Evening journal., 1919-01-04
Peoples Column
uREMEN-yULUNTEER AND pMD.

To the Editor OF The Evening Journal
Sir; May | be pardoned for request
ing just little space in your grand old
paper to give expression 10 few
thoughts that present themselves 10
me at this time. The Chamber Of Com
merce, without am quite sure, consult
ms either the people or the peoples
representatives, elected by them, the
Mayor and Council. have prepared a
bill, a copy OF which appeared in the
daily press recently, 20 be p esented to
and its passage urged by the Leglsla-
ture creating IN and for this city a paid
Fire Department THIS plan. Mr.. Editor.
Is In harmony with the policy OF that
distinguished body, a self constituted
guardian OF the city, as demonstrated IN
recent sessions OF the Legislature by
y in Ignoring the people as well as
the representatives, the Mayor and
Council OF our city. The chamber in
question have the same regard seem.
ingly for the public. the Gear people. as
did a Well known New York railway
president some years ago, and was
frank enough to give expression there
10.
This distinguished BODY. nc chamber,
are especially peeved at ;he Noluntee'
Fire Department OF our city, notwith-
standing the fact that Tho department
has never yet failed 10 make good whef
called upon. and in its long life OF
one hundred and forty-four years. lt
has never had TO appeal for outside aid
In protecting the homes. AMI Other
properties Of the people Would 1t not
be well for the said "Chamber" TO eX-
tend its guardianship 10 certain md
much needed improvements that are a
condition and not a theory, for in
stance, a Police Department, that was,
and only q few years ago. second TO
none in the United states. and today s
In a crippled condition through retire
ment and resignation Of about 25 per
Csnt. OF its membership, due TO better
wage cond tions outside. conditions that
could not be met by the Mayor and
Council under the existing laws. with
out imposing further hardship upon the
people. Did anyone hear OF clamor
from the Chamber" backing up the
Council and Police Department in their
efforts 20 give 10 the people the neces-
sary police protection? That could only
be accomplished by providing the Coun-
ell with authority TO raise the funds
necessary TO retain the men trained IN
police duties, and make their positions
financially attractive. II has been stated
repeatedly that the condition OF many
of our Public School buildings were not
only. a disgrace, but a menace. we have /
not heard even a whisper from the /
Chamber" about that, p-ob1bly their
children do not have to attend the pub !
lie schools.
The Har5or Commission has Just sub
mitted its Tepot to the City Council |
including therein certain recommend /
tions that. II carried out. would benefii 1
every man, woman and child in this i
city. We have not heard or any move
ment within the chamber encouraging
the City Council 20 adept the recon-
in question. and thereby
hrmly establish Wilmingion's future.
or course it Is well understood that the
failure Of the chamber TO name the
members Of the Harbor Commission has
nothing 10 do with the case"
May suggest that the condition OF
the streets. the necessity for one Or
more farmer markets where we can Sc
cure produce Independent OF street
sweepings, as we'll as public hall much
needed in this city. might be very pro-
htably considered by these self-consti-
tuted city guardians. muc1 more pro-
ntably than knocking a Fire Depart
ment far superior to many. equal 20 any
Fire Department, Volunteer or full PAD
10 the United States.
Give the City Council full control o.