Norwich bulletin., 1922-05-23
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Should Have Ended With HOstilities
 Mir. Editor: Among the many vexing problems bequeathed us by the world war Is the daylight saving question. It is doubtful whether we have had an issue within generation which, here in the east, has aroused greater interest, caus- ed more confusion or stirred up more hard feelings than has this.
 In the old days, before the war, every one was perfectly eontented with stand ard time. A stated hour meant tho same everywhere throughout the zone of eastern standard time, from the larg- est city to the most remote hamlet. Now, during the summer season, no one knows what it means in any designated locality unless informed as to the sys- tenn of time prevailing there. In publish ing notices of meetings, social events. funerals, etc, 1t is necessary to specify whether stand prd or daylight saving time is to be observed. In many towns and cities some people are observing one system and some the other. The result is confusion worse confounded," general mixup, much dissatisfaction and strong personal feeting. If all the arguments of the advocates of daylight saving are to be taken at their face val
 
 managed to exist, to say nothing of achieving and considerable degree of happiness or prosperity in the days when standard time was accepted by all with no question or dissatisfaction. It would seem that this system, unheard of a decade ago, is absolutely essential to | life, liberty and the pursuit of happi- ness" It's most ardent champions in this country would never have thought of it had it not been devised as a war meas, ure by Germany. The European coun- | tries which adopted it during the war, have nearly or quite all dropped it, but I in certain sections of the United States l it seems to possess remarkable vitality. | When this country adopted it in 1918 people generally regarded it as a war measure which would be discarded up on the return of peace. There was very 1 little expressed opposition to it at that time as most people felt that they must expect to submit to annoyances and in- conveniences during thet war. It was when it became evident, upon the re- turn of peace, that there was to be ar attempt to fasten the system upon us permanently that a strong opposition l began to manifest itself. It is to bt noticed that the arguments in favor et l l during the past four years. At first the economic side was presented, the saving of fuel. increased efficiency, etc. At tht present time that line of argument ha!
 been abandoned and that of pleasure an( recreation advanced The farmer hal
 been charged with being the principle ob struotionist in this matter, but the recen town meeting in Norwich, where farmeri
 are a negligible factor, indicates tha there is a pretty strong opposition il
 other quarters. Last year in New Hay en a majority of the factory operative
 voted in favor of standard time.
 7 will not take the space to recite tn , arguments against daylight saving a they have already been ably presente to the public. I consider 1t unfortunate , however, that it could not have been tax en for what it was intended-a wa , measure-and allowed to die a natura death upon the termination of hostilitie: Better still if it had never been rie ! at all. Then we would have kept tn
 even tenor of our way under uniforr
 system of time with everybody content ed and satisfied. As it is now the ques tion promises to be a disturbing facto for long time to come. Whichever sid = eventually wins out there will be a stron F and determined opposition--a fruitful
 source of friction and ill-feeling.
 Il Respectfully,
 e A. B. ROBERTS, q Windham, May Q, 1922.