Evening journal., 1907-02-08
New River Lines, FIremen'S
and Manufacturers Tax
Discussed
NEW MEMBERS ELECTED

for the late banquet, leaving a sub
stantial balance TO be returned to the
board for other purposes. This report
was received with applause and vote
OF thanks extended to the committee.
New Members.
A report was received from the mem
bership committee, in which the fol-
lowing were proposed;
T.. j. Green. real estate; Delaware
Cotton Company; Francis A. Price,
civil engineer; w. Tuchton, wholesale
grocer; b. Frank Wagamon, real estate;
Goldey College; James Wilson, civil en-
gineer. There being no opposition, all
were elected active members.
William Bancroft. chairman of the
Municipal Committee. reported that no
meeting had been held during the
month. Similar reports were received
from several other committees.
River Route Proposed.
Mayor Wilson. Of the committee on
navigation and transportation made an
address on the necessity existing for
down state river trade, and the conse-
quent need of proper dock and road
facilities on the water front of this
city. This will require the construction
OF a wharf a half mile long and a pro-
per road, involving a cost Of probably
s15o,00O. AS no one viii enter into such
an undertaking, efforts have been made
to induce boats TO come into the Chris
tiana, but without avail He suggested
connecting link in the present New
Castle trolley road to the new piers
there where the boats could land and
receive or discharge cargo from or to
this city. A discussion of that subject
followed, at which the general trend of
opinion was favorable to the proposed
trolley-river connection, some however.
favoring the establishment Of a wharf
at the present jetty at the mouth of the
Chrlstiana. It was proposed by the
President that the committee consult
with the New Castle Board Of Trade.
the favorable consideration Of the troll
ley line and steamboat lines already
having been secured.
New Ferry Line.
It was suggested by w. w Lobdell
that If Wilmington was properly awake
a ferry line would be established be-
tween the Jersey shore and this city,
whereby Pennsgrove and Pennsville
people could buy supplies here rather
than going TO Philadelphia. He sug-
gested an hourly service.
Mr. Marvel reported for Mr.. Bell,
chairman of the committee on statis-
tics and information that an interest
ing statistical report concerning the
value Of the Chrlstiana river to Will
mington and desires to secure statistics
of manufacturers and industrial plants
as to their number Of employees, pay
rolls. etc, for future submission to the
Board is ready
A member of the trade and COM
merce committee, in the absence of
Chairman McCullom. stated that the
latter would present at the next meet
ing concerning the operation Of down
state boats.
Oppose old Tax.
Mr.. Lawton discussed the former
obnoxious manufacturers tax law.
which by reason Of undue publicity
practically informed manufacturers
lcompetitors of their standing. This
law was repealed. but there is now
] danger of a bill reviving the old in.
quisitorial law passing at Dover, and
suggested that the board take immed-
late action in the matter. Mr.. Lobdell
explained the present old law, desig-
mating it as class legislation and detri-
mental 10 progress. reading it during
/ the progress Of his remarks This
statute provides that each firm must
pay S5 license fee. and a tax of 1-20th
of 1 per cont on all real or other estate
} used I'm the business up to S3,000,000,
and over that sum and up 20 $1,000, 600
f-40th of / per cent and each Si,000,000
over S5.O0O.000 the further sum If $50.
/ He stated that the repeal OF the pres
I ent law and q return to old methods
of inquisition and taxes would work
groat hardships on present manufac-
turers, an act of bad faith toward new
/ Industries. Mr.. Lobdell then offered
a resolution expressing the disapproval
Of the Board TO the enactment of such
a repeater. After a slight discussion
the resolution was unanimously adopt
cd and the following committee ap-
pointed TO protest against such q dan
gerous measure being passed and to
use their influence before the Legisla-
ture at Dover: Messrs. Lobdell. Bay
nard, Lawton. Marvel and the presi-
dent of the board.
Tax Methods.
Mr.. Lobdell brought up the subject
Of increasing state revenue and spoke
OF the wisdom Of such matters being
left in the hands Of a competent and
fair commission. and comprehensive
remarks were made along the same
line by Mr.. II. C. Knowles and others
Action in the matter was deferred
until the commission now at work
shall make their report.
jamestown Report.
The final report Of the jamestown
Exposition committee was submitted
and they were discharged with thanks
Fire Department Abuses.
Members Of the fire department pre-.
sented through Mr. Lawton resolution.
lpetitioning the Legislature 10 enact
law permitting each company to hav,
! an equal chance in the election o.
chief and assistant engineers. the Off.
GERS to be chosen in rotation each yea
from the companies, beginning witt
, number one. Mr.. Lawton explained III
; subject. and referred to the presen
unfortunate combine and anti -combinl
situation existing. deploring it greatly
He stated that il cost the city las
f, year $4,000 10 keep the department
and suggested that II the present fric
tion continued Wilmington must estab
lish a paid department Several mem
: bers Of the fire department were pres
ent and asked the Board to use its in.
fiuence in securing the rotative cleo.
ton system for the department ans
against the present iniQuitous combin,
whereby seven companies prevent tn,