New Britain herald., 1924-09-18
O'SULLIVAN MAKES
 KEYNOTE SPEECH
(Continued from Third Page)
State Policies

Stute fUlICleS
 And now may I direct your thoughts into another channel. As- sembled here as democrats of Con- necticut, our duty is primarily to | outline our state policies. It would | be pleasant to discuss the need of | an absentee voting law: of a policy ! to connect trunkline highways to in- sure better transportation for rural 1 communities; of revision of taxa ton looking especially to the. repeal l of the nuisance taxes; of curing cer- tain defects in the workmen's com pensstion act that employees on inter- state carriers might elect the state act as the foundation of their rem edy, and further that appeals from commissioners might be simple, in- expensive and certain of action, even where defective appeal steps are taken by the employe; of legislation to prevent the use as evidence of any property illegally seized without the authority of a search warrant. Like wise would it be proper to suggest changes for certain archaic prac- tices in handling some of the state accounts. But feeling of sympathy for the former state treasurer-a feeling which I just can't under stand or explain-not only inspires the hope that the public funds are intact, but prevents a more detailed outline of the needed reform. Again, it would be delightful to express my hearty approval of the position of l Mir. Bingham, which while utterly at odds with the centralized program of President Coolidge, insists that the Connecticut system of edueation cat, best be handled by the people Of Connecticut.
 However, deem it of such inl- portance that am impelled to out line my theories on Connecticuts natural water resources. The future will be an age of electricity. Into whatever industry we may go, elec- tricity will be the power which VIII move the wheels. Mills and fac- tories will consume 1t, trains will employ it. The homes of the city will be lighted and the machinery on the farm will be run by it. Electricity will be as important tc the future as steam has been to the past. Because of its universal use that convenience and comfort may be satisfied at the lowest cost, oui streams and rivers must be made available for the unlimited develop
 ment of water power. No unrea sonable obstacle should stand II the path of this policy. But no mar can honestly claim that the reten ton of the title to water powe sites in the name of the state ! : unreasonable. The streams whlcl the Lord has placed in generou lI abundance throughout this com
 monwealth are the property of al
 the people, not to, be bartered 0
 given away to private Interests bu property too valuab@ to be lost TOT ever to its rightfuf owners. Al . ready have great combination U been granted. without so much 8 the cost of a copper cent. charte
 rights. in the face of the republica D. cry of conservation, which carrie
 with them possession of and title
 the peoples property. not for ' term of 50 years, not for five hur
 dred years. but until time end ,r What has been Agratuitously n' ,r slowed upon great companies ca
 never be regained But for the Fl |, tention of those remaining wat
 power sites. this state should Tn
 mediately formulate an honest DO
 icy of true conservation, not one e boneless structure. To lease the' ~ sites for & term of years will pla' .r no impeachment in the path of u " developer, will safeguard the pr
 per disposition of their title, al ,o will insure the people from the DO .w sible strangle-hold of future selh
 combinations of capital.
 ,r Here ends my task; yours but D
 gins. Enthusiasm has won many
 battle, but honesty has won mol
 The true strength of party lies n
 in a maudlin reference to pc nd glories but in the belief of m
 that It is inflexibly and persistent AT honest. Guided by such philosopl
 may you approach your work, T mt as willy schemers bent solely
 strategy, but as crusaders espo' us ing faith and dedicated to Tigh nr ous service. With armour brig
 with banners unsrllied, we can tn
 await with confidence the coml
 of the morrow.