The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-11-07
-THE-
ADVANCE CLUB.
To the Citizens of Rhode Island:

The question of the new State House loan,
or the grant of power from the people to the
General Assembly to issue bonds not exceed
ing the sum of 81 100000 for the purpose of
procuring a site and erecting thereon suita-
BILE building, will come before you for your
approval or rejection on Tuesday, the Sth or
November.
The needs Of a new State House have been
generally recognized during a period of more
than 20 years. IL was long since regarded as
question or grave Importance. 1t Is more
especially at the present time subject OF
deep and intense interest, involving consider
ations which compel the serious attention Of
all good citizens, irrespective of locality or
business occupation.
The Advance Club. through the investiga-
tions of its executive committee, aud subse-
quently at its regular sessions, have given
serious and careful consideration to the ques-
ton, and unanimously approve the proposed
loan.
The present State House is inadequate for n
proper conduct of the State business, either
legislative or executive. All of the executive
departments of the Government. with "A sin
gle exception, are now tenants under rental
The present financial condition of the State
iustihes favorable action and the grant OF
power, since, through continuanee of the
present sinking fund.- a new State House can
be procured and paid for without imposing
any other additional tax upon the people.
A new State House is an urgent necessity for
the purpose of a safe deposit and preservation
of important public records and other price,
less treasures now in the state archives mad
equately protected. The loss of these, either
from destructive Gre or otherwise. would
prove an irreparable injury, q great public
calamity.
quate accommodations for the public busi-
ness-at least full generation behind the
times constitutes condition which 10
serious discredt TO the State. Its influence
tends toward the incubation of narrow and
sordd spirit, an exaggerated view OF which Is
given 10 the outside world, thereby rendering
an act of injustice 10 the better elements In
the character and enterprise OF our people.
so long as the present conditions are per-
mitted TO continue they will surely stand as
barriers 10 that spirit OF progress which Is of
vital consequence To the best development OF
the vast natural resources of the state.
The true dignity OF the state Is therefore
involved In the question at issue. The econo-
mic considerations OF former times are no
longer applicable as factors IN this period OF
our advanced civilization. The rivalries OF
States, municipalities and communities In tho
race for advancement in material progress
are conditions that cannot he lightly set aside.
The Influence OF q Just treatment OF TINS Inn
| motion OF liberal public spirit. IL will stmu-
| late every nbre OF industrial activity. give an
| Impetus 10 private enterprise and higher,
| broader spirit aud better character To all
| charitable and philanthropic effort. The pub
lie welfare as also the personal interests OF all
| citizens. demand II,
| A iust. wise and immediate solution OF this
| question upon the lines of an intelligent eco
| nomic basis applicable 10 the present times
| will prove Of incalculable value In determine
| Ing the future growth and development OF the
| business interests, the advancement OF the
| mechanic and industrial arts and will ensure
| the prosperity of all the people In the COM
monwealth OF Rhode Island.
Respectfully presented by direction OK the
Oiu'' DAVID NJ. THOMPSON. PrestisnA
s. w. KILvERT, Secretary.