New Britain herald., 1928-02-23
20. CLERKS HONOR
 NEW BRITAIN MEN
Sbeehan Vice President, Phdon
 on Organization Committete

M MSmln0on Committee
 More than $50 were present at the banquet of the Connecticut State Federation Of Postal Clerks at Y M T. A. & B. hall last evening which brought to close the annual con- vention. Thomas J. Spellacy and Rabbi Abraham J. Feldman Of Hart ford were the principal speakers and made stirring remarks Ex- Mayor George Quigley acted as toastmaster and introduced the speakers.
 Democratic National Comlnittee- man Spellacy opened his speech by speaking on political issues of the present day and of some of the laws governing civil service men which he thought should be changed h particular he denounced the laws which prevent the workers from en- gaging i'll political activities.
 The retirement law was scored by the speaker. At the present clerk must be 65 years old before he is pensioned on tl, l,00o year. although , 1-2 per cent of his pay is deducted to go towards the pension fund. If properly managed the government, ill the speakers opinion. could pen sion employees after 50 years service, a move which the convention is backing up.
 MT. Spellacy scored the seniority and differential night work in bitter terms. Seniority is not recognized as it should be. and it is a crime to see younger and less experienced men stepping ahead of their elders and procuring responsible positions. he said. Speaking of night work Mir. Spellacy advocated a six hour night. an hour" to consist of 45 minutes, and two hours off Slavery was abolished years ago and We must not let it reappear under the disguise Of civil service laws" he declared.
 In ending his address MT. spellacy spoke in glowing terms of the work and accomplishment of Rabbi Abra- ham J. Feldman of Hartford. When asked what platform the democratic party would have, the speaker an- swered in two words Al Smith," Rabh Feidman on "Anlericantsnl"
 Rabbi Feldman of Hartford spoke on "Americanism" in terms that brought continual rounds of ap- plause. History shows that the country was founded by unity and harmony and progress depended on 1t. .Cnless we continue to have unity and harmony. the country will not progress" he said. If We work to- gether such men as Washington. Lincoln. and Wilson will not have lived in vain"
 |. He dwelt on many political ques- tions and told the audience, when referring to Governor Smith, without using his name, that there must be something rotten. something de- cadent and something very low some. where" if man Is to be denied the honor Of being picked for | high once just because of his or his an- cestors' religion. The speaker re- ferred to the fact that he reads the Congressional Record closely and was we'll informed on political af- fairs. Referring to different occur. rences in congress. Rabbi Feldman said that many things appeared rotten"
 William H. Judd. alderman and president ~f mon council. welcomed the conven- ton delegates to the city and told the audience that he had a personal interest in the convention because his father was at one time post master of New Britain. @-ss~ . National Officer of Auxiliary Speaks
 MT. Judd was followed by Mrs. Bertha c. Weckel. national vice. president of the ladies' auxiliary of the clerks organization. She told the gathering that in her recent al- dress to congress she commented on the fact that the Connecticut auxili- ary was the most progressive branch in the United States. She urged that the auxiliary be given more support and cooperation because of the fact that 1t is in position to influence senators in movements for the bet terment of postal laws. Team work and cooperation are necessary be- tween the federation and the aux Hilary.
 James H. Smith of Ansonia, who was reelected treasurer. gave a short talk on the pioneer days of the fed eration. He told the clerks that every privilege which they are en- toying came after the formation Of the federation. He urged the younger men of the federation to work hard to eliminate the short comings of the post office depart ment and to endeavor to get favor able legislative achievements.
 The new president. E. P. Lawton of Hartford. urged the cooperation of the clerks for the coming year in his work and promised to work untiringly for the organization. Re- tiring President Alfred Shippe greet ed the new president and wished him success. Ralph H. Benson, sec- retary of the chamber of commerce. greeted the delegates and extended the best wishes of the city for their success.