New Britain herald., 1916-03-11
Stean1 From The
 Political Poi

Britain is beginning to simmer for the spring campaign and ere many more days it will be boiling merrily. Those who are interesting themselves in local politics are speculating as to who will be the next mayor Whether or not George A. Quigley will be able to come pack with a reelection is a much mooted question. The advent of Q. F, Curtis into the mayoralty race has also put a different aspect on the question, although Howard Stee1e;s refusal to run his simplified matters some what. And then there is the den1- ocrahc side ot it. Will Ernest w. Pelton be the democratic nominee and if he is what will be his rela tive strength at the polls A canvass of public opinion in New Britain gives the present mayor decided adva ntage over any of his opponents. If for no other reason than that the republi- can machine does not favor him. he is popular for he is regarded by the masses as somewhat of a martyr. Tho crowd always seems to favor what ap- pears to be the under dog. It is pub lie belief that Republican Chairman F. C. GoodWin's statement that he is
 
 tis has certainly strengthened the for nler more than it has injured nm Opinion is heard on the street to the effect that Quigley is opposed by the machine therefore he is not ma chine man, is not dominated by man ufa acturing interests and is 8 people man. However, Quigley Is certainly q iii a!,ica man, but he runs his own machine and 1t is the we'll known road roller He made g. boast that ne would be mayor. He has rld- den rough shod over all who op- posed him. That he as a past master in the art of beguilng the public was ehov-n by his statements at the fifth ward republican rally. Playing to the grandstand, Quigley told his audience he would not ask them to vote for him at the primary as his opponent was not present and he did not want to take an unfair advantage. That appealed to the people, but whether or not Quigley's motive for keeping from footing his own horn was as meritoriouv as it would seem Is question lJr the fact remains that large number of "Vote for Quigley'' cards were distributed about the hall, setting forth why the mayor should be reelected. 0. F. Curtis had no cards circulated a that meeting. May or Quigley eyidentally did not let his feeling for fair play, as he termed 1t, interfere with his handing out litera- ture boosting himself. Tn 0. F. Cur tis. Quigley has a foe worthy of his mettle. Curtis has the record of be- ing an astute politician and his rec- ord shows that he has never been de- feated in a caucus. Whether he can win victory at the primaries is a ques- ticn. But he is acknowledged to be one of the greatest the city has ever had. That Quigley's popularity is not great as it might be Is shown by statements from the Swedish voters. The writer Is informed today that 3 large majority of the Swedish vot- CTS are f1ockinG to the standards of August Bergstrom and Otto Bengston. both deposed by the mayor, and are planning to '-get Quigley' At pres ent 1t is much too early to predict the vote, but it seems safe that Quigley's following in the third ward will be small, whereas Curtis will be large. In the second ward Quigley will nat urally be strong and the fifth ward
  the city is uncertain and Curtis and Ouigley will have 8 merry fight for success at the primaries One thing that will hurt Quigley Is the almost certainty of nineteen mill tax rate When g persons pocket is hit he yeils. When an adninistrat ton boosts the taxes the voters are apt to yelp
 While the mayaralty race is creat-
 
 for the republican registrars otnce will also be an interesting one. The veteran William Scheuy will try ana supplant the youthful William zeigler and newcomer John Hallin will also enter the lists. it is said to try to wrest the laurels from these two Many think. however, that when Schcuy lost out att the. caucus two years ago he was beaten forever. Mr. Zeigler has handled the office in good shape. His work has been satisfactory and public opinion as expressed ol, the street shows him to have a good advantage over the veteran Schcuy at present Mir. Halln's strength is an unknown quantity. but it is believed that the strong Swedish vote will go for him. while Mir. Zeigler is sure of the German vote.
 The 19.6 mill tax rate as predicted for next year is causing no little vor- ry among the taxpayers. For several years past the taxes have been on the jump. This year they were 17 3-4 mills and increase will not be pleasing to say the least. This in crease is declared necessary however, bccauSe of the increased budget Bet ter streets, better lights, more police men, a motorized fire department, in creased education facilities and many other necessary things, to say nothing of the many salary boosts that have made the city's expenses much great CT than heretofore Thus, money