The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-05-05
ELECTION Bill IS PASSED.
Senator COmStOCk Makes q Hard Fight
Against Concurrence.
WANTED ACTION POSTPONED
Until the Supreme Court Has Passed Upon
the South Kingstown Case-The Sem
ate, However. Finally Concurs With
the House.

Members Of the assembly were slow In
going to the state house this morning,
and at one time ii was doubtful whether
either house would have a quorum.
Shortly after IL clock, however. suffi-
cient number had arrived and the senate
proceeded to business. Governor Brow
presiding.
Senator Freeman reported from the
judiciary committee the act relating TO
the second elections in towns not divided
into voting districts, providing that the
election shall stand adjourned for not
less than three days, and no adjourn
ment snail exceed seven days from the
first meeting, and also providing for the
preserving of the ballots and returning
them to the secretary OF state
Senator Comstock attacked the act
stating that it was unconstit utional and
aimed at the rights of the people to go
on aud hold elections until they elect
their representatives.
Senator freeman explained that IL
aimed at the holding OF "a second town
meeting by a small faction on the same day
who could elect their candidates by a
small vote. The bill is intended to shut
of great number OF elections and
owing TO the clause In the constitution
and TO the ballot law, it would be i'm
within the seven days
Senator Champlin moved to amend by
striking out the clause which provides
that in case the warden and town clerk
are Of the same party, some elector OF
the opposite party shall sign the paper
certifying TO the count. Lost.
Senator Comstock moved to strike out
section 1.
Would Not Force q Passage.
Aaf
confident that the plurality system
would be in force one year hence he
would not insist on the passage Of the
act
Senator Comstock thought that a
special election would be held in the fal +,
and IL it were held there was no DOUBT
that it would result ia plurality elections
next spring.
Senator Champlin moved to postpone
COZ sideration OF the matter till next
Tuesday as the South Kingstown mat
ter woul be heard IN the supreme court
Saturday.
Senator Freeman thought that the
motion was made for the sake OF delay.
The South Kingstown matter could not
be affected by. this act as II is one OF the
towns which Is divided into voting dis
tricts. The judiciary committee. while
not attempting 10 control the senate. Is
anxious - get the work out OF the way
so that an adjournment may be taken.
Fighting for Delay.
Senator Comstock hoped that 1t woul
be postponed till Tuesday. There were
other matters which were before the
supreme court which might be affected,
aud he was willing to have no deba.e on
it Tuesday. but put 1t Immediately on
its passage.
Senator Wade thought that the Re-
publican party had not lost anything IN
the Foster case, which had been meu-
toned, SO he did not see Why its passage
was urged.
The motion to postpone was lost
The motion TO amend by striking out
section was also lost.
Senator Champlin moved to amend by
inserting a clause providing for holding
elections until choice is made.
Senator Comstock thought lt would in
terfere with section "a OF chapter IL.
which provides for the calling of elec-
tIons by the town clerks, aud he hoped it
would be delayed until it couli be de-
cded.
The amendment was lost and the act
was passed in concurrence.
The Pollution OF the Pawtuxet.
Senator Wilbour presen nted the prelinl-
mary report OF the commission appointed
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2.