The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-09-21
 JOLT FOR PAVING
 COMMISSIONERS Aldermen Return to Them Appeal for More Streets
 for Railroad tClub,'' Says Mahoney; "Threat," Declares Prim- rose; "Polite Blackmail, '' Meyer Alleges.

The Permanent Paving Commission succeeded in crossing the boundaries of Aldermanic patience last night
 Their passionate appeal for permission for the New Haven Railroad Company to lay tracks on foot inch centers
 in Main street, despite the action of the council denying the right, and de-
 spite the decision of the Railroad Com missioners sustaining the city, did not get to a committee. Upon the motion of Alderman Eugene Meyer it was re- ferred back to the commission, which was the legislative equivalent of being kicked out.
 The vote was unanimous.
 This action ordinarily would have been discourteous in the highest de- gree. Such a communication, coming from a body with powers in some re- council, would at least have been re- ferred to a committee, discussed upon it's merits and it's recommendations either accepted or rejected.
 But many of the Aldermen felt that the communication was improper, and had not quieter counsels prevailed the document might have been returned with something in the nature of cen sure attached.
 Aldermen regarded some phrases ap- p0dTlDS III LIl6 ol tIC commission as highly offensive. Such was the construction placed upon the paragraph which read:
 Let us counsel together and do that which appears to be best for the best interests of the city, even though such course involves some sacrifice of pride, or personal feelings"
 This was regarded virtually as an allegation that the Aldermen had been moved to refuse the grant of more street room to the railroad by private instead of public motives.
 The portion of the communication in which it was said: 'The commission is willing to take whatever odfurn or re- sponsibility attaches to this proposi- tion', also contributed to cause the nication back to the commission.
 The members of the commission are appointed for a long term of years and cannot be reached by the most indig- nant public. The Aldermen have to face the people in a few days. The odium'' was regarded as a promise that couldn't be kept
 The public discussion among the Al. dernoen was almost as warm as the private discussion. Alderman Ma honey of the Second district, opened the assault upon the plan, declaring in a few strong remarks that the railroad is trying to club the city into submis- sion'' at every point. Alderman Mo Murray gave eloquent emphasis to similar views. Even Alderman Will son, who has staunchly supported all administration measures, joined in the flood of denunciation. Alderman Meyer called the proposal polite blackmail.' He said:
 "The city has already given up eleven acres of harbor to get grooved rails. It has turned the entrances to two bridges into death traps in order to get grooved rails. It has granted this, and granted that, and granted the other thing to get grooved rails. Now they want us to stultify our for mer action relative to these centers to get grooved rails"
 The discussion was marked with sharp passage between Alderman Griffin and Mayor Lee, in which the former raised and supported the usual rule that new business must be sent to a committee upon a single 'Objec- tion. But Mayor Lee ruled the con- trary, overturning wealth of prece- dent. Alderman Primrose referred to the communication from the Paving Commission as "a virtual threat" AL derman Fletcher took "a similar posi- tion using more conservative lan- guage.
 that he holds the office of coroner, was made by Alderman Wilson. He thought that if the company is really anxious to protect the public in life and limb it would have moved be- fore.
 Alderman Brock spoke in flavor of adopting the recommendation of the Paving Commission, but, hearing the arguments, voted against it.