New Britain herald., 1928-02-11

which was decided on this week by the commissioners, is regarded about the city are being more than suftl- cient to make the punishment fiji the crime"
 It is generally admitted that dis cipline is essential to the proper ad- ministration of the service but the suspension of a man for one month period is regarded as drastic beyond necessity. The result is that a work ing man is fined nearly $200 in salary for attempting to better his financial condition and the condi- tion of his associates.
 Several weeks ago the firemen petitioned the commission for an in- crease in pay of fifty cents day. The board declined to act favorably. as it has a right to do. The firemen sent their petition to the common council and it was referred to the council committee on salaries. It was an error to push their case aft CT the commission had decided against 1t but it was not a serious breach of discipline and could have been overlooked if some of the fire commission, inflated with an idea of their own importance. had not felt their dignity assailed. Lack of judg- ment apparently dogged the feet of the firemen and they made a second error by sending to members of the common council pamphlets compar- ing wages paid in this city with those paid in other communities. Among the men active in the campaign for an increase in pay was Lieut.. Hart nett. As the result of an investiga- tiOn. he was suspended for a month by the board and another fireman was fined seven days vacation for his activity. Surprise was expressed throughout the city when the verdict became known and uncomplimen- tary references to the commission were heard. The public was not pleased. Milder punishment would have been accepted as just but the opinion prevails that the fire com- mission was harsher than the cir cumstances required.
 We used to think that the radio -aside from those fools who turn on the full volume along about mid night and then open all the win- dows-was an undisguised blessing, but now we are not so certain. For We have suddenly realized what might have happened had the idea of broadcasting been originated some decades earlier Let us say, for instance, that it is July 3, 1863, and we are tuning in on the big event of the day. We hear some- thing like the following:
 Hello, ladies and gentlemen of the radio audience. This is station WNXX broadcasting from battle- side at Cemetery ridge, Gettysburg, Sylvester Ulysses McNamee an- nouncing. Everything is set for the third round of the Battle of the Century-or the Battle of the Ceme- tery, if you know what I mean. I will now turn you over to Andrew Jackson Carlin, who will give you a description of the battlefield and of the previous rounds"
 Another voice: Hello, folks! Here We are all ready for the third and final round. You will remember that General Lee. the challenger. won the first round day before yes terday, and that the second round, which was fought yesterday, was declared even when neither Lee nor the champion. General Meade, show ed much other than defensive fight ing. The challenger is expected to give aA he has in this round and there will be fireworks aplenty.
 "The men of General Meade arc cncamped along this ridge awaiting General Sickles in back of me says l should call them Union suits--are quite wrinkled from two days of fighting but the blue is much bright CT than the gray of the Confeder- ate soldiers clothes, which is quite worn and faded. Between the two armies lies q beautiful green valley, on the other side of which is Lees front line. There goes the shell. I'll turn you over 10 Mac again."
 First voice: Well, the fight is on. Lee is bombarding us. and the noise you hear is not static at all. If no shell hits us and our usual hot dog shows up we'll give you a shot-by- shot account. Wait! There seems to be something doing over on the other ridge. I'll switch you over there" Click!
 Third voice: ''Lee has just ordered General Pickett to lead his fresh troops against the Union lines. They are forming now. Thousands of them are lining up, flags flying. drums rolling. men cheering. They're off. Down into the valley they go and the Union artillery opens fire.' Click,
 First voice: "There goes the first cannonball. Too high. Ball two low. Wow. A direct strike! Meade's artillery is cutting great gaps in the ranks of the Confederates. | on they come. There is no stopping them. Up the hill. up, up, up. They are at the breastworks. It is bay onet for bayonet now. Oh. boy. What a fight! WHAT a fight. The southern flag Is on the top of the breastworls. It's over! ITS OVER! No ii isn't, either; that was the flag of Union reinforcements-p pardon me. Pickett's men are being driven lack. They're down! One. two, Meade wins. Meade wins!
 Just minute now. We're going 10 try to get Meade to say a few words to you. Hey, General! Have you anything to tell the radio audi