Evening journal., 1922-02-21


day we are presented with a sugges
tion that in the whole Is a laudibis
desire but I questio It's being prac-
tlcal az this time.
Wilmington at this time. Is pass
ing through one OF the most de-
pressing times that I can recall. In
It's limits are people who are re-
duced 10 straits OF asking charity.
Their needs are urgent and work
for some cannot be secured. Wages
are reduced as well as working
hours. Many OF these people own
their own homes and their taxes are
unpaid. Many OF them are renters
and their rents are unpaid. Each
time the assessment has been raised
rents have been increased and In my
opinion. the people OF this city are
paying higher rents than any other
city OF like size. Houses in depreci-
ated localities that In former years
rented for $500 per month now
command $1,000 and they only con-
tain FIVE rooms. In some OF these
houses OF FIVE rooms there are two
families living. forced by circum-
stances 20 adopt this mode OF exist
ence Living expenses have not been
decreased to very great extent and
not In proportion TO wage reduc-
tions.
we are told that light. airy and
cheerful surroundings have tend
ency to promote a happy disposition
and to make a person take on a
I broader aspect OF life and be a bet
ter citizen. by our system Of taxa
tlon on real estate which makes it
necessary for six or more people TO
be huddied IN FIVE room house,
how can we ever expect a cheerful
response TO the continual demands
for Increased taxation.
1T would seem that the hrst duty
OF a commonwealth 20 It's citizens,
would be TO secure for them proper
facilities for sanitary living condi-
/ lions 30 that child could be
brought up in hygienic conditions.
| which are necessary 20 a strong ana
healthy body Only In this condition
are they AT 10 be absorbed by the
schools and 20 mingle with children
of a similar degree OF health. We
have heard much OF the unsanitary
conditions OF the schools but some
how we never give much thought a.
10 the probable unsanitary condi-
tlons under which many OF them ar,
compelled TO spend a greater portion
OF their time.
There was a time when many OF
these families had their own little
homes but due to the business de
preston and lack OF employmen
and the ever increasing demands fol
taxes and the bare necessities OF life
they have been compelled to live II
quarters entirely too small for com
fort and health.
Coming IN contact with many o
these people feel disposed TO cham
lpion their cause and II possible. brin
about such relief as a proper con
slderation OF the ways and means I
do this. without TIE necessity q
further burden upon them at IN
present time. and 10 SIN provide 10
? them. the means OF securing for the
: children a proper education.
! I'VE speak or readjustment IN on
2 breath and raising a million dollar
in another. How a bond issue q
this magnitude Is 10 be handled Is
: mystery TO me. az from all accounts
r the borrowing capacity OF the cit
has about been reached. Our cit
Is already over-bonded In excess O
J like sized commonwealtha and b.
reason OF this. visible conditions Fl
the way OF Improvements are not o
]
improvement Is a paid FIRE depart
ment. and my prediction is. that thi
will also have TO be met with al
increased tax.
THE courts have decided that IN
filing fee tax law Is valid and befor
we learn what additional effect thi
will have on the local schools W
20 ahead and talk OF borrowing
million dollars more also for school
I purposes In their effort TO NEE
the increasing obligations OF the city
Council has adopted many petit
ways 10 raise revenue. all OF whic
Is passed on 10 the consumer. Fun
ther bond Issues will also be dealt ou
the same way. When times ar
good we may complain a little whe
taxes are raised but in times hke tn
70 present. and we are not assure
where It will end. It becomes a pos
tive menace.
IAN over the country We hear IN
complaint that the people are bear
ing all the burden that they ca
bear and here in our city We go o
talking OF additional taxes as thoug
II were the only possible solution
accomplish things. Why tn es
! gentlemen waited all these years an
=, at the most critical time In the couT
. try's history, spring a matter OF IN
nature on a suffering and you migl
say a starving community, Is fu
. ther mystery TO me.
why not devote a similar amour
OF time TO a concerted effort 20 brir
about readjustment OF local col
u diuons and after this has been a.
, complished. take up the question
proper schooling facilities for n
J. children. We all appreciate tn
Delaware Is behind IN matters educ
tional but all these advocates OF IN
hectic desire 10 do wonders. ha'
been living among rs FOR quite
= number OF years and until someor
awoke them from their Rip Va
= Winkle sleep. they were quite pa
sive. However they awoke whs
Industrial conditions were IN a deplo
able state and unless they can 90
work and do something for the reli'
. OF the man who has 10 pay the bi
lot OF undernournlshed childrs
J, will not have any use for schools.
There is something radical