The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-01-06

dependence than the two which have since
elapsed
"The history OF Rhode Island Is unique
In several particulars. 1t was founded
on an original social contrast The origin
OF the government has been a matter
which has provoked much discussion.
Here I'm Rhode Island the people came
toe ether and voluntarily agreed to COM
bine in civil matters.
INDEPENDENT or CHURCH.
Here for the first time was founded
state on the basis OF absolute independ-
ence OF church and state. II was here
that the possibility OF an absolute separ-
alton of the church and state was first
marked. In addition 10 soul liberty the
King Charles charter granted powers not
granted other states. At the time OF its
abrogation IL was the oldest constitutions
al charter I'm the world.
'"The government is unique In that that
Instrument granted In 1868 remained In
force until 1912 Al the revolutionary
outbreak the other states adopted consti-
tutions. but Rhode Island did not.
Under that charter Rhode Island
achieved a very honorable history and
carried on many wars. The powers
which have come down 20 a later time
have distinguished this state. Rhode ISL
and was the first 10 renounce It's al
legiance OF the crown at the outbreak OF
the revolution. She also offered the first
armed resistance TO the naval power or
Great Britain.
"It was this act which lead to the
adoption OF the House OF Burgesses OF
Virginia. which led 10 the establishment
OF tho first commission OF inquiry among
the colonies. 1t was the first overt act
I'm Narragansett bay which set the mat
ters in motion which resulted in the
foundation OF our union.
THE HISTORICAL PROMINENCE.
''The commission has felt that It was
D I.AN rtWsa.t
OF Rhode Island and in our archives at
the state house are many valuable docu-
ments which we have thought advisable
to exhibit either the originals or photo
graphic or other fac-s SMILES. 1t is also
our purpose TO exhibit portraits of Rhode
Islands distinguished sons
II have thus in a general way narrated
some OF the things we hope 10 accomplish
and why we wish to accomplish them"
! He also stated that not only were q
number OF the most powerful nations of
! Europe To make strong naval exhibitions,
! but that Japan would also have her navy
| represented. and IL was expected that Ad-
I miral Oyama and Baron Komura would
be there The same nations are also ex-
pected 10 make interesting exhibits OF
! ancient documents. Many interesting old
! documents are also expected from the
vatican.
The secretary of the exposition commits
sion. Dennis F. Shehan, also spoke briefly,
! saying in part
SITE EASY OF ACCESS.
There Is one thing might say in adj
dition TO Judge Blodgetts remarks. We
already have good facilities for getting
| from this city 10 Norfolk The exposition
grounds are just outside OF Norfolk and
are reached in 30 minutes by electrics,
which are already I'm operation"
Mr. Shehan also told some interesting
| historical facts and explained the Inn
portance OF Norfolk as centre Of popu-
lation He explained fully the advantages
.tsg -
pose.
In closing, he said II the general as
sembly should put the commission IN a
position TO uphold the dignity OF Rhode
Island he would be pleased 10 have the
people Of the state attend and see for
themselves what was being done I'm the
way OF proper representation or the state.
In doing that we shall add much as
we can TO the glory OF the state of Rhode
Island" the speaker concluded.
The last speaker, was George F. Kins-
bury, who supplemented the addresses of
the preceding speakers with information
Of the location OF the exposition grounds
| and of the site which has been secured for
| the Rhode Island building
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
At the conclusion OF the speaking a
! number OF the members OF the associa ion
asked questions, who were answered by
| voted that the thanks OF the association
| be extended to the speakers, after which
! the following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That. whereas the Rhode ISL
and Business Mems association, in regu-
lar monthly meeting assembled at Provi-
denco. Rhode Island on this ffth day OF
January, A. ID. 1906. has had the privilege
Of listening to an abte presentation or the
plans and purposes OF the jamestown
Ter-centennial Exposition to be held on
Hampton Roads, Virginia, in 1907, made
by the Rhode Island commission upon
such exposition, Hon. John Il. Blodgett
chief commissioner; Hon. Dennis II. Shea
han, and Hon George n. King and others
being present. and whereas said assocla-
ton recognizes the great Importance OF
preserving all the intimate fundamental
historical associations that exist between
Virginia and Rhode Island, now, there
fore. II is the judgment OF the said Rhode
Island Business Mems association, to
which IL would respectfully ask the atten-
tion Of the general assembly OF the state,
that the state OF Rhode Island should
participate actively In such exposition.
and should adopt for the purpose all nee
essary legislation to carry out the plans
made for such participation by said
Rhode Island commission.
After the resolution had been unani-
mously adopted. the meeting adjourned.