New Britain herald., 1921-05-28

 at the hearing before the Public Utli- ities Commission yesterday afternoon. In the face of such a demand it is diff cult to see how the commission can render any judgment other. than one in favor of jitneys. :,
 An outstanding feature of the hear ing was the unanimity with which all classes presented their case for conS1d- eration Private citizens were present in large numbers, city officials were there and the manufacturers were well represented.
 Mayor Curtis and several mem bers of the council presented arguments as representatives of the public. Herbert A. Johnson of Landers, Frary and Clark Manufacturing company made out a good case for the people who work in local factories and have been forced by lack of trolley service to depend almost entirely on jitneys to get to their benches and home again, No line of travel was without friends. Every route now taken by the jitneys was declared necessity. There was some testimony to the effect that patrons of trolleys were subjected to ! incivilities on the part of trolley crews, but the public became so hardened to this condition that even the remarks Of the offenders would not be taken resentfully if the company would only render service commensurate with the rate of fare. As the Observer has said before, the Connecticut company need only look l in its mirror to see who is to blame 1 for the public uprising against the | trolley. It has neglected to improve its opportunities by looking only on the 1 financial side of the question instead n as we'll.
 Noticeabl among the remarks was ! criticism of the condition of the com pany's rolling stock.~ It has been laughingly said for some time that New Britain gets cast-oH cars from other cities and ii would not be sur prising if there is some truth to this. l It is an insult to ask resident along l the East Main street and Chestnut street lines to ride in the dirty and decrepit vehicles used on those routes. Trolley cars are essential. Any sane man will agree with that. But this knowledge should not lead Connecti- cut company officials to think that 1 trolleys cannot be replaced. Americans are versatile people and substitute | can be found for the trolleys if the traction barons become childish and withdraw the cars.
 The remedy would have been found long ago if the trolley officials, in- stead of trying to force their point of view, studied the needs of the ter ritory and tried to attract customers like any other thoughtful firm which has something to sell and is serious about selling it as often and to as many people as possible. It is mainly a question Of salesman3hip properly cuppor;a1 by the "hOuSa.' "
 
 With mendable indifference to the consequences incident upon dis pleasing those who occupy the seats of tho mighty, Representative Arthur N. Rutherford appeared as cham p.on of the jitneys and of the resi- cents of New Britain who depend upon them for transportation. The Connecticut Company is using every infiuence-in legislative lob- bies they call it pulling wires"-to secure @ verdict favorable to itself and inimical to the jitneys. And despite the fact that the people whom they represent want bus serv- ice. there are some members of the legislative who are inactive and who are supinely and, it is suspected. knowingly, allowing the trolley mag mates to win their point
 Representative Rutherford, with full knowledge that his every word would be noted by the dictators of legislative policies, has fearlessly +aken the stand that the rights of the common people shall be pro- ctcd. His attitude should not be forgotten should he decide to re- main in politics and seek promotion
 When Mayor Curtis first took a hand in the conduct of the health de- nartment it was freely predicted that he was sowing a wind that would hring forth harvest of whirlwinds. That this view was not without foundation is shown by the most re- cent disturbance in that department which has resulted in the resigra- tion of pr. Jesse R. Harris, Superin- tendent of Health
 Without considering the merits of either side in the controversy, it can be said that New Britain finds it. self in unfortunate position be- cause of executive interference in SO many f'epartments Mayor Curtis is a man of strong will one who is deterlnines to gain his end even if it is necessary to play watchful waiting game. and it is regrettable that he allows this side of his nature to dominate his official acts.
 From tho very first, he has i'm sisted that his commissioners pattern their thoughts after his thoughts. This is particularly true with respect to the health department which has been racked with dfy-ension since the Curtis administration took of