The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-10-28

to check back and discover what position I have taken in every important issue raised within our party. He can find whether I have been friend or a foe of double machine tactics. I refer him to the press, Republican as well as Dem- ocratic, as to whether or not I have stood with those in my party who do not tolerate double-ma- chine tactics. He can inquire of Governor Cross concerning my en- trance into the political scene. When he accuses me or the Dem- ocratic organization of attempt- ing to run the state of Connecti- cut, he is uttering 8 plain, down. right lie. recognize, as do my associates, that political organ ization is designed to serve the best interests of those of a cer- tain political persuasion, and not designed to supersede elected of- ficials in their constitutional func- tions. This, incidentally, is in sharp contrast with the organiza- ton which this Republican candi- date praises. A short time ago he said that the state was infinitely better of under the old Roraback regime.
 As to the Waterbury and Mer. ritt Parkway grand jury revela- tions, let me say that the Demo- cratic party has not wished to try the accused men in the newspa- pers or from the political ros- trum. There are Republicans &C., cused as well as Democrats, Re- publicans far more influential in the actual control of their party in this state than are the Demo- crats involved; nevertheless these Republicans, as well as the Demo- crats, are entitled to their day in court. Rather than to assume the role of character assassin so glad- ly accepted by this particular Re- publican candidate, the Democrat ic party has been willing to trust the good judgment of the electo- rate to place the blame where 1t belongs as far as this election is concerned, and to let the courts decide on the actual guilt or in- nocence of the accused. I am one of over 19,000 voters of the city of Waterbury which supported our local Democratic administration. I am one of hundreds of thou sands of voters throughout the state who supported either the Republican or Democratic parties in previous elections. When our college president candidate makes the sort of remarks that he does, he accuses everyone who support ed either of the parties in which those accused were prominent, and that presumably includes himself. This man is unbeliev- ably snug if he believes that the rest of the citizens of the state were less shocked than he by the accusations made by the grand juries.
 The following excerpt from an editorial appearing in the Water bury American. which paper was highly praised at the meeting at which the latest attack was launched, may be Illuminating.
 Referring to the action taken by the Democratic Voters Committee of Waterbury, which was orga- nized by me, in connection with the naming of delegates and can- didates from this city, this paper says:
 ''The contest fin the 18th sena- torial district is of minor impor- tance. The most important thing to Straight-shooting Democrats is that the city hall has at last slr- rendered its claims to control of the party.
 ''Now that it is all over, Chair man Smith is to be congratulated on the manner in which he ham, dled one of the most difficult problems ever cast in the lap of political leader. When he orEa- ni1ed the Democratic Voters com- mittee. the party was split into two factions generally considered irreconcilable. He very properly recognized the right of the Clil- hane-Loncrgan group to have a leading part in the selection of delegates to the coming conven- tions. He most conlinendably re- fused to grant the present town committee any say at all in the matter of choosing such dele gates.v
 I conclude by saying that the present tactics of the Republican party can be regarded only as an act Of desperation as they face what they know to be q losing light.
 want to say again that I think that the statements of pr. Nice Conaughy have been despicabie, and if he has any of the decency which we have a right to expect from one in his position. he will apologize.