New Britain herald., 1922-01-14
THE OBSER YER Makes Random Observations
 On the City and It's People

 which bicycles are usually first rid den,
 It can be seen from the foregoing that there is a remarkably fertile field for the bicycle and that 1t should en- joy progressive popularity, The wheel may never be used extensively again for long distances, except In professional races but 1t will continue be the popular vehicle of locomotlon for many devotees, A few years ago. well known newspaper "columnist' asked the question: What has De- come of the old Fashioned bicyclist who used to be arrested for speed ing?" and witty reader wrote back: He Is now being arrested for block ing the highway" But the bicycle has been able to weather jibes of thls nature and It's answer Is contained In the growing volume of sales.
 If Mayor Curtis intends to seek a renomination at the hands of the re- publican party he should first attempt to refute the statement made by former Water Commissioner Kehoe, that MT. Curtis, acting as mayor pro tenn. dur ing his term as alderman, engaged the services of Engineer Hazen while Mayor Quigley was out of the city and without authority.
 MT. Kehoe's charges are serious be- cause they have added financial bur' den to the city without the proper legal procedure. According to MT. Kehoe, Mayor Curtis refused to re- nominate as members of the water commission, members who declined to approve of paying Mir. Hazen's sal ary. This Is a subject that should not be dropped. and no doubt MT. Quigley will have something to say about 1t If Mayor Curtis runs against him for the nomination.
 The democrats are showing real signs of life, making 1t apparent that they do not intend to let the republi- cans have all the limelight during the spring mayoralty campaign. An or ganzation is being perfected which Is expected to have considerable strength. The party of Thomas Jef- ferson has been weak for the past few years because it lacked organizers and an organization. Straws which show which way the wind IS blow ing whisper that the party intends te put up stiff front in the spring.
 Thus far about the only name men toned in connection with the demo cratic nomination is that of Alderman Paonessa. It is probable that othel candidates will enter the field, how ever. While Alderman Paonessa hal had long service in the public service it is not believed that he is the strong est man the democrats can put for ward.
 1 American valuation is phrase ol the tongue of many business men wht do not thoroughly understand why al effort is being made to introduce thi standard of appraisal on merchandts
 imported from foreign countries int the United States. The plan to es tablish value in American dollar instead of in pounds, francs, marks
 lire, etc, is part of the Fordney tarl1
 bill which was approved by the Hous
 of Representatives before adjourn
 ment. In few words, it Is provis
 ton for the assessment of foreigl
 goods at American valuation rath1
 than at their value in foreign coun
 tries. To those who have given tn
 subject no study, 1t might appear tha
 this is a distinction without g. diff
 ference, but such is far from tn case.
 Because of competition from for , eign quarters which many of Ne' Britain's products must meet, Amerl can valuation is of no little interes , and importance to this city. There } some opposition to the provision 5 principally on the part of impoi r houses, but the average business ma : who has become familiar with the sit ) uation supports 1t on the ground ths it will do justice to American indus
 tries.
 } When goods are shipped to tn 5 country from abroad invoices showin their value are taken to the America . consuates and certified to. But it : customary for shippers to wait unt the day before sailing to send in the : invoices and because of rush of bus = ness the clerks in the consulates al T forced to resort to rubber stam
 methods. They have no opportunit z