Evening journal., 1910-10-17
DIVORCE CITY :
FROM POLITICS
Rev. R. L. Jackson Urges Need
Of NOn-PartiSan Munich
pal System
CALLS ON CITY TO
THROW OFF The YOKE

What We Need in Wilmington"
was the subject OF a sermon by the
Rev. X. l.. Jackson in Hanover Pres
byterian Church last night. Accord
ing 10 MI Jackson, WilmingtOn's
chief need is q new form of govern
ment Professional politics. he de-
ciared, was retarding the progress Of
the city In part, Pastor Jackson said
NOW 1t 10 gratifying 10 note that
there are many people in Wilmington
who have not been insensible 10 the
changes for the better IN the civic lie
OF our American cities. They have not
only read OF these changes, but they
have also seen them with their own
eyes. And they are asking themselves
the question, Why not Wilmington
Multitudes OF men in Wilmington are
becoming convinced OF the need OF a
new form OF city government The
present system Is out OF da1e and ILL
adapted 10 the needs of the city. They
are also becoming convinced that so
far as possible the new form of gov
ernment should be a partisan one.
They have grown sick and tired OF
the game OF poli.lca as it is played in
Wilmington by their fellow citizens.
lt has come TO be 80 pueIile as TO make
the uncnafitable laugh and the iudlci-
Gus giieye. The taxpayers OF VIII
mington are a long suffering lot. But
unless | am mistaken, patience Is
ceasing TO be a virtue i'm their eyes.
Everywhere can be heard the low
murmur Of revolt against unjust dis
elimination i'm the assessment of prop
erty. Men are complaining that their
assessment is in excess Of their neigh
bor' and allege I'm explanation political
influence. What is true of taxes is also
true OF Improvements. Here the same
discrimination is alleged. II is also
contended that politics makes itself
felt I'm every department of our NUM-
cipal life. There Is no question of
such vital moment as the health of a
citysYet physicians, whose word |
would not question and whose influ-
ence is citywide, have confessed TO
me that the work of the Board Of
Health Of Wilmington has been seri-
ously handicapped by political infu-
ence. In the foregoing l am not ar
raigning the present administration
! am bringing no accusation against a
single city official. am not rejecting
upon our City Council as az present
constructed | am dealing with the
system as a whole. II Is the system
to which we must turn our attention
as citizens.
Would Eliminate Politics.
IF we are to have an efficient, ag-
gressive administration Of civic af-
fairs is not the elimination of politics
AN imperative necessity? Shall the
citizenship Of Wilmington remain in
different and inert, and thereby suffer
this consummation to remain only a
haunting, harassing dream to all who
/ desire TO see Wilmington take its
| place I'm the front rank of free, pro-
/ gressive American cities?
Many of our citizens are now agi-
I tating the question of n new charter
! Unless VIC take definite, determined
hand In the process of getting such
an instrument fashioned the politi-
clans will fashion one 70 their own
taste and rush It though the legisla-
ture and force us TO accept IL.
THE need of the hour In Whining
ton is an alert, intelligent, fearless in
forest in this matter--an interest that
shall reach to the very last man. The
immediate need is leadership ;men and
women all over the city who will
start civic center in their own neigh
borhood. The school buildings should
be open TO the taxpayers and they
should come together to discuss the
question Of a better city government.
The churches should be thrown open
for similar gatherings. Il should be
made a peoples movement. Is there
anything Of more vital concern to US
as citizens than equitable, reasonable
taxes; the economical, honest admins
tration Of all the departments of our
city government; sanitary conditions