The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-29
LET Us STOP BRIBERY"
GoverAor Spoke on That Topic In Fifth
Ward Red Nook RaIIy.

There was a Democratic rally In the
Firth ward at Bazaar hall last night, at
which Governor J.. T. G.. Gsrvin, Execu-
tive Secretary Grieve, Daniel Cotton,
James ~. Thurston and John J. Fitzger-
aid OF Pawtucket were speakers The
governor spoke on the subject, Let Us
Stop Bribery" and said:
The reform forces In this state are try
ing 10 transfer the control OF the gov
ernment from a corrupt political machine
TO the people. This is difficult task
and noble one. The means to be used
is almost II not quite as important as
the end sought. II II were possible 70 ac-
complish our purpose by bribery and cor
ruption, should We not iniure the state
rather than beneft II. in thus adopting
the very worst OF the agencies made use
OF by the boss?
Nor is II likely that our efforts would
he successful. III the Democratic party
is To receive the effective assistance OF
the best men OF the state who have hith-
erto voted the Republican ticket, II must
invite their cooperation IN clean cam
paign.
The Democratic leaders having made up
their minds not TO make use OF bribery In
q single town. will then. and then only,
be I'm a position to ask the aid OF consci-
entious men. Having taken this course
success be attained?
First we must appeal TO the patriotism
OF the people In every section Of the state.
The prevalence OF bribery in some OF the
towns is as much or more due 10 indiffer-
ence. thoughtlessness and custom. as TO
positive viciousness From this condi.
ton OF apathy and folly. very many OF
the well-meaning men In even the worst
localities can be aroused by strong and
honest appeal.
THINK THEY'RE THE WHOLE STATE
who cannot be reached In this way. Not
open to persuasion. thcy must be deprived
of their usual bribes by the arrest under
our stringent laws OF any person who of
fers a bribe. ANY campaign funds, over
and above those needed for strictly legiti-
mate expenses. should be devoted 10 pre-
venting the giying of bribes and punish
ing forthwith any who proffer bribes.
The CRY which has been raised that 10
expose corruption Is to defame the state
Is too hallow 10 deceive any thinking
man. As a merchant from the country re-
marked a few days ago. III charge one
OF my clerks with stealing. do not in
that way attack the store or IT'S bust
ness"
The fact is that the men Who for go
many wears have contributed and dis
bursed the corruption funds. have come
To consider themselves the whole state.
and therefore. regard an attack upon
their wicked practices as defamation of
the state Tho motive which actuates
them u exactly that which leads a pick
pocket when chased 70 shout stop
thief" Those who express themselves as
being much shocked at my reeretfui ad-
mission of bribery in Rhode Island are
adopting precisely the same tactics as
were made use ~ by the rsscally officials
who wero called 10 account for robbing
the cities OF St Louis. Minneapolis. Phlla-
jelphia and pittsburg.
Py doing all that can he done to purify
politics at this state election. the reform
forces. n successful. will be in a strong
strategic position for stopping bribery
permanently.
IN as much as reform movements can
not continue az high tension for many
yenrs in succession. II n necessary that
temporary success shoald be embodied
permanently IN the laws. This can he
done only through important changes %
The state constitution. And this IL tho is-
siie ~ the present campaign. Constitution.
ai~reform which shall guarantee 10 everv
city ana town the right ~ local self-Eov.
eminent, which shall give 20 the people
ar equal and Just representation In the
general assembly. and which shall snsbie
q reasonable minority ~ the voters 10