New England bulletin., 1949-03-26

New England. That's progress. ,
 In all seriousness, however, our friend knew as many residents of the state know that great deal of progress has been made by these publications which have re- suited from the organizing genius of Hartford's well-beloved George Goodman and the energy and am- bition of Managing Editor Ernie Durham, his journalistic chief of staff. At least, it is true, that every step which has been made has been a step forward.
 Under the revised, amplified program which represents the goal of the BULLETIN many new readers along the Eastern Sea- board will come to look upon this newspaper as their own. It is inn portant that, in the record of this reorganized enterprise, there ap- pear a record of some of the major Accomplishments affected during the career of both the Hartford and Connecticut Chronicle. Both these instruments were influential in influencing for good the social, churchh and civic life of the com munity. Performances of the past bolster promises for the future. What the Hartford and Connecti- cut Chronicle were the NEW ENG LAND BULLETIN will be-only more so.
 Some Major Campaigns
 It would be impossible to list here or even to detail all the achievements of this paper s pre- decessors. We can, however, briefly outline some of the major cam paigns which were conducted and the fruits of which are reflected in the community today.
 Probably the major victories were realized in the area of job opportunities previously denied Ne groes. In October of last year, fol- lowing militant campaigning on the part of the Chronicle, six race members began duties in Hartford fire houses. This marked the first time Negroes had ever been ap- pointed to the Fire Department. These men included Joseph Kitch- ems, Henry Ashe, Benjamin Laurie, George Hayes, Frank Davis, Jr., and James Lewis. Salary for these positions began at close to $3OOO. One of the methods used by the Chronicle was extensive and con- tinued advertising of the applica- tion filing period in July.
 Always sensitive to the harm which segregation imposes upon our society, the CHRONICLE fought tooth and nail to spotlight the unfairness of the States jim crow national guard. At this writ ing it appears that the State Guard is about to be democratized.
 Along the economic front the NICLE helped increase among Negro citizens conscious ness of their spending power and their potential for enterprise by presenting reports on living costs in the North End Community. This also served to expose the existence of sub-standard conditions and the offering of inferior goods at high rentals and prices. The glare of publicity was turned on those mer- chants in the community who, in spite of their token contributions to the NAACP and other worthy causes. offered their clients dis courtesy and poor quality goods.
 During the reign of the CHRON- ICLE the appearance of Negro drivers on city busses became an actuality.
 With it's sensational and we'll supported "Mother of the Year. competition, the newspaper high lighted the importance of the fam ily unit, sought to increase grati- tude to and respect for the moth CTS of the community and demon strated that personal concern for it's readers and the citizens of the town which is the mark of a sin cere civic organ.
 Jacob Becker Fund
 When Jacob Becker, mainten- ance man at the Arsenal School, became disabled through an acci- dent and lay in the hospital, in need of help because he was in eligible for pension or social se- curity benefits, the CHRONICLE took the lead in urging Hartford citizens to share their Christmas by contributing the Jacob Becker Fund.
 Always ready to oppose unfair ness. against Negroes, the Chroni- '