Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-31

things which are likely to help the fortunes OF
Congressman Page. One is manifesto issued
by the Thoruley-Tillv faction reminding the
farmers of the second district that Speaker Ca
prom. the republican candidate, opposed the
bill which was before the legislature last winter
and which proposed that the Morrill, school
fund be taken from Brown University and given
to the newly established agricultural school in
South Kingston. Both the republican candi-
dates we're opposed to any change in the dis
position Of this fund. and the democrats believe
that the attitude Of Speaker Capron and Lieut..
Gov. Bull will have depressing effect on the
farmers OF the state, most Of whom are repub-
licans. The republican leaders, however, say
that the manifesto was issued by few dis
gruntled members Of their party and that IL
has fallen dead.
But the democrats are basing their hope of
success in the second district on something
more substantial than any manifesto, however
aimed. 1t is on the new public building in
Woonsocket for which Congressman Page, as
member Of the committee from which such
bills emanated, asked an appropriation. The
bill has been advanced to a stage where, il the
fostering hand of Mr.. Page could still care for
It, Woonsocketis likely to get its new post office.
Here is something that appeals to all citizens Of
Woonsocket. whatever their party affiliations.
They are told that if Mr.. Capron were elected
the bill would never advance further and the
new building on which SO many have set their
hearts would not be built until the republicans
obtained majority Of the members Of the
long way of. The moral is obvious: Send
back Mr.. Page and get the new building.
MR.. PAGES EXPECTATIONS.
Mr.. Page says he also expects good vote
from the Point Judith part Of his district, as
he has been identified with the bill looking to
the opening Of the old beach at Point Judith
and the excavation of Salt pond This would
open up handy way Of getting freights to and
from Narragansett Pier and other parts OF
South county, thus saving much money to
people in that part Of the state.
As to democratic chances in the first district
Col Lapham says they are good. and he
beheves he will be reelected. There were
more independent voters in his district than in
the other, and this increases uncertainty es Ia
the result. If the money. which everybody is
looking for daily, were kept out of the way,
and the Rhode Island System" not employed,
no democrat, he says, need be defeated in the
state. To his mind there was less opposition to
be overcome than the democrats met so success
fully in the congressional election of 1890.
To look at the shattered remnant of the pro-
hibtory party in this state it is hard to believe
that Rhode Island only few years ago adopted
constitutional prohibition. The republicans have
now thrown constitutional prohibition over.
board and the peculiar dogma has fewer ad-
herents here today than at any time since it be-
came o political issue. The two larger parties
will have to look to their own vote this year
rather than lean upon the possibility of an
election Of their candidate by any third party
defections.
THE LABOR VOTE.
The labor vote is an uncertain and y.-iable
factor in this state. The republicans look for
the support Of the wage workers on account OF
the specter of free trade which the revenue
declarations Of the democratic platform has
conjured up. This vote went to the republi-
cans last spring. The democrats state that
there are very many mill operators who are
single tax men, who will prefer Cleveland to
Harrison. The labor organizations are strong
in Rhode Island but they WELD less political
influence than would be expected. because many
| OF the wageworkers identified with them are
not qualified to vote.
The campaign here is less demonstrative than
any the Oldest inhabitant recalls. The work Ii
quiet one that will tell in the result on No
vember 8. Flag raising and spectacular events
have not excited the usual interest. Next
week, however, the republicans will attempt a
big torchlight parade, but the real business viii
not begin until the oil to lubricate the ma
chinery Of the system" arrives.