The Newtown bee., 1891-09-25

1AS thC bfAlD oiPioaSsAS9 loi boW II ClSSo ion, the thoughts of all careful and con- siderate citizens naturally turn toward the making up of the town tickets or ra- ther as to who shall conduct our town affairs for the coming year. The most prominent offices are those of selectmen, town treasurer and auditor. From my own experience and what I have been able to learn by inquiry, I feel certain that we need decided change in the men who now fill these offices. I do not intend to attack or question the integri- ty or honesty of those officials, but do impute to them in a greater or less de- gree the presence of selfish and personal motive. None of those individuals are competent to perform the duties of their offices by reason of such motives or of incompetency, with the exception of our present town clerk and tax collector, for whom have only words of commenda- tion; I wish we had more like him. The principle which apparently animates our town fathers is, 'sHow can we so expend
  tion for ourselves and to so remunerate our constituents that we may be elected again." If this statement appears lit tie too harsh and unfair, all l have to say is, examine our last town report and take a ride through the particular dis tricts in which the selectmen live and, if you are not fully convinced, you require something more than plain facts and fig ures to change your opinion. Take, for example, the territory worked by Select man Richald B. Jennings. It is reported that more than $60O0 has been expended in that territory alone and the work, as shown or attempted, will bear it out. At a rough estimate, to say that from $12,- 900 to $l5,00O has been expended upon town roads and that it has not been ju- diciously spent or put upon the most needed and travelled thoroughfares, is putting it lightly enough. These facts should be carefully considered by our citizens before they appoint nominees or cast their deciding vote at the coming election. Those who witnessed the con- duct of some of those in charge of our voting and ballot booths, last year, have right to advocate change in those positions. The old saying, "Igno- rance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise," may well apply here. Our town treasurer is unfit, by age if nothing else, to fill the position he now occupies. His method of keeping accounts is old and almost without order. This is one reason why the auditors find it difficult to arrange and issue the town reports. But even of the delay in publishing these reports. They or one of them is the cause of withholding from the voters of the town the annual report of the, status of the town for the year ending September 30, 1891. At the last town meeting, it was voted that these' reports be issued by September 15 and placed in various parts of the town ready for distribution to the voters. This time has already passed and the indications are that the reports will hardly be ready by election time. This is an important and serious matter, as it is the only means by which infor- nation can be obtained and the people vote intelligently. If our auditors think more of their own qualification than of the interest of the town, let us put into their places men who are willing to sac rifice in a measure, if necessary, person. al interest, that our town may be benefit ed. The financial condition of the town is deplorable and it seems that, sooner or later, the fair minded and honest voter must arise to the necessity of needed re- form in local politics. Our town is now burdened with a debt which it can scarcely bear and every year sees it grow larger. Let committee be appointed to make a thorough investigation of the town books and papers, so that we may once more stand on firm basis and then let us put our best men into office and keep them there.-[ B. W.
 A quiet wedding took place at St Paufs rectory, last week Thursday even- ing. The contracting parties were Mrs Charlotte Clemens and Edward H. Smith, the builder, both we'll known in Fairfield. The ceremony was perform ed by Rev w. s. Jones.
 Michael E. Casey has bought fine pair of horses of Gates & Co. of Bridge port.
 The railroad has driven pipe for a we'll near the station, but the pipe is already choked and no water can be obtained.
 SOUTHPORT.