New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-11
THE STEEP ~ CONNECTICUT
SCANDAL ARISING FROM THE REDUCTION OF
LIQUOR LICENSE FEES BY DEMO-
CRATIC. COMMISSIONERS

Hartford. Nov 10 (SpeciaD.-Not in the history OF
the Republican party Of Connecticut has its triumph
been so complete as it was in Tuesdays election.
Mr.. Coffin and the State ticket are elected by ma
torites OF more than io and the total pluralities
for congressman amour, 10 10000. The Legs-
lature IL Republican by isc majority in the lower
House and twenty in the senate there being only
two Democrats in the latter body. The lower House
has many men of ability in it, prominent among
whom are Samuel Fossenden. who has been secretary
of tho Republican National Committee and always a
great power In the councils of the party in the State:
ex-Judge William T. Elmer of Mddletown. whose
speech at the State convention put Mr. Coffin in
nomination. and Gardiner Greene jr OF Norwich
who led the Republican side OF the House in the
deadlock session with great ability II is likely that
ex-Juige Elmer will be Speaker He has already
announced his candidacy and It is not at all likely
that Mr.. Fessenien cares for the honor He will
be better content TO lead upon the floor. There
only two senator's WAC nave been In the BODY be-
fore, FERRIS ana Coney, Dut me presiding oihcer
Iieutenant-G Governor Cooke has held the place be-
fore
Governor to d Judse john NJ Hail. f Who retired retired
from the Superior Court bench to take the vice
presidency OF the Consolidated road leaves
vacancy Of Importance which Governor Coffin will
Mi. There VIII also be new labor commissioner In
IRE scandal tl!at Is close upon the heels of the
election IN the state is the connection between the
the liquor sellers. The Commissioners November
reduced , the Price OF cers o from SEQ ana 500 to
in Hartford and New-iavcn counties. and was in
undoubted redemption of pledges made by the Demo-
cratic leaders 10 barroonl-keerers. promising them
a reduction in license fees II they would suoscribe
largely 10 the Democratic campaign fund II IL not
clear that the money went 70 the Democratic
leaders tha, Some OF T. dil not 90 into the posk-
cts OF the Commissioners IN themselves Comm ss.orer
Dewey, OF this county. Republican; did not agree
vita his colleagues. Beers and Hayden. and refuses
sign licenses except fox druggists. iog whom no
reduction has been made. The scandal has attracted
wide attention and the result vii! be a determined
attempt to abolish the County Commissioners Alto
gether ana provide other means for licensing the
liquor dealers. probably through the Superior Court
Plans for the new iron bridge across the river 10
East Hartford viii be made public soon, and the
contracts awarded The bridge VIII then come be-
fore the Lesslatuse for investgation anj there will
be some unccyerlng Of work OF the lobby IN
Getting the transfer rom The towns % the STATE.
There seems 20 be doubt OF the right OF the
Commissioners 70 bud the bridge. bat 4 the matter
mad come before the incoming Legislature. IL Is
likely that the towns would have the work put
back upon them. As Ii Is. the contracts will be
awarded and the State cannot take retroactive esis
lation In the matter.
The newspapers OF the city were put 10 great in
convenience by the storm Monday night. which left
them without telephone OK telegraph wire out OF
town 70, the elecon returns "Tae Coursnr
Wednesday morning through special messengers
from New York Springfield and Sew-5aven. gave
all the general and rhe returns from 10 u The
towns In the State.