The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-01-06

governor OdrVln redu IFS htSSosN "
the joint committee of the senate and
house OF representatives this morning
Immediately after being sworn in.
The document was a short one and did
not occupy a great deal of time The
governor paid particular attention TO the
abuses which he claimed have crept into
the state through the long continuance in
office OF one political party. and these In
the face of a strong adverse public
opinion, among them being the passage
of laws by one general assembly that a
subsequent assembly could moi repeal,
police commissions, post election sessions
of the general assembly. and finally an
irresponsible third house dominating both
branches of the general assembly, caus-
ing legislation 10 become mere matter
OF sale to the highest bidder.
The governor then invites the assembly
20 a cons liberation OF the cause and the
remedy for these abuses. The message
follows:
To the Honorable. the General Assembly
OF the State of Rhode Island and ProVl-
dence Plantations:
Gentlemen--We meet for the legisla tive
session OF 1903 Following Upon year
which illustrates the great productive
capacity of the United States. The enor-
nous and increasing output of our farms,
mines, forests. fisheries and factories
may be attributed TO our vast natural
resources and 10 the Industry ana enter
prise OF our people.
In the material growth which Is taking
place. Rhode Island is no laggard. In
deed, she stands first In density of popu-
lation and in the relative magnitude OF
her manufacturing interests. In no state
are there fewer oilers. In no state east
OF Missouri greater wealth per capita
Notwithstanding SUCH surprising ma
te-ial progress degree OF discontent
exists which seems entirely out OF mar
mony with Il. In the anthracite region
a strike of ive months duration. attend
ed by much bitterness and widespread
suffering has but recently terminsted:
and in our own state, Tor a period OF nNe
weeks. street railway traffic was at a
etandrtill in ore of our most populous
centres, 10 the great Inconvenience OF the
public and TO the Injury Of all concerned.
These two Instances are but the more
evident manifestations of a dissatisfac-
ton with surrounding conditions which
undoubtedly exists among very large
proportion of our population.
study of the situation has convinced
me that this discomfort is due TO prva-
tions which are artificial and unneces-
sarv The truth Is that the enormous
amount OF wealth produced is unequally
distrlbuted--unequally because OF inter
ference with the natural laws of distrbu-
ton by unwise and unjust legislation
From you, gentlemen ofshe general as
sembiy I ask candid and unbiased con
rideration of he following facts and
recommendations.
In Rhode Island. largely owing TO the
long continuance In power OF one party
certain abuses have sprung up-abuses
which are recognized generally and con.
dcmned by public ar'Gioa
Among these abuses - governmental
functions are % the passage of laws
by one general assembly which. according
20 their terms, capiot pe amended or re
pcaied AT will by n subsequent genera
assembly; t2t boards Of police commits
eioners. created far two OF our cities and
one town. under which from one-fourtl
TO one-eighth OF all the taxes raised fol
local purposes In these municipalities ar,
expended by three state commissioner
who are In no way responsible TO tbs
electorate contributing the taxes. (3
post-clection sessions Of the general as
eembly. at which legislature. who's
successors have been chosen, passes i'm
proper and unpopular laws. such AK 1
would not dare to enact at the Januar,
session. aud. finally. a) an irresponsible
the general assembly. and causing legis
iation. which should oe just and solcl!
for tho public welfare. To become a mer
matter OF sale 10 the highest bidder.
now invite your attention TO con
sideration OF the cause and the remod
for these abuses.
UNJUST REPRESENTATION.
Since In our Republican government tn
fnf a oil in ha lqeielaff1Va
follows that. i'm order TO secure good gov
ernment. that body must be truly repre-
sentative Of the people
In Rhode Island. as you know, such
not the case.
BY the census Of iaoo. tho population q
this state was given ~ 42s.Ss. or tha
number. eS.52s inhabited thirty towns
and the remaining 10000, or "a per cen
lived In eight cities and towns Thes
eight urban municipalities are represent
ed in the senate by but eight ~ It's thirt,
eight members. constituting but twenty
one per cent of that body. which posses
a veto power upon all legislation A lcs
degree OF injustice exists In the house q
Representatives and yet there the discrin
ination agninst cities and popnious towr
n very great.
The abuses 20 which I have referred aI
. necessary consequence Of such travcs
~ upon representative government. "
svitably. when one-twelfth OF the inhab
tants OF a state. dwelling In small towr
controlled politically by petty considers
tlons or corrupt influences. posscsss
more power In legislation than the n
naming elevsn-twelftns. unjust Law
will be enacted and many wise. acts wi
far OF passage.
the APPOINTING POWER.
A. an instance of the many viciou
law. now upon our statute books. non
has less excuse than the one enacted tw
years sgo transferring the power 70 az