The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-10-30
EIGHTH WARD
Col. Easton and Royal \. Glad.
Ing Address Voters.

well attended rally was held at Odd
Fellows hall on Plainneid street last
evening. at which Col. Frank T.. Baston
and Mr.. Royal IL. Gladding were the
speakers.
Col. Easton spoke an follows
THE police commission law for the city
OF Providence when first enacted was OPP
posed on two grounds. First. on the
ground that II was an attempt to control
and debauch the police department for po-
litical purposes.
Second, on the ground that the ao-
pointment of the commission by the gov
ernor was "A violation OF the American
idea or local self-government popularity
known as home rule The first objec-
tion was TO the intent and purpose OF
those who passed the law. The second OBJ
lection was To the theoretical phinciple
upon which II was founded
The first objection has been happily
and completely removed by the excellent
RECORD of the commission w1irt uff- -cftt--
zens having the welfare OF the city at
heart have Joined in commenting. IL In
significant or the high character Of the
commission and OF the radical change in
public opinion In regard to II, that at the
present time In the heat OF political
campaign In which the act OF the Gener-
al assembly In creating the commission
is In Issue. not one voice is publicly
raised against what the commission has
done or is doing.
AS TO the second objection. I person.
ally agree with the theoretical critics OF
the act that the method OF appointment
OF the commission provided by the act is
not rounded on sound principle. | believe
In home rule. i believe that In the long
fh..
better police administration II the de-
partment is directly controlled by and re-
sponsible 10 the people Of the city.
therefore / do not regard the police
commission act In It's present form as a
permanent piece OF legislation, but rather
as an emergency measure to be retained
only as long as 1t plainly promotes good
government and TO be amended as soon
as practicable to restore normal elations.
me absolute and unconditional repeal
or the act at the present time would be
public calamity. We must not return to
the conditions which existed prior to the
passage OF the act Nor should we amend
the act so az to cause confusion In the
department nor in any such way as
10 seem to condemn the splendid admins
tration OF the present commission
We must not forget that all the forces
or Vice and disorder are arrayed against
the police commission. not because OF any
theoretical objections to the manner of
appointment. but because the commission
has vigorously enforced the law
Those who are attacking the police
commission in spirit of blind and parti-
san hostility must face the fact that the
action for which they are clamoring
would be triumph for vice and crime.
THE Republican party In it's police
commission legislation has shown itself
plainly as the friend OF law and order.
As such II deserves the support, not only
of all Republicans but also OF all persons
without regard to party, who believe In
clean police administration. II the legis-
lation which has been passed requires
amendment to make 1t Of permanent
value. the Republican party may be
safely entrusted with the responsibility
and the power"
Mr.. Gladding spoke on the career OF
Governor Kimball both In the egisla-
ture and as governor Of the state.
Strong, fearless. upright" he said.
he was for years a leader in the fight
for clean, honest legislation and square
dealing. When the famous act OF the |
Union Railroad company. which sought |
to bind the city and state by a perpetual |
was sprung upon the assembly |
the day before the close OF the May ses- |
sion in 1885, II was Representative Kim |
ball who alone and unsupported save by |
The representatives of the city solicit |
tors office, attended the hearing called |
1T a moments notice before the judiciary |
and who argued strongly I'm |
favor OF delay until a measure OF such |
vast Importance TO our city and state ,
could be properly examined and con- |
ddered
1T was Representative Kimball who |
lurried about during the brief interval !!
the hearing and its considera-
ion next day. interviewing the members.
explaining the dangerous features OF |
he measure and urging its postponement |
until the next session. and II was Repre- |
kimball who stood up almost
llone and used all his powers OF per-
uasion TO that end"
Mr.. Gladding reviewed further the ca
eer of Governor Kimball since his ac-
ession to the office OF governor.