The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-01
4O'CLOCK
TRANSFERS.
The Act May Be
Returned.
It Would Impair the Con-
tract Obligations.
Franchise Extension of Is
Years Suggested.
Secret Caucus of Providence Men,
bers in the Assembly.
Franchise Extension of Is
Years Suggested.
Secret Caucus of Providence Men,
bers in the Assembly.
A Hearing on Returning Bill Next Week.
City Council Elections Monday.

There are two stories told today relative
to that transfer bill which the City Coun-
Gil has asked the Legislature to pass.
The first is the simple statement that
the judiciary committee has not consider
ed II since the public hearing early this
week. The second story does not deny
this statement but it goes further and is
much more interesting. 1t is that the
judiciary committee has not considered
the bill and does not intend to, but will
refer II back TO the City Council.
1t is said today that at next Tuesdays
session the judiciary committee will re-
fer the bill back to the House with recon-
mendation that it be returned TO the City
Council, as q measure that would be In
violation of the constitution of the Unit
ed States and..of Rhode Island, inasmuch
as its passage would impair the obiga-
tions OF contract.
At the same time, so the story goes. the
bill on being sent back to City Hall
will be accompanied by several
suggestions for its Improvement. That il.
recommendation are to be made for the
Councilmen to consider and be guided by
in a second attempt to get transfer bill
passed. 1t Is intinsted that the nembe
OF the city government are to be advised
to ask for transfers but to accompany
cessions so that the desired end may bc
brought about in way satisfactory TO
both the people and the railroad COM
pany.
Among the suggestions is one that the
exclusive franchise OF the railroad COM
pany be prolonged by 25 years more In
addition to the ~ years left to run under
the last agreement.
Another part of the story is that the
House resolution TO adjourn on May :
Will be recinded and the date Fixed week
later so that the City Council may have
plenty of time to carry out the action
suggested. II the Council fails
to do that the judiciary committee
will then recommend the indefinite post
ponement of the bill in question and ssk
for the passage of a substitute compris-
ing the PROVISIONS that the Council Will
first have an opportunity to endorse.
A SECRET CAUCUS
Representative Littlefield's mental sc-
tivity, which cennot calmly tolerate an
extra day off from the affairs OF state,
made the best OF Arbor Day by getting
the city delegation to the Assembly to-
gether in secret cnucus. The members
met at the city headquarters on Weybos-
set street and discussed the transfer and
returning board bills and all other city
matters now pending in the Legislature.
Another hearing is to be granted on
the returning board bill Monday after
noon before the judiciary committee. The
city solicitor will be present IN accordance
with the resolution passed last Monday
night TO oppose any further effort on the
rart of the registration commissioners to
have their salaries doubled.
CITY COUNCIL ELECTION.
The Board of Aldermen and Common
Council will meet In joint convention
Monday night to elect city solicitor ant
there Is no question but what the present
incubment, Mr.. Colwell will be re-elect-
ed. Attorney Edwin ID. Passett is re-
ported to be candidate again in opposi-
tion. Last year he received two votes out
OF So His worst opponents today DO
not anticipate tnat there will be any fall-
ing of from that, although since tie .irsr
Monday i'm May, 1895. Mr.. Bassct has OIL
ciatad on a goo goC committee which So
cured the election of such persons as *.
w. Burbank 10 the City Council
The office of city enigneer also becomes
vacant on the first Monday in May. Mr..
Shcdd said today that he has been given
to understand that he will be reappoint-
ed by Commissioner OF Public works
Smith and he also expects that the Board
OF Aldermen will confirm the appoint
ment, notwithstanding the presencc OF
the mem Der who presents the communi-
cation from Henry &. Clark.