The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-06-04
BOMBSHELL IN FAIR HAVEN EAST Four of the Burgesses Re gently Elected Refuse to
 be Sworn. CHARGE OF DECEPTION Annual Tax of Five Mills Voted After Lively
 Debate.
CHARGE OF DECEPTION

The annual business meeting of the borough of Fair Haven East was held last evening and there wasn't dull moment. Usually the business is trans acted in less than half an hour, but last night 1t required an hour and quarter by the watch. There was good sparring in the way of pithy speeches all through.
 Orton A. Rose had read his annual report as treasurer and it had been discussed to a. considerable length, when Frank ], Mansfield, one of the burgesses- elect, threwa bombshell into the throng, so to speak, by sending up communication, which was read by Clerk Averill, and which was in effect that himself and three other burgesses refused to be sworn in. The communi- cation was read, as follows:
 "A circular, one of which Is herewith attached having been presented to ' large number of the voters of the bor- ough of Fair Haven East a few hours before the polls opened Monday, May S1, last, which was misleading, and solely intended to secure votes; and, further, as our names appeared on a ticket which was presented with the aforementioned circular, without our consent, knowledge or approval, and having the best interests of the bor- ough at heart. we cannot in justice to the residents of the borough who voted for the said ticket in the full belief that the statement set forth In said circu- lar was the truth, not a political dodge to. secure votes, bring ourselves to sane tion such political methods or in any way approve of them; hence we feel compelled to decline to take the oath of office as burgesses.
 "Richard c. Davis, Frank J. Mans field, George E. Lancraft, Andrew R.. Bradley"
 After the meeting Clerk Averill look ed up the law and found that special borough meeting should be called to fill the vacancies, and the new warden, George k. Clark. and two burgesses called an election for next Monday
 There was lively debate over the matter of laying the annual tax, Harry Leigh favored four mill tax, and said he believed that it would be ample. He made strong speech in favor of his proposition.
 Clerk Averill explained that such Q tax would not pay the fixed charges of the borough, and moved five mill tax. as at present Mr Brown wanted a Lo1 fav On fhh the five mills carried.
 On motion of George M. Baldwin, 1t was voted that hereafter printed cir cular containing the annual reports for circulation-500 copies-be issued, and it was so voted.
 The retiring warden, A. L. Chamber lain, who presided at the meeting, called George M Baldwin to the chair, and explained the administration of the past year. and said that the govern ment had not been extravagant, but q large sum of money had been expend- ed where it was needed, He defended the outgoing board, and at the close of his speech was warmly applauded.
 At times the meeting was just bit spicy, and two or three were trying to talk at once. It was inteded to or- ganize the new board last night, but as four withdrew. this was postponed; but those who were willing to serve were sworn in. Not in a score of years has Fair Haven East had so lively a meeting. But many believe that these wranglings will hasten the day when the old borough will be done away with, and the Fourteenth ward will come full-hedged into the city of New Haven.