New Britain herald., 1919-03-26
JUDGE Smith NAMED
DESPITE OPPONENTS
Senate AffirmS Governors Re-
nomination by Vote Of 22 to9
BUTTONS FOR HOME GUARD
Legislature Has Favorable Report For
Badge to Honor Men Who Took
Place Of State Militia--Kopp1eman
Makes Statement

Place OF State Militia--Koppleman
Makes Statement
Hartford, March 26.-Some legisla-
tors had the experience Of q train de-
rallment today which compelled them
TO walk along the tracks in the
Hartford yards. No injury was done
TO anyone. The express leaving New
Haven at 1918 was Il little late for
Hartford and going so miles an hour
was stopped suddenly near the state
arsenal when the rear wheels of the
engine tender jumped the rails and
plowed along for considerable dis
tance until 6, soft spot in the road
bed was reached.
In the senate the governors re-
nomination of Edwin L. Smith of the
Hartford common pleas court, was
confirmed % to 8, over the objection
Of Senator Williamson.
Klctt Supports Nomination.
Senator Klett spoke for the COM
mittee on executive nominations
Senator Williamson said Judge Smith
had been on the bench eight years:
he had character, integrity and abIli-
ty. In spite of these qualities, the
senator said, the Judge has not been a
capable one. Decisions have been held
UP and there has been willfull delay
in handing down decisions. Confirma-
ton of him would be merely a recog-
milton Of good fellowship, which was
not an issue, and would ignore the
difficulties and annoyances to which
lawyers practicing in his court had
been subjected
Broder Defends Judge.
Senator Broder, who left a murder
trial to come to the senate and de-
fend Judge Smith was surprised at
the attitude of Senator Williamson
and said that Judge Smith. was not
the only judge who delayed in giving
decisions. He accredited the opposi-
tion to adverse rulings given lawyers
in q single case, and he did not be-
1ieve it was fair to hang u general
charge Of inefficiency on him on the
basis of q, single case.
Senator Williamson replied that il,
was IL fact that Judge Smith was di-
Iatory and neglectful of his work, and
he believed that four years ago there
was similar criticism Of him. ..
There was no further debate and
the ballot was taken.
The senate received favorable re-
ports on the governors nominations
of Christopher l.. Avery to be su-
perior court judge and on John r.
Booth to be common pleas court
Judge in New Haven.
Oppose Electricity Law.
The petitioners for legislation to
prohibit The sale in other states of
electricity generated from water pow
er in Connecticut were given leave to
withdraw The judiciary committee
was of the opinion that even If there
was no cor stitutional bar TO such
transaction, such a law might lead to
retaliatOry laws elsewhere. Com
Eanies in other states are selling cleo
tricitv in this state. Senator. Hemen
way had the petition ordered printed
IN the journal.
This question came up later when
the house bill to give the Connecti
cut Light and Power Co. a charter
amendment was taken up and adopt
| ed. Senator HemenWay had offered
an amendment to prohibit the sale Of
electricity by the company outside
the state unless the sale was ap-
proved by the public utilities COM
mission. The senator argued for his
! state rights in the future protected.
He had heard that a great power
combine was aiming to control all
| the water power in the state and the
| state should not relinquish super
| vision over It's utilities. Senator Bis
sell defended the report and bill and
| the amendment was lost, only Sena-
tors Hemenway, Bailey, Hurley and
| hin
| adopted in concurrence.
Koppleman Attacks Newspaper.
Senator koppleman, who went to
/ California to benefit his health just
| before action was taken on the pro-
| hibition amendment and returned
Saturday with his nerve energy re-
stored, rising on question Of per
sonal privilege read E. lengthy type
written statement as to his absence
| and replied to an editorial In the
! New Haven Journal-Courier which
! he alleged was criticism Of his posi-
! ton on the prohibitory amendment.
| The senator took up personal cor
respondence with Col Osborn, editor
| of the paper in question and sharply
criticized the latter. The senator.
in his own behalf claimed he had
announced his attitude on the amend
ment, had announced his intention
of going away week ahead, and had
left a pair with the democratic
! leader.
Buttons For Home Guard.
Recognition buttons for the home
| guard members are favored in
| committee report.
A bill to create q commission on
| child welfare to be effective July
next was reported. 1t provides that
the governor shall appoint not less
than twelve persons nor more than