New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1917-12-29

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respective boards it is estimated that
only about one man in ten brings in
Ms Quesdonnaire completely filled
cut and, It 10 likewise estimated, al
most 80 Per cent. OF the registrants
have to use an interpreter during at
least part OF the time they are work
ing on their questionnaires. Those
Who have been working with the le-
gal advisory boards state that vast
majority OF the re8istrants this time
arc claiming exemption and that
there are only comparatively few
VINO are wadvtng their claims. Many
OF the claims are absurd. Some are
possible but remote while, Of course,
others are bone 1aae. Then too, some
/ men are not claiming exemption
themselves bat either their relatives
or their employers are insisting on
seeking exemption Tor them. But all
Inns WOEk N giving advice on ques-
| uonnAaTog b not without It's funny
saoe- Probably the most unique incl
dent occurred early in the week in the
hrst district and the following story
related by Chairman Klett is said to
be true:
tho reg48&E1It, on coming to the
proper part Of the Questionnaire, de-
ciared that he was a married man.
ASKED II he had any children, he
slowly replied that four little ones
had blessed his marriage. "Of course
you cdAdm exemption" formally
q1eried the clerk and he prepared to
NIL in the proper blank II do not"
firmly stated the registrant. What,
you with q wife and four children and
not claiming exemption asked the
astonished clerk who only few
minutes before had had a hard time
inducing another foreigner that cou-
sins, aunts and grandmothers in the
central part of Europe do not consti-
tute bone hde dependents. Then the
man told His story. It was true he is
married. Likewise true that he has
four children but-and here his
voice dropped to a near whisper
his wife has had him arrested two
times within tho past year for vari-
Gus offenses and he thought he would
be able to have more peace by going
to war than staying home.
80
This is the way the agent got
lesson In manners. He called at
certain local business Office and saw
nobody but prepossessing and cap
able appearing young woman.
Where's the boss?' he asked alb
ruptly.
What is your business?" she asked
politely.
None OF yours!' he snapped. II
got q proposition to lay before this
Arm, and want to talk to some
body about It."
And would you rather talk to a
gentleman"
Yes" -, |
'well," answered the girl, smiling |
sweetlv,% 80 would I. But 1t seems |
that it's impossible for either of us
to have our wish. so wen have to |
make the best Of it. State your bus
mess please!''
The administration has now stated
on several occasions a desire to lower I
the tax rate to 10 mills for the COM
ing year. II this can be done it will
be most agreeable surprise to the
taxpaying public. THERE'S no doubt
that the people Of New Britain are
already feeling the pinch of war.
With many funds to receive contri-
buttons, with the ~gh prices Of
clothes and other necessities Of life
the average person finds it exceeding
~ hard to make q dollar catch up to
the next. "A reduction in the tax rate
would be most agreeable to the pub
lie, and would prove to be strong
campaign argument next spring, so
the people may rest assured that the
mayor will work hard toward this
end To lower the tax rate however,
the most rigid economy in all depart
ments must be practised and in this
respect it Is probable that the board
OF public works would be hit the
hardest. It has been estimated that
III - = 4 L
curtail all new street work and SIM
ply take care OF present paveunents
and macadam next year. This might
make a saving of $4,000. At pres
emit, however, the board of public
works is four or five years behind its
schedule in street improvement work |
and whether it would be advisable to
set the work back still another twelve
months is an open question: The
mayor has recommended that the
New Britain Library do without it's
$4,000 appropriation for new books
this year in view of the war econo-
plies which are necessary. If this is
done it means the saving of one
eighth OF a mill right there. The fire
department, with it's recently or
dered equipment is thought to be in
fair shape and may not need any
more OIL an appropriation IMAM IL re- |
ceived last year. The school depart
ment will, however, undoubtedly
have to come in for an increased ap-
preparation next year. The school
department, with its ever increasing
budget, is the bugbear OF all admins
trations but the members can be re-
lied. upon to use the utmost good
judgment and to ask nothing which
is not necessary and there is no doubt