New Britain herald., 1924-03-29
< SUGGESTION

SfpuIlu abUut fttCtIo1 ClUle we seem to forget that this is the day of in- novations. Traditions and old cus- toms in regard to other matters arc going by the board, and a whole lot Of new things are being done. People may question whether or not there is any great improvement, but cer- tainly advances are being made in many ways and we are seeing the foolishness of old methods in practi- cal matters in many instances.
 Ever since one can remember it has been the custom of political organiza- tions to invite and listen to candidates for office put up by their own party. A republican candidate for the mayor. alty talks to republican club. tells them all the things they have been telling others, praises the principles Of the republican party, and receives great applause. It is the same as ii was with the democratic candidates. Both, republican and democratic nominees for office go away from such
 meetings full Of hope--and nothing else Of course these days--and con fidenee, which is a very good thing as far as 1t goes. There has been an at- mosphere of harmony all about them and both candidates and voters-who would have voted for the man they have listened 10 anyway-feel thor oughly satisfied. But what has been accomplished other than 10 inspire the voters and tho workers to greater ef- forts? This. incidentally is a thing to be desired looking at is from a strictly partisan viewpoint.
 But when sincerity and honest be- lief in ones cause comes into consid- eration, there would seem 10 be a splendid chance for a change. The clergyman in his fne church, of course, breaches to the church mem bers for the most part. They need this spiritual aid. probably. But when men go out to correct the wrong views of life of the confessed sinner. they place their missions in the slums and they welcome to those missions the men and women palpaby greatly in need of insfrrcffon and holn
 The illustration is given in the deep. ent reverence. The proper government of our country, state and city should be serious matter II would seem that political organizations would show a splendid sense or the import ance Of good government were they to invite 10 speak before them the cans didates Of the opposing party. The result would be good both for the voters and for the candidates. The former would see matters in new light, possibly, and the latter would realize, too, that men looked at cer- tain questions in quite different way from theirs. There would be lacking that atmosphere of praise for very word and action which now obtains and which often mislcads the candi- dates in political gatherings. How much broader view Of city affairs the voters Of the city would they gain if Judge Alling, for instance. were to speak at democratic gatherings and if Mayor Paonessa were to receive And accept invitations to address gather ings Of republican voters.
 AS a result Of such custom. were it io.bc adopted, the man who vas elect l cd mayor would enter upon his duties moro fully aware of the conditions in tho city politically and practically, than he would if he had been sur rounded during his campaign ohlr by men Of his own party who are na- turally inclined to encourage him to inc point of fsttcry. possibly with the end in view of obtaining for them selves some favor.
 The advances can hardly come from the candidates. IL would be a grsreful thing for some organization to start this practice and display s"nsc Of fairness by giving 2 respectful hearing 10 the candidates or the opposition. And fhis is good year 10 begin. 1T tho orga uization Of the oiher pariy did not follow suit. it would display 2 narrowncss and lack of sp0rtsmanship i that would hurt