The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-09-19
MILLIONAIRE
 CANDIDATE FOR
 A S75 OFFICE

Bedding Likely to Elect Walter
 Luttgen Town Treasurer
 Bedding, Sept. 19-So satisfactory has been the local Democratic admin istration of the past year and so strong is the ticket put forward by the Democrats for he approaching election that it's success is regarded as assured Charles Sanford, who heads the ticket, is now serving his thirteenth term as selectman, recor which proves the strength Of his holo on the public confidence He was a member of the board which in 1905 unearthed the abuses in the town financial affairs and during his pres ent term he has completed an adjust ment of those complications in a way which commands public approval. This statement in itself carries high commendation because the various conditions which developed often made the situation for the board a trying one. calling for the exercise Of pa tience and discretion, a proper regard for the towns interests and dis position to be entirely fair with the alleged delinquents. Walter P. Row. land, the other candidate for select man, has made an excellent record in general and shares with MT. Sanford the credit for having satisfactorily cleared up the muddle which came as a legacy from Republican administra- tions. Taking it, for granted that these two will be continued in their present positions the only result in doubt is whether E.. A. Pinkney or B. M. Sanford will be the third mem Der of next years board. The chances between them are about even.
 For the highly important office of Hugh c. McCollam, the well known builder. His qualifications for the place are signal and unquest1onable as his business naturally aids him to a knowledge of property values and all who know him give him credit for excellent Judgment combined with fair mindedness and high mindedness. For the board of relief which has the final say in fixing taxation values, the Democrats also present candidates of exceptional fitness in William c. Sanford and Robert H. Rider. While many have viewed the board of re- lief as rather inconsequentia1 ap- bondage of the assessment department, it's actual importance due to the fact that it is charged with the functions of a court of appeals is becoming more generally recognized. MT. Sanford has had a long service as selectman, heading the board for several terms, and in that capacity made a most creditable record. MT. Rider has also served acceptably as selectman and could have had the office repeatedly had he yielded to requests to go on the ticket. An appeal to the board of relief while these two are members will receive something more than the usual perfunctory consideration Every case will be weighed upon it's merits and decided according to the judg- ment of two capable arbiters.
 The town could have no better town clerk than J. B. Sanford, the present incumbent. He would have been sure of reelection against any candidate named against him and the other par ty seems to have made blunder in their nomination which makes Mir. Sanford's election inevitable. The Democratic nominations for the minor positions furnish no occasion for crit icism.
 Very far from being a minor posi- ton is that of town treasurer. Mea- sured by popular interest and discus sion and by the choice of candidates made. by both parties it would appear to rank as the most important on the list. The qualifications of A. G.. Barnett, the Republican candidate,
 
 Luttgen. the Democratic candidate, are likewise undeniable and also pre- eminent The surprise is that a man of his wealth and expressing private interests should be willing to serve the town in such a capacity, one that can bring him small honor and less profit. His rejection by the electorate after what he has done for the town and is willing to do would be most un- gracious and regretable. No one should vote for MT. Luttgen merely because he is, wealthy man and a commanding figure in the business world, but votes can properly be ask ed for him because he has the dis position and the facilities to institute in the treasurers office by means of the most approved system of bookkeep- ing and Vouchers methods, which will make impossible a recurrence of the deplorable conditions formerly exist ing. A reform is surely needed and no one is better equipped to bring it about than Commodore Luttgen. The only note of disparagement heard in talk relative to his candidacy is that he is comparatively a newcomer in town. For that matter so is MT. Bar nett, his arrival antedating that of the Commodore by no long period. It might also be charged against Mir. Barnett that he has considerable substance altnOugn not so much of an offender in this respect as his opponent
 However much MT. Luttgen pos sesses it came to him as result of his own hard work and ability and according to his business associates it's acquisition was untainted by ille- gitimate Or dishonest methods. For tune lowered him with no golden spoon At the age of 13 he landed in New York, a poor German boy with neither money nor influential friends. Finding employment in a grocery store he kept the job for five years and then left it to become office boy in the banking house of Belmont & CO which had the prestige which came from being the American repre- sentative of the Rothschilds There he swept dusted, cared for the ink wells and did other menia1 chores un- til his brightness and willingness brought him promotion to minor The same qualities caused further promotions until at the age of 30 he had become the head of the clerical force. About this time MT. 1 one of the partners, re- tired and by his advice Luttgen was made member of the firm. Directly | he became director of the Illinois Central railroad, a posi- | ton he has since held Subsequently, |
 . IL