The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-29
United States To Keep
 Out Of European War
Congressman ShanIey Makes Interesting Statement at Testimonial to Cong. Smith; Many Tributes Paid

!, was in charge of the event with Harry Coughlan and Daniel Coni1or. Town Chairman, supervising much of the work of arranging and hold" ing the affair.
 A galaxy of public officials paid high compliment to Congressman Smith and Mrs. Smith, who was ale 60 seated at the head table. Among those speaking were: U. s. Senator Francis T. Maloney of Merlden; State Public Works Commissioner Robert A. Hurley of Hartford; J walter Darley, Secretary of the Democratic State Central Commit tee; Mayor Vincent scully, Judge oE Probate Patrick Healey, and Con- greSsman Shanley.
 National Defense
 Both Senator Maloney and Rep. Shanley paid high tribute to their fellow legislator and referred to the important work he has been doing in Washington in building up the national defenses of our nation. Rep Shanley referred to his work as "Streamlining the national defense"
 He pointed out the vulnerability of Connecticut munitions centers such as New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford, and Waterbury and de- clared that citizens of these com- munities should be grateful to the guest of honor for his untiring ef- forts to insure their safety from attacks by a foreign power bent on isolating this section of the Atlar- tic Coast.
 Senator Maloney spoke glowingly as a close friend of the congressman and pointed to the presence of such a large attendance on cold hill- top as proof of the high regard In which he is held.
 Infected into the remarks of Com. Hurley and MT. Darley were hints of what may come later this year when the state and national poGtic- al campaigns are launched in Con- necticut.
 Com. Hurley. often mentioned as a possible candidate for the govern orship on the Democratic ticket struck out strongly against the pre- sent Campaign" that Republicans are waging here in Connecticut by claiming to be responsible for the rising tide of business improve ment". without mentioning names he evidently continued the assault launched some weeks back by Denn- ocratic State Chairman J. Francis Smith on Gov. Raymond E. Baldwin. National Committeeman Samuel Pryor who Democrats allege, are accepting praise for every individual who finds employment in private ir1- dustry today.
 MT. Darley stressed the need of perfecting local organizations 'in time for the contests to occur this fall and spoke of the availability of the headquarters in Hartford. He al- so paid tribute to the memory of the late J. E. Smith, father of the con- gressman and state chairman, whom he knew years ago when he was Q resident of this city.
 Both Mayor Scully and Judge Healey extolled the character of Joe" Smith, Judge Healey remark ing that the guest was ''big enough" in every way to have Waterbury share him and his wife with Pros- pect.
 Relief, Defense
 In response Congressman Smith acknowledged in humble manner the fine things said about him and of- fered his own program to cope with present-day emergencies. He sug- gested the need of laying aside temporarily some of the long range building programs that the felera] government had undertaken to de- vote these funds to more pressing needs of relief, national defense.
 Harry Coughlan presided in fine fashion as postmaster parrying oratorical thrusts with the best of them. Dan" Connor on behalf of Prospect Democrats and residents presented Congressman Smith with a travelling bag and Mrs. Smith with @ corsage. Mrs. Smith in brief re- marks commented on the friendly neighborly spirit of the town.
 One of the unannounced high lights of the evening was the INC Smoking" ban which was enforced very efficiently by the custodian ot the school building in which the banquet was held. Other than work ing havoc on the nerves of countless individuals who must have thei, regular smoke, the edict had nS serious effect.