New Britain Herald Newspaper, December 9, 1922, Page 6

New Britain Herald MNRALD PUMLISHING OOMPANY (Iscuod Dafly, Bunday Excepted). At Hernd Blag., 67 Church Btreet. SUBSORIPTION RATES: AR v S0 “ne : at New sritaln w‘. Matter, At the Yo Ofce Becond Class Mal' Womner of The Assoctnted Pros Pae Anoetaned Prese 18 cxclaively entitled on_of e the u‘-. l’&r :-pnhln i ol e nll‘:.t- local mrws pub- Membiw Aodit Daress of (irculation Mo A. RO 15 & national orgsnization which furnishes newspapers and ad Heers with & strictly hoiest oralyele of realation, Owr cirrulation statiscics are wpon thie wodit, This {neures pro- ‘tection against fraud in newapaper dis- ‘tribution figures to both maticoal and lo cal advertisers. fi‘—'——-gflz:‘—*-caz: TROLLEY FARES. . The annual report of the Publie Wtllities commission as far as it re- Iates to reduction of trolley fares pro- ceeds to beautifully “beg the ques- tion.” Its conclusions arc reached be- cause It bases its whole argument on fts own answer to a disputed fact, It takes for granted that a reduction of trolley fares means a reduction of revenue. No conclusions based on an assumption which may or may not be true may be taken as unquestion- gbly sound. It is possible to grant that the conclusion of the report, namely that a reduction in fares would be unwise at this time, is prop- er, it it is granted, also, that its major premise is proper. But no such assumption may be made. Many people believe, as Henry Ford be- lleves incidentally, that in certain lo- calities a reduction of fares would mean an increased revenue. . This has been the case in Bridge- port and Norwalk. This fact is ad- mhitted by the report and it is to be noted that the fare in those citics has not been raised from the “trial” five- cent fare. Why? But the report seeks to nullify the effect of this admission by stating that: “The present rates, however, provide a revenue below an amount which would afford a reasonable re- turn on the investment or fair value of the plant.” And yet the report has Jjust said that “the experimental flat rate fares without transfers privilege in Bridgeport and Norwalk show an increased revenue in those two com- munities over prior revenues When unregulated jitney competition . .. . . had reduced the company's revenue to a minimum.” But the fact re- mains, contradicting the whole as- sumption upon which the report is based, that the revenue has been greater under the reduced fare! Before leaving this point it should ‘be said that the report makes the finding of fact—another matter in dispute—that “There is no other pop- ulous center in Connecticut where all these conditions exist (conditions adapting themselves, to a flat fare 'plan) and it I8 very doubtful if the instailation of the flat five or six cent fare without transfer privilege would givo satisfaction in the other large cities, taking the cities as a whole.” But must the commission, "take the cities. as a whole? Certain peculiar conditions exist in Bridgeport and Norwélk, says the report, lending themselves' to this reduced fare. The commission leaves the fare at five cents there. It is contended—and the point has been made before the com- mission—that the geographical situ- ation in New Britain, where pcople pass through the center from one point to another point is very similar to that in Norwalk where the travel is between two centers. New Britain s just as well adapted to the flat five cent fare rate as is Norwalk. But the matter which taints the whole report in regard to trolley fares is that assumption that reduced fares must make reduced income, And here is the important point of the whole argument based upon ques- tionable premises, Connecticut company must continue to make as much money as it is now making, if one will. Granted all the things the report finds—that the wel- fare of the communities, ete, de- pends upon prosperous trancportation facilities, or words to that effect. The Herald contends that reduced fares here will make the company more prosperous. Forget '“the people” fif one will. Let the company refrain from considering their welfare. Still even from this selfish viewpoint the Connecticut company would gain in revenue if it reduced the fares in New Britain over the short hauls, just as it has gained in Norwalk and in Bridgeport. The trouble is that the company and the Commission do not wish to extend the lower fare to other cities—small cities—because that would create a demand and a reason, in people’s minds, why it should ob- tain everywhere. The Herald is ready to admit that it is possible the flat five-cent ‘fare would not produce greater revenue in certain cities—but it is not ready to admit it would fail to do so in New Britain. The report made one slip which discloses the attitude of mind of those governing this matter. It modifies its argument by saying that it “takes the citles as a whole.” A few words, Written at the dictates of the sub-con- i NEW BRITAIN DAILY HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1922, sclous mind, probably, but vastly 8l nificant, New Britaln should not be consid- ered with other cities, There are ridiculously short hauls here. A fives cent fare should he charged over them, Admitted let it be that a flat five-cent fare all over the state would ruin the company. If it would, then New Britain would gladly pay the higher fare to keep it on its feet, But a five-cont fare here, as in Nors walk_and RBridgeport, would increase the revenue and, in the words of one motorman or conductor working In this city, “If they rediced the fares they'd have to have a let more men to handle the money,” THE PRESID¥ MESSAGE, It was well worded, excellent, com- prehensive—the President's message, It covered about all the questions that men have been discussing, and in many ways takes the proper side of debatable questions, Tt is well worth reading and it discloses the sane, kind-hearted slde of President Hard- ing and his abllity to see that the recent elections have made necessary some real action—sometime, But just now, in this emergency when the government has so much business to attend to immediately, the message may be laid aside until there is time to consider the questions mentioned. In the matter of co-operation be- tween railroads, for instance, That can't be done very well just now— there is not time to consider the necessary changes in the railroad law. Interchange of freight cars, for in- stance, would be fine—but how can it be accomplished now with the sys- tematizing of the roads that would be necessary. It would be well, too, to have the Interstate Commerce com- mission take up the matter of rall- road workers' wages as it now han- dles the rates the rallroads can charge. But that, too, must wait. It would be a good idea to have boards of examination in foreign countries, possibly, to see to it that immigrants into this country were of the desirable sort. Everyone believes in the enforcement of all laws, the Volstead act as well as others; then we would be able to see just what sort of laws they are. One agrees with President Harding, too, that an amendment to the constitution re- garding child labor must come if the states do not handle the matter promptly. But we must wait to see what-the states are going to do. It is a little doubtful—more than doubtful—if the states will ever favor limiting their power to issue tax- exempt securities, as suggested by President-&arding. Possibly Secre- tary Mellon's idea of going at the matter the other way and attracting capital to industries by relief in taxes on earnings may be the wiser course. But this, too, must wait. All these matters are interesting and important and furnish texts for splendid theses. But, at the moment, the fine message of President Hard- ing does not help a great deal. PROTECT, THE PARKS. Atténtion is called to the ordinance against mutilating shrubbery in our parks.. Anyorie who destroys, cuts, removes or -otherwise harms shrub- bery or growing things in the parks is liable to arrest: | This warning is necessary at this time when 0 many people are look- ing for Christmas decorations. Those decorations must not be taken from our parks.. Parents should warn their children against this vandalism, telling them how desolate and un- sightly would be our parks next spring if everyone broke down or took away the things that grow there. Superintendent of Parks Wainwright states that the damage done to our parks in this way in previous years has been very great. Such damage, if measured in money, would amount to a considerable sum. He is espe- cially anxious, as it is his duty to be, that the matter be called to the atten- tion of the people. A person fis tempted to break off a small branch; he thinks that one little branch will do no harm to the park. But he Granted that thog docs not consider the fact that there are hundreds of others feeling just as he does about it. If each one of those hundreds broke off *just this one little branch,” the damage result- ing would be deplorable. Incidentally there is a compara- tively new law which forbids the taking of trees, shrubbery, vines, etc., from others' property without the written consent of the owner. If a persgn is found driving into town, for instance, carrying some broken branches or greens, and is unable to produce the written permission of the owner of the land from which they were taken, that person is liable to get into trouble. It would be well to show the spirit of Christmas toward our parks and the property of others, as well as toward one's own. A TERRIBLE DANGER. Again comes the time when people must be reminded of the terrible danger which threatens children— and others—who coast on the streets. Rules or no rules, warning signs or no warning signs, anyone is liable to be killed instantly who coasts down strects or who coasts across streets where there may be automobiles pass- ing. The matter is oul of the hands of drivers of automabiles. They may oasting children, yet they are powe less if a sled, holding a preclous burs den, glides into thelr path, The children know the danger. But the trouble Is that the danger, the excitement, seems to make the coasting all the more fascinating for some of them, “You're afraid,” cried one small boy to a little girl as they both stood last evening, cach holding a sled, at the top of a hill, # "1 ain't afraid,” responded the little girl, "“You don't dast,” eried the boy, The 1ittle girl ran forward, threw herself upon the sled dnd started rapidly down the hill through the semi-darkness, Parents must emphasize the dan- ger, They must make the boys and girls understand that it 1s not a sign of bravery but rather an act of un- Kindness to them to run this risk. An appeal should be made to their pride. Children should be treated as sensible beings in this matter—and they will understand. Meanwhile every precaution should be taken to post roads which are dangerous and drivers of cars should do all in their power to prevent acel- dents. The danger is a terrible one. It should be guarded against now before ,lives are lost, DIPHTHERIA DECREASING, Warning was given recently regard- ing the diphtheria situation here, Whether or not that warning accom- plished anything is not known, of course, but it is satisfactory to note that the situation is improving; that Health Superintendent Lee says fewer cases are being regorted daily and that those who have suffered from the disease or symptoms of it are being released from quarantine. It is especially important that pre-- cautions be continued during this time when “things are getting better.” The diphtheria and scarlet fever sea- son has not passed—it never passes for that matter—and continued care will undoubtedly continue the im- provement as, perhaps, it has already brought about that improvement. Immediate and sincere response to such warnings will, in time, decrease the death rate. It may save the lives of those who read those warnings, Facts and Fancies (BY ROPERT QUILJEN). Europe wants moral support of course, but not too darned moral. Good resolutions made at nightfall usually break about the time day does. Most of those who keep up a front bring up the rear when the cash on hand is counted. o Too many people interpret liberty as the gight to select the laws they will obey. Once in a while you find a rich man's son who isn’t rather ashamed of his commonplace old dad. Knowledge is recognition of thed fact that fire will burn; wisdom is contemplation of the blister. People who think possessions don't bring happiness never saw a small boy with a pup. Never mind the critics. The en- gine's knock is always loudest when the car is climbing a hill. " It may be that men no longer be- lleve in dreams, but they still turn to look when one walks by. Your friends are those who under- stand you; your enemies are those who underestimate you. Tinkering with an automobile will eventually give you enough mechan- ical skill to make an automatic pen- cil work. In this free and demogratic coun- try, almost everybody is willing to treat members of the upper class as equals, A great deal depends on the help- ers, of course, but no business ever grows bigger than the vision of the boss. If the wife is getting plump, her only consolation is that she can't wear last winter's coat. When blockheads at last depose the ruling class, it isn't surprising to find |them with chips on their shoulders. Reckless automobile driving arouses the suspicion that much of the horse sense of the good old days was possessed by the horse. You never know how much pride mere words can express until you hear a very young businessman speak of “my stenographer.” People no longer enjoy burning Christian martyrs, but they get about the same reaction by watching a faf be on the watch every second forman in mad pursuit of a hat. ~ THE "OBSERVER - - Makes Random Observations On the City The gun that no one Knew was loaded has a close competitor these days in witnesses who fail to appear when & trial is called, An instance of the latter which has causcd no little discussion occurred in the nelghbor- ing town of Newington ' this week when the complaining witnesses in an alleged highway robbery were absent when the hearing was scheduled, As a consequence, justico was cheated. ‘The only action loft for the court was the dismissal of the complaint, Within a few hours after the al- leged holdup and the release of the principals on bonds, it was rumored that the complainants would not be seon again as they were suspected of having worked a ‘“confldence game' on a Hartford man and profited rich- Iy by thelr experimont, It seems that the police authorities should have been more active in preventing their departure, because in the event of the hearing being held according to schedule, interesting developments might have taken place. Here was a chance for the state police to step in. They realize that the Newington force is not competent to handle a situation of this kind, They must have known, if they have normal intelligence and hearing, that some of the principals are rumored to be connected with “bootlegging” and to have made a fortune in rum, Had the state police and county presecut- ing authorities been at all keen, they could, no doubt, have prevented the complainants from running and leav- ing the case up in the air. ' Also they might have uncovered some import- ant evidence in conmection with the liquor traffic. LR Governor-elect Templeton is thought to have made a political faux pas when he overlooked New Britain in the selection of his staff. Read the list as many times as you may, and you will find the name of no New Britain man there despite the fact that this city was the only commun- ity of any size In the state which gave him and the republican ticket a plur- ality on election day. It is true that no members of the staff have been named from New Haven and Bridge- port, but these cities turned the re- publican candidate down rather smartly. Mr. Templeton’s home city, Waterbury, which gave a plurality to his democratic opponent, David E. FitzGerald of New Haven, is reward- ed with five places on the staff, and Naugatuck, a suburb of the Brass City has one. New Britain folks were surprised when the list of appointments ap- peared in the press. Surely, they thought, this cannot be so. However, it is so, and if any local republicans had hopes of being selected for the staff they were -forced to ‘swallow their disappointment. Perhaps Mr. Templeton is of the opinion that it isn't necessary to distribute any hon- ors in New Britain, which goes re- publican regularly, and regular re- publican, at that. . v There is general rejoicing that P. 8. McMahon has met someone who can fill him so full of information that he hasn't a single reply to make. Mc- Mahon has been making speeches on the' slightest pretext at nearly every public gathering he attends. Some- times he fails to come very near the head of the nail but he is such an exhaustive debater that his oppon- ents frequently leave the floor to him and retire. L At the charter committee hearing the other night McMahon started grumbling about the school hoard, his favorite topic. He is not considered an authority on education, but he likes to talk about it just the same. However, he challenged more than his master when he began to heckle Judge Gaffney, chairman of the board of education. When the Judge had finished explaining the. purposes of reduce the numerical strength of the school departments, regardless of whether those intentions were ap- proved by McMahon, the latter didn't have a word to say. It was an even- ing of real pleasure for other mem- bers of the charter revision commit- tee. In the word of the young man Jjust starting to write for the news- papers, “a fair time was had by all.” D While on the subject® of revising the charter, it might be well to note that there is some dissatisfaction with the ‘decision of the committee not to reduce he numerical strength of the common council. There is a suspi- cion that a colored gentleman may-be hidden out in the woodpile and that the fnside story has not been told. For several years past, the charter revision committee has been in favor of having a common council. com- posed of fewer members and has so recommended to the council, only to have its recommendation rejected. This year the opposite is true, The Herald was told by fifteen members of the council that they favored the reduction, but now comes the charter revision committee which declines to include the change in its program of suggestions. It is said that certain powerful influences in the city fear that their representation in the coun- cil may be weakened if the number is reduced. Y . .o Many merchants feel that their in- terests are being neglécted through the determination of Chairman Henry Rice of the committee on ordinances not to call a meeting of the commit- tee to discuss the recommendation of the Chamber of Commerce with re- spect to auction sales of jewelry after nightfall. It is the claim of the chamber that itinerants are able to bring a stock of cheap gaéds to the city, auction them off under the rays of artificial light when “you can’t tell them from the real thing” and depart after the holidays with their purses well lined at the exfierse of merchants who stay here the year round and try to make a living. Councilman Rice sald yesterday that he would not call a meeting of his committee but will wait until the next meeting of the common council when the subject can be discussed. will be too late to be of any benefit to legitimate merchants. DR Verbal complaints are heard day after day by the Observer from peo- ple residing in the southern section of the city, who during rvsh hours and particularly at noon time, are This’ and Its People obliged to reach their homes by way of Franklin Square, of the fact that High séhool students and more pars ticularly, the girls, block all passage on this street by walking two, three, four and somectimes five abreast thus causing an ordinary trespasser to lit- erally “wade his way through the crowd" or else walk in the road. To many working people who have but one hour and oftentimes less in which to reach their homes, secure their meals and return again to their places of employment this is a uni- sance and in many cases works ‘a hardship. The students, not being satisfied with occupyig the entire walk, have been known to pass slur- ring remarks to men and women who have casually mentioned to them that they take up too much space on the sidewalk and might be more consid- crate of others. The Observer recalls when the at- tention of the student body was called to this matter at a special as- sembly held one September morning several years ago. The lecture had some effect on the students for a short length of time, but it was not long before the “absent minded” were soon' walking three, four and five abreast again. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the students to listen to another lecture and again for a short time allow other people the right to pass on the public streets. « %o + Many women never get over re- gretting that they are not men. The glorious independence of the species male ‘appeals to them. They admire the play of their muscles when, for instance, they come home after a de- lightfully happy, care-free day at of- fice or shop, and shovel off the walk, attend to the furnace, drive that nail that has been eager all day to be dirv- en, hang up that picture the wire*of which has broken, reprove the vio- ent neighbor who has allowed® his live-stock to trespass—the women ad- mire the men as they attend to these delightful little details of domestic life ‘and sigh—“How I wish I were (or was) a man.” But the Observer has noted few men who longed to be women until Jjust recently. Lately, however, he has found many men who are sorry they are not women and sorry, moreover, that they do not live in' New York county. After careful inquiry, con- ducted with much secrecy, the Ob- server has discovered,the reason for this sudden desire on the part of men. One rather typical specimen of the species residing in this city, hearing the question as to why so many men, Just now, are sorry they are not wom- en residing in New York county, took the Observer into a corner after see- ing that the doors were all locked, and whispered the reason for his and other men’s wish. “Beeause,” he whispered, “if I were (or was) a woman and lived in New York county, U would ‘belong to -the New York county W. C. T. U, and the other day a lecture was delivered before the New York county W. C. T. U. ex- plaining how to make real home brew with a kick in it—and I, were I a woman—would know how to do it ‘now.” Lb o The Observer took a look into & newspaper office’ the other day and was forcibly reminded by what he saw and heard, of one of the most difficult of the many difficult duties of a newspaper man. He happened to be placed in & position where he could overhear a conversation be- tween a caller and a member of the staff of the paper—and it was not the New Britain “Herald.” - The caller's voice was full of pathos. Something very sad had happened and the caller had reduced the affair to verse—a pcem, was the characterization the caller gave the lines. Shades of the past recalled in the Observer’s mind| the many times it had been necessary for friends of his to refuse to print verse at the request of a would-be contributor. This day he heard something like this, in the tearful voice of the caller. “It was terrible, terrible,” the call- er said. “The poor little chap had spent his last penny to buy a present for his little sister. She did not ap- preciate his sacrifice. Tears came to my eyes as I saw his eager face dis- torted by disappointment as she failed utterly to thank him adequately. I suffered so much sir,” the caller went on, “that I hied me to my home, inspired, as it were, and, impelled by the muse that comes to me in rare moments, I wrote a poem about it. Here is the poem. I thought you would appreeiate and publish it. I do not ask money for*the poem. I only wish to burn into the hearts of your readers the cruelty of the little girl when she spurned her little brother's gift. Wait, sir,” and there was a mo- ment's pause interrupted only by the deep emotional breathing of the au- thor of the poem, “and I, the author, will read it to you. This, then, is what I was inspired to write when the cruel little girl laughed at the gift her little brother had made her: * “The cruelty of woman, fair “Is sometimes really shocking; “She spurned the cotton hose he'd bought— “She wanted silken stocking.” . . The habit of eow&flng the radiators of automobiles in order to prevent freezing of the water brings out some interesting facts conderning some of the coverings that are used. Of course the ordinary, “storemade” pro- tection and the lap-robe are the most commen, but occasionally one sees an odd piece of blanket or cloth which does very well indeed, but back of which thege is a good story. The Observer was stopped on the street the other day by a person who knows a great deal about other peo- ple's affairs because he has none of his own and his'\attention was called to a bit of bright cloth thrown over the radiator of a rather sad-looking flivver. “See that thing” remarked the person who was So anxious tojm- part information. “Well, that cloth is the best protector against the cold that there is in New Britain,according to Blank Blank (name omitted for obvious reasons). That piece of cloth was once almost white, Blank tells me, when he bought it for a dress for his wife. They're divorced now,™ the informant went on, “and Blank says his wife's temper turned the dress green and ever since she wore the cloth, influenced by her hak tempern, has stayed hot” The Observer in- formed his friend that he did net bes lleve the story, “Well, just put your hand on'it and see,' was the come- back. But the Observer, bejng a marriéd man, refrained, o o - 25 Years Ago Today (Taken from Herald of that date) e Willlam W, Bullen, captain of Com- pany E, qualified as a marksman last year according to the report published by the adjutant-general yesterday. Peter Nuss as elected president of St. John's German Lutheran church at a meeting last evening, The New Britain Construction Co., is doing the electrical wirlng in C, F, Smith's new residence on Lexington strect, The New Britain Athletic assocla- tion basketball team had an easy time of it with the Southington team last evening. The boys from over the mountain were defeated on thefr own rink by the score of 28 to 14, “Superba,” a brand new production this year, will be played at the Russ- win Lyceum on Monday evening, De- cember 13. On account of the slippery condition of the asphalt this morning, the horses could not keep their feet, and the lunch carts had to be drawn into position by the men who were wait- ing for their breakfast. A womah was about to board the train for New York yesterday when she discovered that she had forgotten to check her baggage. She walted around for two hours and when she went to board the'6 o'clock train, she discovered that 'she had mislaid her ticket. ' She finally left town on the 9 o'clock train, Y DR.'JOHNSON IS PRESIDENT minent Member Named Head of New Britain Association For the Coming Year--Gathering in January 2 Dr. Albert B. Johnson was elected president of the New Britain Dentist society at the annual meeting held last. evening. Dr. Henry R. Lasch was named vice-president, Dr. Joseph Meehan, secretary, and Dr. Gédrge I. Stearns, treasurer. The executive committee consists of Dr. Leon A. Dary, Dr. C. W. Vivian and Dr. James F. Dobson, It was voted to hold a tadies’ night at the Shuftle Meadow club in Janu- ary. The dentists of New Haven, Hartford, Meriden, Southington, Bris- tol, Middletown and Waterbury will be invited to attend. Compiling Your Old Man?" £ w 3 ‘NO BAN ON DANGES ATN.B. 1. §.--SLADE Principal - Denies Rumor That * Popular Pastime Is Forbidden e Desplte rumors which have been circulated about town by students of the New Britain Senlor High school that dances in the echool gymnasium _ have been discontinued because of objectionable dancing, this statement was denied this morning by Louls P, Slade, principal of the institute, Mr. Slade told a representative bt the Herald .that for the past four years there have been objectionable dances porformed by High school stu- dents in the gymnasium, but that the dancers have been warned and then, it the warning was not heeded.they were instructed to ledve the floor, This year has been no exception and at & recent dance held at the school a few pupils were asked to stop thelr inter- pretation of the terpsichorean art. All dances are supervised by staff in- structors, 4 No dime dances have been heéld within the past two weeks, Mr, £lade sald, but this does not mean that dances have been discontinued at the school. The principal explained that the promenades will be held. as uuul; and dancing will no doubt precede the basketball games this'year as has been done in the past. He also stated that it is probable that more of the so-called “dime" dances will be held. When asked what would be done should the objectionable dancing con- tinue, Mr, Slade said that he would not be willing to have dances held.at the school it the participants would rot cooperate with the school offi- cials and conduct them as they should be conducted. If the students are not willing‘to co-operate and conduct the dances properly, the principal said that’ he would recommend that thoy be dis- continued but no action has been taken in this matter at present. . “Cheek to cheek” dancing has been barred at the local High school for the past few years as well as other forms of dancing which have com with the modern jazz craze. ¢ Seeks Custody of Three Of His Six Children - Bernardino Marganelli, who' re- cently lost a divorce case in superior court, hag filed a motion ‘with Judge G’xrge A.'Hinman for the custody of tHPee of six children, and the reduc- tion of alimony to one-half® The pe- titioner ‘claims that no provision was made. in the;decree for him to see his children, and that his wife plans to leave this gtate. The matter has been ' 66 . ofs o9 #‘No, Making Out My Gift List As the young man surveyed his desk littered with pa- pers, his perplexed expression gave way to a 'smile. “Whew! but this is SOME job, Tom. Don’t know but hat I would rather make out a tax report than this list. o afraid. I will forget someone or give the wrong thing.” “Your system is all wrong,” replied Tom. ¥, spends any more time on a gift list. You should just.con- sult the classified pages of The Herald. Check up ‘the gifts #¥ in the ‘Christmas Gift Suggestions’ columns and your task becomes a pleasure. You try it old man.” “Thanks for the suggestion, Tom. I will try it.” USE OUR CLASSIFEED PAGES AS YOUR XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE NO ONEQFORGOTTEN—NOTHING MISSED referred to Judge, Frank D, Haines. Income Tax, “No_one 4 EVERETT TRUE T _AM TelD Yov Folxks SeLc A PatsnTeD QAR BAGRS PAIC, AND T )CAMG g 8