New Britain herald., 1926-01-09

Occasionally in our hophazard pcregrinations over this whlrling orb. we run across certain persons whom |, would be delight to choke without warning. By disposition we arc not bloodthirsty Live and let live, iJ our motto. But the human impulse 10 reach out with our fingers and grip the throat of a fellow man and shut of his wind sometimes has stiff argument with our better emotions.
 Such an instance occurred ycstcr- day while We were absorbed in watching the men Of the New Brit ain fire department light flames and smoke at the Palace theatcr, As is 10 be expected at these times, the sclf-appointed jury was in the Do. and was preparing to bring in verdict of guilty with a recOmmenda- ton for hanging. The iiremcn were being discussed. the jury consisting of q number Of young men who ap- pearod as if they would have ser lbuN lDSS oL ipul tSt II S'lIiNphN VI iered them job where real he work was required. You know the type. They arc found sitting on tho Jury whenever other folks arc busy tackling big task.
 Fault was found with the fire- men because they didn't put out the ! Ere instantly. Several Of the men on the roof did not jump around enough. The jury seemed to think i that work consists of running around in circles and making q great deal 1 of noise. While the majority of spectators thought the fircmen did well 10 control the blaze and to check it's progress toward other 1 buildings, the jury was unimprcsscd and made several remarks begin ming with "If we had decent fire department"
 It was then that our lander be- that moment would have alarmed the doctors. There was an itching 1 in the arm. desire to extend that member toward the threats of the jury and choke off further dis cussion A real jury in a court Of justice would probably return q verdict of justifiablc homicide.
 The world over, the human race is affected with self-appointed critics who spend their time peCking at the efforts of other people, offer ing no constructive suggestions but standing 10 one side with a false air of wisdom and scoffing at their fellowmen. They love to convene at a fire where they indulge in their favoritc pastime, but always out Of earshot of the men who are on the ladders or the roof or playing the hose on the flames. Some day other spectators will rise in their wrath, grab q hose and turn in on the jury just to watch them squirm. And the whole world will applaud the act.
 According to rrmors abroad in city hall. thumbs will be turned down on the greater number of pc titions by public employees for salary increases.
 Nearly everyone connected with the city government has asked for a salary raise. Heads or depart ments have appeared before the common council committee on salar- ies at hearings this week and have presented strong cases fin favor of their subordinates. But, it is said, their arguments will have fallen on deaf ears and it is expected that the committee will make q negative re- port to the council, approving of in- crcases only in q few cases where the applicants arc considered espe- cially deserving.
 Even before the series of hearings opened, there were rumors that the majority Of the committee had agreed 10 grant increases only where they were actually needed. The com. mittce this year Is composed of con servative members of the counci who are convinced that the major ity of city workers are well paid compared with like employees iI other cities. Tho attitude of tho committee members at the begin ming of the hearings has not chang cd This is indicated by tho qucs tions which heads of departments havc been asked to answer wheI they appeared as spokesmen fol those who work in their depart
 ments. In many instances the qu"s tions showed q hostile turn of mint toward any salary raises. One com