The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-10-02


The convention was called to order NJ II
o'clock by Hon. John w. Corcoran, chair
man Of the state committee. Josiah
Quincy was the presiding officer. Hon.
John K. Russell placed in nomination the
name Of George Fred Williams for the
chief place on the ticket aud Mr.. Will.
lowing speech:
williams Address.
Mr.. CHAIRMAN AND DELEoATEs-So man
can meet the greatest honor Of his life without
the highest gratitude TO those who confer IL,
and a SENSE of responsibility that the principles
for which he has contended are trustingly
placed in his keeping.
Such trust does not change in value from
failure OF success Mt the polls. because In the
battle Of contending parties, principles. more
than men, appeal TO the public for verdict.
But when, after years OF conscientious pcr-
formance of political duty. the man is called
by his own ASSOCIATES to bear the standard at
the front, II would not be human II a sense Of
pride and triumph did not possess him when
he accepted the duty.
know. what Is expected OF me, and i need
not say what so many well know, that should
have preferred in this year, as in the last, to
give my strength In support Of another candi.
date with whom never had. and fear never
shall have, the right TO compare myself. II /
did my duty to the party last year, 1t was
under the impulse OF inspiring leader who
this year has declined for good reasons OF his
own to take the responsibilities which are now
put upon me.
The success OF our cause will on Nov be in
the hands OF the people; until then shall
share with others the duty OF presenting the
arguments which are to be made in behalf of
the Democratic policy.
Ihave confidence tina. have not been called
10 this Leadership with the expectation that we
may by sileoce or evasion upon any issue gain
votes for out ticket. II Ia not material TO me
what are tho prospects OF success or failure,
for shall fight to win. have controlling
confidence that the platform adopted by this
convention will sooner or later be the will of a
majority Of our people, May take advantage
OF this opportunity to suggest some considera,
tions for the coming contest.
Early Expression o< Views.
Two weeks ago took IL upon myself to
trace out certain lines which seemed TO me es
sential In the alignment of our forces this fall;
and may confess now that the suggestion of
my name for this honorable candidacy led me
TO express my views early; first in order that
public sentiment might be seasonably tested
and. second, that might not be nominated
upon any Misunderstanding OF my views I
wished It known in advance that could not
refuse to award just appreciation TO anyone.
even political opponent. who joined us in re
proving an assault OF bigotry and prejudice
upon the free, open discussion of the public
welfare by patriots OF any religion, race or
political faith.
II, as has be, n alleged. my words have oper-
sted TO expose the weakness OF a hidden poltl.
cal cause, or even TO strengthen a powerful
political opponent. have yet accomplished
what / intended deeming II TO be OF supreme
Importance TO the state that its greatest dan.
gers be first repelled and that no alliance TO
this end be discouraged or refused.
The second suggestion made at Springfield
was that the Democracy undertake in this
campaign the great work OF legislative reform
and publication am satisfied that the pub
lie heart has responded 60 this appeal. Let us
now go to our labors seeking strong earnest,
just and honest men - represent the Democ.
racy in our legislation. so that W. may now or
later command majorities with which.to put
our platform Of today into living, operating
legislation.
In my judgment this platform exposes the
very roots Of that corruption and incom.
potency which have grown up within the field
Of legislation so as TO choke the progress OF the
state and 10 throw even deadly shadow over
the rights OF the people. IL we may have an
honest and full discussion Of our respectiye
party policies, our legislative cand dates NAV
call their opponents 10 account for policy of
usurption OF the popular will and popular
rights which has at last brought our people 10
their knees in prayer for relief Before the
Iogislature Deiore Legislative committees and
before commissions Of the commonwealth.
myself have made repeated attempts TO
secure what seemed 20 me 10 be undoubted
public rights only 10 stand today aghast AT the
utter helplessncss Of private effort In the face
Of organized corruption and greed
have thought night and day how relief
might be obtained and our commonwealth re-.
stored 10 a position in which II can at least
have selfrespect
As your candidate now enter your service
at least after conscientious consideration Of
the remedies which your platform Of today
advocates. let all Legislative candidates now
put this platform 20 the test before the people
There can be no doubt, on the one hand. what
the established policy Of the Republican party
Is which In TO be extended into the future, 20
take away from the governor elected by the
people every function which is not guaranteed
by the constitution. Whereas the popular
vote can approve OF condemn a governor In
mis- administration Of the public business, the
Rspuhliesp psry bS placed tAs business alb