The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-17
THE MUZZLE STILL ON.

Cn his return TO Rhode Island from MS trip
TO Europe, Colonel Samuel p. Colt was equally
as evasive concerning his candidacy for the United
States senatorship as he was when questioned on
his arrival at New York last week. In his latest
statement he declares he does not wish TO discuss
the senatorial situation as he has not had time to
give it the consideration its importance deserves.
For that reason, he said he would prefer to remain
non-commtta
He went on to say: Il am, however, deeply
interested in the welfare OF theRepublican party
and will give assistance in whatever way is con-
sistent and may be deemed expedient for its con-
ltinued dominancy and success
Colonel Colt thus shows himself shifty and
lacking in that frankness which the people expect
in man who is known TO be anxious to fill a high
and dgnified public office This want of candor
will be construed in the popular mind convinc-
ing proof that Colonel Colt is fully aware of the
scheme to make him the Republican candidate for
the Junior senatorship against Mr., Wetmore, and
that he is preserving secrecy regarding it for the
purpose of misleading Mr., Wetmore and his sup
porters.
Such policy is nothing short of deceitful and
the man who adopts ii may expect to forfeit what
lever OF confidence his fellow citizens reposed
in him. There is legitimate reason why
Colonel Colt or any other man who seeks public
office should be either secretive evasive con-
cerning his candidacy.
Ambition to serve ones fellow citizens, if
prompted by worthy motives is praiseworthy, and
no man actuated by such motives would hesitate
tc let his ambition be known of all men. When
evasion is practiced and candor thrust aside there
is usually reason for it, and in the of Colonel
Colt the reason is obvious.
He is the candidate chosen in secret by the
Aldrich- Perry -Brayton combine to supplant
the present incumbent in the United States senate
This scheme was matured long before Colonel Colt
departed for Europe. knowledge OF the conspiracy
against Mr.. Wetmore has been common through
out the state for months
Nor is there much doubt that Colonel Colt
when he went abroad expected that during his
absence the other members of the combine would
succeed in removing Wetmore entirely from
the contest. That expectation met with disap-
pointment however, and to his discontinue Colonel
Colt finds on his return that Wetmore and Wet
more's friends still active and still insstent
upon his denomination.
Nevertheless, Colt still wears the muzzle that
Braytonism has fastened upon him. and he still
consents to play the ignobe game of duplicity
that Braytonism has marked out for him.
And SO the contest will go on. Even the Re
publican party, by the support of which Colonel
Colt hopes TO secure the seat in the senate now
filled by Mr.. Wetmore will not be permitted to
know which OF the two men is to ultimately be
presented to the legislature as its candidate. The
party is to have neither voice nor choice. Bray
tonism alone will settle the senatorial question,
and the rank and file must content itself with doing
the voting
Why this course of secrecy and duplcity is
being followed has frequently been explained 1t
has been adopted By Braytonism primarily TO
enable il to retain its mischevous ascendency in
the state. 1t needs the financial aid of both Colt
and Wetmore and it needs the voting strength OF
both to meet the attack of the forces of reform
now arrayed against IL
If il is beaten, it will not have to show its hand
for Colonel Goddard and not Colonel Colt or Mr. |
Wetmore will be sent to represent Rhode Island in
the senate at Washington.
II it should survive the assault of the decent
citizenship, Braytonism will name Colt, and
Wetmore will be thrust aside without conjunction.
The scheme is so transparent that the wonder is
Mr. Wetmore and his friends fail to comprehend it, |
Nevertheless Mr.. Wetmore Will find when
Braytonism is finally forced to show its hand that
the very money he has contributed TO the cam
paign fund has been used TO make certain the
execution OF the decree of custer issued against
him in secret by the Aldrich- Perry colt Brayton
combine.
THE pEOpI Z VIZ MC- To IINNvT,