The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-02-01
MANY SPOKE
AGAINST
THE BILL

Politicians OF both parties and students
Of political conditions here were out in
force yesterday afternoon al the state
house and made up the bulk OF the audi
ence that assembled at the public hearing
on the bill for the change I'm Representa-
tion before the house committee on spe-
ciI legislation
Many prominent leaders OF both parties
were heard mostly OF the Democratic side
and the trend OF the sentiment appeared
10 be against the bill I'm its present form.
II is a bill for an act TO approve and
publish. and submit To the electors
proposition OF amendment 10 the consutu-
ton of this state
Section one OF the bill which provides
for the election follows:
The house Of representatives shall con-
slst OF one hundred members. and shall
be constituted on the basis OF population
AZ shown by the United States census
next preceding the apportionment, always
allowing one representative for frac-
sion exceeding half the ratio; but each
town and city shall always be entitled to
at least one member and no town or city
shall have more than e-fourth OF the
whole number OF members. The general
assembly shall. after any new census
taken by tho authority OF the United
States. reapporton the representation In
conformity with the foregoing provisions.
AS soon as this amendment goes into ef-
feet. and after each census, and as occa-
sion may require the general assembly
shall divide each town and city into as
many districts as IL is entitled to repre-
sentatives. and one representative shall
be elected from each district by the quail
flied electors thereof. Such districts shall
nc az nearly equal In population and as
compact I'm territory as possible.
The other provisions provide that the
proposition be submitted To the electors at
the election Nov. 7th. 1905. Frank T.. Hol-
den OF the state central committee spoke
ir favor OF the bill which was introduced
by house leader, Judge James Harris Of
Smthheld
he said that II was introduced 10 pro-
v.de more equal representation.
EX-GOv. GARVIN SPOKE.
Former Gov. Lucius +. c. Garvin op-
posed the measure because II was "A dis
tinctlv partisan one and would give
chance for too much gerrymandering. He
gave the statistics of the towns now 10
show how unequal the present representa-
tion was and To show also how little
chance an opposition party had against
the party now I'm power. provided the lat
ter party apportioned the districts.
Chairman =. Henry Quinn of the Demo-
cratic party followed Dr Garvn.
Mr. Quinn said he did not think that
this bin as II Is drawn is a fair attempt
10 carry out the sentiments OF the chair
man OF the Republican state central com
mittee expressed at this meeting LAS
Dr. Garvin has said. do not think that Il
Is step I'm the direction Of equal rep
resentation
AS | had observed do not think that
the Republican party is proper party 70
suffer ia hH+e-eAaFse ef the redistfirtirr,
OF the state I do not know that the
Democrats are TO be trusted 10 divide the
state and not take party advantage in
case II was the dominant party"
Gov. Garvin spoke again and called at
tention 20 the fact that when COM
missions divided several of the cities there
were members OF one or two Of them that
refused 10 sign because the division was
SO palpably unfair.
TRUANT OFFICERS STATEMENT.
Gilbert whittemore OF Providence said
he was one OF the men that divided the
city Of Providence up and he was I'm favor
OF a ward FOR every representative lie
OF a ward for every Representative. lie
the ten wards were set apart they were
as equal as they could be made.
He said I'm reference 60 the proposed
change IN the senate that Il would not
be a good thing for this state 10 appro.e,
as II would be advocating the taking
away OF part OF our power In tho United
State senate
In my opinion there never was a gerry
mander OF Providence that was alb eneft
To the Republican party or "A change in
tho district lines.
Mr.. Whittemore also paid his respects
10 the people who seemed TO be afraid
TO trust the general assembly 20 do any
duty entrusted TO IL. That sort OF talk
advertised about is making people pretty
tired. They are getting enough Of IT,
Mr.. Murphy OF Central Falls opposed
the proposed act. saying that it would
not be good thing for Pawtucket and
Central Falls IN it's present form
MUST GIVE UP POWER.
Sidney a. Sherman. speaking as a stu
dent OF practical politics. gave the history
OF the Gerrymander," and spoke OF Rhode
Islands antiquated system OF securing
representatives. The other states were
much the same az Rhode Island az tho
start but they soon changed for n more
equitable sytem than otm own. Even thon
however. there is a chance that a Gerry
mander might be Used by the partv I'm
control
The issue now is IN see how best 10
get tho country towns 10 give up their
power which they have retained. dispite
the fact their population has diminished
steadily. How best 20 get them to face
tho issue boldly
Mr.. sherman did not favor tho pres.
ent bill as II stands.
Other speakers were Edward VI suili.
van, Victor Frazae and Christopher
OBrien.