The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-10
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 1906.
WETMORE WILL FIGHT.

BraytOnSm is Slngularly III OIlSlldllty
in its methods of conducting political campaign.
They remain essentially the same today as they
were two decades ago and as they have been during
all the intervening years.
1t is Braytonism's invariabe practice to select
candidates for office months in advance OF the cleo
nion The names of these men are kept profound
secret not only from the citizens generally, but
from the rank and file of the Republican party
which Braytonism rules with autocratic and un-
challenged power.
Considerations of fitness and high character ex-
ert little or no influence in the choice Ability and
Willingness TO pay the price Braytonism fixes
fhe only tests applied to a who seeks nomna-
tion at the hands of the corrupt machine that SO
long has dominated Rhode Island and brought dis
grace and shame upon it.
When the conventions are held in the fall the
names of the candidates who have paid Brayton-
isms price are disclosed and given the perfume
tory endorsement Braytonsm commands. In no
instance the candidates placed in nomination the
choice of the Republican party; they are simply the
choice of Braytonism which the party in its servility
and supneness is required to ratify.
1t is by this method OF secret selection Brayton-
ism has been enabled 10 maintain itself in power
and continue its mischievous hold upon the execu-
tive, administrative and awmaking functions of the
state Were the party as whole permitted to par
ticipate in the choice of candidates grave danger
would menace Braytonism-the danger OF the selec-
ton of men who would refuse TO wear Brayton
collar.
No such risk can Braytonism assume, so it
arrogates to itself the naming of candidates. leaving
the party only the petty privilege of enforced
endorsement.
These familiar tactics being employed IN
the present campaign. Braytonism has chosen a
candidate for the junior United States senatorship
and the choice is not the present incumbent, George
peabody Wetmore, but Colonel Samuel p. Colt
Braytonism will deny any such secret selection
and will insist that no choice will be made until
next fall. 1t is the habit of Braytonism to make
such denials but they count for nothing with those
who understand Braytonism's capacity for men
dacity.
Senator Wetmore is wise, therefore, in reaz-
ing the danger that his political future and
in making effort to render abortive the Aldrch-
Colt-Perry- Brayton conspiracy to GUST him. He
at least, appears not to be deceived by the asser-
tons of Braytonsm that there will be no choice OF
senatorial candidate until next fall
Familiarity with Braytonisms nether-world
methods gives him reasonably accurate idea of the
power and scope of the plot to drive him from the
also led him to understand that by secret decree he
is to be forced from the running at all hazards.
His determination to resist that decree will
make it uncomfortable for Braytonism, but it will
not alter its purpose Braytonism is always on the
side with the biggest barrel and in the present con-
test the Aldrch-P Perry Colt triumvirate will pro-
duce the biggest barrel.
Mr.. Wetmore's militant spirit is plain chal-
lenge to Braytonsm 1t is a notification that the
junior senator does not purpose submit to politi-
cal decapitation without struggle. 1t is within
his power and seems TO be his purpose to give Bray
tonsm the fight OF its life within the Republican
ranks.
Can Wetmore win? That is question time.
alone answer. In such battle he will have the
support OF the great majority of those who remain
loyal to the Republican party but who frown on
Braytonism and its sinister methods.
Under different conditions victory for Wet
more would be reasonably certain, but with the
money power OF Perry and Colt and the political
chicane of which Adrch and Brayton arc consum-
mate masters to contend against, his struggle must
be desperate cne.
Should success attend his revolt Mr.. Wetmore
will have the supreme satisfaction OF having defeat
ed as unconsc;onable cotere OF political manipu-
lators plotted against party and public de-
cency, and of having chastised Braytonism in its en-
trenchments before its destruction at the polls
by the homes eikizeE,Ap OF Rhode Island