The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-01-08

pie have been accustomed for three hundred years to the prin- ciples and methods of democracy. They are accustomed, that is, to governing themselves; and they love freedom more than their lives. With these and other such advantages, we face the future without fear.
 And now I shall lay before you my views upon certain matters to which hope you will give your earnest consideration.
 National Defense
 The paramount task confront ing the Nation and the State is that of national defense. As in every period of national emergen- cy and crisis, Connecticut will CO., operate to the extent of it's wealth and power. To this end state agency established by law should be created, empowered not only to cooperate with the federal gov- ernment but to exercise such functions as may be deemed de- sirable within the State itself.
 Subversive Activities
 In this connection we have to consider the enemies of demo- cracy. Subversive activities are difficult to define. No one will deny, however, that some meas ureS are required to protect our people and industries from the worldwide conspiracy against democratic institutions. To Con- necticut, as the armory of the na- ton, such activities are of even greater concern than to other States.
 Are there adequate measures al- ready available to meet the situa- tion? Are the powers of our State agencies sufficient? I believe that this question demands earnest study; but I also remind you that we must guard against hysteria and ill-conSidered steps.
 Labor
 I turn now to the crucial prob lens affecting labor.
 The approach to legislation on this subject requires an attitude of sympathetic understanding. It should be made in the spirit of cooperation and with the knowl- edge that contented wage-earners will, in large measure, assure prosperity to industry and agri- culture. The recognition of this inter-relationship is the first and essential step toward achieving social tranquility.
 The last decade has seen labor come of age. The notion that those who work for wages are the slaves of supply and demand has been Supplanted by the rec ognition that wage earners are entitled to full rights and guar antees as free human beings. This recognition has resulted in the legalization of the right of col lective bargaining. The Nation al Labor Relations Board guards this right in the Nation for work CTS employed ill the industries engaged in interstate commerce. Workers employed in these indus tries which are confined to com- merce within our State should have the same rights guaranteed to them by law. State Labor Re- lations Boards have been estab- hShed for this purpose in many other States, but Connecticut still lagS behind in this fundamental reform. Here, then, is an oppor- tunity for us to enact legislation Ill fulflllment of Gne of labor's most reasonable demands.
 therefore strongly recommend that you enact legislation creating a State Labor Relations Board, drawing from the experience of the Federal government and from that of other States where such Boards now exist.
 also urge you to consider the enactment of a wages and hours law following the precedent es- abolished by the Federal Act, in order that our State may be brought up to the standard in the protection of labor which exists in many other progressive states Of the Union.
 Our present Unemployment Compensation Act should be lib- eralized so as to reduce the wait ing period prior to the commence ment of benefits. In addition both the period of benefit and the amount of payments should be in- creased.
 l recommend that legislation be enacted amending the present Workmen'S Compensation Act so that adequate allowance may be made for the minor children of Workmen who die of injuries re- ceived in the course of employ ment.
 AUricuItura