The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-29
REFORM or THE
CONSTITUTION IS
FIRST ESSENTIAL

Rev. Frank j. Goodwin. pastor Of the
Pawtucket Congregational church. in a
letter on the political situation to the
Providence Journal among other things
says:
1T was with consummate political
sagacity that the committee I'm charge Of
the present movement. which includes the
independent Republicans and Democrats.
should have directed their strength
toward the one state issue OF breaking
the power OF the Republican ring in the
legislature.
This means the election Of senator,
who by ability. character and experience
is worthy OF representing this state at
Washington: IL means an effort to weaken
or destroy the political ring which IL ruin
ing the honored Republican party and de-
flaming our state.
What is asked OF the Democracy now
IS this. Is II hight on the one important
state issue. viz, an honest legislature7
On this question II undoubtedly holds a
strong position, and is worthy OF the sup
port OF Independent Republicans. and all
others who would make their protest
against the maladministration of our
state affairs
THAT anyone should be able 10 say that
there is no bossism or ring rule in Rhode
Island Indicates either that he is ignorant
o. that he is pathetically bereft OF sense
Of humor, or that his physical and mental
condition is such as TO demand immediate
medical aid.
THAT ring rule Is rampant in Rhode
Island does not mean that lobbyists are
seen walking up and down our legislative
halls with $50 and 800 bills In their hands
to buy votes for measures, which the un-
crowned political kings desire TO be
passed.
There are five reasons, al least, why Il
Is not necessary for political ring TO
spend money among the legislators them
selves, while still keeping control OF the
legislature
First. having bought up sufficient
number OF voters, in strategic communi-
ties, who are willing TO send men of lamb
Ike temper TO the capitol. why is II neces-
sary 10 buy a second time the legislators
themselves. who do not need buying TO
be controlled?
Second. some Of the legislators from
towns which are staunch Republican
strongholds are held by the party leglsla-
tive caucus or by the party word which is
passed around. that cetain bills are to be
voted UP or down.
Third, when there appears an inde-
y
tation and who favors good laws, N he
asserts his manhood too strongly he is
punished without mercy. Speaker Bur
lngame is a striking illustration OF ono
who was punished with savage ill-will by
the ring. which turned him down for
nomination for the next legislature
Fourth. some men in the Legislature
are held in line by small offices. which
are at the disposal OF the party In power.
Fifth. bills which the machine does not
wish 10 be passed are pigeonholed by
| small committees. a majority OF which, Of
| course, are always slavishly obedient 10
the ring.
These FIVE methods, TO name no others
are the familiar devices used by the
trained politicians at the capitol. There
Is no bossism or ring rule in Rhode ISL
| and
There is simply the keenest cunning.
! the most masterful control OF political
machinery. the most subtle knowledge OF
human nature in its strength and weak
ness, and brazen disregard for the pub
lie welfare. when that welfare is hostile
10 private interests.
The citizens OF Rhode Island have abil-
ity, strength, righteous hatred of wrong.
and love of popular freedan. Shall they
| hoard these splendid resources until some
postponed rainy day. forgetting that now
1t is pouring, and that there Is the great
est necessity lor pubilc,spirited sacrifice.
manly courage and independence to meet
the present distress of our noble state?
The question OF constitutional revision
must be settled In Rhode Island: and il
must be settled right This can be done
now satisfactorily with conservative men
taking controlling hand in our public
affairs.
IF IL is not done now the chances are
that when IL comes up again and some
II VIII, II may be settled when perhaps
irresponsible radicals will be i'm the
ascendant; and what now could be accom-
plished with a due regard TO the best in
terests and wishes OF our conservative
commonwealth. may be settled I'm n way
hostile TO all those interests. and the last
condition OF our state will be worse than
the first"