New Britain herald., 1925-01-07


 5 are on active duty continually. , So far as l know, the best ma chinery for law enforcement by [ state authority Is the State Police Force. 1t is not baked by municipal or county lines. It can protect the state highways. It can aid in the , enforcement of state laws and in the prevention and detection of crime. Il commands and receives respect. Il deserves our support.
 There is also need for State
 Bureau of Criminal Identification
 which shall be clearing house for records pertaining 10 such evidence as iinger-prints, photographs, etc.
 Similar bureaus have already been
 established In several other stateA
 and 1t is important that We provide
 as promptly as possible for this im-
 portant aid in protecting our citizens
 against criminal activities.
 National Guard
 l We are particularly fortunate in the character of our National Guard. After being reorganized in accord anf with the National Defense act the Connecticut National Guard has taken position among the leaders of the entire country. In the mat ter of percentage of strength it has been passed by only one other state. In this record we see evidence that our National Guardsmen, by their fine and unselfish devotion to duty, are maintaining the splendid tradi- tions which have always placed Con- necticut in the forefront of every movement for defending our coun- try against its enemies. From the earliest days down through the World War, Connecticut's sons have always shown fearless disregard of personal safety whenever the call came for volunteers In the cause of the common defense. At the last session of the General Assembly a new and comprehensive National Guard act was passed and Is proving to be most satisfactory. The work of our troops has called forth the highest commendation on the part of the Federal army officers who were present in the capacity of instruc- tors and observers. Our armories have been kept in excellent repair and the armory situation. with cer- tain exceptions, is satisfactory.
 The New Haven armory was con- structed over 40 years ago and was never suitable for the purposes for which it was intended. It's construc- ton being rather that of a store house than an armory. An impera- tive need for repairs resulted in an appropriation of s20,O00 by the last legislature, but this only served to cover the changes in the old struc- ture required by the fire laws of the city. The roof is in bad shape, the supporting trusses are weak and cer- tain parts of the building have al- ready been condemned and are not in use. The dampness is so great that military equipment cleaned one day becomes miidewed the next. In fact the quarters are so unsuitable that a portion of the Federal equip ment belonging in New Haven has 10 be stored in Hartford, where it would not be promptly available in case of need.
 While various appropriations have been made for the company armories in different parts of the state in re- cent years, the fact remains that New Haven, owing to its accessibility | from every part of the state, should l have had years ago a first class armory, adequately equipped. The present armory is inadequate, un- sanitary. and in bad physical condi- tion. Further appropriations for it's would be wasted. A new structure in a suitable location is a pressing need at the present time if this important part of our state military organization is to be 
 Soldiers Aid
 The soldiers fund of s2,500,00o, the interest and income of which is paid to needy soldiers of the World war and their dependents, has met with general approval. Our sol diers' hospital at Noroton Heights is ably conducted and is giving we'll deserved care to many aged vet crans. It might be well to transfer 10 it some of the soldiers now cared for in state hospitals.
 Penal Institutions
 The state prison and the Cheshire reformatory under their present are in good physical and performing in high y satisfactory manner the duties rer lured of them by statute. The spirit in which they are being con- lucted not only makes for protec- .io1 against criminals but also aims insofar as possible at the reforma- ion and rr-rstablishment Of those who have ebecn committed to their are. The problem of the proper segregation of those who through mental or physical disease are con- 'idercd as members of the criminal lass is one which is worthy of your 'arnest consideration.
 State Farm For Women
 During the past two years the State Form for Women has been subjected to a considerable amount of criticism. At present it is possible o commit 10 the State Farm too many classes of cases. It is of doubtful wisdom to permit hardened ,hasacters 60, and even 70, years ,ld to be sent to an institution de- 'igned primarily for girls of 16 and r. We all of us recognize the great importance of protecting society lgainst the dissolute. the criminal ind the insane, as well as protecting hese unfortunates against them elves and in bringing about their 'ure and reform, whenever this be possible. In providing machinery. however, for securing these desired 'nds we should be careful not to ,dont measures that pav he iiabIe |