New Britain herald., 1915-02-17
LIVELY ] DISPUTES ON
 { CHARTER AMENDMENTS
City Court aDd Subway Bonds
 Bring Out Warm Discussion.

The only difference between New Britain's charter revision committee and babbling brook is that the brook flows on forever, according tC the poets, while the committee hopes to finish it's labors some time. The meeting last night was the bona-fide last meeting of the present committee and was hailed as such but before ad- journment it was discovered that there was always room for another meeting and the members hope that all business will be disposed of, at a session a week from next Tuesday night.
 Last nights gathering was not of the ordinary sort. There was con- siderable difference of opinion and several of the members skated On thin ice in their remarks concerning the means other members have of secur- ing their daily bread and butter and a little cake and while words alone were used some of the words were brief and to the point. A, spirit that
 
 was noticeable in the discussion re- garding the establishment of a city court and the extension of the water mains into Kensington.
 Those present were: Mayor George A. Quigley, ex-Mayor George M. Lam ders, Corporation Counsel J. E. Cooper, Judge B. F. Gaffney, Council men Henry G. Voight, E. l.. Teich and A. M. Paonessa, ex-Alderman F.. W Christ Thomas H. Kehoe, Severin Johnson and Clerk E. H. Prior.
 Corporation Counsel Cooper re- ported a draft of an amendment to the present taxing system by which the first district will be taxed pro- portionately for fire, police, streets, street lighting, health and special ap- propriations as shall be determined. It was adopted.
 Another amendment was adopted giving the comptroller authority to pay bills on which cash discounts may be taken without submitting such bills to the common council for it's approval. His action shall be re- ported in each instance to the com mon council. +'sl.
 This will apply to the school board as we'll as other departm |.
 What would happen if the bills were paid and the council refused to ratify the payment?" asked MT. Lan- ders. y.
 Corporation Counsel Cooper said he tried to draft the amendment so that the council could put it's foot down on the practice if it found that the privileges were being abused.
 MT. Humphrey believed that all boards could anticipate any large griAs and secure the approval ofssthe council previous to their payment.
 What we want are practical results and five can secure them by this amendment I am in favor of it. said Mr. .4Landers and on his motion the draft was adopted.
 City Court Causes a Rumpus.
 The establishment of a city court was brought up in an amendment sub mltted by the corporation counsel. The court would have Jurisdiction over cases now heard before justices courts. Should a judge or assistant jurge be disqualified a justice would be called in to serve.
 Corporation Counsel Cooper and Judge Gaffney had some differences regarding the draft.
 .sNow you'll have an example of the courts delays remarked Mayor Quigley as Judge Gaffney reached for the draft to read it.
 Corporation Counsel Cooper based the procedure of the city court on that of justices courts and Judge Gaffney wanted it based on the pro- cedure of the ordinary city court. K
 Corporation Counsel Cooper took the committee into his confidence and said that no lawyer would hold up his interest in a $10,00O case to at tend to a $16.38 case. This state ment was brought out by the charge that there is altogether too much de- lay in the courts.
 Then the man with the big roll has the preference said MT. John son.
 And always has had" interjected MT. Landers.
 Eack of Dignity Assailed.
 MT. Kehoe did not think the coun- try's newest citizens are duly inn pressed by justices courts where the lawyer for the defense sits on the