The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-10-12


TO persist I'm the course he has laid out
ana not TO be turned therefrom by the
| opposition Of railroad representatives
whether or not I'm public office.
The recent astounding disclosures OF tho
use or funds held in trust for widows and
orphans 10 aid In Republican elections
emphasizes the necessity for state as
wen as national legislation. not only 10
prohibit corporations from contributing
TO campaign purposes. but 60 punish any
person receiving such contributions for
such purpose. bearing I'm mind that "the
receiver u az bad as the thief" The close
| relation between the Republican machine
! IN Rhode Island and one OF the large In
surance companies now under inyestga-
tion, n confessed contributor OF trust
funds TO the national Republican party,
cannot fail 20 make orr fellow citzens
, reflect upon the probability OF a similar
embezzlement by that and other corpora
tions for the success OF the same party
In our state.
But II IL on state not on national issues
the coming campaign must be fought, and
tho one great issue transcendlng every
other is constitutional reform.
The present constitution of Rhode Isl
and. with It's irrational and unjust system
OF representation IN the general assembly.
It's refusal OF the veto and other important
powers To the governor, and its pro-
vision for amendment only on the initia-
two OF the general assembly, was anti
quated before IL was born and has for
two generations been used 10 deny To the
people OF this state the inalienable Amerf-
can doctrine OF governing themselves.
with the exception Of the men In control
OF public service corporations. and q few
who are making use OF the present un-
representative government for their own
aggrandizcmcnt no one denies the I'M
perative need OF a revision.
While we reaffirm the. historic Demo-
cratic doctrine OF the right Of the people
to make or change their fundamental law.
tho need OF n new Constitution - so I'M
perative that tho Democrats can cheer
fully accept any method which Will In
sure "A new Constitution framed by the
representatives OF the people elected on
"A basis OF population We accordingly de-
mand that the next general assembly
pass a resolution proposing an amendment
10 tho present Constitution. providing for
the holding of n Constitutional conven-
tion. the delegates to said convention TO
be elected on the basis OF population.
The recent attempts OF the Republican
party from time 20 ume 10 amend the
Constitution OF this State has not re-
suited in any improvement In the funda-
mental law. No amendement has been. or
will be. offered by the Republican party 20
the people OF this state unless It further
cntrcnches that party In power and
makes tho government OF this state even
moro unropresentative than IL Is at pres
ent, and we called upon the Democrats or
this state TO vote against the amendment
which will he submitted at the coming
election. it's adoption would result only
IN the gerrymandering OF tho cities and
large towns for the election ~ repre-
sentatives. the control by the dominent
machine OF the house. az ~ already con-
trolls the senate the end OF the Demo
cratic or other opposition party in state
affairs; the death knell OF constitutional
reform.
The Democratic party Is emphatically
I'm favor OF good ronds. but we believe
that tho issue OF bonds at this time will
result In an increase of the extravaganza
that has characterized our state govern
ment for several years past and we be-
lieve that with a proper administration
OF the states finances the good roads
system may be continued upon the pres
ent income. We therefore advise that
ehe electors reject the proposition to issue
bonds
We favor the election OF United states
senator's by direct vote Of the people.
The Democratic party has advocated.
and does stu advocate. such control OF
all public service corporations that they
will first serve the people OF this state
any reforms I'm this line as the present
unjust representation makes Il possible
for these corporations TO absolutely con-
troll the legislation OF thlss tate
We believe that the public health r. ~
the utmost Importance and declare that
We are In favor OF laws that will com
pei manufacturers and packers OF all
kinds or foods. drinks and condiments 70
print on the package containing said
foods. drinks or condiments the formula
OF said contents
We invite and welcome 20 our ranks all
citizens OF this state who believe that the
time has now come when We should have
= government OF tho people rather than
government Of public service corpora
tionp.
The Democratic party again presents NJ
It's candidate for governor. Lucius r G.
Garvin. who has been twice elected by
tho people OF this state His unswerv-
Ing faithfulness TO truth and the correct
principles of government have been
shown during his two terms OF office and
his election again 90 the position or gov
crnor will be a long step towards constl-
tutional reform.
SOME DISCUSSION