The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-02-16
DR.. M'VICKAR
OPPOSED ACTION
So Say Two Young Rhode Island
CI0rgymen.
REFORM MOVEMENT DISCUSSED
Rev. William Psssy and Rev. Albert Grab
tree, Reported Leaders Ia melting Re-
form Agitation Are Talsatlvs.
REFORM MOVEMENT DISCUSSED

There is pronounced cummotion
! throughout the state aroused by the
much vaunted' reform movement in which
Rt Rev. w y. McVickar is a conspicuous
figure. Rumor has directed attention 20
two young ciergymen in northern Rhode
Island. insisting that they are respon-
slble for the latest movement OF the
clergy against the state. These two young
ministers are Rev William A. Pressey OF
Ashton and Rev. Albert Crabtree or
Lincoln.
Rev. Mr. Crabtree is Democratic
school committeeman In Cumberland
Speaking on the matter he says:
REV. MR.. PREssEY
"'rbe movement as 7 know IT, has, Of
course. been gradually shaping itself for
a long time. though, frankly. / did not
believe that even the slight action taken
Monday would be taken, as had an Idea
that the clergy as a whole did not wish
TO enter into tho scheme at this tuncture.
when the committee is selected and
a draft OF some kind In made, then our
position will be defined But, 70 my
mind II seems likely that whatever
method is resorted TO. will be In the line
NJ indorsing constitutional reforms Moral
reforms cannot be made until the present
antiquated constitution Is remedied and
patched up. Do the clergy as whole
favor the steps tsken7 Yes. l believe
So doesn't the unanimous vote taken the
other day indicate that? Does the bishop
indorse It? Well. that is a matter that
concerns the bishop himself more than II
does me- j have talked the matter over
with him time and time again he be-
lieves in reform, but really don't think
ne had Il In mind to act AT this time
The statement that he considered II In
judicious for the clergy TO take action at
this time would lead me to believe and
I'm fact l had thought that someone had
overheard a conversation which had
with the bishop on Sunday. He told mo
then that he believed II untimely for
action and hoped none would be taken.
II is my opinion now, however, that since
the fellows have got him into II he has
and will swing right along with the
| idea"
REV. Mr.. CRABTREE.
'The present state administration, es-
! pecially the senate, will never. under
! present conditions, consent TO leglslate it
| self out OF office: nor will IL consent TO
give up its prerogative as helper to the
| executive branch. which. too, needs the
| veto power to make IL effective.
"The senate now. or the power In It.
represents about one-twelfth OF the popu-
lation. and the only way TO secure
change Is to stir up his reform move
ment arouse the public to It's duty, Their
educate the people to the right path.
which we wish to have lead to constitu-
tlonal reforms.
"The movement is not partisan, not
bit of IT, and that idea should be removed
right away. What want is a more
representative administration and a man
at the head Of It who will have the spirit
OF his convictions, rather than have to see
what his party bosses" want. Then
perhaps some OF the publication will be
observed.
Corruption Is in existence. ] am
positive, for It js so commonly spoken
Of that It can't be otherwise. In fact.
men have told me OF 1t, but Of course,
would not go under oath that they bribed
or were hribed. though to me some have
admitted II. But that Is not confined 10
any party; Democrats and Republicans
share the spoils In that, though the Re
publicans, being on top. are the principal
offenders The Democrats would be In the
same condition, had they the power. I am
sure. A reform I'm the corruption line
must he contended- not with the party,
but with the individual. by educating ciu-
zcns TO their duty.
''It must not be construed that this
movement is to aid the Democrats any
more than the Republicans. 1t Is 10 stir
up the independent element to a working
body and then go solid either on its own
policy or with the party that promises
and shows sincerity in what the public
wants and needs. Or. Garvin has the
admiration and respect OF the Independent
neople and ] think that Gov. Utter was
working himself 10 that same pitch until
he made that terrible and extremely false
step at woonsocket the other night in
assailing DR.. Laidlaw.
''I myself was n warm believer in his
resolution to shake the collar, but now
I doubt a. Does his attitude and recon-
mendations in this independent spirit
innugura ted az the state house show his
intention TO give the people their rights7