Evening journal., 1909-02-01
Not Much Chance For a
New Charter For Viii
mingfon-Anofher Bal
lot Bill Expected TO Bob
Up
MAY KEEP MILITIA
FROM INAUGURAL

very little accomplished IN the way OF
things actually done 1t is true that the
time has been consumed but there is very
little legislation accomplished to show
for it, There may be several reasons for
this, but the principal excuse may be
that there IS not much to be done this
year IN the way Of new legislation. Some
OF the things most urgently desired will
be left undone-perhaps may not be at
tempted-for instance a new charter for
Wilmington. With the House Democratic
and the Senate Republican Il is improb-
able that there will be any serious con-
sideraton OF a Wilmington charter this
session. The Democrats would want one
thing and the Republicans another, and
the result would be nothing. Two years
ago the Republicans went about as far
as they could reasonably go along the
charter line, but II was not agreeable to
the Democrats. Senator Sparks on behalf
OF the Republicans then agreed to support
the so-calied Board Of Trade charter but
the Democrats in the Senate were not in
a receptive mood and the only charter
legislation was that amending the char
ter which was a sort of a compromise
/ that carried along with IL the law author
izing the SS00, 900 bond issue for the Water
Department with the recurrent talk OF
charter Legislation for Wilmington and
! ali that the observation may not be amiss
/ that there will be no new charter for
/ Wilmington until either the Republicans
/ or the Democrats control both branches Of
the Legislature with a two-thirds work
ing majority, and then the party in con-
/ troll viii put through a charter that suits
/ it without consulting the other.
/ Tightening Of Lines.
This week may see some interesting
tightening Of political lines in the Legis-
lature. From the viewpoint Of absence Of
party feeling the present General Assem-
bly, thus far has been a model. There has
been none other like IT, President pro tenn
Sparks. OF the Senate. gave some Of his
Democratic colleagues committee chair
manships and Speaker Cooper OF the
House went him one better and not only
gave Republicans chairmanships but con-
troll Of some OF the less important commit
tees. But the time has about arrived
where some Of the good feeling will give
away to partisan spirit. For instance, the
Connolly voters assistant repeater and
the simpliied ballot law probably will be
called up in the House this week. The
voters assistant repeater already has
been reported favorably to the House
Anticipating action on this legislation the
Democrats had caucus last Friday and
chose steering committee TO line up the
Democrots solidly when the vote is taken,
The voters assistant repeater and sim
plifed ballot bill I'm all probability will
pass the House without much OF a display
Of opposition. The Democrats have the
votes and probably will get a Republican
vote. for It is said Representative Brad.
ford is opposed TO the voters assistant
law as it stands. and it's votes that count
Republican Ballot Bill.
When the voters assistant chloroformei
reaches the Senate there will be a diff.
ferent story. It is understood the Repub-
lican Senators will wait until the repeater
and the new ballot bill reach them, ant
will report back as an amendment another
ballot law tending TO simplify voting and
providing for voters assistants in certain
cases OF physical disability or inability
to mark the ballot properly on the part Of
the voter. Just what the nature OF tn,
Republican bill win be is not known. bu
II Is said 10 be in the inner chambers
awaiting to be trotted out into the light
at the proper time-at the "psychoIogica
moment" as Colonel Ainscow would re
mark.
Taxation Commission Bills.
As soon as Governor Pennewin signs tn,
bill continuing the Revenue and Taxation
Commission this week the Commission
WIN reorganize and shape its bills tc
carry out the commissions recommenda
tions. Phillip L. Cannon In all probabilit,
will be reelected chairman and Senator
Sparks secretary Of the Commission
There is a vacancy in the commission
. which Speaker Cooper OF the House IS au
thorized to Ill., but he probably will no
make his appointment until the close o
the session.
r Representative Connolly introduced tn
bill 10 perpetuate the commission for tw,
more years, and he probably will b.
named as member OF the Commission.
Delaware ard irauuura4ion.
Another subject to come up this week
! probably to-day--is that OF having Dela
ware represented at the inauguration o
! President William II. Taft. The member
Of the Senate and House in their confer
ences decided 70 send the militia to Wash
ington. The only Representative to rails
his voice AGAINST this was Representa-
tive Brockson. Democrat. But since thei
the Democrats have been stirring up %
position to the plan. and Representativ
Williamson on behalf Of the committee oi
b appropriations on FRIDAY declined 10 max
a favorable. report on the bill spprouriat
ing S4Soo to defrav tho expense Of sendini
r the militia to Washington. even thougl
>, a majority OF the committee had decide
upon a favorable report. Coupled with thi
5 IS the Democratic opposition OF all but
few members to the Legislature going {
Washington. and when the subjects ar
called for definite action it would not b
: surprising If the Democrats in the Hous
voted for the LEGISLATURE and the Or
ganized Militia as well to remain at home
This would give Delaware no standin
at the Inauguration. as Governor Penne
will and his stan would obtain no recogn
s ton II Delaware troops were not in IN
2 inaugural parade in which they have IN
y right Of line Of the militia OF all State,
y Governor Pennewill already has mad
|, preparations for he and his staff 10 b
auartered at tithe Ebbitt House in Wash
ington. and Adjutant-General Wicker
sham has gone so far as to arrange 70
the quartering OF the Delaware troops /
: Washington. and the situation would b
greatly complicated II the Democrats dc
eide that no money should he appropr
ated 10 have Delaware represented at hi
q inaugural
j temperance FIGHT On.