Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-02-27
WHY Our Streets Are Dirty.

The other day large motortruck,
loaded with rubbish. principally broken
bits Of roof Of thin boards that had
been covered with tar paper, was driven
along Fifth street, going east. There
was no tailboard TO the truck. and as 1t
r1mbled along the contents fell Literally,
littering the bed Of the street right along.
especially the block between sShipiey
and Market streets.
Week after week the open carts used IN
the collection OF rubbish from houses may
be seen moving slowly along, with their
piled I'D contents exposed TO the wind,
and in consequence being scattered IN all
directions. Thus, our streets are frequent
ly Uttered and rendered uLtidy by the
very means employed to keep them
clean.
Every morning these who get to work
before the fashio nable hour Of 9 O'Clock
may note hundreds OF instances OF dirt
and refuse from houses and stores beng
swep, across sidewalks and pushed into
the streets. This is especially noticeable
along Market street, where the sweepings
from many stores are thus disposed OF
daily instead Of being put into receptacies
and Oh the appointed days set out at the
curbstone, with the ashes and other rub
bish. to be taken away bv the city teams
and incidentally 10 be literally scattered
over other streets, as noted above.
Now, how can we expect to have clean
and attractive streets in our city when such
things are allowed to prevail without pro-
test? We cannot, and that's the end Of it.
But why may we not have reform?
Some Of the cities of South America
are noted for their beautiful streets, con-
tinually kept in perfect condition as 10
cleanliness. The municipal administra-
tions look after them, and property
holders also are required TO do their part
Each property has responsibility for the
street section on which it fronts, and the
presence within its jurisdiction Of rubbish
of any kind promptly briI gs stiff fine
upon the owner. OF course, property
owners keep their eyes open and see that
no rubbish, no matter where 1t may come
from them. is permitted TO remain On the
street in front of their premises.
Now, we may easily have clean streets
IN Wilmington, if We will only take hold
Of the subject In earnest, adopt the re-
quired regulations, and compel compliance
with them. We can easily put stop TO the
slovenly practices above set forth. We
can compel people to stop throwing rub
bish in the streets and on vacant lots. as
they do so freely now. the result being
that the paper and other light articles go
careening in all directions when the winds
blow. The municipal administration can
provide covered wagons for the removal
Of rubbish and ashes, instead of open
vehicles that permit much of their con-
tents to either fall upon or be blown over
the streets.
A prohibitive ordinance, with com
mensurate penalties, reasonably enforced,
would soon put stop TO a great many
careless habits our people have been al
lowed to become engulfed in, and also
inaugurate a good reform in ending the
regular and senseless custom Of sweeping
rubbish from houses and stores acres.
the pavements TO the streets, every day.
It is wonder this practice; which is
costly, as the city is expected to take up
and carry away these sweepings, has been |
endured - long.
Why not take q little time In these |
strenuous days of the high cost of living |
and the great press of money-making, to |
give attention to these matters? We can |
have clean streets in Wilmington, If we
will. Clean streets also are an advertising |
Of value TO city. Dirty streets impart a
bsd impression and leave a bad reputation.
We have great need Of improvement Of /
some Of our methods Of Administrations
Tor one thing. covered motor vehicles for
the collection Of ashes and rubbish. in
'tead Of the open, horse-drawn wagons |