The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-03-03
HEARINGS ON The HILL.
Woman Suffrage Advocates Make an
Argument,
MRS. COLBY SPEAKS WITH FORCE.
Arguments Upon Reapportionment-
Private Railroad Crossings Discussing
the Fisheries BiiI-Interesting Matters
Refore the Legislative Committees.

The hearing ON Woman Suffrage was cen
tinued to-day before the House Commit
tee on Special Legislation on the
rising of the House. The hearing was
given in the Senate Chamber, which was
about half filled with friends of Woman
Suffrage.
l.. G. Pierce was the first speaker and
quoted many provisions of different states
which referred to the enfranchisement of
foreigners and criminals, tending to show
that these persons are treated better than
Mrs. Ellen NJ. Bolles was the next
speaker. She outlined the work of the
woman suffragists throughout the coun-
try and especially in Wyoming.
Mrs. Gen. Colby of Nebraska, spoke at
length on the situation in the western
states where woman suffrage or partial
woman suffrage has been granted. She
presented statistics showing that in Wyo-
ming especially was crime less in proper
tion TO population than in other states
divorce was less common, there were fewer
insane women than men. fewer female
idiots than male, all of which she summed
up in powerful and fearless appeal,
not for tho favor, but for the
right of woman suffrage. Mrs.
Mrs. Colby is an interesting speaker, aud
was listened to with the most respectful
attention by the committee and specta-
tors.
Other persons who spoke on the petition
were DIR. Helen c. Putnam and Anna Gar
lin Spencer There being no one to speak
for the opposition. the hearing was closed.
Private Railroad Crossings.
A hearing was given to-day before the
Senate judiciary committee on the bill
providing for the reopening of certain
private railroad crossings. The act has
reference to certain crossings in the town
of Cumberland, which were granted to the
owners of land when the branch of the
New York ann New England Railroad
was built, but which have since been
closed by order of the railroad authori-
ties.
&. w. A. Howard OF Abbott Run stated
the grievances of himself and others in
his vicinity. saying that the Inconvenience
was very great to many on account of the
closing of these crossings. He said that
when the road was put through there
were understandings and papers passed
that these crossings should remain open
and all they asked was that the railroads
be obliged To reopen them Walter Vim
cent, attorney for the New York, Provi-
dence and Boston Railroad. and Frank :.
Arnold, attorney for the New York and
New England Railroad, questioned Mr..
Howard and demonstrated that 1t is a
matter for the courts and not for the
General Assembly.
Henry w Hayes, for the Old Colony,
asked if IL was intended TO make this
general law, if not he wished TO be relieved
from attendance.
Senator Garvin. who drew the act said
IL was only meant 20 apply TO certain
crossings which ought TO be reopencd.
Lawyer ,2mes Murphy appeared for the
Rev. Thomas Kane and IT. Patrick's 5
parish, who own lot Of land purchased
for cemetery purposes and are unable TO
reach part of it on account of the crossing
being closed,
The hearing adjourned for one week