The Newtown bee., 1891-11-13
TRUMBULL.
THE sELECTMAN MIDDLE.

s'Justice and TRUTH wakes up with an
article headed ''Claim it all you fool :"
after repeating incorrectly an old
musty "chestnut'' familiar to everyone,
he proceeds to criticism of part of an
account of the doings of our late annual
town meeting, a criticism containing
many implied personalities and mis-
statements and which / will characterize
as weak attempt to bolster up poor
cause.
Now, as to each party having decis-
ion Sin his favor from jurists of equal
eminence, ability and fairness" Mr. NAL
lett certainly had decision from Judge
Phelps, not "a hesitating decision," but
with as much promptness and apparent
evidence of conviction of right as decis-
ion was ever given, nor do L believe that
a man of his good sense and judgment
would have stultified himself by saying
he did not understand what the law
meant and then proceed to give an opin-
ion under it.
What heard him say was, ''If any one
can understand what the law means, lin
plying that it was difficult to be under
stood and | am sure there is not a Judge
on the bench in this State or lawyer of
fairness and good judgment that would
not say the same, and that the Legisla-
ture should repeal or modify it. Judge
Phelps has had large experience on the
bench, was elected to Congress and re-
appointed Judge after his term expired,
because of his well known fitness for
the place and he is the peer of any man
that sat in this case.
Again, Judge Seymour gave his opin-
ion, not influenced ''by statements of
friends of Mr. Mallett,'' for it was upon
the intent of the law, which he doubt
less examined for himself and, unfor-
tunately for Mr. Mallett, did de-
eide in his favor, not thinking
that matter of such small
Importance wonld ever find its way to
the Supreme court. l say unfortunately
for Mr. Mallett, for, had he occupied his
seat at the trial, there would have been
in all probability dissenting opinion
and strong one. Judge Seymour is a
man of highest character and has no SUI
perior in ability among the judges of the
A few years ago, case similar TO Jnls
occurred under this same law in Bridge
port, which was left to men, as this
should have been. The arbitrator, two
lawyers, being unable to agree, referred
it to judge of the Superior court, who
decided in favor of the contestant occu-
plying the same position that Mr. Mallett
occupied.
And now what is settled? Tell this
second Solomon that do know that the
Supreme court is higher than the Superb
or court and reverses its decisions at
pleasure and settles cases, in the light in
which he means. Settles them, some
times, as this case was settled, because
there is practically no appeal from it's
decision. Settles them as might some
times settles right; settles them as the
famous electoral commission settled the
controversy of 1876, although more than
half of the people of the country believ-
ed and still believe that Tildcn and not
Hayes was rightly elected president of
the United States settles them as polit-
ical questions are often settled when re-
ferred to a partisan court. / would not
be thought wanting in respect to the ju-
dietary, but | believe the advice of a wise
old man, "Never trust your political
rights to your political opponents" to be
excellent.
Mr. Plumb, it is true, was returned by
the counters as having the most votes,
but this was found, on the recount at
the courthouse, to be not off they were
fairly credited; and the moderator did
declare him elected first selectman, but
this was done without opportunity for
consideration and in obedience to clam
ors of "leading political stars" of his
party, as we'll as in accordance with his
own political preferences.
Why should the town reimburse Mr.
Plumb? Is there any precedent for it?
Did an adjoining town bear the expense
in a similar case which occurred there
a few years ago? Has it been done any
where? Did the people of this town au-
thorize Mr. Plumb to contest this case?
Outside of a few politicians, they did
not care straw which acted as first Sc
lectman, or, If they did, a majority of
them have since decided at our late
town meeting that they preferred Mr.
Mallett. Mr. Mallett does not ask to be
although the last decision
having been against him, he pays all the
costs, while Mr. Plumb has only his coun-
sci to pay, assisted, if | an, rightly in
formed, by 'sieading political stars" of
his party s'chipping in to help him.
I say, as | said a month ago, that nei-
Their Mr. Plumb's nor Mr. Mallett's bill
should be paid, but if the taxpayers of
this town choose to add to our already ,
large and rapidly growing debt the sum
IF $500 unnecessarily, / can bear it as
we'll as the rest; and / am firm in the
conviction that, if one of these bills is
paid, there is still ssJustice and TRUTH
enough in the town of Trumbull, Of the |
genuine kind, to pay the other also. !
indicator. !
It should be said that the BEE was at I
'ault for the tardy reyly of Justice and
ruth He replied at once, but it was
lot published until the convenience Of 9
he BEE permitted. Editor BEE.
Teachers meeting, conducted by Q
State Board Of Education, at Baptist
.hurch, Stepney, Wednesday, 18th, af- d
ernoon and evening. All interested in q