Norwich bulletin., 1913-06-20

something" ex- Mayor D, T. Bucking- ham of Bridgeport told the mayors and ex mayors assembled here on Thurs i day for the annual meeting of the Mayors association of Connecticut. Do something that will get the news papers to criticising us. Then we'll show that we're alive
 l The members took up Mir. Bueking- I hams suggestion promptly and at once | put him on the programme committee l for the midWintar meeting which is to 1 be held in Bridgeport on invitation of Mayer c. B. Wilson, who told the members of the association that they could come any time. as there was al ! ways something going on there since 1 they did business every day Is the l year,
 All this came at the business meet 1 ing of the association. which was held at the Wauregan house when the members present had been called to- gether after they had been enjoying themselves in an informal social way l for short time while waiting for the 1 later arrivals to come, The members were the guests of Mayor T. c. Mur- phy, who was assisted in his pleasant task of entertaining them by Alderman w. c. Mclaughlin. and it was de- clared by number of those who were acquainted with the sGciation's meet ings that this one seemed to be the most satisfactory they had held in a long time.
 The association's meeting was held in room 8. where the following were present: Dr. J. Milton Coburn, ex- mayor of South Norwalk and secretary of the association Mayors T. c. Mur- phy, Norwich, B. F. Mahan. New Lon don, L. R. Cheney, Hartford, c. B. Will son, Bridgeport, w. G. Austin, Stam- ford, A. w Tracy Meriden. Anthony Sunderland, Danbury, and the follow ing ex-mayors: FFL. Osgood, c. F. Thayer and Costello Lippitt of Nor wieh, F. T Buckingham of Bridgeport, c. G. Beckwith, M w. Dart and B. l.. Armstrong of New London, c. T. Drls- coll of New Haven. former Norwich Free Academy boy, and Alderman Dr. w. c. Mclaughlin of this city.
 In the absence of President w. ID. Hooker of Hartford. who is i'll. Mayor L. R. Cheney of Hartford presided. ex- pressing thanks for the honor conferred as he took the chair
 The minutes of the last midwinter meeting were read by the secretary, Dr. J. Milton Coburn of South Nor walk They were approved. Dr. Co., The balance on hand last year was Ss3.40 and expenses during the year were $2S.30. leaving a balance of $5.10,
 The election of officers was next taken up and resulted as follows:
 President-Charles Kerr of Dan
 Vice President-L. R. Cheney, Hart ford.
 Secretary and Treasurer - Dr. J. Milton Coburn. South Norwalk
 Executive Committee - Timothy C. Murphy of Norwich. Bryan F. Mahan of New London. c. E. Wilson of Bridgeport.
 The meeting then adjourned to the big dining room of the hotel. where the following excellent menu was served:
 Little Neck Clam Cocktail.
 Olives Celery.
 Tomato Bisque in Cups.
 Waters.
 Filet Mignon with Mushrooms. Julienne Potatoes. Green Peas.
 Roast Vermont Turkey.
 Celery Dressing.
 Maraschino Sherbet.
 Assorted Cake.
 Demi- TaSse.
 When the dinner was over the serl- ous business of the day was taken up in hearing an address and in a short discussion along the general line Of efficiency in the conduct of city busi- ness Mayor Cheney presided as toast master and introduced the subject, which, he said, was one of the things the Mayors association was particu
  Roscoe Walsworth of New York. from the buerau of municipal research, who spoke to the Mayors association in an interesting and instructive way.
 MT. Walsworth spoke along practical lines, with lessons drawn from the ex- periences of cities, summing up by saving that there is no magic way of obtaining efficiency in city govern ment It can't be done merely by plac- ing business men in charge of affairs. It can't be done by citizen protest or non- partican campaigns.or by the ern- ployrnent of experts. But IL ca noe done by locating every existing loop hole for inefficiency substituting facts for guesses in city administration and framing a definite programme Of city work based on definite city need and within the limits of the city's f1nan- cial ability to carry 1t out.
 The program of the bureau of mu- nicipaI research is to find out how to give a city dollar for dollar It sup plies to the people information on how their government is conducted Then there is the plan of itemizing the bud- get, not making appropriations In lump sums for each department, but every departments budget is to be not merely budget but also programme of work with a showing Of how much is ta be spent for salaries, equipment, supplies etc. Fhe bureau aims to analyze the needs 6f community and determine how the methods of work square up with the need. They aim to felleW the dollar from the tifAe IL is taken eat of the pocket ef the tax payer till it is delivered in Puallic ser vice turaed in, From it's investigations and surveys the bureau aims to be tit- ted to furnish to aRy city the best method of daing it's particularly bus mess. Conflict of authority between different departments is to he elim mated.
 A vote ef thanks was passed te May or Cheney fer securing the speaker for the meeting and also vote Of thanks to Mf. Walsworth for his informing talk. which was warmly commended by the members.
 Mayer Cheney spoke of his e#H iR- le....4 l.. 4l,.o r,ro1alrrna rf city faffinipnPN