Evening journal., 1912-06-03
CHARTER GOES DOWN TO DEFEAT
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citizens should have a chance TO APP
prove or disapprove any proposed
system for their government"
Work Ahead. Says Mr.. Dole.
The Rev George H. Dole. one OF
the most aggressive of the opponents
of the proposed charter, today said of
the result:
THE press Of our city was solidly
and strongly for the charter. with
the exception of one paper, avowedly
neutral. Notwithstanding the in
terest and zeal that the press had in
working for the charter, full oppor-
tunity was given to opponents OF the
charter. First, therefore, we should
acknowledge and express appreciation
for a square deal on the part of our
local papers.
"Mr Kurtz was the leading cham
pion for the charter While many
forsook the charters cause when they
saw the ship sinking. Mr.. Kurtz stood
by until the last and went down with
colors flying. Though we differ from
him I'm viewpoint we can but honor
his courage. devotion and unflnching
loyalty to his cause.
Considering that no money was
used. that no omnibuses we're hired,
that the appeal to vote was unselhsh
and purely civic. tire vote polled was
heavier than the most sanguine had
! prophesied. The people OF Whining
ton can be congratulated upon their
interest in the welfare OF the city
And considering that the votes for the
charter were proportionally but half
Of what was expected, the voters OF
the city are TO be heartily honored
/ for their intelligence and devotion to
the right The vote Of over seven 20
one proves conclusively that You
cannot fool all OF the people all Of
the time. Another week 10 expose
other things In the charter, would
have made defeat still worse.
The intelligence that the people
have shown In analyzing so extensive
and complex a document, and coming
to conclusion suggestive Of unanim-
fly, and that they came TO this con-
clusion against the combined press
and the arguments Of the ablest law
yers that could be employed to draft
charter, puts beyond all question
the fact that the voters Of Wilmington
are worthy Of having the Referendum.
They have arrived az the age when
they can think for themselves. The
city will be safe In the hands Of the
people
The vote on the charter does not
indicate satisfaction with the present
charter under which the bonded debt
Of the city Is continually increased
taxes are increasingly raised. aud as
sessments arc unjust Now let those
Interested IN the good Of the city for
get the conflict, get together. and pro-
duoe a charter drawn with regard to
modern methods and for the welfare
OF all. The taxes in our city for the
next assessment will be within only a
few cents from what they we're I'm
Des Moines when the people rose up
In mass. ousted the old administra-
ton, and instituted the commission
form OF government, under which the
people Of Des Moines are satisfied.
; Among the many lessons 10 be
drawn is this: Those who seek 20
| shackle the people, check progress
and turn the conditions back to the
dark ages or TO seudal times. will be
! ground under the mighty heel of pub
. lie Indignation. The American citi.
4 zen knows what he wants without
dla sponsor TO tell him. Scarce al
d bread is, he knows the difference be.
tween II and a pair OF handouts.
There will always be differences
e Of opinion. In agreeing upon a new
. charter, IL will be imperative that the
city's good be exalted above private
gain. All selhshness. personal prefer.
ence. and self seeking must be laid
down. The eye must be single 10 the
city's proht Let us hope that the
essential sacrifice will be offered. and
that soon We may have a charter that
will terminate present regrettabl,
conditions in civic affairs"
, Following Is the result of the vot,
by ward districts: