The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-18
M'NEIL ASKS REPEAL
 NEW LONDON BILL
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to develop New London harbor, or construct piers for its own benefit any more than has the Grand Trunk.
 Shall Connecticut accommodate the railroad when the railroad dil not see enough merit in the proposition to make the expenditure itself? Would any member if this Senate spend his own money, or favor the expenditure of the funds of the concern with which he is connected, in the same careless, thoughtless way in which he votes away the State of Connecticuts money? I do not believe that he would. because if he did his own af- fairs would soon demand the atten- ton of 8, receiver.
 I do not blame the New London Senators, or those living in that sec- ton of our state. for being zealous of their districts welfare. We all are for economy except when our individual district is at stake, and there are few Of us who can ignore the fact. Does any senator outside the bounds of New London County honestly believe that the passage of this measure would be of the slightest benefit to his constituents?
 Has any fair minded member of this Senate the slightest doubt of the result if this measure were submitted to the popular vote of his own con stituency, or the people of the state as a while?
 N1un the 6ACSpL1On OF New LOnQOn County, I believe I am conservati in saying that the million dollar grant would be repealed by a tremendous and overwhelming majority Would the supporters Of this measure dare submit it to the people? When the distinguished Congressman from New London was asked this question at the hearing on this measure, he replied to his questtoner, Don't try to joke with me on this measure" and when asked if he would agree not to come to Hartford again and ask for addf- tional millions to carry out this pro- ject, he replied that he would make no such promise.
 The second reason for the repeal is found in the practically admitted fact that the appropriation of one million dollars is but the first step in the movement which would plunge the state into debt for years to come. necessftate the sinking of many mil lions into this questionable project, and even if the fondest dreams of those who champion this measure come true, the amount of money nec- essary to complete the work would place 8 burden upon the taxpayers of other counties who would receive practically no corresponding bene- fit.
 The testimony at the hearing of this measure brought out a few facts
 
 First-That control must be obtain ed of the phesent piers owned by the railroad companies in order to charge for dockage.
 Second-Piere must be built to ac- cornmodate unknown business.
 Th1rd-That no assurances have been received from any transportation lines agreeing to come into New Lon don for terminal facilities.
 Fourth-No assurances from any body that the state would be rein- bursed or even paid on the invest ment.
 Fffth-That the Commonwealth piers of Boston, built many years ago by the State of Massa achusetts, and costing several millions, lay as a. white elephant upon the state untn recently when they were leased for freight yard facilities.
 Sixth-That the amount of work contracted to do, options taken, etc, is of trivial thing that the passage of this repeal would stop further plans and save the state over S9,000,- 600, to say nothing of the probable fu- ture expenditures saved.
 In conclusion, Ie me say that the best and strongest reason for the pas sage of this measure is found in the financial condition of the state.
 If the hospitals, normal schools, charitable institutions, state depart ments and tuberculosis homes, to say nothing of the armories and other de- serving needs, are to receive state ap- propriations and be maintained, which believe is necessary in most cases, aS they represent the very heart and life of the commonwealth, and are favored by Senators in whose district they are located, some means must be devised to raise funds to meet the gIaring deficiency confront ing the state, and our first step is to prevent those who would plunge the state into greater debt by shoulder1ng upon it a visionary, inpracticabIe and doubtful scheme, of no apparent good to the state as a whole, and of benefit only to a small section.
 I believe, MT. President, that it is about time for some member of this assembly to arise and protest against the expenditures which are being made in the states name.
 Let us stop now, those who would plunge their hands into the treasury so deeply, that our children who are to come will find themselves saddIed with a burdensome and outrageous debt