Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1916-12-16
NEEDS AT INEBRIATE FARM
Set Forth by Acting Superintendent Thomas Erman Of
State Hospital at Eastern Connecticut Chamber Of Com
MeetinglHighwa Commissioners Bennett Spoke
on Development of New London Brdge-other Speak.
ers We're Heard

One OF @e most enthusiastic meet
ings ever held by the Eastern Connec-
ticut Chamber of Commerce was held
early Friday noon in the new Cham
Der of Commerce building on Main
street, when Charles J. Bennett, state
intendent IT, F. Erdman of the state
hospital, and H. B. Ayers, secretary Of
the Webster-Dudley Chamber Of Com
merce, were the principal speakers.
Assistant Superintendent Aver OF the
Adams Express company, who was
scheduled to speak on phases OF the
express business. was unable to be
present, but sent his letter Of regret.
Teddy" Roosevelt, William Jen-
nings Bryan. Charles Evans Hughes
or any other political leader, never
received any better reception than did
cheers for everyone and Grange hall,
where the meeting was held. fairly
rang with cheers when Mayor Allyn
Brown started to speak.
At noon an oyster pie and chicken
pie supper was served by a committee
of ladies.
After the luncheon, President Jo-
seph T. Cruttenden called the meet
ing to order and introduced Mayor AL
lyn L. Brown. who extended cordial
welcome and spoke on the amalgama-
ton of the Norwich Chamber Of Com
merce and the Norwich Board of Trade
which would work out for the best in
terests Of the city. The mayor also
dwelt a few moments on the improve
ments on Thames street, one Of the
main entrances to the city.
Charles J. Bennett, the state high
way commissioner, was introduced and
when the cheering ceased, Mr.. Ben
nett said, The reception just re-
ceived is like a Christmas present.
Commissioner Bennett stated that
f1Ox,@ IT, 80 sRI, .-IAz
terest every NeE ,Londoner, in any
verting the present railroad bridge
into a highway bridge. He said that
by legislature, passed at the previous
general assembly, it was made almost
mandatory for the state to accept the
bridge. He explained that the draw
span, in use at the present time could
not be used upon the completion OF
| the new railroad bridge because oil
the close proximity Of the structure
and that something must be done te
meet the situation. He said the re-
modelling Of the bridge fol highway
use would be an enormous work, and
especially in the matter of building
the western approach and the placing
of a new floor for traffic uses. The
estimated cost of work is $450,000
While this is large amount, still the
cost of a new bridge which would un.
be far in excess Of this, the commits
sioner said.
Problem of Finance.
| Assuming that the bridge is con
verified for highway purpose, the mat
ter of securing the money is prob
lem. If the state finances it in Mr.
Benefits opinion. it would be onl!
| fair for the state to maintain it a!
a toll bridge. There are two toll
bridges in this section now. One il
at Saybrook and the otherzis at Had
dam and no doubt there are SOM
who would think the bridge her,
should be free, but Mr.. Bennett saic
he didn't think it fair to have tn,
state bear all the burden.
| The revenue from the Connection
River bridge at Saybrool is $4,000 ];
year. Twelve thousand Of this is ex
pended for operating expenses. $40,
| 900 as interest on the original amount
and $4,000 as a retiring fund on thu
principal.
An act recently passed the legisla
ture by which bridges of this kim
are erected at a cost of one third t,
the state, one-third to the trolle,
company and one-third to the town
at both ends Of the bridge. Town
are to pay a proportionate share &C
cording to their grand lists. A ride
was attached to- this bill whereby tn
trolley company wouldn't have to pa.
its one-third and SO the state woult