The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-01-06

COmpelleu LO 1urHlSH SupPIcIHSu~ tary relief. Tn this work, every effort has been made to maintain standards and to decrease ex- penses. Each applicant is carefully investigated to prevent fnisrepre- sentation and inmerited assist ance. A competent staff of trained workers has labored necessarily that no worthy case may be over- looked. A careful record is kept so that other cities are charged with the care of their own citizens who are temporary residents here.
 am sure that you will find in the annual report of this depart ment much of information and interest in regard to this serious problem.
 We cannot with assurance look forward to a return to the vastly lighter expenses of former times for this work. The more stringent laws relating to old, age relief, compensation and kindred sub- jects have served to place many formerly valued employees beyond hope of unemployment, even with improved business condi- tions.
 The question Of relief cannot, and should not, be measured in terms of dollars and cents. No public official worthy of his trust will permit any deserving appeal to be unanswered. For my part, i assure you that, regardless of the cost of this work, our city shall not, as long Ns have any power in the matter, turn Q deaf ear to any worthy appeal for assistance.
 Mutual Aid
 In the discussion of relief work, there comes to mind an event which should arouse the pride and admiration of every citizen of Waterbury. I refer to the work of the Mutual Aid Unemployment Fund which has, during the past few days, come to an official close. I doubt If any organization, in peace or in war, has ever rend- cred more faithful and efficient service than has this cooperative effort to relieve distress. It came into existence in October, 1g30, when the economic depression had reached an acute stage. It has been conducted for over five years by Q voluntary committee, non-political and iioil-sectariat1 in character. It has won nation wide acclaim by the scientific and efficient manner in which its work was carried on. It's continued ex- istence was made possible by the generosity which prompted over twenty-five thousand of our citi- zens to share with their less for- tunate fellow met and women 6 part of their own earnings. It has raised and expended nearly two and otie-half millions of dol- lars, and tkis without ostentation and with fi, word of reproach or breath of scandal. It has deinon- strated the loyalty and humanity of our many business concerns which, week after week for this long period. gave from their own funds 50 that their employees might not be obliged to bear the burden alone.
 Undying Gratitude
 I hope that every resident of Waterbury will read and refnein- Der the final report of this com riittee. I wish 1t were possible for me to name to you all who had share in this splendid under taking. Any attempt of mine to call this long roll of honor might result in inadvertent commissions. So I take this opportunity to say to them, one and all, that they have earned the undying grati- tude of their city and that the work which they 50 tif1selfishly performed will ever be held by their fellow citizens in affection ate remembrance.
 Tn times when so much is heard and read of crime epideniics throughout the country, 1t Is re- freshing to note from the report of the police department, that our city has been sifigularly free from crimes of a serious nature. Water bury has long been regarded aS barren ground for organized crime. The few attempts made by cfifn- inal agencies to operate fin this city have been thwAfted 60 promptly and effectively that this problem, SO serious ifl many cofn- munities, has not given us cause for alarm.
 A major problem requiring not only the best efforts of the police department but the sincere co-op- eraticn of all citizens exists Tn the necessity for more adequate tfafnc control. This question ib daily be- coming more serious and iiittst re- ceiye careful attention ifi the near future. A curiitaittoc Of represent A.4