The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-04-04
WESTPORT C0MP0 BATH HOUSES
 CAUSE MUCH COMMENT
Special to The Farmer)


 Westport. April 4-Since the town meeting of last Saturday the decision in regard to the Compo Beach bath houses has caused much comment, both for and against the vote of the town.. The plan suggested at the meeting by William H. Burr has since been carefully considered by the cit izens of the town and so much has been said upon the matter that MT. Burr sent to the papers the following letter, which fully explains the sug- gestion made at the meeting. MT. Burr wrote as follows:
 Mir. Editor--
 The. town meeting in Westport on Saturday to consider plans for the rental of the bath rooms in the pavil- ion at Compo beach was dominated not so much by the conservative ele- ment as by the retrogressive.
 A plan that would furnish accom- nlodations for all who might desire to use the pavilion, was discarded, and 2 scheme was adopted by which those residing in the town could have the choice of a bath room for the season at the old price. If any remained. those beyond our borders could obtain them at an advanced price Of twenty five per cent
 It is remarkable that there should be any in Westport who would favor such a narrow policy. The town is beginning to receive, what it has long sought. an influx of desirable resi- dents. and we appreciate the good things that generous neighbors offer 10 the public Only two reasons were given why the lines should be drawn tightly around our little town to the exclusion of those across the border, unless twenty-five percent advance had been extracted from them; one was that if each family in town had the exclusive use of one room on pulp lie property, there would be none to spare the other if the rooms were rented by the day or hour at low rate while increasing the revenue, would bring in undesirable parties.
 Both problems are solved by broad policy. Enlightened nations are throwing wide open their doors that the world may enjoy their grandest landscapes or choicest works of art. The hermit kingdoms are relegated to the past No sentinel stands al park entrance or museum door to scrutin- ize your pedigree or demand to know the place of your abode. Good be. havior is the passport that opens to the world it's greatest treasures and the wider the hospitality the more accomplished. <
 That the poor appreciate the best and should not be debarred therefrom, has been demonstrated by the throngs who visit the art palaces on the days when they are free to the public.
 Our merchants seek commerce be- yond our restricted lines, the rain and sunshine gladden. beyond our uailestones. and old ocean sends it's rushing tides into every cove and bay that. refreshing touch may bless the muldtudes.
 - W. H. BURR = The above letter appeared so time> " upon much talked of subject 6av,f oh fained the views of some of the lead. ing men of the town upon the mat ter and prints the following interview with MT. Joseph G. Hyatt as being representative of the consensus of opinion. NIT. Hyatt said in part:
 At the town meeting saturday af. ternoon of last week MT. Burr took exception to the plan adopted by the voters and said in his letter that a plan was discarded that would fur nish accommodations for all who slight desire to use the pavilion
 saThe plan referred to was brought forward by MT. Burr in speech of fiowery rhetoric. setting forth the needs of the poor mother with three or four children, who should be en- titled to the sunshine. salt air, bath ing. etc, and was that the bath houses should not be rented, but that a bathing suit and towel be rented 
 use of the houses be free.
 well. @thats is beautiful scheme. precisely@th arguments advanced by 16e Socialist Why should one man hold exclusive possession of an hun dyed acres of land, when all about hfm are hundreds of persons who ssraye not an acree Isn't that about -the same principle?
 But. now carry out that plan and -rhat-kfnd of condition have we Treated? It would prevent people from coming to the town to whom inc beach is an attraction, if they were compelled to trust to chance to get a bath house for an hour or two. and either carry their own bathing suit to and from the beach each time they wished to bathe, or take one which had just come off from who Knows whom.
 Another action which the town took at this meeting was to lay tax of eight and one-half mills, also upon the motion of MT. Burr, which will leave a deficit of twelve or fif- teen thousand dollars. In 1910 our indebtedness was $135.559.OS; in 1911 this amount had increased to the sum of s154 sos. an increase of s19,000; and this year there will be without a doubt an increase equally large. This may be good business, but it does not strike the majority of the business men as DeluS SuCu.
 SMALL FIRE AT PLUMBING SHOP
 Some excitement was caused Tues day afternoon about 4:30 when the hremen were called to small blaze, at the plumbing shop of w. D. Dick son On State street The auto chem ical from the Compo company was the first on the scene and extinguish- ed the fire before any damage had been done. The hose truck of the vigiIant company was intercepted on their way to the place and turned hack. their services not being needed. The fire started in the sink in the rear room of the shop, while the men were engaged in cleaning the sink. Some one struck match to see un- derreath better, and dropped it in the sink. In an instant the whole thing was ablaze, but it was quickly put out. It is thought that some ben zine had been spilled in the sink and exploded with the match. No damage was done the blaze only slightly scorching the wall behind the sink.
 ADVERTISED LETTERS I
 At the Westport postoffice the fol- lowing letters are advertised and will be sent to the dead letter office if not called for before April 15. Mrs. Miles Gordon, Mrs. Walter Campbell, n TS,aES preSidapt of