Evening journal., 1913-07-03
MAinR nnMELIiS MEssAeE.

M ANOR HOWELL has begun his second torn under
III conditions that exceedingly gratifying rhey
bid fair for the future. His message TO the CITY
Council, the aprrecator wach featured the first meet
Ing Of that body and the general feeling of goodwill
that persades community toward the Mayor and
bis official associates inspiring We trust siu-
cerely that nothing Will TO impair the public
favor in which all our officials are held at the present
time.
While the message of the Mayor to City Council was
innovation. il good As the President OF
lhe United States sends a message Congress
bodyine his views national egslation as the
Governor Of State sends his message 10 the Legisa-
ture setting forth his views State legislation, so
should the Mayor OF city send to IFS legislative body.
or hodies, document which shows clearly where he
stands on questions public import lt is sur
prsing that Council gave to the Mayor of thanks
for the message he sent If it will follow that up by
acting honestly upon many of the recommendations
Che popularity Of the administration viii be established
drmly in the public mind
One OF the most important features of the Mayors
message has do with the acquisition OF tho Della
ware river waterfront His reference to that is
lolows.
"Tho Mayor and Council should take steps immed-
stely to direct the City Solicitor to proceed in the
matter Of acquiring the waterfront for the city of
Wilmington as provided for by the law in the refer
sndum vote at the recent city election The work is
not matter of opinion, but OF direction by law.
and should be proceeded with in accordance with the
provisions Of the act"
That one paragraph alone shows whata high regard
The Mayor has for the viii of the people expressed
at the polls. IN the election last month the electors
OF Wilmington, by vote OF one, directed that
etcps be taken that waterfront for the city.
It a mandate direct from the people and with
party lines drawn in quarter. Tho voters generally
viii appreciate the promptness with which the MAYOR
that Il be carried out
MAYOR Howells recommendation that the plan Of
assessment and taxation be revised SO the burden OF
government may rest cquably upon the taxpayers
viii strike popular chord His plea for the prompt
and sufficient financing Of ciy departments; for
city bacterological laboratory; Tor the care at
Farnhur-t of persons suffering from infectious and
contagious diseases. for more adequate appropr'a-
tons for the Park Department and charitable nsttI-
lions. and for the better Of vacant viii com
mend itself TO popular approval
Nor did the Mayor make any mistake in recommend
nE to Council that prompt action be taken hooking ~
the performance by the city Of hos fun and part
In the construction of the joint public hulidnE at
Tenth and King streets. His advocacy Of the prenara
tion Of proper schedule Of city afsets OF the prec
tice Of sensible economy hy an The departments and
his demand for honest. faithful and industrious wori
hy the city officials and employee cannot fail mas
favorable impreasion, ,upou tho public mind
Friends Of tho commission form Of government vii
find encouragement m tho fact that the Mayor urse
City Council 10 inform itself upon that question sub
mii SIS findings TO ihe people and permit them q
decide for themselves presumably by referendum
vote how they wish 10 be governed Housewives an,
others who bcvailne Tho high prices which pre-
vail In tho markets VIII appreciate The Mayors solicit
tude for them as expressed in his recommendation
that the public wharf and market the Christian
river he opened for auickly possible. Tn
recommendations for the centrahzauon Of tho die
bursement Of all city funds through the office Of u,
city treasurer the establishment Of public hall 70
the Of citizens who desire TO discuss questions
civic import and the exerciE Of discretion by th
Councn'en in me matter Of the floating Of city loan
the municipality obtaiu the benefit of the mos
favorable money market conditions all show ho