New Britain Herald Newspaper, April 22, 1915, Page 5

Plainville Boosters Discuss Town Betterment at Eight Annual Banquet of Association Brilliant Speeches, Combined With the Best of Fellowship and a Satisfy- ing Dinner Make Highly Enjoyable Affair- Large Delegation From New Britain Participates in the Festivities. Brilliant speeches filed with witty and epi- nant with paragraphs, rich in ornate grammati phrases and pre wise counsel for the making of betier improved community of prominent Connecti- nien and an the presence cut men and a sprinkling of officic from neighboring cities, and good fel- lowship of a degree that elevates men of all to feel on a plane of | equality served make the ecighth annual banquet of the Plainville Bus- jness and Improvement association held last evening in the Town hall in that place the most successtul event of its kind in the history of the twon as well as the organization. It was a great night for Plainville “boosters” and if the ideals exploited by the speakers and the spirit with which they were absorbed by the diners are not too quickly sheived the community's advancement is bound to receive an impetus that will keep it well up towards the front in the standing of Connecticut towns. Enthusiasm was rampant, the bus- iness men of the town and other cit- jzens interested in Plainville’s wel- fare, besides the visitors from various places in Connecticut, becoming in- fected with the spirit of progress which was the keynote of the ad- dresses delivered with marked ora- torical effect by an array of after- dinner talent that set a new standard for the town's annual get together seesions. The war and kindred cal- amities which have cast a cloud of depression over the universe were temporarily forgotton while Plainville gave up its all to optisim and the preachments for making the town a busier community and a better one to live in Over two hunderd gathered around the festive board, enjoying both gastronomical and oratorical offerings and contributing towards the. pleas- ure of the evening. While the diners made merry, enjoying themselves to the fullest extent, serious and prac- tical phases of the session were not overlocked and the adivece of the orators was listened to with marked attentiveness. Those Who Spoke. The speakers, responding to Lewis 1. Brastow, the toastmaster, were Frank H. Johnston of New Britain, who spoke on the Connecticut Cham- Der of Commerce of which he is pres- ident; Frank T. Wheeler, head of the local association, Charles H. Norton’of ‘Worcester and Rev. Frederick . Buckley of Waterbury. Governor Marcus H. Holcomb who had pro- mised to attend if possible had to change his plans and a letter, ex- pressing regret over his absence was read. The invocation was delivered by Rev. R. H. Burton. The diners paid a tribute to mem- mory of Frank B. Newton, one of the association’s prominent members who died a week ago and President Whee- ler gave up a part of his address to culogizing the former selectman. A tribute was also pald to A. H. Abbe, who died in New Britain Tuesday. Wheeler also launched a boom for a clean-up and paint-up campaign which the assoclation proposes to In- augurate during the first week in May. classes a to Elaborate Decorations. Bunting of pink and white hid the side walls of the buildipg and the attractlve arrangement of the colors helped to make the scene effective. The natlonal colors were also in evi- dence, flags having been draped be- hind the speakers’ table. Strings of red and white incandescents radiatea thelr effulgence on the diners ‘and enhanced the beauty of the setting greatly, The table decorations were also pretty, cut flowers contributing to the harmony of the decorative fea- tures, Cabaret Hats for Diners. Should a stranger enter the hall while the banquet was:in progress he would be puzzled by the spectacle kreeting his eyes. 1t was a bizarre tight, the diners wearing cabaret hats of strange and grotesque designs, and singing popular airs with utter aban- don. All cares had bheen forgotten and the tables were surrounded by W Mardi Gras crowd, all seeking en- joyment and temporary release from the sordid demands of business. Stationed on a speclally erected platform, Fox’s orchestra furnished music while the courses were being served, rendering popular songs, the choruses of which were sung by the dine A picked chorus lead by 8. 8. Gwillim started the musical con- tributions and in a short time all were chanting tributes to “Sister Susie, ""Chinatown” and other favorite melo- dies, not even forgetting “The Grass. bopper” ode, introduced here a year ago by the New Britain contingent and revived again last evening. Mayor Quigley Among Guests. Heading the New Britaln delegation, which made the trip here: in autos, was Mayor George A. Quigley. The chief executive of the . neighboring city hade his Plainville debut last evening and he was warmly wel- comed. The other New Britainites were also cordially greeted. Bristol and Forestville were represented us well and they vied with the Hardware City contingent in winning . approval for their singing powers. Pomoroy M. Wilcox, a Plainville: vocalist, fa- vored with a solo during the evening the | THREE OF THE MEN WHO SPOKE AT BANQUET. LEWIS L. BRASTOW, Toastmaster. FFIRANK H. JOHNSTON, State President. 1I'RANK T. WHEELER, Local Preshdent. plauded that he had to respond an encore. The souvenir of the banquet loose leaf pocket note book, with a cover of which was inscribed reminder of the occasion. a Pres. Wheeler Gives Address of Welcome in gastronomy, President 1. opened the post prandial saying in part: “Co-workers, friends and honored guests of the Plainville Business and Improvement association. 1t is pleasure to have this opportunity of gladly welcoming vou all to this, our eighth annual banquet and wholesome gathering. It is the sincere hope of the Plainville Business and Im- provement association that yvour visit will be a pleasant and enjoyable one and that the memory of a well spent evening will long remain with you. “It is to be regretted that there is a conspicuous vacancy in our ranks caused hy the rccent death of our associate, friend and fellow towns- man. He was ever a loyal worker, constantly among us, helping in all good works, was ever cheerful and fearless. His loss will be keenly felt by all of us. Let us then rise and stand silently in loving memory the late departed member, Frank 1. Newton. T. Wheelei exercises, a Plans for Clean-up. “Before introducing the toastmaster of the evening I ask your indulgence for a few minutes while presenting a rough outline of the plans for the clean-up, paint.up and fire preven- tion week from May 3 to May 8. “While the association may have taken the initiative in starting this ' movement, it is not the wish to take all the credit if successful. For the hearty way in which the town offi- cials, the firemen, the Grange, the 0dd Fellows and schools have re- ceived the suggestions and joined in this grand good movement promises many things: we ask the hearty co- operation of all the members and townspeople, for all working together can accomplish many things. “It is hoped to interest the school children and offer books as prizes for essays on what they have done to help during the clean-up week in the various rooms of the schools. As a matter of fact we wish this clean- up, paint-up and fire protection week brought to the attention of every one from many different angles so that all will be interested in the move- ment. The days to be set apart for the various activities, and the routes of the teams for collecting rubbish will be made out later and will be fully advertised in the newspapers snd by posters. , Fire Prevention. “The fire prevention, of course, cannot be ‘carried out very fully ex- cept by suggestions such as cleaning of attics, removing accumulated rub. 'bish from the cellar, burning up or removing brush heaps, collecting papers and burning them in some sort of a burner or arrangements which will not allow the half burned papers to escape. “There are other things in this con- rection which might be mentioned and which will be noticed, provided we were on the lookout for them not enly in this particular week, but throughout the year, for flres are very destructive. Who is here among us who does not like to see a clean look to all property and to our town, and what will help more after a clean-up than a coat of paint on buildings, fences, arbors and the like. “Again the loss of a large number of our trees calls attention to the very prominent part they play in making our streets attractive, and it {8 hoped that the coming year wili see a goodly numtber of trees planted. “The association has hopes of se- curing a lecturer in the near future to talk on the subject of trees, both and his efforts were so warmly ”,-l After the diners finished their feats | with habits | eases. the | “jmprovement to others is very notice- I of lhm | sidewalk, 'a good, | amount of pride we may una the prevention of dis- side- ana permanent last vear “The amount of walks laid during the able and we bespeak your hearty co- operation in adding more during the present year, for all enjo¥' a good plenty of shade trees and healthy, clean look ahout the homes, all ‘of which tend to make our town attractive, healthful and in- viting there by promoting its growth.” Civic Pride Gives Topic to Toastmaster Mr. Wheeler then introduced as “‘one of the most distinguished mem- bers of our association,” = Lewis L. Brastow, the toastmaster of the eve ing. Mi. Brastow made an excellent leader and his opening remarks and introductions of the speakers made u most favorable impression. Mr. Brastow likened himself to a certain colored man, who could not tell time, but had bhought a watch. Another darkey, who couldn't tell time either, asked thgq owner of the watch, what time it wds. The owner | of the time piece proudly pulled it trom his pocket and said, “There She Hc." and the other looked at it blank- declaring “Damned if it ain’t.”, and boih looked at each other and grinned. ““Mr, Wheeler looked at me.” the toastmaster continued, “and said to vou, ‘That She Be’' and you look at me and say to Mr. Wheeler. ‘Dammed if it ain’t’, and here I stand.” Getting down to the scrious side of the banquet idea, Mr. Brastow said: “Men intuitively have an affection for their own home town. Now a man is always proud to be a father, but he wants occasion to be proud of that of which he is the father. A fool son may cause a father anything but pride, although he may be proud of | his fatherhood—so while in a broad| sense we are proud of our town, we want something definite of which we may be proud. We want a clean town, safe town, and orderly one, with good schools, good walks, sanitary and pleasant surroundings and public gen- erosity. We want all these things to which we can point and say, ‘That is why I am proud of Plainville.” “Now things of pride do not grow of themselves, but are the result of the service which cach one of us renders, and which is given back to us with interest. Plainville serves us because we first have served her. “In business we hear a great deal about cost, but a great deal more about service. It is not what the butcher and the grocer charge us, but what we get for our money that makes things expensive or not. It is not 8o much what our taxes are, as what we get in community life for our out- lay. Of course, there is the usual poverty to which everything is expen- sive, but to the ordinary healthy pro. duger, the -cost of living depends on what he gets out of life in return for his labor and services. The have in our community exactly in proportion to what we put into it. The best citizens of a town are not necessarily those who have the most money, but those who serve it best. “*As my feeble speech I want to impress this one idea—that there is plenty “‘of which to be proud in any community where a majority of its citizens seek to do something to make it better, and the reverse is true where a sense of public service is lacking.” Johnston Gives_’l‘alk on Chamber of Commerce As “Neighbor"” Johnston, the toast- master then presented Frank H. Jahnston of New Britain, president of the Connecticut Chamber of Com- merce and the first speaker of the evening., Mr, Johnson said in part: “lI have been in the work long shade and frult, together with theirlenough to know which assoclations are bullded on permanent and solid foundations, and which associations are determned to grapple with the real problems of their community and then study them until they are right- 1y solved. “I believe that your association is 50 constructed and that in your presi- dent and officers you have broad, thinking men, ready at all times to give up their time and thought, in an unselfish desire to build up and de- velop and make community life better for all its citizens. “There Is a tremendous field for you to work in and to me it seems strangs that the business man of the commun- ity so little realizes the power that lies in his hands. The government of cities, of states and this natlon is largely concerned with business ques- i tions and it certainly is time that you business men were on your job. “It is a fact that most of the ineffi- ciency of government is due to our leaving these all important business problems to politicians and lawyers to solve. Should Take Responsibility. Someone has had usual the ‘business man has been wrapped up in trying to make a liv- ing that he has thought he has had no time for these bigger questions. “The men you have selected to man- age these business affairs are not to be blamed if efficiency was not a t- to do it and as 50 | tained as they probably did the best they could without your help but you and I certainly are to blame if we cannot or will not take up our indi- vidual responsibiity and see that the business man does his share. Efficiency and economy in government business will never come until the business men make it their daily duty to study pub- lic policies and take a hand in en- forcing them. “It is truly sald, ‘If you think you have no time to give to study of pub- lic affairs’ on account of your absorp- tion in your business affairs, you will wake up some day with plenty of time for you will have no busines: “It is a very encouraging sign that the business men are finally waking up—compelled by the ever-increasing ‘war’ taxes, income taxes, taxes of every sort made necessary in many in stances by inefficient and wasteful management of our municipal affairs. “When you are willing to give 1ip some of your time to these studies, don't try to accomplish them all alone, but get into these associations and hy co-operation and a building up strength, you will be surprised w can be accomplished. Organization Necesa “The business men of our cities and towns have practically realized some years that a state association was becoming a necessity but such movements are necessarily slow and take time and careful handling before the public will accept and stand back of the work. “We have made progress towards this public acceptance during these past sixteen years slowly you may say, but continually upward and onward Jntil today with our forty live Cham- ber of commerce and business men's associations—with our actual membar- ship of 7,000 business men represent- ing directly 16,000 citizens, I believe that we have the largest and strongest | body of active business men associated together for public efficiency that there is in any state in the union. With the fact established, what we going to do about it? Are you going to back it up and assist in soiv- ing these big problems, or are you going to dodge them and leave them for the other man with more time, and less business judgement do so? “If you are determined to do things for yourselves through these organi- zations the time will come, sooner or later, when the general court of the state will pass such measures as have had your careful study and approval and discard the many ‘“freaks” that cannot secure this approval. “When it comes to a consideration of commercial legislation, the real leg- | to chamber | turn to social uplift work. ‘lieve the manufacturer i lke a man for | islative body of the state will be its business men; “I know that this is the belief of many of our best business men of today and thal our present chief exccutive His Excellency Governor Holcomb would wel- come such careful considera- tion by the business men of this state, of the many vexing problems that ¢onfront us at this time. “It is towards this goal that we working today. A Big Work. “We realize that it is a big work and must he carefully bullt up, that we must avoid hasty consideration, and that above all these decisions must represent the best thought of all our associations rather than the projects of any one or two. “The principal work of the past vear has been the stirring up of the local associations to a realization of their responsibility to their communi- ty. In many instances they were sim- ply occupying the field, holding meet- ings and banquet, but afraid to real ly grapple with the important locul problems and hoding back real or- ganization efficiency. By cnging of commerce, broadening their scope and taking up civic and municipal questions we have made wonderful progress during the yeur and it proves that the time has como for something bigger and broader. *T would like to look forward into the future and believe that this work of ours is leading toward a great ac- complishment and that through the constant co-operation of the thinking men of every community, we may help to bring about that great ideal, The Brotherhood of Man. Norton Launches Boom For Root for President are Defending the captains of industry from the attacks of the “meddlesome’ social uplifters, Charles H, Norton of Worcester, Mass, a son of John C. Norton, Plainville's grand old man, gave the manufacturer’s answer to the question, “What Is the Duty of the Community Towards Our Industries.” He gave a lengthy address of a prac- tical character in which he made a defense of the U. . Steel corporation, launched a hoom for Elihu Root for the next president, criticised the pub- lic schools of the country ‘and inci- dentally took the legislative solons to task for interfering with large busi- ness corporations. “Business does more for civilization than all other things combined,” Mr. Norton said in opening his speech. The problem is to set men to werk at the things they can do best and the captains of industry who do thig do more than they can do in any other way with their money. There was a time when it was said that made the gentlemen, but since the days of Lincoln work has made the men. During the last fifty years the world has seen greater progress than was recorded in_ 2,000 vears before, and with this great progress it is won- derful that the industrial leaders have succeeded in doing as well as they have.” “There was a time the speaker said, “when there was talk about the industrial supremacy of this country. ‘What made this supremac When industries first began we savored of the spirit of the Pilgrims. Men knew what duty was and the men knew what work was also. They did not come from families of wealth but they had industry.” It is on the momen- tum of the start they made that we are now living,” the speaker declared. Mr, Norton told of expressing this idea some years ago when he was in Scotland and he told a manufacturer in that country that if the time ever came when we were dominated by ig- norance he would tremble for the con- sequences, “That time has come,” he sald. “The ignorance of intelligent men, educated men, is injuring our in- dustries most. They turn things wrong side up because in their ignor- ance they don’'t know what they arve tipping over. The people are not get- ting the truth and are kept in ignor- ance of actual industrial facts by the muckraking publications that employ brilliant writers, who are nothing mcre than parasites, to attack the men of wealth and influence simply be- cause it is the quickest way to large circulation and resulting profits. Flays Social Uplifters. Mr. Norton claimed that there never was a time in the history of the world when so much was done for industry To correct what fallacy, the as the present time. he termed a popular speaker took a fling at certain females | who have nothing else to do and who “They be- with a box full of money with the sky at one end and a hopper at the other,” and it makes no difference what he pays to his employes. “The manufacturer is willing to pay nigher wages, he continued, but it must be given according to what the employe produces, ‘Instead of making laws until we are tired of them the country must pay more attention to efficiency and educate men for industries,” he opined. He quoted on the ness Elihu Root, and his statement that he would like to see him the next president was greeted with hearty ap- plause, Mr. Norton urged his audi- ters to learn a lesson from-the great U. 8. Steel corporation, which has done so much to lower the cost of commodities, increase wages and en- lurge the boundary of commerce. “The high cost of living does not exist. It is the cost of high living.” He defended the corporations from the attacks of legislators and ex- pressed a wish that the country had men in Washington of the calibre of the heads of the great trusts, On the social uplift movement, Mr. Ncrton sald that there are certain women working towards this end who seemingly believe that all the money should be spread around the world in little bits and that their propaganda is really socialism as a result of their ignorance. The speaker did not con- “Kings | matter of busi- | GOLD inm bing floors, and washing washi in any turen. cle: king -nd oilelot to clean DU —its use is second nature illions Gold Dust really works. Millions of m C Gold Dust does the hard work of washing dish woodwork — But not all of thege millions realize that Gold Dust is and cleaning pov ome. Gold Dud cleans metal work, nickel, “l“h. ote., without or uurrln( the polished surface. Use it for washing bathtubs nd b and brightening m Me likened it to distributing the water power of the Pequabuck river to everyone in town who might want it. Some mills are operated by the river power but if that force was dis- tributed in a manner that some people might suggest, it is possible thtat there might be enough water to sprinkle the streets, but that's all. “To feed and clothe the people of thke world, it is necessary that men work eleven hours a day. Some people don’'t do that and as a result the others are working overtime, Consequently a certain percentage is always dragging the rest of the world after them.” Industries in Schools. Mr. Norton made a plea for the in- troduction in schools of industrial sub- jects. He said he has respect for the man who knows what has been done and who did it, but he loves the man who knows what has to be done and does it. He argued that it may be policy to teach boys what has been done, if there is time, but first teach them what has to be done and how to do it. At present boys leave school without the faintest conception of work or in- dustries, although their teachers think they are fully equipped for business life. The boys should be given in- structions in the making of brass and ledge of industries. “There are too many of them looking for posiions, where jobs would serve them better,” Mr, Norton said. ‘“Tteach them that it 8 not respectable to live unless they have a bank account no matter how #mall it may be.” The spehker closed L by asking the diners to give credit to the captains of industry for what they are doing. He declared they are not seeking laurels or bouquets and if they succeed in helping the world they are satisfied. Man Has Conquered All | But Himself—Buckley “Cosmic Forces,” the subject as- signed to Rev. Frederick D. Buckley of Waterbury, was treated in masterly <ashion. Contrasting with the address of Mr. Norton, it was a strong appeal to the more human side of man for the strengthening of the moral fibre and the building of character. It was a scholarly talk and held the audi- ence in rapt attention. The speaker punctuated his remarks with a num- ber of witty stories and he caused many laughs during the time allotted to him. Mr. Buckley is a man of large physique and a commanding presence and his personality radiated to his auditors and kept them in his grasp. “We are living in an age of ser- fousness, made serious by the nature of the problems which confront us' Mr. Buckley said in the beginning. He recited the story of man's prog- ress and emphasized the fact that man is the only member of the whole ani- mal family whose brow is built to wear a diadem and who possesses the hand that can grasp the sceptre of power. He continued with a de- scription of man’s conquest and his great success in his dominion, declar- | ing that it is so complete that should man sweep away all' his inventions he would leave the world as poor as heggar's garret. With this wonderful record a con- fession nevertheless is necessary. Man has not conquered himself. The hu- man heart is still so full of lnordinl'e‘ ambitions that we are ar ready to shove the weaker things to the wall |an dia out forefathers a thousand vears ago. Wealth has accumulated { and with this accumulation comes a gigantic responsibility. Wealth is | conscious of this fact and never be- fore has it done for man what it is | doing today. | Can’t Equalize Wealth, | The speaker admitted that it is im- possible Lo equalize wealth. i ride a horse, one must sit be- | hind the other. The same with wealth. There has always been great social misery in this world and prob- | ably always will be. The vital ques- | tion then is how to make equitable a distribution of the combined earnings | of capital and labor without disturb- ing American institutions. Mr. Buck- ley thought that evolution rather than revolution is necessary. i The speaker denied that the poor | man is looking for charity. 1t is justice he wants. Give him a square chance. Iet him feel that while he tolls the man who employs him is going to allow him wages cnough to give his children something a little better than he had himself. ‘ The clerzyman did not concede any | difficulty in understanding why a | young man is anxious to get out of | the huge mills of today. It is In these plants that men lose their in- | oividuality and they crave for a chance | two | men slder such a doctrine at all feasible. other metals and should have a know- | vrged the young men best of their time at night and seven The rest of the time employers But them and their futurs usage they put it to. “The question of than parentage or counts today. What for in your communit] esked. In concluding his to the American ho of the nation, And sound advice r up of thel chlldron. $ lending a word of cautl ment due to parents old. “Teach your boy the word duty. Teach meaning of the word the keystone of wom There is not a bit of of you men if you do woman has a fair chan at your hands.” Mr. urged the development of thanksgiving for the by parents for their ey all in your power for other fellow,” he sald seat.’ The diners were “Auld Lang Syne” gram. th cl The Com The committees resp large measure for the affair were made up of 8. 8. Gwillim, H. A. Castl bull, F. T. Wheeler, . McKernan, C. ¥, Spaldls ton and F. L. Benzon. CASCARETS FOR COSTIVE BOV HEADACI Tonight! Clean your b headache, o BO iy Get a 10-cent box Turn the rascals biliousness, indl'anlon. stomach and bad colds-— tonight and keep lh-l! carets. j Millions of men and Cascaret now and then tho misery caused by clogged bowels, or ach. Don’t put in another Let Cascarets cleanse remove the sour, form the excess bile from carry out all the co: matter and poison In the you will feel great. A Cascaret tonight out by morning. They you sleep. A 10-cent drug store means a ok stomach and clean, h bawel action for mont! love Cascarets becauss gripe or sicken. - \_219 ASYLUM' HARTFORD, | Extra § 'English Cret: ‘We have just reecived a ment of the finest Eng that is attracting wide Every wanted pattern a represented in this display assortment of other fol mestic Cretonnes, “GARDEN OF ALLAH" ¢ DISPLAY This is a strikingly tenne with a white pe central figure. It is sm verdure and flowers in tistic color arrangeme cushions, lamps, utility bos lows have been made of with artistic effect. BAR HARBOR cHAIR Made of the finest of tennes, including fancy and plain designs and All are pretty anad fry summer homes. Each filled with pure sanitary & to do something themsalic He vial sizes made to orders