New-York tribune., 1901-03-31
CONNECTICUT TOPICS.
PLANS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

Hartford. Conn. March 80 CspeciaD-Constitu-
tionsI reform had its innings at the State Capitol
This week. and the hearing before the special com
nttee brought out some unexpected conditions Fx-
Governor Thomas NJ. Waller. a Democrat OF great
influence I'm the State. avowed his belief that the
constitution should be amended as uroyided b,, the
document itself. instead OF by a constitutional con-
vention. This was wholly unexpected and IS in
direct contradiction to the attitude Of the Demo-
cratic party and press for the last six or
eight wears. They have been advocating a CON
situtional convention with all their might and
have been strongly opposed TO any other method
The other important thing was the attitude of
Chairman Fyler and the Republican State Com
rittee Chairman Fyler presented several plans for
readjustment. one Of which provides for two mem
hers for every town Of $500 population with an
additional representative for every 10000 Another
plan increases the basis TO 5000 reducing the house
10 2lS members. Those who have made a study Of
the sentiment Of the Legislature are sure the plan
with the 5000 basis stands good chance Of pass
ing II ii should pass it will be submitted TO the
people in the published laws and afterward to
them for ratification the polls.
development of the week has been a bill for
the establishment Of a tax commissioner. in ac-
cordance with Governor McLeans recommendation
There have beea several temporary tax commits
sons whose reports have generally been accepted
but not acted upon until in later years their rec
concentrations have crept into legislation by piece
meal 1t is the intention of the bill to have the
tax commissioner slt win the Board OF Equaza-
tion, and have the power TO make investigations
into taxation and taxable property Throughout the
State 10 bring to the surface all the taxable p-op
erty. That there may be equity IN the burdens Of
Carrying on the public establishment
The quarrel over the management Of the Agri-
cultural College has been settled by the appoint
ment OF eN-Congressman Simonds against whom
all the feeling eNs' ID. AS some Of the professors
were outspoken at the hearing II is thought they
will be asked to to resign. or that they may take
prejudice against the college seems 10 he a liffie
less pronounced than il has been. and as IL is
under the protection OF the Changers ii Will not
suffer for anything that il really needs although
the legislature did not fit TO establish me-
chanical plant an addition to its equiprnent
the municipal election which will occur newt Mon
day There VIII be no Mayor or other city officers
school officers viii be chosen and a new Board of
Councilmen and half OF the Board of Aldermen
chief interest is in the attempt the local Demo
cratic party to reform itself and get its manage
which was formed in the last campaign 10 aid tha
BRYAN cause. the regular organization being in
.ect OF ousting james Campbell from the chair
manshp OF the Democratic City Committee posi-
tioE he has held for many years. The interesting
fact was developed that There were several hun
dred more votes cast by the Democrats in their
primaries than the party for its candidate for
MayOr last April The Campbell management ba
been disreputable The better element OF Denoc-
VIII nave nothing To do with it The outlook
good for independent Democrats nominations IN
several wards and for a corfortable victory for
the Republican candidates, unless something
usual should occur.
A local semi-centennial Of interest this week was
the celebration Of the fiftieth anniversary of the
Pearl Street Church, which few years ago moved
the Pennington Avenue Church. with a fine
edifice. The exercises well attended.
SrrHai member Of the cbrch 9eiTered am a n
dress on Religion in Hartford Fifty Years Ago"