The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-30

ment bunains association, and the New
port Business Mems association. Mr.
Wetmore was formerly president of the
Newport reading room, and is now presi-
dent OF the Newport hospital and vice
president OF the Newport Casino.
The mention of this list of some Of the
more notable associations and corpora
tions with which he Is closely connected
in prominent degree shows Mr.. Wet
more's intimate acquaintance with and
close personal participation in about
every important interest,", Social auvAncv-
ment and progressive movement in his
city and state. It shows. moreover, a
general recognition Of the fact that he has
broad culture, business tact and executive
ability. and deep, earnest, practi-
cal sympathy with whstevsr tends to
better his fellows and secure for them ma
terial advancement and enlarged oppor-
tunlties. His participation in the direction
of so many philanthropic. benevolent and
charitable institutions and societies be-
tokens an active interest in the well-being
of others that is manifested not only IL
liberality in the public direction indicated,
but also in many private bsnefa ctions
known only to himself and the recipients.
1t may be said. without cxaRgeration,
that no worthy cause, or appeal from the
weak, the helpless or the distressed, ever
applied for assistance in their extremity
without receiving the aid they asked or
the kindly word OF sympathy and en-
rouragement which meant for them vastly
more.
His Political Successes.
While all these things testify 10 Mr..
Wetmore's active interest in the welfare
and affairs Of the people of his city and
state. and show that he is in practical
touch with much that concerns them and
deservedly prominent in the administra-
ton of their public matters. il 10. however,
in politics that his executive ability and
skill in affairs have become most mani
fest and best known to the public of this
and OF other states. And IL is this knowl-
edge and ability which especially fit him
for the responsibilities and duties which
an election TO the United States senate
would entail.
His deep interest in politics resulted In
his being chosen = presidential elector for
Rhode Island in 1850 and again IN 1854
In 1881 he was appointed n member Of the
state committee to receive the representa-
tives Of France on the occasion OF their
visit TO this state. In 1884 he was president
the Blaine and Logan Campaign club OF
Newport. receiving the nomination fer
governor in 1885. lie was elected in that
year, and again in 1856. becoming his
party's candidate for the third time in
1857.
Though he received on this occasion n
larger number OF votes than in either OF
the two preceding elections, he was, never
theless. defeated In 1889 he was a oandi-
date for the United States senatorship
and was defeated on the eighth ballot by
Hon. Nathan Il. Dixon. His strength
and popularity with the citizens OF the
state encouraged them Ia the hope that
he would become their candidate for this
Office az the election two years ago, but
he absolutely refused 70 allow the use OF
his name in this connection. deeming IL
for the best interests Of the state and ma
tion that Senator Aldrich should be re-
turned, and devotlng his efforts and those
OF his friends TO secure that result His
unselhsh, patriotic course in this particu-
lar, as well as in others Of similar moment.
has, accordingly. aroused such cordial
and general appreciation OF his character
aud conduct and such marked enthusiasm
that he has since that time been regarded
as the candidate best entitled TO this
honor.
In such bestowal of 70, they realize
THAT there would be a fitting recognition
ofpublic services on the part Of one who
hes always been resident and citizen OF
the state and that 70 would secure for
Rhode Island Representatives thoroughly
acquainted with the wishes and wants OF
Der citlssps. and devoted 10 shs welfare