Evening journal., 1914-11-17
WOULD SAVE THE
OLD court House
Many Members of Ninth
Ward Civic Association
Object to Kazing
NEW DIVISION OF
CITY DISCUSSED

VI Il Il DlNJOOJOA<A /
A plea for more deeds, less Democ- !
racy, more results and less Republic |
canism in municipal and county af-
fairs; consideration of the question OF
ward representation in City Council; !
acceptance of an invitation TO attend
meeting of the Taxpayers League, I
at No. 702 Market street, on next Mon
day night at which time the question
of razing the present courthouse
will be discussed. and the presenta-
tion of the matter of the division of
Wilmington and rural New Castle
county were the most important ques-
tion for discussion before the Ninth
Ward Civic Association last night. The
session was held In Public School No.
30. and was we'll attended
A majority of those present last night
seemed TO favor the campaign being
waged by the Taxpayers League TO
prevent the destruction of the Court
House, which they say should be al
lowed to remain because of its avail
ability for library and meeting pur-
poses. An interesting point was
brought out by Wilbur L. Adams, who
giving his opinion as a lawyer. said
he did not think IL would be possible
TO prevent the razing Of the structure
If the enabling bond issue act for the
new county and city building called
for the removal of the old Court
House Il was pointed out to Mr..
Adams that the enabling measure and
that providing for the destruction of
the old building were separate bills,
although adopted on the same day and
| following each other in the code.
Mr.. Adams created much interest by
asking that the organization fix a date
| for discussion of the question of divid-
ing New Castle county.
Wilmington pays the bulk of all
taxes turned into the State and coun-
ty. from this county, and has reached
the point in its growth where division
from rural New Castle is necessary"
Mr. Adams declared.
IF the city we're a separae county.
progress would be more marked. and
there Is no question in my mind that
we would be better represented in
county fairs. Levy Courtman Samuel
l.. Burris made a telling argument in
favor of division at our last meeting,
when he said. what can we city men,
bers do when there are only two of US
and five from country districts?
"Gentlemen, we ought 10 think about
this matter, for it will have TO be taken
up sooner OF later. and the sooner the
better for Wilmington"
In a short address favOring the abut-
ting property law for paving improve
ments, William Topkis told of his in
| aakf - 80 h. IA
where he said the measure is in opera
tion.
eve ought 70 show more non-par,
tisan spirit in city affairs" he said
, "and not ask whether this thing or that
thing is good for the Democratic or Re.
publican parties. but whether it is best
for the people. Now take the abutting
paving bill. There are many who are
opposed to it, and who claim that be-
cause ten or twenty years ago the en-
tire city paid for paving streets in
front of other mems homes, those men
ought to help defray the expense OF
paving somebody else's street. There
is some justice in the plea, but
progress is against il. We can not 90
on piling up bond issues for our chill
dren and our chldren's children to pay.
If we want to improve our streets, let
rs do so and pay the bill. Wilmington
never viii get street improvements
under the present system
Keen interest was taken in the ad-
dress of Robert Adair, who urged that
the association take action in regard to
the present plan of ward representation
in City Council Mr.. Adair gave it as
his opinion that councilmen should be
elected on a proportion basis, which
would give additional councilmen TO the
large wards. He declared the present
system, which gives all wards the same
number of representatives, 70 be wrong
IN principle.
The associations bridge committee
is to attend the session of Levy Court
today and consult that body In regard
TO action on the Washington street
bridge. The committee Is composed
of Leon Walker, II. A. Casperson, Will
bur L. Adams, Craig Adair, c. d. Gar
retson, Walter Brinton, the Rev. r. l..
Jackson, Charles Topkis, w. +. Metten
and G. f. Cornell.
The police committee presented a
communication from Chief OF Police
Black, announcing that the associa-
tion's demand for increased protection
I'm the Ninth ward would be given
careful attention. In the event of the
appointment of additional officers.
several probably will be sent TO the
ward.
Report on the comparative cost OF
paving in Trenton, n. j., Reading, Pa.
Wilmington, and other cities. was
presented by the paving committee.