Evening journal., 1907-02-11
Monday, February II, 1907.
BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR WILMINGTON.

THERE is every indication that this will be
y a prosperous year for Wilmington, and
for Delaware as we'll Our Board of Trade is
fourishing. with increasing membership and in
fuence Its meetings are pregnant with good.
The industries throughout the city are doing
we'll The works of the Diamond State Steel
Company are to resume soon, giving employ
ment to two or three thousand vorISmen, which
will bring more money into the city. There is a
demand everywhere for houses. The population
is increasing. Merchants did better Christmas
trade than ever The demand for stores is
larger Wilmington some day will come into its
own in commanding the trade OF the region That
largely rests with the merchants themselves.
With the commercial and industrial conditions
so bright, it is imperative that nothing be done
Of political nature to hamper the growth OF the
city Good city government is a powerful factor
in making a municipality attractive to the inves-
tor and the manufacturer. Hence the import
ance of a fair city charter.
There is a proposed charter before the Legis-
lature We have pointed out some objections to
it. The principle of the referendum everywhere
is being considered 1t is a safeguard that in
sures cautious granting OF franchises and issuing
of bonds and such matters. No franchise should
be given in the future by the authorities OF this
city unless the people have a voice in
them The new charter it appears to us vests
a great deal Of authority in one man, the mayor.
The terms of office are for four years. II would
therefore be Of prime importance that very good
man should be elected mayor. We have had
them in the past and in the Offices they have fill
"a by appointment they have made serious mis-
iaises The best of men will make false steps.
l-nder the new charter the mayor would haye
practically the control of the city government.
Is IT wise to fasten upon ourselves such char
ter which furnishes the widest opportunity for
tine and boss rule? Should there not be more
safeguards to prevent the city from falling into
ihc hands Of rings? We want neither Demo
cratic nor Republican ring in control of the city
government. but we wish plain, honest admin
istration Of the affairs of the city The city is
so close. politically, that the chances are that
either party could establish formidable rule
under the proposed charter
j. The responsibility for the new charter, how
ever. win rest upon the Republicans who control
the Legislature.
The political situation has changed in Della
ware and in the future the parties will have to
stand upon their merits. The one that gives the
city the best municipal government is the one
that will win The last city election demon
strated that thers is large independent vote in
Wilmington. This vote is likely to increase
When men, for instance like Governor Stokes OF
New Jersey, staunch Republican that he is, de-
clare that partisan politics have no place in mu-
nicipal affairs. it shows. in what way mems
minds are working on these questions. It is
cup to" the Republicans to make good in the
conduct Of city affairs, and they should not ham
per themselves with or force upon the people a
charter that is so open 10 question and has SO
many opportunities for dominance by ootere
of men.