The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-10

and Hartford Railroad company. i regret
that am unable 70 accept this invita-
tion, for II would give me great pleasure
to unite with SO many OF the men who
are 'diligent in business I'm welcoming to
Providence a gentleman whose character
and scientific training 50 eminentiy quail
~ him for the position OF responsibility,
which he has assumed. He comes 10 a
city which has for several years nourish-
ed a sense OF neglect. and has perhaps
herself been responsible TO some extent
for what has seemed to be indifference OF
New Haven TO the interests OF Rhode ISL
and The new range now takes the place
OF the remoter one. and hope and be-
lieve that the evidences Of confidence
with which Mr. Mellen will be greeted
and the determination OF cittsene OF
Rhode Island 10 cooperate with him In
his efforts TO improve the facilities which
alone depend upon railroad and ma
rine service will surely bring forth good
fruits. am very truly yours.
l WILLIAM GODDARD"
JUDGE LEBARoN COLT.
Judge LeBaron B. coia was the next
speaker and said IN part:
Mr.. President Mr. Mefien and Gentle
men--As understand the spirit and pur-
pose Of this gathering. we are not here TO
discuss the relative and reciprocal rights
and duties OF the New Haven railroad
and the city OF Providence. II such were
the case, should deem II neither proper
nor In good taste for me to take any ac-
tive part In this meeting Nor ara we here
assembled 10 tell Mr.. Meien how TO run
the Consolidated road, or to request him
to name II Providence Plantations or
Roger Williams, and then 10 run IL for
him. We are not hero TO ask for quicker
and better methods OF handling freight,
for more side-track facilities and for Inn
proved local service. Nsr are we hero TO
solicit additional and speedier trains 70
New York and Boston TO accommodate
different classes OF business men: nor to
suggest the advisabiiity Of caa&m de-
partment 20 facilitate direct and imme-
date settlements with our merchants,
and resident vice president to enable US
at all times TO keep In close touch with
the company
I'VE are present here this evening
with no complaints. no requests. no de-
mands. no doubts. and no misgivings OF
any nature whatsoever. We are here
simply TO welcome you as our honored
guest. to extend to you OUT cordial greet
ings. 10 tell you Of our high apprecia-
tion OF the views YOU have expressed re-
specting the management OF the vast
property OF which you are now the
| recognised head. and of our earnest and
| hearty desire 10 cooperate with you and
assist you by every means within our
power In carrying out your plans
TWO MORE SUGGESTIONS.
This child Of Connecticut, as you so
aptly termed her has become the adopt
ed child OF Rhode Island and Massa-
| chusetts. Upon the healthy circulation
Of that child is dependent in large meas
| ure the happiness and well-being Of mil
lions OF our people. since through her
arteries and veins flows the life blood OF
the commerce OF three states.
Two suggestions more and I have
done. In the conflict between the cheap
| labor and cheap raw materials OF the
South and the brains. inventive genius
and enterprise OF New England we
know you will ever keep in mind that
Rhode Island is almost exclusively a
community composed OF mills and work.
| shops; that she must bring her raw ma
| terisl from the South and West and re-
| turn TO those sections a large portion OF
her manufactured product Reasonable
transportation charges are vital to the
continued prosperity OF our state.
Again. and I'm violation OF what said
| in the beginning. we have one request
20 make. that you will personally keep
in close touch with our people. We
know that you are not ubiquitous and
that the inherent, incurable vice Of every
large system. OF whatever character, Is
the impossibility OF personal supervision
by the head We trust, however. that.
consistent with your duties elsewhere
you will give IA much personal and d.
rect attention to Providence and our
state as you are able to bestow, resting
| assured that whenever you come among
us you will be received with the same
| gracious and copfiaf welcome with which
| you have been greeted tonight"
Congressman Adm b. Capron sent a
letter stating the regret he felt at not
| being able to be present and containing z
a neat tribute 10 President Mellen. con-
oerning his work on the Northern Pacific.
which was read by President Jackson,
who said In conclusion:
II will not say good night, for the day
| is dawning In our relations with the
! Consolidated road. I bid you good morn
| ing"
FLORAL LOCOMOTIVE.
A handsome floral locomotive occupied
the place OF honor on the guest table.
a graceful tribute to President Mellen.
An interesting feature OF the menu card
was suggestion for the new chamber
OF commerce building OF which there has
been much favorable talk. I'm the form
OF picture OF a handsome two-story
structure This provided for the bust
ness offices and assembly rooms on the
| first floor and for a fine large hall on
| the second floor.
The suggestion received much favor
able comment from the members OF the
| chamber.
| The committee OF arrangements was az
| follows: President Frederick Fl. Jack
son: George II. Grant and George III.
Webb. and from all sides IL was com
mended for the excellent manner in
| which everything was carried out
| - - lll