New Britain Herald Newspaper, November 20, 1928, Page 5

Hall Accuses Curtis of Laxity ' _(_:o_ncemmg $740,000 Due City Finance Board Chairman, Mayor Paonessa and Comptroller Lock Horns Over Assessments Not Collected. . Interrupting & heated dispute be. tween Mayer Paonesss and Comp- troller Hanferd L. Curtis at & meet- ing of the board of finance and taxa- tion last night, Chairman Edward ¥. Hall, publicly charged the comp- traller with laxity In the matter of Scwer assessments and expressed wonderment that Curtls could sleep nights when he knew conditions to be such as they are. nator Hall's attack on the comp- followed the disclosure that at least $140,000 in sewer assess- ments due the city have remained on the books of the .department of public works, some of the accounts for several years, and that efforts have not been directed toward their collection. The meeting was called to devise means for proceeding with sewer construction work. Assured by Cor- poration Counsel John H. Kirkham that it is permissible to borvow money in anticipation of collections, the board passed a vote to raise $26,000 in this fashion. Hall Cannot Get Bill For Curb Discussion of the condition of ac- counts opened when Senator Hall called attention to the mayor's de- sire to have & proper check kept in the future, “It is quite apparent that a check is needed,” Benator Hall said. T have been trying for several years to get a bill for a curb placed in front of my home and have been un- able to get one to this day. s there machinery for doing so Philip B. Stanley inquired, informed the comptrol- upposed (o be also the auditor. Mayor Paonessa at this juncture reported having found books of the board of public works unsatisfactory in 1924, and in his message to the common council in the following year, excerpts cf which he quoted, ecommended that an auditor be engaged. He informed the beard that he talked with the department clerk last spring and made it plain that he desired action on undue assessments. At that time the clerk intimated the accounts were in pro- per shape, the mayor recalled. In his annual message which followed his conference with the clerk he egain recommended that an auditor be engaged. Paonessa and Curtis In Tilt “What 1 want to know,” the mayor began, “is whether 1 have authority to demand an audit, or if I must leave it to the comptroller. 1 toid bim four or five months ago of the need. If he has failed—and it's a part of his duty—TLbelieve 1 have a moral right if not a legal right to order an audit. Yet Mr. Curtis says 1 have not.” Comptroller Curtis interrupted to deny he had made such a statement. “Well, it was in the newspapers.'” the mayor retorted turning and glaring at Mr. Curtis. “Don}t believe all you see in the newspapers,” Curtls shot back, la- ter qualifying his defense by saying that he did not recall whether he made such a statement. “Anyway.” Mr. Curtis answered. isn’t up to me to do the clerical work of the board of public worka. T knew those assessments weren'l being made, and where I fell down is in not putting my report on it in writing. I can’'t make them do st = Chairman Hall blasted the ques- tion of whether the mayor has a right to order an audit by declar- ing it to be his opinion that such & right exists, whereupon Mr. Cur- s rose from his chair, stepped into an anteroom and returned with a book of ordinances from which he It THi L i 4P ] -1 § f i i 2 i ] ; i i i ! E j f i ] il i 1 | i f I £ i 4 I £ 1 8 i g § i £ { i T i i i i i iy fl quoted to suppoert his cehteation. Hall Criticises Curtis The Insistence of Mr. Curtis plain- ly nettled Senator Hall and he turn- ed to the comptroller and sai “I think the mayor has acted within his authority in this matter. This board discussed the matter. Now we find it was absolutely necea- sary. We have ‘found more than $140,000 worth of work done in twa years with no assessment made. “I feel you should have brought it to our attention when you firat learned warrants were not being sent out. The mayor is withtn his rights in bringing & man in to check over the books. I told him I'd back him up in it, and he has proved it was necessary. Hanford, I thing you have been lax!" “I don't think so,” indignantly answered the comptroller. “You shouldn’t have let this thing run along as it has” the chairman insisted, this declaration drawing an answer from Curtis that he was powerless to act further., “You've a vidce, haven't you? You could have raised the dickens about it until something was done. It is absolutely up to you to do so, and an auditor who doesn’t raise his volce under those conditions does not serve his purpose.” “Didn’t, you make a statement that more help was needed in the {board of public works?"” the major asked Curtis. Receiving a response in the affi mative, the mayor said heatedly: “That shows you don't know what you're talking about. There's al- together too many in that depart- ment now.” Mr. Curtis outlined the work of the eight divisions of the depart- ment to support his contention that the force should be larger, but the mayor insisted that the answer to the difficulty lay in the fact that the clerical work had been neglect- ed. Up To Curtis, Hall Declares “It disturbs me greatly to s condition like this,” Mr. Hall said. addressing his remarks to the comp- troller. “When I was auditor wouldn’t be able to forget it, and wouldn't sleep nights knowing what was going on. You're supposed to see, that the work is done right, if it wasn't for that, you wouldn't have such a job.” The mayor i» a discussion along general Jines, recommended that all oftices bé checked over, including that of the tax collector. “T know that our collector is honest, but we shouldn’t depend entirely on the honesty of our officlals, but should proceed in businesslike fashion,” he sald by way of explanation. When Comptroller Curtis advised there was an annual audit by the state tax commissioner's office, Chairman Hall discounted the «f'i- clency of thig system since it allow- ed of a whole year in which a muni- cipality might be mulcted out of huge sums. “Our salvation here lies in the fact that we have Bert Loomis for a collector,” the senator concluded. Kirkham Supports Curtts Corporation Counsel Kirkham ventured an opinion that the city fathers who framed the charter had economy rather than complete ef- ficiency In mind. and that they fail- Usually Starts With a OoM put away for tha Christmas Gift. aquarium. bowl with a thre large enough comfort. These usually sell for fiv dollars. Wednesday Only The ideal thing to Made of cast iron, hronzed and polish- ed to look like a $30 Has a aquariums NEW BRITAIN DAILY HERALD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1928 ed to provide for a comptroller's office along lines that would make a full audit possible. He supported the comptrolier as having lived up to existing charter requirements. Finance Commissioner Joseph C. Stone declared for a full-time audi- tcr, “and a goed one,” an opinien which was supported by Commes- sioner Willlam J. Kelly. Senater Hall did not agree with Mr. Curtis® contention that such an auditer would find less than three months of work. Discussion next turned on the comptroller's action in withholding from Special Clerk Thomas F. Mec- Grath his pay for carrying on the work of getting out the list of as- sessments due, and it was the con- sensus that McGrath was entitled to his full pay without further dispute. On the question of whether a full- tin cial auditors brought in or Mr. Me- Grath continued at work, it was decided to follow out the last named plan until the exact condition of records is made known. No Sidewalk Levy Since 1933 Chairman George R. Dobson of the board of public works, respond- ing to a question, said there was po record of any sidewalk assessments having been levied since 1922 and that other types of accounts were milarly in arrears. lr Chairman Hall agreed to recom- mend to the charter revision com- mittee that some action be taken to lextend the methods of auditing. Corporation Counsel Kirkham conferred with the mayor after the meeting and, it is said, expressed his commendation on the work Paon.| essa has done in this respect, pledg- ing his whole-hearted support. Last night's meeting resulted in w complete victory for the mayor in the auditing fight he has carried on for several years without previous support. Lord Inverclyde. Wealthy British Peer, Gets Decree | Edinburgh, Nov. 20 UP—Lord In- | verclyde, one of FEngland's richest peers, today was granted a divorce from Lady Inverclyde. Lord Inverclyde inherited more than £2,000,000 ($10,000,000) when | he succeeded his father in 1919. His marriage to Olive Sylvia Bainsbury was one of the leading social events of 1928. One Incident of the wed- ding was the failure of Lord Iver- clyde to appear until 15 minutes after the time sct for the ceremony. Lady Inverclyde is the daughter of Arthur Sainsbury, a provision mer- chant known all over England. She is a keen sports-woman, fond of hunting, tennis and swimming. Lord Inverclyde is the grandson of | one of the founders of the Cunard line. He has been assistant to the secretary for Scotland. DRUG RING INKED WITH. Y. SLAYING Police Seeking New Angle in Rothstein Murder New York, Nev. 20 UM—Federal agents investigating a possible con- nection between Arnold Rothstein, slain New York gambler and a big lieved their investigation might lead them to the slayer. Assistant Federal District Attor- ney Blake announced that it was “quite possible” that his agents would find the slayer. “I cannot go into details now.” he said. “We have two leads which I cannot even outline, but if our investigation leads to the capture of the murderer he will be turned over to the police.” In the meantime the police de- partment had been given additional time to secure “further facts” in the case by Mayor Walker, who had threateged to take action unless they solved the case. Mayor Walker's extension of time was granted after he had held a short conference with Police Com- missioner John A. Warren. The commissioner refused to say what took place but the mayor told re- porters the commissioner had prom- ised developnents and added, “I am awaiting them.” Whether these developments had to do with Mrs. Ruth Keyes of Chi- cago, who had’ a room in the Park Central hotel next to that to which it is believed Rothstein was lured and shot, police refused to-say. Mrs. Keyes, found in Chicago by New Yorh detectives, said she knew nothing of the case but had been asked to return to New York with her husband for questioning. She said she would come and then ask- ed, “Why shouldn't I? There's nothing to hide.” SUGAR IMPROVES FRUIT FLAVORS Makes these healthful foods delightful to the taste The human body needs fruits, to be well-fed and healthy, and each person should eat at least one raw and one cooked fruit each day. Here are the health-giving elements that Canadian Govt. Warns Newsprint Industry Toronto, Ont., Nov. 20 (#—Pre- mier G. Howard KFerguson of On- tario has warned officials of pulp and paper companies operating in the province that unless reforms ernment “will be compelled to give serious and immediate considera- tion te what action it should take.” Much American capital is invest- ed in the companies. In a letter to the officlals, the premier said that the government was “much disturbed” over the con- dition of the newsprint industry and that “what has been regarded as a very critical condition' has been re- ceiving careful study NAVAL DI SION Washington, Nov. 20.—(®—A de- cision by the supreme court holds that lieutenants in the staff corps of the navy, must have a total naval service of 17 years or a commission- ed service equal to that of lieutenant commanders of the line drawing fourth period pay before they will be entitled to that pay. A t in management are made, the gov- | {fruits bring to us: needed rough- | age, fruit vitamines, mineral salis, and beneficial fruit acids. And, thanks to sugar, fruits can also be beneficial in another way. ‘The harsh or sour acids, by bein, sweetened to taste, can be turne into delightful flavors that add en- }wymcnt to eating. As a famous lood scientist states it, “The fruit | acids are softened by sugar. The | fruit flavors are developed by sugar. | Sugar promotes and facilitates the ingestion of frui There are few people in the world who do not relish the delicious flavors of orange and grapefruit salad, sweetened to taste. One of the most welcome beverages to any palate is hot lemonade. And remember that stewed fresh apples or pears or stewed dried peaches, prunes or apricots are ex- cellent for ki For dinner, think of a sauce with pork, and cranberry sauce with any kind of roast fowl or meat. Baked apples or pears and fruit pies ar» delicious, as well as healthful, for dessert. Eating should be enjoyable as wel healthful. The use of on raw fruits and in | friend of f Sugar Institute. beautiful article to have in the home. Will not tip, it be- ing made ri e W gallon capacity, to hold five fish with These will be sold for this very gid. We fully guarantee these bowls to be of per- fect quality and orkmanship. aquariums price on Wednes- day only, so come early and be sure to get yours. 2.75 “IN FURNITURE WE LEAD” GEISINGER’S= 6 MAIN STREET Wednesday Only Inc. Her husband is & railroad brake- man. 8She described herself as » free lance clothes model. Although police refused to dis- cuss her possible connection with the case, District Attorney Banton said, he believ:d she could throw no new light on the slaying. His statement followed ene by gn anen- ymous police official who denied that Mrs. Keyes was the lure that drew Rothstein to the hotel two weeks ago Sunday night to be shot. George McMamus was the one who called Rothstein to the hote!. this official said. McManus has not been apprehended. An effort to open Rothstein's pri- vate safe in his apartme=* on Firth narcotic smuggling ring today be-!avenue was unavailing, but an ex- pert has been secured for anothar attempt this afternoon. The safe is to be opened in the presence of federal and city efficials and the three temporary administrators of his estimated several million dollar estate. Police are hopeful that im- portant leads in connection with the slaying may be found among the papers in the safe, READ HERALD CLASSIFIED ADS PISO'S couvhs INSANE MURDERER SOUGHT IN OMAHA Police Think Hatchet Man Who Killed 3 Is Fiend Omaha, Neb., Nov. 20 —A ma- niac “hatchet man” who jin brutal fury pounces upon his victims as they sleep and crushes their skul.e with his instrument of death ~was sought by Omaha police today for the killing of two women and an aged man and the wounding of an- other man and his wife within a 43 hour period. ‘While the madman apparently slays grown persons without mercy he does not harm babies. Three children of two of the families he attacked were left unharmed in their cribs, The latest victims of killer. described by the police as “a fiend. a crazy man' were Harold Stribling. 23, former high school football star, and his wife who were attacked ear- ly today as they slept. He entered the Stribling home at {3 o'clock, beat in Stribling's head lafter a struggle, then calmly turned |on the lights, washed his hand and asked Mrs. 8tribling to see the baby. He stood over its crib for several minutes, then forced Mrs. Stribling to go with him to the East Omahs swamps where she finally escaped after three hours. Stribling, doctors said, probably will die, and his wite is in & hospital. cruelly beaten and may lose the sight of one eye. The attack on the Striblings came whil hundreds of poli were searching the city for the manisc for the killing of two women ana an aged man 24 hours earlier. first victims were Mrs. Walter Resso, 21-year-old mother of three chil- dren; her sister, Greta Broun, man, Blackman was killed Sunday morning as he slept, his head ap-| parently crushed in with the ham-| mer side of a hatchet. His son found the body covered with a com- forter in the Blackman home, and outside fqund a blood-smeared hatchet and a shoe. The bodies of the women were found yesterday afternoon when Mrs. Resso's husband arrived home from work. Irishman Leaves His Savings to De Valera Los Angeles, Nov. 20 (P—Just be- fore he died a year ago. John Don- nelly, an inmate of Soldiers’ Home at Sawtelle, Cal, told his friends that some day he was going to “‘do a lot for the cause of Ireland.” By a decree of Probate Judge Desmond yesterday, a local bank was instructed to turn over Don- His | 18, | and J. H. Blackman, 75, an express- | nelly's $1,300 estate to Eamon De Valers, Irish patriot. Donnelly’s will bequeathed his en. tire estate to De Valera, and set forth that the money was to be used “for Irish Freedom.” Use Cuticura to clear your ekin. Soso e Olntmont 3 sad toe. SEE “NEW BRITAIN’S FASTEST GROWING DEPT. STORE’ 20c Turkish Towels Double Thread Bize 20x40 Wednesday 22 P Only ... each regular $1.25 value. For Wcdnesday CASH YOUR FACTORY PAY CHECKS HERE LIFEBUOY SOAP, Wednesday ............ 3¢ Seamless Bed Sheets! Size 81x90. Made of heavy quality white cotton. A eachssc All Wool Cashmere! Colors, blue, tan, lavender and grey. Guaranteed to wash, A regular $1.19 value. Wednesday Only ........ WEDNESDAY! Women's Warm Vests and Bloomers Sizes 36 to 44 Wednesday 98c Women's Made of blue chambray. 79c value. For Wednesday Only WEDNESDAY! Women'’s Fabric Gloves! Fine quality chamoisette: novelty cuffs and slip-on styles. Value 59c. Wednesday Only ....... Wednesday Only . . 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