davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11
WHAT THE COUNTY ENGINEER
SAYS:

Georgetown. Del, Jan. 7, 1918.
Editor Milford Chronicle.
Milford, Delaware.
Dear Sir
In the issues Of the Milford Chron.
icle Of December 2lst and January
4th. there appeared under the head
ing, Some facts Of political interest
to Delawareans." hypocritical ar
raignment Of the Levy Court of Sus-
sex County IN which unjustifable
censure was directed at the office of
the county engineer In order that
the people may know true statement
Of facts. and to correct the misrepre-
sentation, it devolves upon me as
County Engineer to present my
knowledge Of the conditions that have
existed since ! entered upon the dat
les Of the Office on June 11th, 1917.
In the first place the office of the
Engineer has one clerk and no stem
ographer as your articles have stated.
1t has surveyor and not an Assist
ant Engineer" as your articles also
stated, and therefore this is not in Vi
olation Of the law in any way.
Upon my arrival here, / found a
in the Office. but in a
short time / saw that the amount of
did not demand one. and so on
July 18th this stenographer was
chosen clerk to the Comptroller. and
since that time she has been acting
i'm that capacity found also a sur
veyor employed who was looking af-
ter general county work. This man
resigned on July ~. 1917. From that
date until September 1st all work
was carried on by the County Engin-
eer During the months Of July and
August ! repeatedly interrogated the
Levy Court as to the advisability of
starting operations on the Million
Dollar Permanent Improvement Of
County Highways. Their answer at
III times was that the Governor was
chairman Of this Commission, and 1t
vas entirely up TO him to call all
meetings. During the first week in
august, this Commission took a trip
through Pennsylvania and Ohio, at
ne expense Of the Duquesne Stag
PRODUCTS Company and the United
itates Asphalt Company. to view
modern types Of road construction.
.fter the return from this trip the
'evy Court was enthusiastic over
ornament construction and It was
iought that plans would be started
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

on surveys at once. With this idea
in mind, the question came up as to
tine employment of a surveyor who
would start work at once on surveys
Of routes to be improved. The Levy
Court advised me to get into com
munication with a good surveyor with
this end in view. The question also
was brought up as to the advisability
Of the purchase Of a Ford car for this
survey work, which if bought it was
thought that later on at the meeting
of the Bond Commission it would be
taken over by them. A Ford car was
purchased in January, 1917, for the
use Of the Engineer on general coun-
ty work, and when these tentative
permanent route surveys were start
ed it was found that one car was not
adequate for general work and sur
yeys also and the second car was
therefore purchased on September s,
1917.
Acting upon this. the middle Of
August search was started for an
experienced man in road surveying
work so that this survey work could
be started as soon as possible. The
salary offered by the Levy Court for
such a man was $500 a month. but
it was found upon getting into COM
munieation with a number of men |
that they had either been drafted in |
the Army or else were getting better |
salaries at their present positions. |
After making repeated attempts to
get an experienced man at $500 a
month, and then later at $4,000 a
month, it was found impossible to do
so and this | reported to the Levy
Court. AS the Commissioners want
ed this work started, I Immediately
got in communication with man
above the draft age who had had eight
years experience in surveys Of per-
manent road construction, but he
would only consider taking the posi-
tion at $125.OO a month. the salary he
was making at the position he held.
It was only because Of the prospects
Of the permanent highway work that
ne accepted the position.
This proposition was placed before
he Levy Court, and after a prolonged
discussion it was agreed by all three
to employ the man
who now holds the position. You can
zee from the above that the Levy ,
Court was acting in good faith-they
we're willing and ready TO go ahead
With the plans for the permanent =
Dads.
During the succeeding months . b
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11
THE PEOPLE WANT TO NKOW
WHY-TURN on THE
LIGHT NOW.

We are concerned 70 know that the
gentle criticisms Of the Sussex
/ County Levy Court. which have ap-
peared. from time 70 time. in these
columns, have generated degree OF
wrath on the part Of those at whom
these moderate structures have been
directed. Ambition. as Marc Antony
said. should be made Of sterner stuff.
We are glad 10 know that our Demo-
cratic friends feel able 10 compliment
the Levy Court in Democratic Kent.
and We express some regret that no
Democratic purveyor Of news or
thought has been bold enough TO say
nice things about Democratic Sussex.
We simply are puzzled, contounded
and bewildered. We listened with q
great deal Of interest at Mr.. Valliant's
arguments and professions Of faith
during the recent campaign. and we
are frank 10 say that. at times. he had
US going" We always caught our
selves in time 10 cast our vote for
the Republican candidates, but il was
hard. because they. the Republican I
candidates, said nothing for them
selves. while Mr. Valiant talked
early. late and often. II we recollect
correctly. Mr. Yalliant's chief reasons
'or his own election we're first, that
he Republican candidates we're Of a
PARTISAN, political cast, who could not
,e relied upon to give Sussex County
business administration, or to ap-
,oint respectable men Of ability to
,fice. and secondly, that he was non
artisan. and was a business man to
is finger tips. and could be relied
pom to appoint no one TO Office ex-
ept those who we're eminently quail
fed. both as to reputation and abil-
". Again, if we remember correctly,
nd we ask that we be called to ac- I
cunt If we misquote him, the real, ]
ersuasive argument which he used {
mong Republicans was, III cannot {
nd a III Democrat. I wifi vote for a d
{ Republican" This was a vote get d
.r. It nearly got ours. It was so
ew and strange and sounded so well u
ONE day when we have the time, q
e are going to relate how It was j
at the Republican member of the s,
ssessment Board got his job. Not
1w. later Our chief object now is nj
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11
SOME FACTS OF POLITICAL
INTEREST TO DELAWAREANS

10 locate the trouble in Mr. Valliants
economy engine. During the cam
campaign. ECONOMY" was his mid
die name. And he had a lot to say,
and with truth, about the wasteful
methods OF road work. We naturally
expected better things.
We want 10 know why two automo-
biles we're 50 busy on Sundays. and
Of evenings. when all good hard
working people are in bed?
We want to know why people en-
plOyed in road work have their own
starting and quitting time. and in
dulge in the gentle game Of pitching
horse shoes in the County's time?
We want to know why It is that no
one knows what road machinery the
County owns. or where it is, or who
has it in charge. or whether it is un-
der roof or out in the open?
We want 10 know why it is. with
little money to spend. and with the
State Engineers doing the survey
work in Sussex. il is necessary TO en-
ploy an assistant engineer?
We have been reliably informed |
that Mr. Hawkins. the Engineer. ask
ed for no assistant. and wanted none.
but that the Kaiser" issued his ukase |.
and It was done. What does he do.
and under what authority Of law was
be appointed?
We want to know If S15OOOO a year
cannot be better employed?
We would understand, perhaps, the
necessity Of additional engineering
'orce. if the County had embarked up
IN road building voyage Of dimen-
lions; but with the $1,000. 900 bond is
iue side-tracked. probably for ever. Z
t occurs TO US that the assistant en- Z
sineer is a luxury, which the over +
worked taxpayers could well do with d
Iut
We want to know. just for infor- b
nation. having listened 10 Mr. Val c
iant's talks upon economy. why it is p
hat both the assessments and the d
ak rate had TO be increased when a
o additional road work was being e
one? Il
Finally. we want to know why min d
tes Of meetings are not kept. so that 81
le dear public might, if so minded, ei
arm something of the inner and ii
.cret workings Of this body I'll
We are not insistent about fl, just d'
idly curious. m
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

50 foot span concrete bridge over
Middleford Creek. but It is impossible
to start on the construction Of this
bridge on account Of the material
situation.
Lest forget, your insinuation as
to busy autos they we're last sum
mer on pleasant Sundays" is also a
willful Misrepresentation. There was
only one car owned by the County
last sumner, the second car not be-
ing purchased until September Sth.
and during the whole summer there
never was a Sunday when this coun-
ty car was used for pleasure. AS for
the second car. will you kindly tell
your readers how the car could be
used, when it was not even owned by
the County Yet you say you are
giving facts.
This past year has been a trying
one in county work. Labor, teams,
equipment, coal and tools have been
exceedingly difficult 10 procure. and
to get work done has required the
utmost efforts Of the Engineer. The
cost Of everything has also
demoralized this community, and the
work that has been done has only /
been accomplished under great diff
culties.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

THE OUTGOING Town Council
bought and cancelled two street and
sewer bonds issued by the town Of
Milford Of one thousand dollars each.
These are the first bonds Of that is
sue TO be paid. as there has never
been any sinking fund created for
the purpose, as the law authorizing
them required
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

The people Of the County should
know the true statement Of affairs
and with this plain statement Of faets
l will leave it to your readers to pass
judgment as TO the veracity Of the
truth in the respective articles.
Yours very truly.
W. E. HAWKINS.
County Engineer.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

on PAGE three Of this. paper we
print the Income Tax Law Of Della
ware in full, and those who viii be
called upon to fill the blank forms
will find this copy Of the law eonven-
lent for reference. Therefore save
this copy of the Milford Chronicle.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11


IN PREPARING the reply to the
articles which have appeared in the
Chronicle touching the administra-
tiOn Of the business affairs Of Sussex
County by the Levy Court. il is evi-
dent that County Engineer Hawkins
has attempted to assume the job Of
setting the Levy Court as a business
body upon a level keel; but. the load
Is too heavy for him TO carry. and
the majority members Of the Levy
Court Of Sussex County will have to
stand upon its record. Il IS useless
for the President Of tlfe Levy Court
TO attempt to "camounage" the stu
alton In which the Democratic ad-
ministratiOn Of Sussex County affairs
have fallen, by any statement from
the Department Of Highways. The
Issues are far away from the admin
istration Of the County Engineers
office, which is not responsible to the
people, only through the Levy Court
which has the power to appoint and
dismiss. But since the County En-
gineer has taken up the defence II
will be proper to print the actual ex-
perience Of the people in some Of the
Representative Districts in Sussex
County, as to the methods which have
been applied to the county road work
We especially know OF the First Dis
trict. and the facts have been given
directly to this Office by one of the
leading farmers Of Shawnee District
in one instance. The work in slaugh-
ter Neck and the bridge work accom-
plished there is anything but salts
factory This matter will be present
ed in other issues for the people 10
pass judgment upon. However we
DO not purpose to be diverted from
The main issue, by taking a depart
nent Of county government upon
which to lay the responsibility. Mr..
Valiant as President of the Levy
Court Of Sussex County must be held
to the people. County
Engineer Hawkins is all right in his
department and very properly de-
Iires to have his department appear
n proper form before the people. II
minutes Of the Levy Court meetings
we're available, then this information
'ould be obtained-but just here Is
where the great business reform in
county affairs has fallen down. We
re attempting to have the people of
iussex County informed as to what
ind Of county government they are
nioying under Democratic manage
lent, when they expected better
lings. AS the weeks go by we shall =
pc that the light Is turned on sus- =
ax County Affairs, that the people
Iay Judge for themselves. For one Y
ear the new system has been in force I
Sussex County. and had the game ?
zen played on the high open plane .
hich the people we're promised II =
ould be, by Mr.. Valiant. before the =
ection, there would be no complaint p p
w. q
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

Some one wants what you have to
selll Then advertise It i the Chron-
lele neTt week.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11
CHAP1

Miss Eliza
4 week end
L, Of Chap
Horace We
week en-
ends here.
Mrs. Laura
Miss Lillian
ends near
Miss Eva S
Visiting har
John LOdaH
pr visiting
gton.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11

IT has always been the policy of this
store to do business in a straight
forward, truthful, business-lke
manner. To give what we advertise
and to advertise nothing that we can
not, or will not give. 1t has been the
custom of this store since its begin
ming seven years ago, to run sale at
the end of each season; midsummer
and mid-winter. They were bona
6de sales, making legitimate savings
for our trade, run solely for cleanup
purposes. This season conditions are
such, that we cannot in justice to our
selves, run a reduced sale. The mer-
chandise on our shelves is worth to-
dayl Is to so per cent. more than
what it is marked. We have not in
creased the prices on our clothing
one cent. They are the same as they
have always been. You are still get
ting the benefit of our early buying.
We have plenty of clothing, in both
suits and overcoats for you to select
from; and this much we want to say
to you-if you need a suit or over
coat. BUY 1T NOW. You will save
big money by the operation. and give
us creditSsfor it later.
Milford chronicle., 1918-01-11
TO A

No worne e|
althy and |
hk. Pois
neys are|
" when |
the kidne
ned and s
ckly folio
pearing-d|
be, etc. vi
se of he|
pr, nervOu
When suf,
lis, reneC
Thousands
lfOrd won.
Mrs. Geore
fs: Il u.
ich l bou
pre- and l
y. / do n
'an's as a Z
b other kid
nee 60c, [
/ ask for al
dney Pills
]. Foster
N. Y.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

iStic electrical storm. was the ac-
compartment TO which Mr.. Bis
pham cried out TO Job that cod
thundereth marvelously with his
voice" and hurled upon the pros
trate philosopher the thunders of
his wrath. This was one of the
best things seen in New York in
months There was something pa
theticalIy appealing about Mr..
Gaups plea outside the village of
u, but somehow it was impossible
to lose ones self in watching the
production, and imagine that one
had been translated back into the
early biblical days Apparently this
was what Mr. Walker was driving
at, and to heighten the illusion, the
house was pervaded with faint
scent of burning incense and soft
organ music was heard during most
of the performance. All i'm all -
was a worthy effort. a striving for
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24
AUDITORIUM FRIDAY.

the leading role. that Of a beautiful
young saleswOman of the store Of
the millionaire whose son attempts
10 tighten her burdens. Lois Weber.
the producer, has given the screen
some OF the most startling pictures
ever shown. among them, "Hypo-
critics" Where Are Ny Children %
and Even As You and T." and
The Price of a Good Pine" is said
10 be her most appealing offering.
Wednesday Gladys Brockwell will
be seen in a story OF the underworld
Of Paris, called The Devils Wheel. %.
a powerful s'N reel drama, with the
Pathe News Of the latest events Of
interest and a comedy called Up
and Down" Francis Bushman and
Beverly Bayne. two popular players.
will be seen on Thursday i'm The
Brass Check" a story OF romance
and mystery. other pictures on the
bill viii he the 18th episode Of The
Mystery ship" and the Ford weekly.
Friday brings another OF those
entertaining Pathe productions. The
Great Adventure" featuring that
attractive player Bessie Love, d
beautiful hand-colored film showing
scenes in the Rocky mountains. a
Sidney Drew comedy. Help Wanted"
and Best Bet" a Lonesome Luke"
comedy. Taylor Holmes in "Two-bit
Seats" a funny comedy drama;
Hiding OF Black Bill" a western
story by O. Henry and the Pathe
News are on for Saturday.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24
AUDITORIUM

William S. Hart will be seen at
the Auditorium in a sensational
western drama and Billy West
comes in a new comedy entitled
THE Rogue" Mutt and JEFF; the
regular release OF the serial picture
The Bulls Eye" and the Pathe
News complete the bill. No more
vivid and dramatic story has been
screened than Lois Weber's screen
version Of THE Whim" which she
calls THE Price of a Good Time"
and which will be the attraction
for Monday and Tuesday. 1t is a
story of life in the city where no
body cares" Mildred Harris plays
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

Al Jolson is TO be guest OF honor
at a dinner given by the Friars al
The Hotel Aston on March 81
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

Stuart walker has sounded an
unusual note in thinss dramatic By
essaying two matinee productions
of the Book Of job. These matinees
have been presented in the last two
weeks at the Booth theater.
Considered purely as lenten spec
tacles. both must be conceded 10
have been successful From
dramatic standpoint the perform
ances left much 70 be desired. but
The splendid work OF David Bis
pham as the voice out of the whirl-
wind. and George Gaul as the poor
prosecuted hero OF the piece. was
worthy OF note. An extremely real
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

Coincident with the launching Of
the Ibsen season referred 10 above,
the Drama League OF America has
started drive to stimulate interest
i'm theatrical productions and 10
vanish any possible gloom due 10
the fact that the United States Is at
war.
1t is true that there has been no
evidence OF gloom or depression in
the theatrical business down 10
date. but possibly the Ibsen revival
will give the Drama league a splen-
did held TO work in. In its an
nouncement the league says that its
drive is intended TO circumvent any
such state of mind that might arise
if the war were 10 last for many
months.
The drive is 10 take the form Of
a series Of meetings held by mem
bers Of the league i'm the larger cit
les of the country. At these meet
ings prominent speakers will urge
upon the public the importance of
their continued patronage. The
meetings will be held in Philadel-
phia, Boston and Chicago and some
what later in the season others viii
be held in the metropolitan centers
of the Rocky mountains and the
pacific coast.
The league has enlisted as speak
ers not only "a number of the most
influential actors and actresses OF
the country. but also representa-
tives of different chambers of COM
merce. of the United States army
and navy. the Catholic church, the
Episcopal church and the Hebrew
syna-ogues. There is no intention
10 attempt 10 stimulate the actual
attendance at theaters; that IS, not
from a boNoffice standpoint. but the
entire purpose OF the meetings Is
20 convince the public at large that
Just because the United States Is at
war is no reason why people should
not 20 about their ordinary pursuits
of business and pleasure as at otn-
en- times.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

It seems scarcely longer ago than
yesterday that this country was
torn wide apart by the determine
ton of certain theatrical managers
10 produce and the equally deter
mined efforts of certain self-styled
reformers 70 prevent the produc-
ton OF Mrs. Warren's Profession
The times must be changing for
revival Of this shaw problem play Is
now being given at the Comedy the
alter in New York and is creating
scarcely a ripple OF excitement. The
niece will run for only two weeks.
under the auspices of the Wash
ington square players Diantha Pat
tison is cast as Nivie the daughter,
while Mary Shaw is again seen as
Mrs Warren.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24


in ROCKY
IL comedy. BEST BET" Lonesome Luke" comedy.
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

drama
~ - of MYSTERY SHIP" the
showing making "a Mno'
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

something higher than is ordinarily
and IL is 10 be hoped that Mr.. Walk
er Will continue such enterprises,
and that his attempts will meet fl
nancially the success which they
deserve.
J. Hartley Manners has taken a
large part of the gloom out Of
Happiness" 10y rewriting the last
act. In the old version the heroins
mother died and the final curtain
descended on the heart-broken girl
holding her parents body in her
arms. Miss Laurette Taylor. who in
addition 10 playing the leading role
in Happiness is in private life Mrs.
j. Hartley Manners. believed that
this was too depressing a finale and
Mr.. Manners therefore has revamp-
ed the final scene. spared the lie
OF the aged mother. and really has
improved the play.
Al Jolson is TO be guest OF honor
at a dinner given by the Friars at
The Hotel Astor on March 81
Mr. Mare klaw has been forced
hy the pressure OF his other bust
ness interests TO resign from the
war department commission on
training camp activities as head Of
the military entertainment service.
Mr.. Klayg has done many good
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24

Arthur Hopkins has inausurated
a season OF Ibsen drama in English
at the Plymouth theater. Madame
Nazimova will take the leading role
in a number OF the plays of this
Norwegian dramatist. and at pres
ent is appearing as Hebvig Eklal
in The Wild Duck"
Mr.. Hopkins has given Madame
Nazimova an exceptionally we'll bal
anced cast which includes Harry
Mestayer, Dodson Mitchell, Edward
Connolly and others. The Wild
Duck" will run for several weeks
and will be followed probably by
"Hedda Gabler." "A Dolls House, 80
The Master Builder" and last, but
not least. that airy little sketch en-
titled Ghosts"
South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-24
PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCEMENTS

things for the environments. II was
he who christened the Liberty thea
tiers. and he was responsible for the
Smileage Book idea, which will in
sure thousands Of soldiers in train
ing the opportunity 10 see some very
fine dramatic productions which
Will do much 10 break the monotony
Of camp life.
New York press agents are up 10
all sorts of tricks 10 get publicity.
but il was an especially daring
member OF the fraternity who
placed real suns i'm the hands OF a
number OF chorus girls and told
them to get out on a rifle range and
shoot at few targets. Ii is sad
TO relate that after the girls had
been game enough 10 shoot these
guns a few times. the newspapers
were heartless enough. in the main
TO ignore the exploit entirely. such
perseverance, it would seem, is
worthy Of a better reward.
A notable Shakespearean revival
is the latest venture Of Frank Nc
Entee. director Of the Shakespeare
playhouse, who viii present four
performances of Julius Caesar,
TWO of Macbeth" and two of
Hamlet" at the COrt theater, ter
minating the season on Saturday,
April Is.
These performances will be given
ON Friday afternoons and saturday
mornings only. and Mr.. McEntee
has gathered together a most un-
usual cast. including Tyrone Power,
Walter Hampden. cyril Keghtley
Howard Kyle and Alma Kruger.
TIE performances Of julius Gaze
sar'' were given on Friday after
Moons, March Is and p, and on sat
urday morning, March 16 and %.
Macbeth" will be given on Friday
afternoon, April 5. and on saturday
morning. April 8. while Hamlet"
will be presented on Friday after
noon. April L and Saturday morn
ing, April Is.