The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-23
THE PROMOTER or .REFORa."

fowadays We are tskihs iIequent occa-
sion to mention In our columns the name
of the Providence Journal
We understand that this mention may
not be the most agreeable thing in the
world for the readers of this newspaper,
and as we cannot refer to The Journal in
complimentary language, just now, ref
erencs to that newspaper is not . duty
that is pleasant to us to perform.
As frequently representing phases OF
public sentiment different from those
represented by our contemporaries, il is
more often our pleasure and habit TO dis
cuss public matters from the standpoint
only OF such difference rather than to
mention the names of, or enter into con-
troversy with, our newspaper neighbors.
We prefer. and deem it in better taste, to
discuss with the public direct rather than
with our newspaper neighbors who, like
us, are only representatives OF public
sentiment.
But the frequency with which mention
OF The Jounal is made in our columns
these days, in connection with the So
called "reform" movement, is q
necessity imposed upon us, from the plain
fact that this alleged movement is
not promoted, abetted or endorsed by
any important measure OF public senti-
ment. 1t is initiated and waged alone
by the Providence Journal. In its pros
ecution and promotion The Journal
stands alone. It represents no public SEN
timent. 1t stands only for itself
In combating it's ideas we are simply
com batting The Journal newspaper and
the interests that lie behind it. There is
no part OF public sentiment that we can
confront, because public sentiment has
nothing to do with this Journal cam
paign. 1t is all The Journals.
To be sure The Journal claims to repre-
sent something. 1t claims to represent
taxpayers and citizens generally who
want to "reform" the city government.
II makes this claim in the hope that the
taxpayers and citizens win fly to its sup
port. deluded by its pretensions and as
surances that it is the mouthpiece of an
aroused citizenship. 1t has been putting
forth these claims for nearly six months
but 1t has failed to demonstrate its
claims and 1t il accordingly not receiv-
ing any public support for its preten-
| sions.
As a matter OF fact, as the public has
shown quito clearly that it comprehends,
The Journal in the prosecution OF its So
called "reformp movement is not the
mouthpiece OF any considerable proper
tion OF the citizenship of this town. 1t
represents nothing except the interests OF
The Journal corporation and handful
Of gentlemen who, also, are not disinter-
ested. II voices not the opinions of the
people -only It's own opinions. Its
movement" was initiated on the inside
OF The Journal Office and 1t has failed to
secure any adherents from the outside.
1t has labored sssiduousiy to bogey and
bunco the community and It Is failing
dismslly. The Journal "reform" move
ment will ole where It began-within
The Journal office. The public knows
what the public is interested in and they
have no earthly interest in The Journals
reform movement.
The motives that lie behind the promo
| tion of what The Journal has exerted
every effort to make public question are
many and varied. Some of them are 30
mean and small ss to be almost beyond
| credence and 1t IL not necessary to
| state them. In none OF them lies spark
OF honest, independent principle, OF
public spirit or OF broad minded senti-
ment. None OF them is near or remotely
related to the interests or we'll being of