Evening journal., 1911-02-07
CITY BILLS
Are EXPLAINED
Civic Association Makes Pro-
GreSS in Interest Of New
Legislation
WILL GET REFORMS IF
LOCAL INTERESTS UNITE

The meeting or the CIVIC ASSocla- |
tion last night was the most practical
one that organization has yet held and
showed that the association intends to
make active moves during the next few
weeks Five bills prepared by the
municipal committee of the Board or
Trade were explained by members Of
that committee who were present,
William p. Bancroft and T. Chalkley
Hatton, and were unanimously endors-
ed by the association, with the eX-
ception OF the bill concerning the
Water Department, which the Board OF
Trade may not find il necessary tol
present to the Legislature Further
recommendations were made in the
bill concerning assessment and collec-
tion of city taxes. Upon motion Of
Caleb r. Burchenal, the Association
authorized it's executive committee to
frame a statute for presentation to the
General Assembly. providing for the
appointment by the Governor and
Mayor jointly, OF three commissioners
to draw up a new charter OF amend
the present city charter-to be sub
mitted to vote of the people later.
Bills Not Radical
It seemed to be the unanimous
opinion Of the Association that tho
Board Of Trade bills did not make as
radical changes as they would wish,
but that they were a step I'm the right
direction, and went as far as they
could go and have a prospect Of being
passed. Above all things. the Associa-
ton, as many members expressed the
idea, felt that united action was inn
portant, that the Board of Trade and
Civic Association must stand together
If they were going to get anywhere at
all, and it was better to go half mile
than not 90 any length.
The proposed bills of the Board of
Trade were outlined in last nights is
sue Of The Evening Journal William
Bancroft explained the purpose Of the
proposed change I'm the city election
| law to be to do away with PARTISAN
ship in city politics Mr.. Bancroft said
he personally was not ready TO give up
City Council. but he thought the new
bill would make II a stronger and bet
ter body. Mr.. Hatton said this bill was
a good first STEP and would not pre-
vent the Civic Association from sug-
gesting a further measure two years
later.
John S. Hamilton doubted whether
the new plan would do away with
party lines in city politics.
Herbert H. Ward said that It was
a question OF how much they could
get now; present Office holders would
naturally be opposed to any change
in the method of election, he thought.
William F. Kurtz agreed with other
members that It would be better 10
have all the councilmen elected at
large.
In answer to the question as to the
chance the bills stood of being passed,
Mr.. Hatton said that the Wilmington
members Of the General Assembly
had assured him that whatever VIII
mington people united in wanting
they could have. Further the bills
we're not so much a matter OF EN-
bodying the best principle, but we're
a matter of policy.
The assessment and collection bill
came up for the most animated dis
cussion of the evening. The board
offered two bills, which have already
been printed. The first was more
radical. and as the Board OF Trade
doubted its passage. they had ready
a second form which left the present
collectors undisturbed and was con-
cerned with a board of assessment.
Mr.. Hatton said their idea was 10
have a competent set of commission
ers and give them enough money and
free hand as to methods, I'm making
new assessment Of Wilmington, on
a cash value basis. The matter Of
publication Of lists, and OF separate
assessments on land and on improve.
ments. was left optional with the
commissioners.
Mr.. Burchenal criticised having the
three commissioners named by Leg
islature rather than leaving them 90
the Mayor and the Governor for ap-
pointment and Mr.. Morris spoke in
, the same vein. Mr.. Kurtz moved fo'
, adoption Of the second endorsement
of the second bill only. John Thomas
objected to having publication and
! separate assessment optional saying
, they were too important matters To
; be left to the commissioners.
Mr.. Hamilton objected to collectors
and assessors not being separated
> and caused laughter by saying such
. a board as proposed ought to have
big salaries, for they would be the
: most unpopular men in Wilmington.
Finally both bills were endorsed
with the recommendation to the
I Board of Trade that publication oi
/, lists and separate assessments bs