Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-07-19

ment of business mems associations in
every part of the state and was the
first measure to come before the pres
ent general assembly offering the state
a return on money invested. The COM
mission to be created would fnvesti-
gate before spending the money. he
said. Mr.. Belcher also made argu-
ments in answer to questions that had
been asked him as to whether the plan
was feasible and likely to prove profit
able. He said that last year New Or
leans. where the state owns the docks.
ject is not new one. but has been
adopted or is being advocated IN
Washington, Louisiana, New York,
Texas. California. Rhode Island and
Massachusetts.
Saving to Steamship Companies.
Mr.. O'ConnelI of Stafford spoke in
favor of the resolution. dwelling upon
the great saving in time, operating
cost and other advantages that would
accrue to steamship companies by
docking at New London rather than
at other eastern ports.
New LondeG Should Bear Share Of
Cost.
Mr.. Ensign of Simsbury was OPP
posed to the resolution. He felt that
the city of New London should show
guarantee that it would bear pro-
portionate share of the responsibilities
involved
A Business Proposition.
Mr.. Wilton of New London talked
for ten minutes in favor of the meas
ure. He said that it's terms did not
propose the imm ediate and indiScrim-
mate use of the million dollars. but
only after a searching investigation as
to the wisdom of using it, the resolu-
ton provided for legislation that is for
the welfare of the state. 1t is a bust
ness prop ition and wise legislation
Mr.. Johnson of McGtville explained
for the benz t of those in doubt that
the resolution called for bond Issue
and that the million dollars would not
be taken from the regular appropria-
ton fund. He said there was no alb
solute assurance of the success of the
venture, no more than there is in any
business enterprise, but quoted statis-
tics relative to transatlantic shipping
to show the convincing likelihood of
great returns on such an investment
and said that industrial Connecticut IS
demanding this outlet to the water
ways of the world.
$4,000, ooo May Be Needed.
Mr. Bingham of Naugatuck talked
against the measure saying that the
request for million is but the first
step and that s10.000,000 might be
needed to complete the work He also
expressed the opinion that if the docks
ever were built it would not be many
years before they would be a big gold
lettered sign over them reading
Trans Atlantic Terminal of the New
Haven Ross" This did not seem 10
worry anyone, however.
Not Up to the State.
Mr.. Reed of Bethel spoke briefly IN
opposition. He considered the propo-
sition local in nature and did not be
lleve it was up to the state TO finance
it.
Money Must Be Spent Wisely.
Mr.. Dunn of Windham said the ma
jority of the people in this state are
progressive. This is matter of bust
ness, beneGting not only New London,
but the whole state. The provisionS-0f
the bill are such as to guarantee thas
the money will not be spent unless it
is spent wisely. If this bill is passed,
believe that Connecticut will be d
greater and better state.
Favors State Control of Terminals.
Mr. Chandler of Rocky Hill spoke
IN favor OF the resolution. .Termi-
mails" he said are the keys that I'M
lock the waterways to traffic. | am
most emphatic2lly in favor of the
states controlling terminals"
AS to the objection that there is no
guarantee that business will follow the
construction of the docks Mr.-Chand-
Ter quoted statistics to show that
transatlantic traffic is only In its in
fancy and is increasing by leaps acfl
oounds. The bond issue proposed will
pring the docks. and the business :
certain 70 follow This is an invest
ment proposition and one with as de-
sra Die guarantees as are ordinarily
obtained.
Sherman in Favor.
Another heard in favor was Repre-
sentative sherman of West Haven.
influence of New LONDON Shore
Dinners.
Mr.. Peck of Stratford was opposed
lie d1d not think much of an invest
ment that wauld add an extra million
dollars 10 the debt of the state lie
felt that some shore dinners given re-
Gently at New London might have. an
influence over them to vote in favor If