The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-05

upon his reelection year after year though many times the press of other duties has led him to ask to be re- lieved of the responsibilities. Mem bers of the board regardless of party unanimously demanded his return to the place year after year, declaring that thousands of dollars could not gain for them such as his services.
 Later in the nineties MT. Hallen en- tered the Yale Law school, taking a special course for three years, and com bining many additional studies with those of the regular course in such way as to be ineligible for the many honors which could other wise have fallen to his lot. But his fellow students were insistent upon tribute being paid to his brilliancy and the Yale Shingle of 1901 declar- ed him the ablest member of his class, and recorded him as the one student who was never unprepared, no matter what the discussion of the day might have been.
 E In 1901 Attorney Hallen opened his office in the Connecticut Bank build ing, removing shortly thereafter to sturdevant building. He at once be- gan to enjoy the fruits of his studies. His legal practice has attained large proportions.
 Actively interested in the welfare of the youth of the city MT. Hallen continued to devote himself tirelessly to the tasks of the department of education. It was through him that the children of the city rich and poor alike were provided with free text books, for he originated the scheme and framed the bill that was passed through the legislature. He drew the bill and accompanied it to Hartford speaking eloquently for its passage It was through him that the present system of selecting teachers for the io a60nfpd the Bridgeport teachers having dem onstrated their fitness by graduation from the Normal Training school, are selected in order of their standing, merit alone being the determining factor in their appointment.
 In 1904 MT. Hallen was unexpect- edly honored by the Democracy of the Fourth Congressional district by nomination to contend with Congress man E. J. Hill for election to the House. Though the odds were then regarded as strongly against MT. Hal len, he made a memorable campaign. He was impressed throughout the state as a speaker, and his masterfu' treatment of national and state issues branded him as one of the bra1n1est Of public speakers of recent years. His splendid oratory, keen logic and aggressive exposition of what he deemed to be corruption in the camp or his enemy compelled widespread ad, II. III the Roosevelt tidal wave, he made a splendid run, eclipsing many of the others of his party in the disastrous year.
 In the Democratic national conven- ton of 1908 at Denver MT. Hallen at tending as substitute was the spok esman of the Connecticut dele gation presenting the claims of the state to the other delegations. Upon the election of Edward T. Bucking- I,1 Mr HaIlen with the request that he serve upon the board of police commission ers. Already weighted down with onerous duties both public and pri- vate MT. Hallen, while asking to be excused if possible, said he was ready to accept the responsibilities of the important post if the mayor insisted. Realizing the admirable fitness of MT. Hallen, Mayor Buckingham named him a commissioner, and it was but natural that he was chosen to nead the board as its president. Under the guidance of President Hallen the board has administered fair treat, ment to all members of the depart ment and important progress has been made in equipping the depart ment with modern methods.
 The excellent system of traffic reg ulation at Fairfield avenue and Main street, one of the busiest street corn CTS in America, with traffic passing almost contlIluousiy III all dI ISClioiio' was evolved by President Hallen, while other details of almost as great importance have been developed by him.
 MT. Hallen is peculiarly well adapt ed to fill the office of judge of pro- bate. Generous and kindly by nature: he may be depended upon to deal fairly and squarely with the bereaved and sorrowful who make up the great majority to have dealings with the tribunal. His long and unblemished record for self sacrificing public ser vice should win him a sweeping ma- jority.
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