Norwich bulletin., 1916-09-09

cal ScTuad.
 Alderman Thomas F. Gragan, the fearless alderman from the first ward, has been prominently mentioned as a democratic candidate for representa- tive, and he has quite following, that would help him win the nomination. His interests arc and always have been with New London. He is the foreman Of the F. LA.s Allen Hook and Ladder company, a general favorite in the fire department, and active in the State firemen's association, and if by hook or crook he should happen to be elect ed, if nominated, his friend "Bob'' Mo Gee, who was senate chairman of the finance committee of 1915 and a house leader in 1912, would see to it that Gragan was appointed to a committee of importance by the republican speak CT of the house. MT. Gragan is a rep resentatiye citizen and thoroughly qualified to represent New London in the legislature. Murray and Gragan would make strong democratic team, but probably not strong enough to get a peep in on election day. There are many other available candidates on the democratic side, but all like MT. Mur- ray drill in the wrong squad.
 The court of common council, the same that has been crying retrench- n1ent and reform, has struck a vein of generosity with the peoples money as end of the present council draws near. The salary of the city clerk, whose only apparent duty is to keep the records of the council and city meet tngs. is raised from $500 to $1,000 quite a good sized raise, and the amount is not begrudged such a competent of ftcial as is the present incumbent. The only reason given for the raise is that the salary had not been changed for forty years. It might be added that the duties have not been materi- ally changed during the same period. It is a very good salary to receive on the side, as the city clerk can engage in any other business which he sees fit, the office not requiring only a small part of the time. The salary of the city treasurer, which ever since the retirement of the late J. Coleman Williams has been $700 has been raised to $1,0G0. The trea surer also acts as comptroller and the position requires practically all of his time.
 Just a word in this connection. J. Coleman Williams had been treasurer for years at the small salary of $500. In appreciation of his services the sal ary was raised to $500. That salary was an inducement for others to seek the office. and J. Coleman Williams never received the advanced salary. He was succeeded by Thomas w. Will jams. Political history may repeat it. self. The fee system is to be abolished in the office of tax collector and he will receive a flat salary of S2,400 a year. These officers will be all amply paid. In fact, with exception of the secretary to the board of assessors, who receives S1.500 a year, they are the only city official who receive all the pay they deserve.
 The men Of the police department. gre not only the lowest paid officials on the city pay roll, but are also the lowest paid policemen in the state of Connecticut, and they in addition are required to provide themselves with uniforms and equipment They have asked for an increase in keeping with what is paid other departments in cities about the size of New London, and they ought to get it. They are on duty longer than any other local off ficial and their services are indispen- sable. The policemen made their re- quest of the finance committee weeks ago, in ample time to include a suf- ficient appropriation in the budget and there is no valid reason why their sal aries should not be increased. It is but a simple act of justice between ernployer and employees. Now that the aldermen have struck a generous vein. it is expected that there will be some man among them, who will step to the front and centre and demand that the policemen get a square deal. One a1- derman. who favored the raise in fthe salary of the clerk and the treasurer. has remarked that if the. policemen did not want to work for the present pay they could: quit and getework elso- where. The same remark couJd be we'll applied to tho city clerk and the rtreas-. urer, or any other Of the salaried of ficers who sit at desl1Sb astthere ara many competent men who would be glad to get the offices at the existing salaries. There is some spublics demand for an increase in the salaries of the policemen, that wouldf be in keeping with the regular pay that prevails tl1rcughout7th state.