Evening journal., 1908-07-03


cured by the enactment and enforcement
OF ordinances providing licenses for places
Of amusement, shows, exhibitions and pub
lie representations. Under this head
should be included public dancing halls
public billiard and pool rooms. skating
rinks. itinerant dealers and musicians
and other like subjects Some Of the g
censes which are now exacted are entirety
too low particularly those relating to
circus exhibitions.
Licenses For Vehicles.
most Of the progressive cities require
that all vehicles using the public streats
shall be licensed and numbered. the hcen-
sing feature would be a source OF revenue
without any particular burden on the
persons paving such licenses; and the
numbering Of the vehicles would provide
a means OF Identification Of the owner
where the laws relating to fast or recx-
less driving are violated. or In cases Of
accidents. All vehicles should be required
TO carry lights after dark.
Overhead Wires.
Laws should be passed regulating the
erection and maintenance OF overhead
wires especially those carrying streng
electric currents. In congested districts
such wires are great menace m time
OF fire and storm Aside from the matter
OF public safety the elimination Of over
head wires would tend 10 the preservation
OF the shade and ornamental trees and
would materially add to the beauty Of
the city.
Care of Public Records.
'rhe facilities Of the city for the care
and safe keeping Of the public records ave
insufficient Many Of the records are
so arranged and kept that Il Is often a
serious matter 10 procure information
which should be Immediately accessible.
In addition to this, the danger OF loss Of
your records by FIRE is imminent and
should receive careful and immediate at.
tention.
Public Buildings.
Il desire particularly TO urge upon the
Council that steps be taken whereby a
new city han shah be built for the city
In the near future. The present arrange
ment for the Offices Of the city officials is
little short OF disgrace to any city Of the
size and importance OF Wilmington. Tit
Park Board Is without a suitable ofhc'
and the Water Board is but temporarily
located. The city auditors office Is fal
from adequate and the records Of his OF
zee are not properly protected. The quar-
ters provided for the police department
and the Municipal Court are wholly IN
adequate for their purposes. There is nj
room set apart for witnesses in th'
Municipal Court and the prosecuting Of
! tiou Of witnesses. Your own body has M
committee room and II has been necessaf'
, on many occasions for the Mayor to va
. cate his room that you might be accom-
: modated. The housing OF all the city dc
a partments and offices under one roof
q highly desirable. Proper offices should ais
/, be provided for the inspectors Of build
/, ings. meats. oils milk and the clerk OF th
market. This matter in 50 far as locato
and general makeup Of the city hal an
= concerned should very properly be cor
sidered and dealt with by the commissie
Of municipal extension.
~ Building Laws.
:, "Our present building laws are not so
ficient to properly provide for the safe
OF modern structures and the existir
ordinances need some additional provislo.
- in order that they may meet present r
i. quirements.
l. Elections.
4 steps should be taken TO have the me-
Legislature enact an imB'oved election "a
7, 7. for the Sty The existing law is dehcis
in many particulars.
y Explosives.
y stringent ordinances should be pass'