The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-01-07
DISCUSSED
AUSTRALIAN
SYSTEM
Interesting Dsbats Bsf.rs Sixth
Ward Republican ub.-Jsph-
ersln and jennings Speakers

The Sixth Ward Republican club held a
meeting last evening in Mount Hope hall.
$50 Eddy street. at which the attendance
was small. The principal feature was
discussion led by Messrs. George A.
Jepherson and Richard w. Jennings. in
regard to caucus laws and proposed
changes. Prior to the discussion brief
business meeting was held, William +.
Sears, the secretary. reading the minutes
OF tho last meeting. and the following
new members were nominated and unani-
mously elected; Everett Potter. Court
land Potter Bernhard A Black. Isaac
Crocker. sullivan X Brown. A. II. Cor
nell, Jr.. and N. Il. Sioren.
Washington X. Prescott, the president
OF the club introduced Mr.. Jepherson as
the first speaker The trend OF Mr. Jeph-
erson's argument was a general commend
alton of the Australian ballot system for
caucuses and the speaker gave his per-
sonal views on the definition of tartn
and said that the party favored high
tariff As regards protection for the voter
at the caucus. Mr. Jepherson said the only
way this could be accomplished would be
TO keep the names Of the several candi-
dates for nomination a sacret until the
caucus opened, and he quoted several ex-
ample In defence and corroboration of his
claim. He spoke OF Governor Garvins
charges that bribery was rampant in
Rhode Island and compared the gov
ernor's charges with those preferred by
Governor Butler OF Massachusetts, some
years ago that the human skins OF pau
pers, charges of the state, were tanned
after death and sold In trade: charges
which AT n publc hearing were found to
be utterly without foundation OF every
vestige OF truth. In closing Mr.. Jepherson
forecasted a signal victory for the Repub-
lican party at both city and state cleo
tons next year.
The chairman then introduced Mr..
Richard w. Jennings. who explained the
cause OF Gov. Garvins election for a
second term, by stating that the gov
ernor had catered to every one who had
or fancied he had a grievance. and TO
whom he promised to ''set matters
right" The speaker showed that the
Democratic party had put 5000 moro
names on the registration lists than had
ever before been registered. and 10 these
facts Mr. Jennings attributed Gov Gar
WINS reelection.
The speaker criticised the Australian
balolt system for caucuses. az one being
unfair 10 both candidates and voters
"and so great II its complexity," said
the speaker, "oftentimes the voter does
not know whether he Is voting for the
man he wants 10 or not"
Mr.. Jennings said he did not hope 10
combat the present voting system. but
felt that II should be abolished for the
best interests OF honest voting. That
bribery existed when the Australian ball
lot system II used was shown by the re-
port submitted TO Gov Garvin by Mr.
williams. the governors private bribery
inspector" Mr.. Williams gave his views
OF the proposed change OF the caucus
laws. and thought that an amendment of
40 nit 4,
great deal OF trouble. expense and COM
plexty.
A general discussion followed and after
an hours debate. II was voted TO present
the bill for the proposed amendment To
the legislature.