Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1909-03-06

ton in the police court.
Pastor BixIer of the Second Conare-
qational church was close student Of
the reform work OF the Committee Of
Fifteen. and attended the sessions Of
the county commissioners, when objec-
lions were being heard against the
ISSUANCE of liquor licenses to parties
Inspected of violating law. He kept
lose tab on the work of the commit
zee and the testimony given before the
commissioners by members OF the po-
lice force and others.
In his sermon Sunday he commended
the work done and being done for the
publication Of the city by the commit
tee OF fifteen and their fellow members
and male strong accusation against
the police for dereiiction of duty. GO
ing so far as TO say that IL was .neces-
sary to drag policemen to the scene of
crime and then argue with them, and
then be unable to convince them that
crime had been committed. He said
he had ample proof Of what he stated.
that could be produced for the ask
ing.
Rev. Mr.. Bixler is an earnest pastor
and eloquent preacher and far removed
from sensational. preaching or from
seeking public notoriety. Therefore
his really sensational statement last
Sunday has created quite a stir among
the law-breakers, the law-enforcing
policemen and general public.
Captain Haven stated that he knew
of no instances where policemen had
acted as his friend. DR. Bixler, had
stated, and that If proofs were fur
Dished, the offenders would be invest
igated. and II found guilty, be pun
ished. This statement was made in
the public press. but DR.. Bixler made
no reply to Captain Haven, although
n w fnffn1Qfad that all dQgirad in
formation, and some that was not de-
sired. would be given, II asked for by
Mayor Armstrong who is. by virtue Of
that ONCE, chief of police Of the city OF
New London. Up to date the mayor
has not requested the minister to sub
NIT his proof that the police of New
London refused to do their duty. ever
when dragged BY the arm to the scene
of the crime.
There are some who believe that
Rev. DR. Bixler's remarks were intend
ed as illustrative rather than literal,
and all would like to have the reverend
gentleman explain what he meant.
and place the blame for dereliction of
duty where it rightly belongs.
There is precedent for the request of
the KNIGHTS Of Pythias to hold their
annual encampment OF the state mill
tary campground at Niantc, as those
same grounds have been permitted to
be used for other than state military
purposes since the property has been
acquired by the state. Some thirty
years ago. more or less, the Grand
Army OF the Republic vent into camp
there for a full week, including sun
day. The civil war veterans went into
camp the week after II was vacated by
the state troops. and used the tents
and camp equiopage OF the state. Dur
I'M tho annffn1 state
campment and many regimental reun-
ions were held. including the Seventh.
which was attended By Gen. Joseph R.
Hawley. The encampent was source
OF enjoyment to many Of the veterans.
bue--there were some happenings that
made 1t inadvisable to continue the
custom.
The camp was conducted in military
style and under established rules and
discipline, rs far as possible. but Of
course. strict enforcement was impos-
sible, for the old comrades insisted on
enjoying the reunion as best suited to
themselves. The encampment was held
during a presidential campaign and
rule prevailed that politics must not
be publicly discussed. But at some of
the regimental reunions an occasional
speaker would be In the midst Of a
political speech/only to be called down
when his remarks became objectionable
to adherents Of the opposite 7arty.
Norwich was prominent at chat en-
campment. as the Department. COM
mander, Smith. was a Norwich\man.
and another. named Durfee. OF Nor
witch. was provost marshal or chief
of police of the camp. and In the per-
Torrance of duty became somewhat
dislilxed by enforcing camp rules and
stopping the sale OF intoxicating
drink.
Chaplain Walker had charge of the
spiritual affairs of the camp.
"Things have changed for thf bet
ter" especially in the newspaper line,
for in the long ago II anonymous COM
munications were printed. atts cSiug
individuals or an organization, the un-
substantiated accusation was not set
in box" and featured al top Of COL
uInn article, perhaps because the term
':.bpx" was not known to the craft.
Years ago. not 50 many Of them, II a
newspaper saw At to make charges Of