New Britain herald., 1930-02-26

1 Progress was stumped until wise heads began 10 analyze the reason.
 It was found that the economy motive was not the chief reason for the defeats. What was lacking was a thorough understanding Of the 1 proposition in all details.
 After that was discovered the town authorities saw to it that the electorate was made thoroughly ac- qua}nted with every measure; and rather than err on the side Of con- servatism, the powcrs-that-D yield ed more information than seemed entirely necessary to make the im- provcment plans attractive.
 In other words, the school schemes, among other plans were sold" 10 the public before the yot- ing started. Ever since that time i rlajnvlllo has not suffered from al- verse votes. The town is rather proud Of what it has done for itself in the field Of education and im- proHcments generally.
 In Berlin the school proposition has been discussed for q long time. but what has most interested citi- 2eHs has been the proposed site Much that might have been discuss cd was lost sight Of in inc verbal wrangle over the site, Finally when that was selected came the plans for the building.
 X representative of tho architect had the plans at a town meeting in Berlin on Friday night, but was not given an opportunity to discuss them. The meeting adiourned-- after 900 people had gathered--be- cause there would be referendum on the proposition the following Tuesday. The voting came on sched- ule, and with heavy vote chronicled in the town the school plan was swamped.
 The facts are now that Berlin is no nearer solving its school difficult ties than it was years ago. It still has grammar school where chill dren of junior high age attend. . Classrooms are in the basement and there are portable buildings. Mod | ern improvements are said to be , mostly absent. This condition naturally cannot be expected to last Berlin simply will have 10 improve it's school situation within a short time. II could have made start this week. but-as used 10 be done in Plainvillc--the vote was adverse.
 What is needed in Berlin is good educational selling campaign, with the school improvement as the thing to be properly explained and sold 10 the community. Merely putting the proposition up to a vote without thorough going effort made 10 sel! the proposition usually spells a set back. The people will vote ''yes' when the officials are at a plcnitudt ] of pains to convince them it is the logical thing to do.
 Berlin. of course, is faced with a curious situation. A fair proportion of its residents are identified with the business life Of New Britain. Berlin 10 them is merely place to sleep. The wealthy can afford to send their children to school else- Where-to New Britain-and when they are through here the children can he sent to an academy. The middle class and the poor however, must be satisfied with school con- ditions as they are unless they make up their minds to improve them. and it is these who would benefit most from improved school conditions.
 An educational campaign in Ser in would wear down "saies resist ance" and make the public receptive 10 contemplated improvements. That was the experience in Plain
 ile and it worked. Tho electorate cannot he expected 10 cnthusc aUout something it does not thor ouch}y understand and the tendency to No,e mo- under such circum- stances IS overwhelming. II ts when people begin 10 evaIuaDo the needs O. situation and become con,lnc- oG that the improvement IS ncccs -ary that they take more kindly 10 plan 70 e>pond the necessary funds 10 obtain the improvement.
 After responsible citizens III rlanWuc began selling their i'm proNmcat plans 10 the electorate, after repeated rebuf.s. thc pathway : WAS cleared toward success. The s3me result would occur m Berlin with Ih" same methods
 CRASH. WLNr THI CABINET II happens in Paris A French cabinet, a5 everyone knows, has T tendency toward an ophemcral eX- lalemen O-ra.lonaIlN t Is nossIble