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

THERE is every indication that this will be
4 prosperous year for Wilmington, and
for Delaware as we'll. Our Board OF Trade is
fourishing, with increasing membership and in
fuenoe 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 workmen, which
will bring more money into the city. There is
demand everywhere for houses The population
is increasing Merchants did a 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 a political nature to hamper the growth Of the
city. Good city government is powerful factor
in making a municipality attractive to the inves-
tor and the manufacturer Hence the import
ance of fair city charter.
There is a proposed charter before the Legs-
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 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. 1t 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
cd by appointment they have made serious mis-
takes The best Of men will make false steps.
Under the new charter the mayor would have
practically the control OF the city government
Is il wise to fasten upon ourselves such a char
ter which furnishes the widest opportunity for
ring and boss rule? Should there not be more
safeguards 10 prevent the city from falling into
the hands OF rings? We want neither Demo
cratic nor Republican ring in control OF the city
government but we wish plain, honest admin
istraton 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.
The responsibility for the new charter, how
ever, will 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 there is a 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, il shows in what way mems
minds are working on these questions. It is
ts,,, to- the ReDublicans 10 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 to question and has so
many opportunities for dominance by coterie
of men.