The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-04-14
THE SATURDAY kAuteMe1
By JAMES M. MOORE

tees, from future administrations leaves us with an unknown quantity which could prove most detrimental. Under the reign of an irresponsible Mayor we could receive appointees which could be of the worst calibre. Reform For Reform
 Reform such as is intended by this bill is commendable in it's design and purpose but caution should be the watchwcrd in all like programs lest such procedure be over-done and become needful of reform it. self. And when such reform leads us to centralization of any kind, so that power of appointment is given solely to one man, then it has been over-done and can be reclaimed only by curtailment of its procedure.
 All such reasoning may be dis carded by some as being academic and therefore not fostering immedi- ate practical results, but defense of such methods as that of the right to elect can hardly be termed aca- demic in view of the practical and progressive results of the method of elections in this nations history.
 (FRANKLTN ID. ROOSEVELT :.
 It has been said-A Tree Is Best Measured When It's Down-and this is true of President Roosevelt. Xet at a time so close upon the mans untimely and tragic death we can hardly measure the first dimensions of the loss this nation and the world has suffered. So enormous was his \ personality, so great the impress of his forceful character that only time with it's healing sense of cool retrospect will permit us, at @ future date, to again shape the true spirit, the essence of the identity of the man.
 There is a great quiet among the people today. They know a loss. Yet it has none of the final poig- nancy that comes with the loss of one we have known as an intimate of our lifetime. Perhaps that is SO because like the mans entire ad- ministration there is no precedent to go by.
 we WILL 411o NO4A4AACA@ vigor when first he came upon the black scene of the depression years and said to the people-"Our only fear is fear itself" Over and over again the familiar, warm voice pene- trated the dark scene and what it said was what the people, when they weighed it, believed should be said. He became neighbor, a man of common understanding, 8 friend in their minds and hearts and they followed him even when they felt the wonder and first fears as to where they were being led.
 We will remember his confident leadership in the years just prior to Americas entrance into the war and his vigorous adherence to the route he chose for Americas part in the war; route that has led uS to the bright hour of victory.
 He sought freedom for the peo- ples of the earth. No one can deny that now. Whatever judgment may have been formed by those who were opposed to him as to his calibre as the nations chief executive, all men who are honest and balanced must now give recognition to his popular force of character, his in- nate sense of humanity that drew the people to him. The people, the masses, the nameless numbers of people will eventually shape his final stature; not the historians, the reporters, the personal friends and casual acquaintances-but the people and those to come who will be molded by the mans work left on the country's destiny. Now he belongs to the legends.