Evening journal., 1910-12-17
SATURDAY. DEC. IT. 1910
A SPLENDID MOVE.

WI7TIlInEIOU
Il lature have certainly started out in the right
manner by their offer to take the people OF the
city into their confidence.
II is TO be seen whether the residents OF the
city, those concerned in the welfare of Whining
ton, will respond to the invitation which has been
extended to them. The members of the Leglsla-
fure are determined to do their part
Perhaps the only suggestion that could reason
ably be made about the letter of the Wilmington
members is that the first of the proposed meetings
should be held before the Legislature convenes.
The excuse given for the failure of desirable leg
isaton in the past is that II was offered too late,
that there was not time for ample and full consid
Grafton OF such legislation. But even should the
present plan be followed, enough meetings can be
held to find out whether there is keen interest
among the citizens relative to the affairs OF Will
mington.
At any rate, the members of the Legislature
have called for a SHOW down" They have heard
much talk about what is needed for Wilmington,
how il is impossible to get desirable legislation
and they have wisely decided to what there is
in all this sentiment. They will give the public
opportunity to express themselves, and il is
"up to- the people TO respond Ii may truly be said
that unless there is large response TO the invi-
tation of the members of the Legislature they
will not know how TO proceed, and any bills they
might present would as their letter says be large
ly expressions of personal opinion.
Another good thing about the invitation is that
subjects for discussion will be announced from
time to time Persons are at liberty to suggest
subjects in which they are interested and there
will be a full and free discussion. This seems TO
us TO be going back to the old town meeting idea
nearly as possible.
We cannot commend too highly the attitude Of
the Wilmington members. The members who have
signed the letter, and all Of them have are deserv-
ing Of praise. Whether the proposed meetings
amount to anything or not, the members OF the
Legislature will have performed their duty at the
beginning in a remarkable manner. We have read
of plans in other cities and states, but have
heard of none better than that which is to be fol-
lowed by our own members Of the Legislature.
They have given fair notice to every one that there
is to be open hearing, a chance for general
discussion and interchange of views out of which
something good may come. The new charter ad-
vocates, members Of the Civic Association, mem
bers OF the Central Labor Union, the Rev. Hubert
w. Wells than whom there is no better informed
man on economics in Wilmington, and various
others will probably take part in these meetings
Indeed there is opportunity for a most novel
and interesting series of gatherings that should
enliven the town. If there is any dearth OF speak
ers, Arden should come to the rescue.
At all events, we see nothing but good as a result
OF the open forum which the members Of the Leg
isature are offering to the people. And if any
considerable interest is aroused, we have no doubt
that the Wilmington members would name extra
hearing nights.