The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-09-09

s. E. Vincent, of Bridgeport, a mem Der of the State Business Mems Legis- lative committee, has written President Mellen as follows:
 Having been absent from the State for some length of time, President Mellen's letter of August 26th, in re- Editorial Association, asking him for his views on a public utilities bill has just come to my notice.
 II know that 1t IS almost presump- t1ous foE>an ordinary business man to make reply to 8 master Of business like MT. Mellen; but as a consoien- tious, and, hope, conservative mem Der of the Business Mems Association after having been carefully over all the facts,. conditions and fig1lres as they present themselves to me, I have been persuaded and am still of the opinion that I ought to exercise what little influence I have in the connun- ity in favor of public utilities com mission. feel sure that my opinion is not prompted by prejudice against corporation investors. or directors of corporations, nor would I support or help to enact bill that would limit or handicap our public corporations in the freeset exercise of their rights, consistent with the public interest and welfare, and turn to the legislative our people have never been very tech nical in their requirements or jealous In guarding or protecting their rights when dealing with their corporations.
  why a public utilities commission is desirable.
 First-Because a large number of thinking unprejudiced citizens in this State have come to feel that modern methods of settling ordinary differ ences between the people and the pub lie corporations, than the ola stage coach process of petitioning the man. agement of these corporations, or go- ing to the Legislature every second year for relief. Prompt, modern meth o6c 0f at feSI he tween the people and the corporations, cannot change the principles of right and wrong.
 Seeond-If my understanding is cor rect, the people have given special charter rights to the corporations, and in each case have reserved the right, at any session of the Legislature. to alter, amend or annul the same; there fore, the people have right to be heard on every question that concerns the public safety or welfare, and I do not agree with MT. Mel1en,/ that the demand for modern tribunal, before which the people and the corporations can get prompt hearing, on all ques- tions affecting their. interest. is any indication of prejudice on the part Of the public against the corporations, but a necessity that the changing con- demand.
 Third: MT. Melken's letter, to my mind, presents one of the most effec- tive and I believe most reasonable arguments that could be offered by anyone, except MT. Me1Ien, in favor of public utilities commission Mr. Mellen says, that he and the direc- tors of his corporation want to treat the public with the greatest consid- eration, recognizing the common in terest.'' Then MT. gNeIlen says, 'the is not aware of any serious complaints, and requests a specific bill of particu-, lars farther stating, that outside Of individual failures and the shortcom- ing of employees, which always do and will occur in great business opera tions, he does not really know what is being complained of Or needs rem edy." I must believe MT. Mellen's statement and I have no doubt he voices the sentiment of his board or directors and perhaps of some other