Wilmington Daily Commercial

The Soldiers' Monument—The Association Badly In Debt—Help Needed.

The Monument to the Delaware Soldiers and Sailors who fell in the War is one of the conspicuous ornaments of the city. It was erected at a cost of nearly $5000., under the charge of a voluntary association, including a large number of our public-spirited and patriotic people, the United States contributing the shaft, or column, and also several old cannon, from which the bronze eagle and hemisphere, which surmount the monument, were cast.

To be candid, however, the whole amount thus far raised by the Association is about $3000., of which some $2,200. has been given by private subscription. There are pressing debts incurred which reach nearly $2000. One bill is that of one of our city granite dealers and stone cutters, amounting to over $1000. He urgently needs his money, having waited for it a year, and he ought to be paid. The Association, however, is entirely out of funds, and in order to meet promises made, has borrowed of private parties some $600, which ought to be repaid, if the finances warranted it.

These facts appeal directly to the public. In fact, the work is not finished. The lot, (given for this purpose by Mr. J. T. Heald,) is not walled, or fenced, and the lettering has not been placed on the Monument. The city has agreed to curb and pave around the lot, and the work is ordered to be done. But how will the pressing debts of the Association be met, and the remaining improvements be completed ?

Estimating the indebtedness at $1800., probably $3000. in all is needed to discharge the obligations already incurred, and properly finish the work. We appeal to the people, on behalf of the Association, asking - What is to be done?