New Britain herald., 1916-07-01

void of any grass. It Is most un
 slightly, spells the beauty of the park
 approach and yet could be remedied
 at trifing cost. It is the little
 things like this that make a city what it is.
 At last the city's new "White way" system is assured. The recomm endn- tlOn has passed the council and it is now up to the lighting company to see how much interest they have in New Britain's welfare by rushing the work through. Tn the previously outlined white Way' districts, luminous ares on ornamental poles will be placed, assuring for the business center and streets leading immediately thereto, what is hoped will be a steady and efficient lighting system. Elsewhere in the city all the arc lamps will be removed and supplanted by incan- descent lamps, located as near to- gether as is thought necessary.
 O. F. Curtis, who opposed rushing quickly into lighting contract from the very start rather lessened the value of his judgment and statenen in the eyes of the board of public works by his actions at their meeting. He came before the board and claimed among other things that in his safe he has evidence to prove that Waterbury Is getting her lights at cheaper rate than New Britain. His intimation was, however, that ne thought the board had made up theft minds to pass the system regardless so it was of no use for him to speak The board, however, took him at his word and asked that he exhibit lis boasted proofs of the difference III lighting figures. Instead of backing up his word as he generally does when called to a show down, he backed down and declined ''at this tirne.'
 Next Tuesday is Independence Day, the Fourth of July. Unless something ton of war and an American victory on or before that date, New Britain will observe this holiday in the safe and sane manner of the past few years, the manner that has proved just as enjoyable to all and less fraught with serious accidents and tragedies. As usual, the discharge of fire arms on the streets will not be permitted and to see that this -ule Is observed both on the Fourth and the might before'' as well, extra police men will be detailed. In the after noon there will be folk dancing, ath- letic contests, ball games, tennis matches and day light fireworks at Walnut Hill park for the amusement of the public. In the evening there will be a band concert and moro fire works. In this manner New Britain will fttingly observe the birth of the greatest nation in the wor1-the United States of America.
 A numb of we'll meaning people have suggested that instead of ''burn- ing up'' so much money for fireworks on the Fourth, the people get excite ment in some other way and the m oney be given to the soldiers fund. Not a bad idea, but impossible. Weeks before the war scare was so real, the money was solicited and contracts let. Most of the contracts have been filled and the fireworks shipped. Hence the bill will have to be paid anyway.
 Opinion seems to be that in going to Washington to seek governmental assistance in organizing and equipping| a troop of nome guards here, Secre- tary Andrews of the Chamber of Con- merce overstepped his authority con- siderably. The idea that the secretary of a purely civic organization, as is the chamber of commerce, should set about meddling in' the affairs of the municipal government is not one that is being passed unnoticed, especially by Mayor George A. Quigley who Is somewhat incensed by what he con- siders the secretary's high handed method of putting in on his business The mayor holds that inasmuch as his office is that of chief executive of the city, the protection of the city is en- tirely in his hands. The secretary wanted to organize the "home guards to protect the city from riotous for eign workmen in case of labor trouble during the absence of the militia. The mayors view is that this is entirely within his province and is none of the secretary's business. He has said so in no uncertain terms. The mayor has the right to take any action he sees fit in case of emergency. He is the city's chief peace officer. He can swear in any number of constables or other officers to work in case of trouble and to think that the secretary of this civic body should attempt to take upon himself, without even con- sulting with him or other city officials | these duties does not please his honor at all.
 There is a rapidly growing feeling in the city that in view of the present crisis and the possibility of war and a drain on all resources the various tag day and other money raising activi- ties for funds to be sent to foreign shores be suspended Then in case of eventualities the money could cer- tainly be put to better use at home