ment that Il would be well to try and
get such a charter the members Of the
General Assembly would be elected in
the fan OF 1906 with an understanding
to that effect. and IL they go to Dover
united IN such a purpose they will be
likely to get what they ask
II on the contrary there should be a
decidedly preponderating public opinion
that it would not be best for the pro-
posed charter 10 be adopted. the mat
ter will perhaps be settled so. and we
can, with less distraction. go on trying
TO make the best OF present arrange-
ments. and to have them gradually Inn
proved. In case OF nearly even di-
vision OF public opinion. I could cheer
fully accept either course.
Howell S. England moved the adop-
tion Of the report and that the commits
tee suggested by Mr.. Bancroft be
named.
Philemma Chandler stated he thought
the meeting was called to consider the
charter before the Legislature now.
This report he said. calls for commits
tee 10 prepare a charter for two years
from now. He thought It would be
best to hear suggestions or objections
to the bill before this Legislature. The
speaker said he had heard but little
objection to the new charter
A. S. Reed was called on TO compare
the charter prepared by the Board OF
Trade two years ago and the one sub
United this year. He did not think
there was any favorable comparison
between the two charters. The old one
he considered was the better.
Mr.. Reed explained he could NOT
make the comparison of hand. but sug-
gested that Mr.. Bancroft read a short
paper he had read at the Board OF
Trade meeting last week along the
= lines Of comparison. There is a diff
ference in the time the mayor has for
the approval OF an ordinance. Two
years ago It gave him ten days and the
new act allows fifteen days.
Comparison Of Charters.
Mr.. Bancroft read the paper which
was listened to with much interest. The
/ proposed one makes the debt limit ten
! per cent. Of the assessed valuation In
stead Of seven per cent. under the
Board of Trade charter. The new draft
! drops the clause In the oath OF officers
> which makes them swear they win NOT
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