The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-21
URGES EQUALITY
OF OPPORTUNITY
Gov Utter Tells Business Mems Association This Must BE Given
to All Men AS the Only Sound Basis Upon Which Popular
Government Can Stand the Basis OF the Superiority Of
Wealth Being Dangerous and the Cause of Pres mt Unrest

Al the iSth annual dinner OF the Rhode
Island Business Mems association, held in
the Wellington last evening, about 20
members and guests were present, and
the D'Wolf orchestra rendered pleas
ing musical program.
President Charles r. Stark referred to
the purpose OF the association. and spoke
of questions that might profitably occupy
its attention, mentioning the completion
OF the Exchange place Improvement and
the problem, OF improved traffic facilities
for the East Side, on this he said:
IF the city is called on TO build the
tunnel it should retain the ownership. II
the traction company desires a tunnel for
its use II should be willing 10 foot the
bills"
Mr.. Stark also referred TO the proposed
Metropolitan Park system and 70 the cul-
tivation Of proper public pride I'm Provi-
dence as subjects for the consideration
of the association. and then presented
Gov. Utter, who said:
81 think every business man recognizes
that this country of ours is never going
~ sec time when Il does not face some
crisis. The greatest danger that comes
10 this nations life Is not In time OF need,
but in time of great prosperity. We have
questions today growing out OF our pros
perity. that will test us as none or the
old questions did. The great question Is.
How shall this nation OF ours survive
prosperity?
1--WE say all men are born free and
equal. That is true In one sense. The
only equality is equality OF opportunity.
When that equality Is no longer found II
gives rise 10 dissatisfaction, 10 spirit OF
unrest. In our neighboring state of New
York we have seen man who personi-
fed that spirit OF unrest nearly elected
TO it's highest office
There has been a great increase IN
riches and I'm the arrogance of riches. The
thing we have come TO worship more than
anything elese Is the dollar. Then there
is the labor question.
1--WE hear "A great deal about the de-
mand for shorter hours and for greater
wages That demand is the least part
OF the problem. IL is only the means TO
the end The real demand OF labor. which
~ expressed in the struggle for shorter
hours or greater wages, Is the demand
for wider opportunity. II Is the same
desire which you may be feeling OF bet
ter thing for your child, a better thing
for your family.
I'm our business world VIC are develop
ing an impersonslity that takes away
from the individual his responsibility IN
the conduct OF business. Very few men
today are carrying on business In their
own person and their own name.
THE American people must recognize
that they cannot run n free government
for free people on lines based on the SUI
reriority OF wealth. They must recognize
and insist on equality OF opportunity for
all men"
President Stark announced that among
the members OF the association who had
sent their regrets were Senator Wetmore
and Congressman D. l.. ID. Granger.
Miss Sarah Dyer Barnes, assistant SUI
perintendent of public schools. spoke on
SCHOOLS for individual Work reviewing
the provisions for individual instruction
I'm the schools OF Providence. OF the
schools for backward. children Miss
Barnes said: "I ann proud to he able TO
saw that Providence was the pioneer in
this work In this country
Hon Amasa NJ. Eaton spoke on The
Park Possibilities OF Providence" his talk
being illustrated by stereopticon views Of