Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-01-07
Gov. Lilley's Message to Assembly.

~ y
ly abolish all legislation. 1t will sub
stantially abolish the lobby, for ii
places the granting of franchises ano
Of extraordinary powers, subject II
reasonable regulations, in a permanent
commission whose decisions must Dt
in writing and must specify the rea-
sons therefor, whose members are
subject to removal by the courts for
cause, and whose grants of power
must be in accordance with uniform
and general rules. This bill provides
for honest capitalization: it requires
the proceeds of all securities to be
honestly invested in the plant: it re-
quires franchise rights to be used or
surrendered; it prohibits condemna
ton except after n fair hearing: i
provides for reasonable rates: ii pro-
vides an efficient means for making
repairs ana changes in equipment nee
essary to the safety of the public and
of employees; it recOdifies. simpli-
fies and renders uniform existing leg
islation. The powers Of the commits
sion are supervisory, not manageriai.
and should assure a continuous con-
sistent policy. The general assembly
will retain its legislative functions IN =
diminished.
This bill will furnish the foundation
for a measure which l earnestly hope
will be passed without delay. Ny
views upon this matter have been fire.
quently expressed in public and are
well known.
Crusade Against tuberculosis.
There is perhaps no question which
is commanding a more general popular
interest today than the privilege AMI
duty of the state in the matter of the
care and cure of those afflicted with
tuberculosis. The dreadful mortality
of the disease. its coutagiousness, and,
on the other hand. the surprising re-
suits that have come in the way OF
alienation and cure from such simple
remedies as fresh air and nourishine
food. have combined to enlist the act
i've efforts of US all in the fight of the
Great White Plague. Recognizing
Connecticut has a duty to perform in
this matter. as stated in the platforms
of both parties, my predecessor APP
pointed a special commission to in
vestigate conditions in this state and
to make recommendation as to what
form Of legislation win be the most
effective. The report Of this commits
sion has been submitted to your care
full consideration II is full and thor
ough. touching the question on many
sides. including bovine tuberculosis.
regulation Of factories. and reform in
tenement house laws. no less than-thc
cure of those suffering from pulmonary
tuberculosis.
This report speaks for itself But I
wish. repeating what / said in public.
to express my strongest persona!
with all movements to rem
edy conditions and TO cure the afflict-
ed. and my personal conviction that
the state should so to the limit of its
ability in aiding this great humanita-
rian crusade. According to carefully
prepared figures. 1900 persons die
every year in the state Of Connecticut
from pulmonary tuberculosis. This IS
estimated to be about one-tenth of the
number who are seriously sick with
the diesHse. giving a total Of about
10000 persons who need care and
treatment. AS every tenth death in
Connecticut is caused by tuberculosis.
it follows that with q population in the
state Of about. 100000 more than
100000 OF those of Us now living are
destined to die of tuberculosis, unless
action is taken to remedy existing con-
ditions. Already the state possesses
two sanatoria Of the highest standing.
whose records reflect honor upon their
medical staff and managers. I refer
10 the Gaylord Farm Sanstoriun near
Walingford. and the Wild6ood Sana
forum near Hartford. to both Of
which state aid has been extended IN
my Belief wisely. But the hundred or
so patients cared for at these two in
stitutions only constitute a fra ction Of
those who should be aided. What is
the best way of extending state aid?
In most cases expensive hospitals
costing from 100000 to $1,000. 600
have been erected, involving q heavy
charge. These have been
found for a number Of reasons made
quate 70 do the work anticipated
Such institutions are too hospital-like
and are too FAR from the homes of tjle
afflicted.
] believe this problem has been
solved in 2. model way by the report
)f the commission. They propose for
your consideration a plan which. in
my opinion, viii do far more good.
reach a far larger number OF the af-
iicted than the hospital plan. and viii
not cost as much. In short. each
solar Of the 100000 asked for win
count. Without going into the details
Of this plan. it proposes. in q general
way, the erection by the state of coun-
y homes, modelled in general charact-
sr on the Sanatoria Of GAYLORD Farm
and Wildwood. These will stand Is
'efuges, ready to receive cases some
Zines called hopeless, but which are
never are hopeless under proper treat
ment and care. They will receive
hese patients without a long journey
md the compulsiOn Of residence far
lway from home. family and friends.
Under such conditions, with everv
comfortable with plenty
II nourishing food and fresh air to %
lature's work. in constant contact
With family and friends. cared for as
veil. if not as lUXuriously. IS his fell
oW sufferer Of the largest means. "a
tents from all over this state. many
# whom have been given I'd by their
i9ctors. will be inspired with new hope
ma be restored to health, to home AMI
o capacity for work
Tenement Conditions.
The great increase in the urban pop
llatiOn of our state and the present
conditions. as shown from investiRa-
ions. indicate that some legislation |
nav be necessary in order that dwell |
ers in cities shall receive suitable |
housing. It would seem as if one of !
he municipal functions would be to /
ZEE that all persons living in our in |
Iustrial cities have such accommoda !
ions as will enable them to maintain |
heir physical and moral health. both |
s to the interior Of the house. its ac-
ommodatiOns and its surroundings (
t is cutie certain that the earning ca
IaCity Of our wage earners and the I
purchasing power Of their earnings
re weakened by unsuitable housing. /.
nd naturally so, for the interests in !
olved are not united. While most |
landlords arc considerate and hu- /
name, yet there are altogether too !
many who care not how their tenants /
xist, providing they paw the rent 1t I
: for this class legislation is needed /
or those who usually live in that class I
f houses are not in = position to re
ist- Il seems desirable to establish |
minimum condition which will BE- .
sgal for light. air. space per capita, |
'ater-closet accommodations, etc.