The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-03


 the wake Of the Democratic rallies, voters manage to get out and hear the true issues of the campaign dis cussed. A week ago on the evening of the Democratic rally at Jackson's theatre when Judge Baldwin was present, it rained, but little thing like that did not Gampen the ardor of the voters. It was the same way last evening, but Eagles Hall was comfortably filled to hear the local issues discussed. It was a meeting for the thinking voters of the Sixth Seventh and Eighth districts. The speakers included Archibald McNeiI Jr., candidate for Senator from the 22nd district; Chief of Police William Vollmer of Norwalk. candidate for sheriff: Attorney Edward F. Hallen candidate for Judge of Probate; can didates for Representative, Attorneys w. w. Bent and Joshua MeltZer; Lynn w. Wilson, candidate for Congress and Mayor E. T. Buckingham. Seat ed upon the platform were the candf- dates for aldermen from the districts represented and other party workers
 The real issues of the campaign were discussed at length, but still not too long to tire the auditors. Every one of the speakers pointed out to their auditors the efforts made by the Republican party in the past to measures presented by Democratic Representatives measures which look ed to the interest of the laborer, had been sat down upon by Republican workers.
 Previous to the rally a street parade l1Il T I1@ Ia the American Graphophone Drum Corps, all the candidates walking. Archibald McNeil Jr, was the chair man of the evening. He opened the meeting by saying:
 T thank you for this cordial greet ing and manifestation of your con- fidence and support The issues of this campaign are numerous. How ever, the public utilities question seems to be- of more interest than any other issue. Both candidates for governor have expressed themselves as favoring the creation of this com mission, and practically every candi- date nominated by both parties has pledged himself for this reform. Ma turally some of the voters are some what perplexed in view of this situa- ton as to whom they should cast their votes.
 Tn my opinion there can be but one conclusion drawn from this situa- ton. The Republican party in this state has been in power for over six teen years without interruption. They have had complete control of the reins of state government and large ma jOrities in both the house and senate, and yet the abuses and griev- ances which have brought about the popular demand for the creation of this commission have matured and existed under Republican rule. PopH- lar measures introduced in the inter est of all the people have been de- feated by Republican votes. An ad- mirable Public Utilities bill introduced in the last legislature met ignOmin- ious defeat at the hands of the Re- publican legislators. An excellent Employers Liability act was defeat ed by the Republican majority, and practically every labor measure in- troduced providing for the betterme ent of the conditions of the working man in this state, and receiving Demo cratic support, was overwhelmingly defeated by the Republican majority in the House and Senate.
 And now the Republican spell binders have the assurance to plead their cause with this record of brok- en promises. MT. Goodwin has de- c1ared himself in favor of a Public Utilities bill and has pledged himself for this reform, and in my opinion there is no doubt that a bill of this kind will be passed by the incoming legislature. The point I wish to bring to your attention is that the Republi- can nominee for governor, as is gem eraIly known at that now notorious Republican convention, secured his nomination through allegiance and the support of the very element in the Republican party that was re- sponsibIe for the defeat of the Public Utilities bill at the last sessison of the legislature.
 "Has Candidate Goodwin since shown that element their error and the evil of their ways? On the other hand, Judge Baldwin, our candidate, who owes his nomination to no one man or set of men, and who is the unanimous choice of his party will appoint a commission to whom the public may appeal with confidence and who will treat all sides fairly. The Employers Liability act, the re- moval of the Five Thousand. Dollar Damage limit are needed legislation which will unquestionably be enacted at the coming session of the 1egisla- ture. The initiative and referendum, the recall, the direct primaries, and the other progressive reforms will undoubtedly be introduced. The question that confronts the voters is (Which party can be best relied upon to vote for and favor these reforms?' ?