The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-11-13
PROVES SUCCESS
OF Commission
Already 1t Has Done Wonderful
Things for Whining
ton.
RECALL HAS BEEN TESTED
An Agitator at First, But Is
Found to Give Good
Results,

Wilmington. N. c., November IL
Wilmington now seems to have sue
cessfully passed through the turbulent
stages of the recall in Its commission
form Of government. and the recall,
while shown to be some thing of an
esitator. nevertheless has accomplished
good, insofar as 1t aroused civic pride
and really was the means of showing
the Ave Councilmen. who compose
Wilmington's first commission. that
people-a big majority OF the
people-approved their action and at
the same time the recall stands as a
menace In case any Councilman should
do what is not right. There was some
trouble at first In drawing distinc-
ton between the recall and the refer
endum, people getting their Objects
badly mixed, but that now seems to
be In the past. and the city Is down to
bedrock and doing better now than 1t
mas In score OF years. 1t was real
ized that the recall would prove a
matter of turmoil on the start, but as
results show. everything Is ali right,
and every one now ID glad the recall
is in the new form, so as TO protest
against any future corruption. 1t was
argued OF one time that IL would be
easy TO get up a recall, but this, on
the contrary, was found most difficult,
although only 30 per cent of the reg
istered vote is required to make the
recah enectiVe. Having apparently
weathered the storm OF the first re-
call movement. which necessarily had
chance to cement many dissenting
parties, by reason of a radical changes
necessary on the start OF T. reform ad-
fninistration, II is felt that future re-
calls will be easily downed, unless
there is some substantial complaint
The commission government, especially
by comparison, has already done won
ders for Wilmington. 1t has been
holding forth less than eight months,
and has inaugurated 100000 of per-
manent street improvements, is nego-
tiating for municipal ownership of
sewerage, has banishcd all hogs and
COWS from the city, enacted rigid laws
governing horse stables, passed many
other measures promoting the health
fulness of the city, and has accom-
plished many more things. The one
thing 1t has failed to do, however like
ill preceding Boards of Aldermen is
to make q dent in the blind tiger"
business in Wilmington. 4
Two big fraternal order events ,wilf
transpire in Wilmington this week
The convention of the Odd-Fellows of
the Sixth, District Will be held here
Wednesday, the meetings taking, place
| in the handsome odd Fellows Temple
Mayor Joseph d. Smith will extend
the city's welcome and Major Nj. G.
Guthrie. OF Southport, will respond
There Will be number OF talks, and
the convention Will be brought to a
close at night with a brilliant social
session.
The Wilmington Knights of Pythias
are anticipating big time with the
observance of Orphans Home Day
Thursday, and at night exercises Will
take place, and upon which occasion
the orator Will be Rev. Frank j. NAL
lett OF Salisbury.
The first damage suit growing out of
the Seaboard Air Lines wreck near
} Lumberton. n. c.. last summer, in
which many were injured and young
woman from Georgia, en- route TO
/ Wrightsville Beach. was killed, has
been settled. The negro porter of the
Pullman, David Fridgen, of this city,
was among those injured. and he later
sued the road 1t being understood
that he would seek something like
$4,000 damages. However, his suit
was compromised with the road yes
terday. and 80 recorded. though COM
promise amount is not specified
The finishing touches are being
placed on the ,.iimington. Brunswick
and Southport Railroad. and the road
expects to inaugurate Its service
Thursday. November %, which VIII
make red letter day in the history
of Southport. the little town at tho
mouth of the Cape Fear River, and
almost opposite Fort Caswell. This
road Is the first to reach Southport,
and hence Its start Will be made a gala
event. Big preparations for a celebra-
ton have been made. and many promi-
nent men will gather there TO speak,
! including Senator Simmons, Senator
overman and Governor Kitchin. The
new road expects to maintain a daily
passenger and freight service. A fea-
ture of the celebration will be visit
from a number OF warships. the har-
Dor 1t Southport being an immense ono
and capable OF taking anything in
the ship line.
The fifty or more alleged blind
tigers" recently indicted by the grand
jury. still threaten to take their cases,
or n test case. to the United States
Supreme Court. If necessary, claiming
that when Congress legislntod to grant
| them a lawful liquor license that such
license cannot be used as evidence
against them. The North Carolina
courts have held 1t is pr,na facie evil
dence. and mainly upon these were the
indictments secured. The city will
bitterly contest this point. and In ad-
dition Is going to try and get the cases
removed from this county. alleging
that fair trial cannot be held here.
case against w. O. Baldwin, a we'll
ri