The morning journal-courier., 1908-02-24
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,.

election at which national as well as State officials are voted for is that the | greater election, which is obviously that which relates to the presidency, completely overshadows local interests. More than once in the history of Con- necticut the weaker State ticket has been elected entirely through the in- f1uence of the presidential ticket, and more often than otherwise matters of local concern have been completely lost sight of in the consideration of national issues This practically means that at every other State election a hit or miss policy must prevail, with the added danger of men receiving their honors with no burden of re- sponsibility to public opinion imposed. The mere statement of that fact should be sufficient to provoke either a dis cussion of the advisability of holding State elections at times when the na- tional election is not impending, or a discussion of the necessity of the citi- zens learning to discriminate between the two confusing elections.
 This year the discussion must mani festly turn upon the urgent necessity of the one hundred and sixty-eight towns of the State and the thirty-five senatorial districts selecting their most reliable men for legislative service Up on no theory that can be suggested can the State of Connecticut neglect for any reason whatever the care of its own affairs, It is determined fact evidently that the dominant political party in this commonwealth will not -renominate Governor Woodruff, but that does not mean that the controlling powers in that organization can move aside as easily as they appear to be able to move him aside the issues of local self-government to which he has given life. Even though they are ig- nored in the party platform they will reach the halls of legislation in full bloom and will of necessity receive the consideration they have received from the press and other forces of publicity and support during the past an nd nm lao, had their baptism in the stirring wa ters of reform and they are in mood to enjoy the advantages of the exper- fence. With this combination of cir cumstances at hand it is obvious that more than ordinary care and vigilance should be exercised in nominating and electing members of the General Assembly. Preferably those men should be returned to the house and senate whose independence and good judg- ment were utilized last winter to good effect. That care and vigilance should be entertained at this time when the political waters are beginning to bub- ple and plans are being perfected to recruit for the halls of legislation.
 It has already been announced that the commission appointed to inquire into the advisability of establishing a public utilities commission has taken toc cartol1cirr on nd hoe doto to make thorough report to the gem eral assembly based upon information gathered from the public service cor porations and from public hearings. Plainly this is no subject to he handled by inexperienced legislators, nor by men who lack the knowledge of the philosophy which lies back of the movement to bring these chartered corporations under more restrictive control. The. subject requires good business judgment. the highest per- sonal integrity and well established familiarity with past legislation. Be- tween the clash which will doubtless grow out Of vested interests and pop ular acclaim that judgment will be re- ouired which is alone capable of ris- ing above the influence of both and blazing clear path out of the wilder ness of perplexity and doubt It is evil dent that the friends of the direct primary nominating principle are pre- pairing to renew their struggle for the political independence of the people of Connecticut. It is equally clear that the managing politicians of the State do not intend to give up the power they now possess without struggle Their plan of campaign has already been hinted at and it includes an ap- peal to the passions of the small towns of the State Between the clash which will here develop between the lively resources of the trained politician and the earnestness of the advocate of ac- tual self government there will come demand for the highest intelligence, linked with the most profound patri- otism The principle of the direct