Smyrna times., 1908-12-16
GOSSIP CONCERNING THE
NEW STATE LEGISLATUR
TWO NEW LEADERS RISE UP ON
THE POLITICAL ARENA
Senator Louis A. DrexIer, Republican
From Sussex and Representative
Sopher of Kent Looked Up To.

leaders have appeared in Delaware
politics. They are Louis A. Drex-
Ter, Republican, of Sussex county,
elected to the Senate, and Francis
NJ. Soper, Democrat, of Kent county,
elected to the House. Early on the
job, they have already distanced
many of their fellows, chosen at the
recent general election, and there is
no doubt but that they will lift out
of the rut the entire Delaware Legis-
lature. The two Houses will assem-
Bile here for organization on Tusday,
January 5, after a night of cucus-
sing, but all along these two men,
one representing one great party and
the other another, have been figura-
lively cutting ice. Mr.. Drexler is
reputed to represent nearly million
dollars if not more. A sensational
railroad bill is already being prepared
for presentation to the Legislature.
Some new laws that will completely
revolutionize and modernize the sys-
TEN of conducting the public schools
are also under way. A statute call
ing for a system of road improve
ment and building permanent roads
beginning at some central point and
extending therefrom is likewise being
prepared. At least two bills are
also in course of preparation calling
for permanent capitol building at
Dover and a new State library which
will form another wing or annex.
Senator Drexler Leases a Dover House
Probably the most stirring incident
attending the ante-session agitation
is the appearance at Dover of Sena-
tor Drexler from the Fourth, or East
ern district of Sussex county. He
has brought some innovations into
State Capital life that have placed
him in the front of leaders in the
new assembly. But the most re-
markable of his initiatory steps was
taken yesterday when he came to
Dover and leased house and engag
ed ex-Secretary of State James H.
Huges, (nem), as his private consAl.
Asked why he had rented house in
Dover, Senator Drexler replied that
he had requested his constituents to
send him to Dover this winter to
act sensibly and Econscientiously on
laws, for the welfare of the State
and for the greater prosperity of its
peope. 81 don't think for a min
ute, "he said, "that can do that by
spending the time in travelling up
and down the State on trains. If
had intended to do that l would have
resigned my office. 1t will take all
my spare time to read up on the
State reports and finances. 1.-THE
frequency of railroad trains ha:
hitherto caused the Legislators tt
spend about four and half hours il
Dover each day. Not so with Sena
tor Drexler.
History of The New Republican Leader
This first act of this new public
man, Republican, elected from th'
strongest Republican senatorial dis
trict in Sussex county, to succeed A
B. Lingo, has set all the capita
talking. Here is his history Mem
ber of Pittsburg Pa, family Of mil
lionaires, or at least men of larg
means; is only twenty-four year
old; has been in Delaware but fou
years; came here to purchase ant
improve Bethany Beach, along th'
ocean front in Sussex county, whic
he has done; has a family; has
college education; is spending hi
private means to give the Stat
good Legislation. 1t was ais
learned that Senator Drexler owe
no allegiance to the leaders. hi
nomination was opposed and ne hs
to get out among the people and win
His Republican fellows then sal
they would sacrifice him at eleetlo
time, but he got out in house
house canvass and secured Tn
largest Republican majority the dis
trict ever gave. While having Tn
/ appearance of college man Drexie
4 gives no indications of "big head
] and it is that characteristic 1T is sal
I that won for him the support oil nj
u people.
q soper the Apple King to the Front
n While Drexler is occupying u
'front.' of the stage among the Repui
vi llean senator's, there is another ne
ngure in legislation who is a
Iaeting equal public attention. =
is Democrat--Francis NJ. Sope
A NE apple king" Of Delaware, who
Il the Democrats are strongly supper
ing for Speaker Of the House.