The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-02
GARv|N'S SPEECH
His Acceptance Of Democratic
Nomination for Governor.

The following is the speech of accept
ance by DR.. L. F. c. Garvin in accepting
the nomination for governor, made before
the Democratic state convention yester-
day afternoon:
The pedple OF Rhode Island are de-
sirous OF good government and they ara
entitled to good government. For many
years they have been defined this right
and at the present time the long-growing
abuses have eliminated in a carnival OF
misgovernment
within six years there has sprung up
in this state a legalized third house. mas.e
up OF certain quasi-public corporations
third legislative branch which frames
laws In its own interest. has them so
into effect at its own option, and makes
them Interchangeable. except by its own
consent. To this abnigation of power by
the general assembly. no free people will
tamely submit.
''Since the last state election a Iegis-
lature, whose successors had been chosen.
once more violated the principle OF home
rule, and this time, against the wishes
and protests Of the people of our largest
city. Today we have the spectacle of
sS63OOo of taxes, paid by the inhabitants
of Providence, over whose expenditure
that city has no control whatsoever.
OPEN VIOLATION OF LAW.
"Still more recently the people of the
state have witnessed with amazement an
open violation OF law by the corporation
which has received the greatest favors
atr
company which has been given public
franchises worth many millions OF dol
lars Is today with the utmost effrontery,
refusing TO obey the law designed to pro-
tect the lives and limbs of the people 10
whom those millions In equity belong!
And yet the state seems helpless.
Our people are also made aware that
continuous sale OF legislation f. taking
place at the state house. and that, in
order TO secure good lays or present the
passage of bad lays. II is often necessary
to begin by purchasing the favor OF a
corrupt and INSCRIPTIONS lobby.
Urgently needed legislation, such as
a just system Of taxation. has year after
year been refused Amendments to the
constitution, demanded by the major
part OF the voters of the state, ,>are de-
MED consideration. whilst partison amend
ments, calculated TO strengthen the state
house machine at the expense of the gov
ernment by the people, have been passed,
and are TO be urged upon the voters at the
coming election.
CHANGE IN CONSTITUTION.
The change in the constitution most
widely demanded Is a just representation
In the general assembly. Because OF the
existing unequal representation every
section OF the state Is suffering and none
more acutely than the country towns.
Many Of the inland towns are falling off
n population and wealth, are weighed
down by .cavy burden OF taxation and
denied by the legislature the relief which
would be given by just laws, even when
capitalists stand ready To construct street
railways for the carrying of passengers
and freight Co and fror1 the great cities,
the Legislators AZ the G 'mmand of n llid
lobbyist w;inholds It's consent. The only
citizens Of trc small towns who derive
any beneft from the present unequal rep
rescntation are the few pets and hangers
on Of the political machine which DON'T
III elected TO the honorable office for
which YOU have nomina ted me- I promise
for myself. and feel safe in promising
the executive department OF the state
government against the continuance OF
the abovc-named abuses and In support
laws.
ENERGETIC WORK NECESSARY.
And :, our assistance e. this great
work invite not only every member OF
tho Democratic party. not only all lab
orcrs. whether organized or uDorganized.
rot only that independent vote which ha
manifested itself 20 forcibiy OF late In the
cities OF the state. but also that lap q
number of Republicans who. although
heretofore constant supporters OF their
party, now feel the disgrace and the
denger OF longer c0ndoning the corruption
and misgovernmcnt which makes this
state everywhere by-word and a his-
ing
yellow citizens. after many years OF
mating, az iast me battle ls Joined ln
capital and labor. but between capital
and labor on the one side: monopoly ana
its vicious agents on the other-equal
rights versus special privileges. And the
end for which We strive n good govern
ment. through the American right of
self-goyernmenL"