Milford chronicle., 1925-01-23
MILFORD, FRIDAY, JANUARY %. 1925

WE STRUCK A SURE SPOI WIN last week
editorial in which we expressed opposition to
any legislation which would have as its pur-
pose the increase of representation for the City
of Wilmington in the General Assembly. The
first outcry came from the Evening Journal on
Friday evening, and it was followed by edi-
torial in Sunday Star last Sunday. We expect
ed these retOrts which were cOuched in words
such as had been anticipated. Certainly the cit
liens, politicians and newspapers of Delawares
metropolis will howl, when any opposition to
plans which would gain for them undisputed
control of the legislative branches Of the State
government is voiced by the press of the rural
sections; or, by citizens residing in Kent and
Sussex Counties. 1t is natural to expect this
Outcry and it will continue until the matter is
disposed of by the legislature now in session.
Last week we called attention to the narrow
margin of control for legislation, should the pro-
posed amendment giving Wilmington additional
membership in the General Assembly, be passed
perusual of the committee assignments
made by Speaker Downward in the House, will
prove enlightening as a further argument
against increased membership from the City Of
Wilmington. Committees in the House have
membership of seven, four of whom Repub-
lcans and three Democrats. Speaker Down
ward is a WilmingtOnian and it is interesting to
note how the important committees have been
packed with Wilmington and New Castle county
members. This may be only coincidence; but
it is a fair example, we believe, of what Kent
and Sussex counties may expect should Will
mingtOn get representation such as the pOlitf-
clans of that city desire. 1t is well for the Sun
day Star to rail and rant about the injustice of
inadequate representation for Wilmington but,
we'll gamble that were the shoe on the other
foot, we would find it's editorial writer taking an
adverse stand such as is the Chronicle at this
time. It is well from their point of view, to
claim population as a basis for representation; |
and in many instances it is just. Were there a |
city of like size in lower Sussex county so that |
the voting strength could be more equitably di-
vided, population could be made the basis for
the situation is different in
Delaware. Here, about half the population re-
side in the City of Wilmington. The interests of
the big majority, probably 80 per cent of the
residents of that city are tied up in Wilmington.
Their interest in the state as a whole certainly
is not large; naturally their representatives, if
in control would give preference to that city.
Lower Delaware, it is our belief, would fare
poorly.
ment, that fully rs per cent, possibly more, of
The residents of Wilmington have never visited
Kent or Sussex counties; or, in fact, been south
Of the canal. This is not surprising, for they
have no interests which tie them to the lower
part of the state which would give them an in
3entive to visit in the rural sections. We won
Ter how the number of home owners in Will
nington would compare with the number of
nome and farm owners in lower Delaware? With
such basis a working point, we believe that
t will be shown that Wilmington is fairly
reated in representation as at present consti-
uted
Regardless of the fairness, or unfairness Of I
he plea for increased representation for the t
'ity of Wilmington, this proposition presents it.
elf: Either Wilmington and New Castle County f
7ill control legislation; Or Kent and Sussex I
ounties will still continue to hold the whip a