The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-04-27

reliably that a serious rift had oc- cured between the governor and his own party over the proposed re- appointment of William J. Cox, a Democrat, as state highway commits sioner.
 Insist on Republican
 Party leaders were understood to be insisting that a Republican be chosen for the post, which is one of the largest patronage dispensing state agencies.
 Cox was named year ago to fill out the unexpired term of the late John A. Macdonald, Republican, who quit after his administration was censured by grand jury in it's investigation of the $25,000, 900 Merritt parkway scandal.
 As a consequence of the commits sionership fight, all other major nominations were being withheld. They concerned the finance, welfare, insurance and publi cutilities com- missionerships, which require Gen. eral Assembly ratification, and the police and liquor commissionerships, which are direct appointments.
 Socialists Shout Deal
 Socialists charged Ideal" as the senate passed a bill increasing the superior court bench by one mem Der. The action came after three hour delay in meeting of the senate late yesterday. Reports were the new appointee would be Attorney William H. Comley, Bridgeport, Gov Baldwin's law partner.
 In return for their vote on the superior court bill, democrats were believed assured by the governor he would reappoint as common pleas judges three dmeocrats, Samuel Mellitz, Bridgeport; John T. Dwyer, Norwalk, of the Fairfield court; and Edward J. Finn, of the Waterbury court.
 There were reports democrats re- ceived assurances they would be well-treated on minor court appoint ments expected later in the ses- sion.
 Gov. Baldwin issued statement in which he said he was very much pleased at the results of the extended party parleys.
 Both parties showed willing ness to cooperate" the governor said.
 Cigarette Tax
 Hartford, Conn, April H.-(UP) The Senate today voted to make permanent a tax of two cents package on cigaretteS-a $2,000,OOO a year revenue raiser.
 The tax was imposed four years ago as an emergency measure to bolster relief funds.
 Other provisions of the bill, in- creasing the discount rate to dis tributors from five to IA per cent, and prohibiting the use of machines vending single cigarettes, were ap- proved without debate.
 The Senate also voted to estab- fish an old age assistance funds, segregating the pension fund from the states general fund. Borrowing from the general fund for six months periods, however, was allowed.
 Creation of state board of mos quito control was approved. The board would be composed of the di- rectors of the Connecticut Agricul- tural Experiment Station and the state water commission; the super intendent of the state board of fish cries and game, the commissioner of health and one member appointed by the governor.
 The Senate concurred with the House in passing a bill prohibiting the issuance of permits to aliens to carry revolvers or pistols.
 State Schools Closing
 Hartford, Conn, April 27-(UP)- The legislative appropriations com- mittee today studied one of the most controversial items in Gov. Baldwin's economy program-the proposal to shut down two state trade schools and two state teach CTS colleges.
 Educators and teachers and trade school students packed hearing room late yesterday to protest the proposed closing of the four insti- l 4llC NOiAitiAUbCC oAoO Aloh before 1t report by special gu- bernatorial commission which op- posed closing of the two teachers colleges now, but suggested eventual closing of three teachers colleges, leaving only one open at New Brit ain.
 Only two persons of 600 who crowded the hearing room favored the governor proposals. They rep- resented the Hartford Taxpayers League.
 State Sen. Joseph T. Rourke, D, New Haven, said:
 "The Republican party is over- stepping all boundaries with the slogan of economy and is reaching point of insanity. ask you to stop messing around with our state Teachers colleges"
 Rep. John c. Fitzgerald. D., An- sonia, said the governor was being ill-advised by some Judas Isca-