New Britain herald., 1923-01-18
Former Feels Prompt Legislation May Avert Serious Suffering-Pro. posed Measure Provides For Seizures
Those Held Up by Demoral- ized Train Schedules Ask Right to Subpoena in Suggested Investigation of Roads.

Hartford, Jan. is.-Goyornor Tenn pleton today sent to the general ass sembly n communication calling at- tention to the growing seriousness of the fuel situation. He recommended prompt legislative action.
 The communication follows:
 January IS. 1923 "To the honorable general assembly: Tn my inaugural message, l called attention to the fuel situation and the dangers with which 1t was fraught to the citizens of the state. Since that time matters have grown worse, part ly due to the cumulative effects of the winters cold. partly to the exhaustion of the supplies of fuel on hand.
 "Jn my judgment, the situation has now arrived at a point of seriousness which requires immediate and vigor- ous action. Some parts of the state less fortunately situated with respeos to fuel supply than others, are in serious need. The burden falls on all classes of society but the distress Of the poor will be particularly acute unless remedy is found.
 Under these circumstances l have asked the acting fuel administrator to recommend legislation on this subject. He has done so and bill embodying his recommendations will be submit ted to you today.
 Provide For Future
 "Without suggesting the precise form which it may take, I earnestly recommend that legislation of some sort on this most important subject be adopted which not only will pro- vide for meeting the present emer- gency with all the vigor at the states command, but will lay the foundation for a more effective method of com batting in future the dangers of fuef shortage.
 Much suffering, in my opinion can be averted now and in future by prompt and vigorous action on your part" The message was ordered printed in the journal.
 Senator Els offered a bill giving the fuel commissioner further power in obtaining coal by purchase or seizure of stocks, which was drawn up by At tOrney 1tH. Ilcttiys
 Hot After Railroad.
 A resolution to give the legislative committee on railroads power by pro- cess of subpoena to investigate serv- ices of steam railroads operating in Connecticut was introduced in the house of representatives today, and ordered printed in the journal The resolution was reported out of the committee as the outcome of protests of members yesterday over slow train service, poor connections at junction points and inadequate accommoda- tions. The intent was to have the resolution adopted under suspension of the rules, but house leader Buck ley thought immediate action might not be best.
 The committee through Represen- tative Durham were reported in the following:
 Measure Proposed.
 Resolved by this assembly:
 Section The joint standing committee on railroads is directed to investigate the character and ad- euuacy of the service provided by any steam railway company chartered in the state and to report such rec concentrations and legislation as it may consider the public may require.
 Section g. Said committee is authorized to cause the attendance of any witnesses and the production of any book, paper or document before 1t by subpoena duces tecum as the circumstances may require and may cause to be presented before the gen. eral assembly for the imposition of such penalties as it may determine, any person failing to answer to any such summons.
 Section 3. The reasonable ex- pense incurred under the provisions of this resolution shall be paid by or der of the comptroller upon the treasurer upon approval of such ex- pense by the senste and house chair man of said conimittee."
 Lack of Cooperation.
 Mr. Durham said that the commit tee had received reports which led it to believe the poor service was caused perhaps by lack of cooperation of employees or by mismanagement of of- fcia's. He moved suspension of the house rules and adoption of the reso- Iution. Leader Buckley said he had not seen the resolution. although he had heard if was coming. but he thought there should be opportunity to confer with the public utilities commission and to inquire into the situation. He moved that the resolu- ton be tabled and printed in the journal. The motion was carried by viva voce vote but there were few "noes."
 Disagrccs With Buckley
 The senate refused to agree with he Buckley plan in the house in Continued on Thirteenth Page)