The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-24
DEMOCRATS
PLAN OUT
THE WORK
Many Important Party Measures
Outlined at tho Caucus at
tho State Houss Yesterday.

There was a reunion OF the Democratic
Legislators VINO secured reelection and
sort or reception TO the new members
OF the general assembly OF that party at
the State House yesterday afternoon IN
room 307. on the top noor. The meeting
was called for 2:90. but IL was nearly
o'clock before the governor called the
had invited the INTO meet at tho sugges-
ton Of several OF the assemblymen.
Hon. j. J. Fitzgerald of Pawtucket was
chosen as chairman OF the caucus and
Daniel A. Cotton as clerk. then the chair
man outlined the need OF united action by
the party which Is known 90 be In ths
minority.
ing up measures not sanctioned by the
caucus and intimated that such matters
do moro harm than good and stated
further the vital importance OF unanimity
regarding a measure to be introduced.
In closing he said. THE benefits OF csli-
GUS action are too we'll known TO attempt
TO argue against II.
Representative J. Stacy Brown OF New
port said that the purpose OF the meeting
was not to take definite action. but only
to outline a plan.
Senator Banigan expressed sentiments
that were widely at variance with those
OF Mr.. Fitzgerald's for ne expressed his
opinion that the Democratic members
should be allowed to present other mat
ters as he sees nj. whether on not favored
by the caucus.
The approval or disspproyal OF the eau
Gus can be expressed afterwsrd, he said.
Mr. Fitzgerald took occasion to again
state his views and said that individual
action on the part of the Democratic
members had worked unfavorably I'm the
Hunter White matter and IN regard TO the
BARRIERS bill
The Newport representative also OBJ
jected 10 Mr.. Banigan's suggestion and
said that upon the work i'm the legisla-
tlrre by their party, which was "a strong
majority depended largely whether or
not Democratic senator was sent TO
Washington.
Though we may fail as a party" he
continued. I'VE must block the Republi-
can legislation. That's our play"
The governor thought that too much
time had been given in the past TO party
legislation and said he thought the best
way this year would be 10 make one
thing the issue and work increasingly
upon that He recommended the ''lnitie-
tive and referendum" measure.
Some OF the measures agreed upon AZ
favorable 10 promote were: To restore the
give him veto power: fraschise question;
municipal ownership OF public utilities;
10 remedy the tax In Rhode Island. es-
pecially the personal property tax, and
TO abolish property voters.
Said Mr. Brown: Another thing that we
want TO do that will appeal TO the public
we must look into the apportionment of
the states finances. We should select
committee TO Keep watch OF every detail.
10 visit the auditors office and TO investi
gate the ins and outs OF the appropriation
bill, so that when it comes up We can
discuss IL intelligently. think that IL we
appointed the Democratic members OF last
years finance committee TO do that work
II would be an advantage TO US when the
bill comes up
Both the Providence and Newport police
commission acts met with their share OF
attention and n was moved 10 have an act
introduced at the very first day OF the
session TO repeal the latter and after some
discussion II was decided that the best
course I'm the former matter would be to
repeal IL for good. II possible.
The Providence school commission issue
and the license increase for Providence
were both passed over as not available.
A house COMMITTEES on rules was named
BY the chair as Follows: Messrs. Brown OF
Newport. Pagan OF Burrillville. Rattey OF
Central Falls. Butler OF Pawtucket and
O'Connor OF Providence.
Senator-elect Gushing OF North Provi-
dence advocated municipal ownership OF
public utilities, and during the course OF
his TRADE concerning monopolies Gov.
Garvin interrupted with, what one in
particular"
1.-THE New York, New Haven and Hart
fori Railroad"
Yes. and don't forget the Rhode Island
company" added Mr. Fitzgerald.
A senate committee on rules was made
up OF Senator Banigan and Senator's
elect Thurston and Gushing.
II was also planned TO resurect the
bills pigeonholed al the last session.