The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-05
Man On The Street"
Finds Republican Statements 99oo Incorrect-In- dustrialists Commented on Routine Disposition of Cancelled Checks-Why Speak of Libel?,
 Asks Writer.

entry of States Attorney Alcorn into the investigation of city affairs, the story arrived too late to allow the ordinary 8-column line but the front page was broken up and a promi- nent box inserted, the same treat ment the Republican American gave the statement of the former controller, "prominence".
 Officials Comment
 AS mater of fact, this reporter spoke to officials of the largest con- panies regarding their routine dis position of old checks and one ex- tremely prominent manufacturing chief was alone among those who would be quoted publicly on the matter. Contrary to the policy of some in printing names and state ments which seem singled out, thus, in some cases leaving the person or persons quoted open to criticism or argument, it did not seem quite good taste to make this gentleman an individual instance of direct quo- tation. The Republican-American editorial chieftains might fail to understand this consideration.
 In the matter of the Good Gov ernment association, there must be assurance that any newspaper, re- f1ecting as it does the opinions of the citizens of the community in which it publishes, must not only favor but laud a truly public-spir- tied, non-partisan organization de- signed to promote better conditions. That such an association needs ab- solution from partisanry and politi- cal pollution is obvious. Hence, the original personnel ties with the Re- publlcan-American staff and G. O. P.er's indicated that the first "Citi- zens' Non-Partisan committee" was not a move for non-political civic betterment. A divorce" was indi- cated and, by airing the matter. seemed to become effective.
 Libel?
 Why don't read about some suits for libel in your columns?" the man on the street asks.
 The answer to this one is contain ed in various offices throughout Wa terbury where conference have been held anent just such legal retaliation TOT the treatment of a number of excellent citizens by the attack pro- gram" designed for undermining the incumbent political party.
 But, enough of enlightening the Man on the Street, who, late in his letter, asks to know what the out come of the situation will be, except to offer the Surmise that:
 ]. Today'S developments include investigation of affairs by Hugh AL corn's office with MT. Alcorn to get a report in two or three weeks, thereafter to decide whether a grand jury is indicated as necessary.
 2. Those close to the administra- tion remark that the investigation of official nature is most welcome as the instrument best-designed to clear the suspicion raised by the political attack"
 Next?
 3. What next? We'll, MT. Man on the Street, it would seem that much that has not met the eye in the prints devoted to smearing will be "eye-opening" in the sense that only one side of the story has been off, fered to those of the public con- fined to Republican reading. The Republican organization papers can not withhold official matter, it would seem, much as some feel they are going to wish they might. Just some of that official matter, you know.