The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-03


mains before us the heroic task Of re-
vising an antiquated constitution. (Ap-
plause). The present instrument. adopted
nearly Go years ago. was framed with
View TO conditions existing at that time.
Those conditions have long ago ceased to
exist (Applause). The present consti-
tuition. therefore. has become a means OF
preventing. rather than securing or main
tanning. popular government In Rhode ISL
and Applause).
Changes are absolutely demanded,
which should be immediate and important.
our system OF legislative representation
Is radically unfair. (Applause.) We have
no desire to abridge one jot OF what is
just TO the towns In the matter OF rep
resentation. (Applause); but we demand
that population and property. so greatly
affected by all matters of legislation, shall
have reasonable and fair voice In the
shaping of such legislation. (Applause).
THE idea that the FIVE cities OF the
state. with an aggregate population OF
sls.697, should have only the same rep
resentation In The senate as five small
towns, with total population OF only 1894.
Is both preposterous and laughable In a
state where popular government Is sup
posed 20 exist. (Applause).
The power or the governor should be
extended TO degree which would give
him salutary Influence in administer
Ing the affairs of the state. (Applause)
He should be given the veto power (ap-
plause), and the power OF appointment
OF heads of all executive departments.
(Applause)
mo stronger argument for enlargIns
the gubernational powers is necessary
than the manner in which practically all
the appointments OF Governor Garyin
recognized universally as highly credit
able. were disregarded by the state SEN
ate. (Applause.)
rtN
cities should also be invested with proper
executive powers and each town or city
given greater powers OF self-government.
(Applause.)
State appointed commissions police
commissions and otherwise. and commits
sions falsely pretending TO be local, like
the Providence police commission should
be abolished without hesitation (ap-
plause); and the various LOCALITIES az
fected by them, and which are compelled
TO support them, should be given full
Juriediction over them. (Applause)
These are merely few OF the reforms
which are necessary and pressing in this
state Applause) At future times dur
Ing this campaign, / propose to discuss
others OF almost equal Importance
In this campaign, we have no attacks
or recriminations to make upon indvid-
uals or particular candidates. II is a con-
test which arises above the personality
d
must be waged upon issues which are
burning and far-reachlng. (Applause.)
1T is likewise a contest in which the
greatest energy and effort must be put
forth by all citizens who would yindicate
the integrity and the Independence OF our
citizenship. (Applause.) The enemy is
strong. bold confident. IL Is entrenched
behind the bulwarks OF city and state pa.
tronage, beneficiaries OF unequal and un-
fair legislation extending over number
OF years, and behind moneyed influences
which would perpetuate its unholy grasp
upon this state to the sacrifice OF every
high and noble principle. (Applause.)
Let us not underestimate the task
ahead OF us. Let US go forth with strong
hopes, high endeavors and the assurance
OF our cause. (Applause) Let us be
cheered by the knowledge that thrice
armed is he who hath his quarrel just
A wide field of action is open for earnest
effort.
Gentlemen OF the convention I desire
again TO renew my expressions of graft
tude Tor the confidence you have placed
in me. (Applause) In the great battle
which depends. / shall do my utmost to
advance the cause which our party in
common with all good citizens. represents.
Applause) l am aware that my efforts
must prove unavailing and futile without
your energetic cooperation.
with your help. however, with the be-
lief that In justice is strength, and with
the consciousness that abuses cannot be
perpetuated forever without Just retribu-
ton (applause) let US go forth bravely to
the conflict and perform our honored duty
In the struggle that awaits u.s." Uong
continued applause and cheers.)