Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-14
Will Hold Big
 Public Hearing
ON THREE-HEADED HIGHWAY
 COMMISSION BILLS.
COMMITTEE so VOTES
Bill of Senator weIeh Subjected to Severe critieism-"Turn On the Light" Says George B. Chandler.

Hartford, Conn, Feb. 13.-The bills for three-headed highway commls- sion were to have been heard before tn legislative committee on roads, bridges and rivers this afternoon, but opposition to so limited an arena of debate as committee room was so pronounced that it was decided to have the hearing in the house chamber on the afternoon of February 25. The bill actually taken up and on which there was vigorous debate was Senator Weleh's, a democrat, and one of those Who voted against MT. Caldwell.
 Senator Johnson Presided.
 When Senator F. A Johnson, anoth- of the committee, called the hearing, Senator Landers said in part: Tt seems to me in view of the present situation nothing should be done to in dicate that there is any plan in op- eration which would embarrass the governor in any way towards making an appointment to the office of high way commissioner. The bill in it's pres ent shape is crude and should be re- modelled recommend that the com mittee defer action"
 Bill Declared to Be "No Good"
 Senator G. H. Johnson, republican, spoke for a continuance of two or three weeks.
 Charles H. Bunce. representing a committee of the Connecticut Society  to be defective and unavoidable, as it provides a position for a man as engi- neer who can smile, draw $3,000 salary and take pleasure rides through the country. The duties defined for three-headed commission become commissioner with three heads with no reason for them to consult one with the other. It appeared as if the engi- neer was the fifth wheel of . coach.
 'tThe bill is no good as at present." he said.
 Chandler Sees No Evidence of 1t Being
 Serious Issue"
 Senator F. A. Johnson suggested that the hearing be in the houS9 chamber. With this view Arthur J. Birdseye of Pennington agreed, saying there was need of good roads in the state and that the small towns interest in the matter be recognized and that chance be given the citizens to be heard.
 George B. Chandler said that every thing about the office of the highway commissioner is considered but the highway department Said he: Tt is said decision has been reached in the last election. If this question was such serious issue I do not see it, for Gov. Baldwin was elected two years ago by a minority vote of 5000, and this election he ran behind all other competitors by 24,000, and he only ran 176 votes ahead of his own ticket over two years ago, despite the fact @ much larger vote was cast and even though the people by that vote passed ,judg- ment on the highway comm issfoner's office.
 "Let Truth Hit Where It Will"
 tTt actually appears to be an en- dorsement of the present administra- tion. But that ought not to have the slightest influence on this case, for this committee is approaching a tre- large problem and I would approve tl1e idea that the whole state of Connecticut air their opinions in one big meeting. Let the truth hit where 1t will. If it hits Macdonald, | let it hit him; if it hits Governor Bald win, let it hit him by all means. Gen. tIemen, let us throw on the light, Should Cease to Be Political Foot
 ball. Prentice Chase of New Haven said l that it was time this office was taken | out of politics and that it cease to be | 3 football in every election. He said. l sWe have 100 college bred men em- | ployed in this department intending to | make 1t life work. To bring them | into the department and have them be- | feve they are likely to lose their jobs | sy fortune of politics cannot help re- | sulting in disorganization. I favor a l general hearing"