The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1919-03-15
THE BRArrEBoRo DAILY REFoNER SATURDAY MARCH Is 1919

such cases, il is not because they have
been lacking In a sense of duty, but be-
cause they have believed that because of
this fund such duty does not exist.
The trustees believe that the duty does
exist. When this trust first became effec
tive, the pulpits of Brattleboro told the
people that their responsibility would be
greater rather than less because of this
trust and that is the belief of the trus-
tees This bill for instructions is there
fore brought in order that the Judgment
of the court may be given as to then
powers and duties.
What the people of Brattleboro did
during the war is sufficient to show that
they stand up to their duties when they
see them, and no imputation to the con-
trary is intended by this procedure. The
question raised is merely, what are the
duties of the trustees and what are the
duties and rights of the people OF Brat
tleboro?
As with any truly American commun-
ity, the question of right comes first.
| The people are not inclined to discuss
| their duties with a person who they be-
| lieve is disregarding their rights. A def
mite settlement of this question Is, there
| FORE in the Judgment of the trustees Vi
| tally necessary. If anybody were en-
| gagged in Brattleboro in an important
manufacturing or commercial enterprise,
his work would undoubtedly be greatly
embarrassed and injured should it be an
nounced publicly that he was violating
the interstate commerce act and that his
patents were invalid. Where the enter
prise undertaken especially requires pub
lie cooperation and is that of preventing
disease and saving life, it is even more
difficult to operate where it is publicly
as well as privately proclaimed lin such
manner that many of the public are led
to feel little doubt ON the subject) that
the methods employed are improper and
contrary to the law.
The trustees regard themselves subject
not only to the letter of the law but be-
leye also that they are called upon to
have a decent regard for the opinion of
all those interested in making this trust
useful.
They have always welcomed informa-
ton and advice and have never resented
honest and open criticism. On the con
trary, they feel the need of open, frank
, and constructive criticism and of full in
formation as TO facts in order to be able
correctly to use their Judgment, as they
have been ordered to do in carrying out
their trust.
If, through any error, their action ha:
been illegal in any respect this should bC
promptly ascertained and corrected; bu
/ continuing SUGGESTIONS of mere assertions
| or suggestions to the effect that the trus
. is illegally or improperly conducted, TIN
} makers of which do not promptly max
t good are umjustifiable and contrary t
t the public interest, whether made in pub
lie or in private,
I 1t is, therefore, important for the bene
S fit of all parties concerned that Their
: should be thorough showdown in thi
5 matter. Those who have expressed thei
1 views in public manner rather than i
a private have performed service in
. bringing the matter to head, and tn
n trustees feel very sure that all who hay
t strong convictions on this matter, havin
a now chance to give those conviction
Z legitimate and public expression, wi
o take advantage of this opportunity.
c Very truly yours,
1 r. NJ. BRADLEY.