Evening journal., 1911-05-27
DEMOCRATS
AT RECEPTION
Democratic League Has Many
Callers to Greet the Party
Nominees
MAYOR SPRUANCE
DEFENDS ADMINISTRATION

Democrats from all parts of the
city gathered at Democratic League
last night when a reception was given
to the men nominated at the primaries
week ago. IL was a sort of a har-
mony gathering to try to smooth out
the wrinkles and heal the sore spots
left by the primaries, itself a difficult
task, but it was "a success as a recep-
tion as most affairs of the Democratic
League are. DR.. ]. Harvey Spruance,
nominee for Mayor. and the other can
didates on the ticket we're present and
greeted the Faithful" who called,
while some Of the faithful" grouped
around and commented that some per-
sons familiar in Democratic politics
we're absent. Charles e. Dubell, de-
feated candidate for Mayor was unwell
and unable to be present, and Robert
Pennington, who withdrew from the
Mayoralty race, also was absent VIII
lard Salisbury and Peter J.. Ford,
Democratic leaders, who were classed
as anti-Spruance men, were among
the missing. John G.. Gray was present
and presided over the speechmaking
exercises.
Those who spoke, of course along a
political line in which they had visions
of party success, we're Mayor Spru-
ance, Samuel j. Newman, nominee for
President of Council; Samuel Sles-
niger, defeated candidate for President
of Council; J. Harvey Whiteman, Fred
erick II. Steinle, nominee for city trea-
surer; Assistant City Solicitor ArmOn
ID. Chaytor, Jr.; Councilman James
Kane. John j. McGovern, Edward J.
Higgins and George w. Woodward, and
f. j. Gradwohl, candidates for Council.
Speeches and Luncheon.
The speech-making took place down
in the billiard room and buffet, where
| luncheon also was served during the
evening TO the. callers.
Mayor Spruance in his speech de-
Tended his administration. He said he
had been embarrassed by the chaotic
condition of the city government dur.
ing his administration. Il have beer
called upon to make number Of ap
pointments," he said, "and while IN
several instances | have had TO maxi
a choice OF two OF more capable mel
recommended, always "a difh
I
lectiOns with a view to the Interest,"
of the city and / challenge anyone 4
! show that the appointees, are wanting
in ability, fitness or integrity.
, Defends His Administration.
Defending his appointment o
Councilman James Kane and others {,
the Wilmington Charter Commission
the Mayor said:
in naming members of the Charter
Commission l tried to select mel
who together would combine goot
judgment, active enthusiasm for new
: charter and a thorough knowledg,
of the practical working and defects
in our present city government tha
b the Commission might evolve a char
: ter that would cure our patent ILL
and at the same time be acceptable Z
the people and the General Assem-
bly,"
The Mayor pointed out that he hat
, voted the ordinance to inrcease tn
, salaries of the assessors and cOllec
tors, that he had vetoed the franchis
separating the telephone from tn
I lighting department of the Whining
! ton Light, Power and Telephone Com
r pany, that he had approved the ordi
!. nances and franchises to enable tn
t Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to con
= struct its new bridge across tn
Brandywine, and that he acted as in
termediary between Council and tn
Street and Sewer Department in con
solidating the engineering department
Of the city. After objections on hi
part, the Mayor said, franchises re
Gently granted to two public servic
y corporations had been changed so a
materially to benefit the city.
Says He is Unpledged.
The Mayor said that he had advC
:. Gated the construction of a road
Il the Delaware River and bulkheadin
n to afford wharfage for vessels.
a "If reelected / shall have 10 al
: point a Public Utilities Commission
o said the Mayor, "and in the selecuo
y thereof will endeavor to appoiI
I, such men as will be independent frol
- subserviencies to corporate interel
- as well as men free from rancor
bias against them-men who Will
i Impartial judges between the publ
= and corporate interests.
- - Il am not pledged to any man fC
- any position that will become vacal
during the next term of office, M
had any pledge been solicited In an
manner whatsoever, nor Will
! pledged to any man for any positic
/