The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-12-08

MT. Potter was sent to Bridgeport by the Russell Sage Foundation for the purpose of making a survey Of the city, He interviewed most of the prominent men in the city, public of hciaIs, those connected with both pri- vate and public charitable associa- tions, and private persons VI a an in sight into political affairs.
 He was closely connected, with Sec retary Mclean of the National Char ity Organization association in his work here and it was thought Chat the Foundation, through his findings, would solve the problem of houaing and planning that has been bafding Bridgeport.
 MT. Potter received some startling inside information, some of which he assumed to be generally known by the citizens here. Among the things
 he learned. according to his report, is that facts were]gat thered by citizens, placed squarely before Mayor Wilson the latter was threatened with e5- posture if he did not do something, and his appointment of the vice com mission was made to stave off the drawing aside of the curtain.
 Persons interested in charity here have read the report with interest. The attempt of the administration to fit into a halo fashioned by Mayor Wilson Monday night, taking credit for a virtuous act, is smiled at That it was forced because of the danning information in the possession of prominent persons not connected with politics. is the inference they are talk ing from the report
 The lack of houses in Bridgeport to care for the infiux of persons here with their families is dwelled upon in the report MT. Potter estimates that 5O,0OO have been added tol the popu- lation Of the city by the development of the munitions industries here and the improved labor conditions.
 The failure of the Housing associa- ton work in this city is explained by Mr Potter in this manner The Bridgeport Housing association made one attempt to interest outside eapi- tai in a, housing scheme oman extens- largely to the. fact that enough local capital to give outsiders confidence was mot wilIing/to come in on the un- dertaking.
 Of the boom here, he says: "A stream of European gold, more power f full than the touch of King Midas, is flowing into Bridgeport To an old slow going city of 115.oo0 inhabitants, in less than a. year 50, 900 has been added. Tn a conservative town with non-union traditions and the nine tour-c1ay prevailing, in six
  joined the union, had over 50 strikes and won the eight hour day. '
 'Law-break aking and drunkenness arc on the increase. Recreation facilities are swaInped. Traffic problems are suddenly acute, and the school au- thorities don't know what to do with their children.
 s.'The scene on the streets gives the impression that all the young fellows in this section of the country have docked to Bridgeport to launch their careers.
 bridgeport is achieving bigness but withoat preparedness-and is having growing pains.
 ..There is, for example. the traffic problem. Bridgeport was never planned The narrow downtown streets served their purpose 50 years ago. A year ago they were reason ably satisfactory. Today in busy hours they are crowded full. A swarm of jitneys has added to the conges- .ion What the city is to do with .hese streets if the present boom proves permanent we dare not sur nise.''
 On cheap lodging house, strange to say, asserts MT. Potter, the boom has lad beneficial effect. according to he received. He s--rttes; They are still crowded and i' many instances have inadequate ventilat tfon. md other unhappy features not to be mentioned. The boom has, however,
 ,Continued on Page 1s0