Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-03-04
UNANIMOUS VOTE
IN SENATE FOR PAID
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Robinson Substitute, Giving the
Police Commission Full
Charge. Goes Through.
UNOPPOSED IN THE HOUSE

Fire Department in Wilmington. IL
WAS advocated by Senators Robertson
and Lutz. The bin now goes to the
House. which body is expected to act
fsvorabiy on IL in few days, there
apparently being no opposition to the
measure.
Senator Anec OF Dover made the
charge on the floor OF the Senate that
two Years ago when he introduced sew
cral bills to give Kent county more
progressive county government, VIII
niugton newspapers opposed the bills
and called them 'rippers lie con
tended that the paid Fire Department
bill is just as much of a ripper" as tho
Kent county bills were. yet all VIII
mington newspapers arc supporting IT,
Senator Robertson remarked that he
voted for the Bo-cslled Kent county
"ripperr." to which Senator Alice re-
piled that was one reason why he would
vote for the Paid Fire Department bill.
The bill passed by the Senate yea
fcrciay makes the Police Commission
Of Wilmington a Department of Public
safety The present three nambers of
the Police Commission are continued as
members of the new department as
follows. S. X. Smith for the six year
torn: william II. Megear for four years.
and former Adjutant- General /. fusey
Wickersham for two years Mr.. Megear
is a Democrat. the other two membors
hcing Republicans.
The Department of Public Safety viii
establish the new department and will
have charge OF operating II. such az the
employment Of nrcmen. fixing their
ealarfee. securing property and ap
paratus. etc
The hill aa passed WAS substitute.
aud also carried an amendment The
suhatitutc bii which was explained was
Put in some days ago while the amend
rnent simply corrccts some errOr- that
were found In the substitute.
Senators Robertson and Lut,. the
two Wilmington Senators have worked
faithfully and together on the Paid
Fire Department bill. and il IS this fact
that has made it's passage possible.
senator Lutz introduced tho original
raid fro department bill early in the
session which gave City Council au-
thority 10 establish the department.
There was considera hle objection 20
this bill from Democratic quarters.
,.th the result that Senator Robertsou
Introduced the bill which WAS passed
,caterday. In amended form. The day
mis- bill wus introduced Senator Lutr
vas absent and senator Robertson er-
tained that had he been present sena-
tor Iutz would no doubt have intro
duced the bill
In advocating the passage Of the bill.
Senator Robertson spoke Of the clamor
that the business and manufacturing
interests Of Wilmington have been max
ing for paid fire department which
clamor he said had become 80 great
that II would have 10 be satisfied. II
was thought the efficiency OF the fire
lighting forces might under this bill
H. incr reased AZ per cent Senator Rob
eytson made il plain that IN his esti-
nation there should be a material dc
duction in fire insurance rates in VII
miugton when the new department is
established
The Wilmington Senator also paid
high tribute 70 the service Of the
volunteer fire department of the city for
the past 100 years, He said This
bill If passed viii doubtless ring the
death knell to the volunteer fire dc
rartmeDt Of Wilmington and want
to bow in respect 10 an association OF
men who have rendered over one hun
dred years Of the most faithful ser
ice ever given TO any community
their services Of the past will be more
appreciated as the Years go by. 4 pub
ciative now will he grateful in the
near future"
Senator Lutz. who Is chief OF the pres
Mt fire department of Wilmington. also
yoke OF the growing agitation for
aid department and he also paid a
tribute 20 the services rendered for
many years by the volunteer firemen OF
Wilmington.
Following Senator Lutz. Senator
A.lee made a few remarks as stated
fter which the roll WAS called and
very Senator present voted for the
bill.
Oyster Boat Crews Pay.
Senator Palmer by unanimous con
sent introduced new bill fixing the
salary of the captain of the oyster watch
hoat at sS5 and members OF the crew
SO each for the next two years. Two
cars ego bill was passed increasing
the salary OF these men TO the amounts
mentioned and the Palmer bill is sim
vly 70 continue the same salary for
two more years.
Other bills passed by the Senate yes
terdny afternoon were as follows: Sen
tor Robertson's Senate Bill 70 regulate
he delivery Of commodities to prevent
fraud
Other Business.
Senator AIlee's bill amending the law
relative TO limited partnerships was
passed. Mr.. Alice explained that the bill
wns given TO him To Introduce by
Robert r. Richards Of Wilmington. II
was explained by Senate Attorney WI
lam NJ. Hope.
Senator Richards bill amending the
charter of Delaware City TO allow wom-
er 10 vote at town elections.
Senator Robertson's bill amending the
charter Of hfiddletown to allow women
70 vote at town elections.
Senator PairneTs bin authorizing the
appointment OF a constable for the Of
rce Of Receiver Of Taxes and County
Treasurer OF Sussex County TO collect
delinquent taxes.
Senator AIlee's bin. authorizing the
Levy Court OF Kent County 10 engage
additional clerical help.
n Y. F0R DAYLIGHT SAVING