Evening journal., 1915-05-26
COMMERCE CHAMBER Am LEVY COURT

~ UR Chamber of Commerce has been in existence
" almost three years. One of the prime objects
derlyng IFS organization the securement of in
dustres for the city Of Wilmington IL was to assist in
promoting and conserving the industrial and
mercia interests of city that responsible and busy
business Joined the organization and contributed
many thousands of their hard-earned dollars for its
support Much of that money already has been spent
Much more Of it is in the of spending. Members
Of the organization quito naturally interested in
knowing what they getting in return for their
money and whether the return is commensurate with
the large and steady outlay
Certain influential members Of the Chamber Of Com
quite busy just endeavorng 10 promote
probe of the business achievements of the New Castle
County Levy Court They seem to think that the tax
payers of county should have comprehensive
Information relative what they getting in return
for cash they contribute in taxes. for the support
OF the county government
No doubt there are members of the Chamber of Com
who feel that it would better we're the
ganizaton leave the investigation II one be needed
to the Acknowledgement someone else who stands
for something official whose findings would be con-
elusive, and satisfying 10 the public
No doubt there are other members of the Chamber
OF Commerce who feel that it would be much better
were the organization TO appoint special committee
to Investigate itself and ascertain if greater results
be achieved through the expenditure of thou
sands of dollars every year.
If such committee be appointed it should make up
statement showing the funds that have paid into
the treasury of the Chamber of since it was
organized three years In another column should
be forth clearly concisey distinctly what the
business and others who have made up that fund
have received in return for their money. The new
industries that have been brought here as result Of
the work and influence of the Chamber of Commerce
should be stated clearly. We do not industries
that would have here anyway; industries that
brought here as result of the persuasive eo-
quence OF individual Wilmngtonians but industries
directly and Enthusiastically raceabe to the money spent
and the influence exercised by the Chembar of Com
merce
Such a statement would be interesting not only
to the rank-and-hle Of the Chamber OF Commerce
members but also to the public generally. After the
Chamber has made a showing relative to its in
dustrial and commercial promotion work. the people
will be better able to judge quickly whether when
cash expenditures and resulting benefits are consid
cred II proper body criticize Levy Court and
10 foster investigation against it,
Thousands and thousands Of dollars have been place,
in the treasury Of the Chamber of Commerce by vii
mington business and professional men, That none,
has spent The business and professional men ar
entitled to know what results have been achieved will
t-not in the of automobile and thing
Of that kind but in the fundamental work of get
ting new Industries and things OF a sort that coun
largely and permanently in the development of
community.
No doubt the contributing members will be far bette
satisfied with the Chamber if it will make such
ment funds received and results achieved and the
attend strictly the Of industrial commerce,
promotion. Many such members. doubt. feel thi
it going afeld it permits itself be use
70 serve the purposes of those who have an over
weening desire figure in a Levy Court probe.
As understand it, the chief complaint against tn
Levy Court is that it is not giving to the taxpayers