New Britain herald., 1920-01-22

part in the throwing out of the plan evolved by Dr. Bell, the lighting eN- pert to whom Alderman Curtis evi- dcntly referred.
 He talks about ice and potatoes. 1 have never seen him trying to do any thing to help the people yet. l have never gone around With a chip on my shoulder looking for trouble. I have always tried 10 be mayor of the city of New Britain in my own modest way" said Mayor Quigley in refer ring to the remarks of the alderman. II don't think I need any suggestions from him (meaning Curtis) how to be mayor he added. Things were shap- ing so fast for the continuance of the disagreeaDle effect that Presiding Of 1icer Kerwin rapped his gavel, calling the affair to an end.
 Alderman Curtis was back on his feet again, presenting q resolution asking that the board of aldermen, the mayor and the corporation coun- sel. ascertain the conditions existing over the lighting rates. and should it be deemed necessary, then an appeal be made to the public works commjs- sion.
 Councilman Landers said that he would like to set a time for the re- ceiving these complaints.
 Mly0r Quigley then spoke oE the Fundamentals of his protest aSianst the city accepting tic new lighting rates.
 Will Fight Lone Battle.
 He said they were based upon the unfairness of the area and meter charges and that his interest was in the poor man and not men who had their money tied up in dams and other things that represent lighting companies interests.
 As mayor of this city, he id, "I will go alone to Hartford and op pose, before the public utilities com mission. the placing of the rates in this city, and l believe that l can take along enough citizens to back mo up."
 Councilman Michael King. launched forth as a strong advocate of tho mayor, urging that support be given : to his honor in his stand. He said that some time ago committee was appointed to investigate. rent prof iteering in this city and, despite the fact that the committee met upon several occasions, not a disgruntled rent-payer appeared before the conl- mittee.
 T am not in favor of calamity hoWlers who come in here and kick about ice, potatoes and everything. I want to work with men who have the interests of New Britain at heart. I am for the mayor" he concluded.
 Councilman Charles Gillin was the next speaker. He said that at the outset of the present controversy he took it upon his own shoulders to look up the matter and spend con- siderable time in doing so.
 ''T am, and always will be. for the medium and the poor classes he said in supporting the company rates The Third ward councilman admitted that he knew the new rate system was to increase the revenue of the company and also admitted he was not in a position 10 formulate any other plan whereby this end could be attained.
 Councilman G. A. B. Baker, also of the Third ward ill airing his views upon the matter, declared: There is nigger in the woodpile som ewhere.''
 He believed the rates would show to better advantage to the consumer now than in. the summer months.
 Councilman Landers said he could not see how the public utilities com- mission would allow the rates if they were not legal.
 Mayor Quigley, answering. said the legality of the rates was not ques- toned, but the area and meter method, which would force small con- Sumers to pay a total sum of $S.70 a year for something they did not get. was the chief source of his objection. The mayor also said that sooner than pay the electric, light bill of his home under the plan he would rip them out. He claimed that the gas company or any other lighting company would be justified in putting into effect just such st plan should the Connecticut Light and Power company be per- mitted ''to get away with this stuff" l. Alderman Curtis claimed that no company corporation would do anything and continue to do so that would, cause public disapproyal. In speaking of the claims of the mayor concerning the rights and privileges given to the company in placing poles and other accessories throughout the city, Alderman Curtis said those who secured these rights were long deGd and the present company should not be blamed for this. He thought it unwiSe to go before the utilities com mission with a protest before the council knew fully what if was dOino