Evening journal., 1911-01-16

believe a bond issue would be justified
I'm order that such a project, which
would mean so much 10 all of our cit
izens, should be speedily carried out.
There is a provision in our Consti-
tuition which raises. some question
whether the General Assembly is au-
thorized 20 pass a law embodying the
suggestion have here made If this
be true, I recommend that you pro-
pose an amendment to the Constitu-
tion in order that the next biennial
session may have an opportunity 20
pass upon this important subject.
The City OF Wilmington.
We have in cur State but one city
OF considerable size. and every citizen
should feel a pride and interest I'm
its prosperity Wilmington has I'm
recent years made substantial pro-
gress, not only in population. but in
other things as we'll which make for
permanence and strength. Because Of
it's many advantages this municipal
ity should have successful and
prosperous future. Such ! am sure IS
the hope Of all our people. and its
realization would be a qualification
to every one. But It does seem to me
that conditions might be made more
favorable to the citys growth and
progress than they have ever been.
Some of the disadvantages under
which Wilmington has labored and
suffered in the past might be remoy-
ed by proper and necdful legislation.
When such legislation Is practically
agreed upon by the people of the
]. 81 N..t
from other parts of the State should
not deny them their just and reason
able rights. It is not for me to state,
or even suggest. specifically. the char
actcr Of the laws that should be en-
acted 10 promote the city's best iu-
terests and accomplish the desired
ends. But certain Il is that the power
of home rule aud self government
sshould be more liberaly conceded,
and such laws enacted as the con-
census of enlightened and competent
opinion I'm the city shall determine Is
for it's best interest. A strong feel
ing has existed for some time that a
new charter for Wilmington was not
only necessary but indispensable to
the proper development OF the city
and the good of its people. No doubt
there is sufficient ground for such
feeling. and II. there can be a sub
stantial agreement upon what such
charter shall be. IT should not longer
be withheld. The good citizens Of a
municipality should be able TO deter
mine what they want and need in
the way of legislation. and perhaps
there would be no difficulty in doing
so If political considerations were put
aside. I'm dealing with purely local
and business affairs why should not
such considerations be ignored not
only by the people but by the Legisla-
ture as well7 A municipality is a
corporation. the primary purpose of
which is to attend to the city's bust
ness. Why. then. should It not be
conducted like any other we'll man
aged business corporation? A very
learned writer in discussing the sub
iect of city government. has said:
What is needed is not relief from
the consequences of irresponsible
government, but the cure Of irrespon-
eihle government. There is but one
way by which city government can be
made responsible TO the people of the
city, that Is. by making the people
of the city responsible for the city
government And they cannot be held
responsible for their government un-
less they have the power 10 choose
what sort Of government they shall
have. I'm other words. the cure for tho
fundamental Ills Of city government Is
a charter created by the city itself.
This would not only enable cities
to try wholesome experiments. and to
profit by the experience Of other cities
but II would also be in accord with
American principles OF government '
Under our Constitution it is not
possible. of course. for the city to
make its own charter. but it Is possible
for it to choose what such charter
should be- And it would be entirely
consistent with that fundamental prin-
ciple Of our system Of government
which Is elf-government. to permit
Il, not only to choose, but TO have and
receive that which II chooses.
If Wilmington will decide what kind
of a charted is needed. believe It will
be given AZ any rate, strongly rec
ommend It,
Education.
It Is proper that I should say some
thing TO you on the ever important
subject of education. This Is a mat
ter in which every citizen should feel
an intense interest and civic pride nc
matter what may be his present situa.
tion, or may have been his own lach
Of similar advantages in early life
There Is no doubt about the supreme
Importance of the cause, but there Is
much difficulty In determining how
best to further promote and advance
the cause. The members of the State
Board Of Education. the State School
Commission. our efficient superinten-
dents, and others whose experience
equips them with special knowledge
upon the subject. are more capable OF
advising you than / as to what is best
to do. The State Board will probably
make some recommendations during
the session for YOUR consideration
which no doubt you will find good anc
helpful.
II Is generally thought that oui
school teachers are not fairly and ade
( 0uately paid for their services, and
/ with such thought ! am in entire ac
cord. There are no workers who are
( more entitled to fair compensation
aud I'm proportion as they are bet
( ter paid they will no doubt MAKE
teaching a permanent calling rathel
than a temporary employment. Bu
/ while teachers should receive bettel
pay. they should endeavor all the timl
] to become better and more efficient II
! their profession. and fully merit thl
] increase in salaries they desire AS II
/ every other line of work, their pal