Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1916-02-08


ed at once that the speaker would be
appointed to that office, but as a mat
ter OF fact, the gentleman was ap-
pointed who now occupies the ONCE
and 1t is fair to say that the question
of politics was not considered.
Plant Not Up to Date Now.
The majority of the people of Nor
witch it is presumed think we have a
modern and up to date plant. Such
is not the case and as a matter of fact
our. plant, even though 1T hurts to
make the statement in public. is not
such as Norwich should have.
Under Bonds.
On the question of a contract about
which so much has been said, I trust
board of commissioners are under
bonds of $4,000 each and the intent
and purpose of the bonds are that they
shall perform their duties entirely to
the credit and for the good of the city
of Norwich. I wonder if the men upon
whom the calling of this meeting de-
pended are aware of this fact. Tt is
something unusual for the city of Nor
witch to usurp the duties of a, commits
sion by a meeting entirely without au-
meeting the result of which might en-
barrass the commission to such an ex-
tent, that in the end, the city of Nor
witch may suffer a financial loss.
Contract Not Closed.
Now the contract about which so
much has been said is not a closed
transaction. Tonight to my own
knowledge at least, no one knows ujst
what will be done, ] am afraid that
so much delay, SO many unpleasant
words have been said and written and
SO many dirty lines have been in the
public wash that when it is all over
the city of Norwich will be the loser
1t is to be expected that with a COM
mission OF five members, there may be
questions upon which a division of
opinion may be expressed, and now
we come to the point at issue. The pa
peFs have had much to say informa,-
ton we understand it coming naost-
ly from one particular member of the
commission, although it was agreed
by the commission at their first or
ton as given the papers would be fur
nfshed by the secretary of the COM
mission.
Offered to Read Minutes.
Now while il does not appeal to me
to have it done, but considering the
fact that so much has been said and
published, I have with me the book
containing the records of the meet
ings and will ask the commissioners
present If they have any objections to
the reading of the minutes. / will ask
them here in public, name by name,
to say to this meeting whether they
are willing for this to be done or not
If there is a niger in the wood pile.
this meeting may have an equal chance
with US ALL I for one have nothing to
hide and stand before the citizens of
this city, confident that when this is
all ever and settled my reputation for
honesty will not be questioned over
this affair.
City May Lose Financially.
Now to close, the commissioners as
you all know have meeting tomor-
row night, while any action taken here
might not prove an embarrassment,
much harm it occurs to me has al
ready been done by the besmirching
and insulting newspaper articles and
letters; and hope that those who
may vote for any resolution which may
be brought up for action, will consider
the delicate position this meeting oc-
cupies and the fact even though their
personal or political ennity is against
the commission, that possibly, beyond
all this. the city of Norwich may lose,
both financially and in other respects
Read Minutes of Meetings.
Mr. Spalding called the commission
ers name by name to answer whether
they were willing to have the records
of the meetings read and when all
had answered giving no objection. he
proceeded to read the minutes of all
since Jan. 1, 1916, showing the sue
cessive stages in the negotiations on
the new contract proposed with the
Uncas Power Co.
HIS asked II there was anything in
the records that showed any of the |
dishonesty that had been talked |
around the street. This 1t was that |
Mr.. Boardman had limited at as far as
he dared, said the speaker.
If you think I'm dishonest, said Mr.. |
fTatcr wan "a a. acf
under the So, 600 bond which I have |
given as a commissioner.
There were other questions, Mr.. |
Spald1ng continued, that he would |
embarrass the meeting of Tuesday |
night. He was speaking for himself |
and what he said he had spoken hon. |
estly for himself as a matter of per-
sonal privilege.
Judge John H. Barnes took the floor |
and put the audience in a good hu- |
NOR with a funny story. When he 4
heard Of the trouble and talk on the /
street and learned that the majority
of the board were democrats he felt |
like asking, what could you expect ? /
(I4aughter.)
Mr.. Barnes went back into the legfs-
lative history Of the Norwich Gas and
Electrical company and the acquire
ment OF the property by the city He
discussed the city's original electric
ity contract with the Uncas Power |
company which was for IL cents for
the first 100000 kilowats, and 1 cent
over that. This contract was not re-
newed upon expiration. and the re-
suit, said Mr.. Barnes, was to leave
the Uncas Power Co. high and dry
without a customer for their product.
The company was brought face to face
with two aiternatives-to sell their
product to the city at whatever price
the city wished to pay for it or go in
to bankruptcy. 1t chose to take the
city's price of one cent fat and since
that time has been conducting a los
ing business
Live and let live! Let the city
make fair profit and let the Uncas
Power company make something. too.
The slogan Of this worthy organiza-
ton, the Chamber of Commerce, is to
trade at home. Employ home indus
try. Tho Uncas Power company is
owned by home capital I think we
owe them square deal and Just so
long as the Uncas Power company is
willing to meet the city of Norwich
half way, We as citizens OF Norwich
are in duty and honor bound to trade
with 1t. Let us think twice before
our action results in running a home