The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-12

A toint rally by Democrats and Lincoln
rites was held last evening at North Smith
neld I'm Primrose Grange hall. the speak
ers being Ex-Gov. J.. IF. c. Garvin, III. G.
Carpenter, Christopher Aspell and Irving
O. Hunt OF this city.
The hall was crowded by an enthusias-
tic and interested audience. Dr. GarNln
who was the last speaker. took liberty
for his themesand In part said:
What does an American understand by
political liberty? Does IL not mean his
ability TO have the kind OF government
he wishes, to live under such laws as he
prefers. and, In general to have the VIII
of the majority prevail?
Certainly that is what we all mean
when we speak of the government by the
people AS a matter OF fact. If popular
seh-government be liberty, then our lib
erty is lost
No doubt four-ffths OF the voters OF
this state have long desired that the
governor should possess modified veto
power but they could not confer II.
Unduestionably a still larger proportion
OF our citizens object TO the enactment
OF irrepealable laws, but this has been
going on for the past 10 years.
The people of the United States, with
few exceptions, wish TO elect national
senator's by direct vote, but they are help
less to bring II about.
How then are we 10 regain the con-
troll of our government? Turn to the first
section of the Rhode Island constitution
and you will find these words quoted from
George Washington: THE basis or our
institutions Is the right Of the people to
make and alter their constitution OF gov
ernment' The ability to exercise that
right does now exist i'm Rhode Island or
i'm the United States as a whole
THE Democratic platform adopted last
week demands the popular Initiative for
constitutional amendments. II you send
me TO Washington / shall regard IL as my
highest duty 10 try TO confer upon rea-
sonable minority OF the voters of the
United States-less than one miliion-the
power TO propose amendments TO the ma
tional constitution
II ask those who love liberty and would
restore it 10 vote for the Lincoln Demo-
cratic candidates, state and national, all
OF whom are pledged TO the popular initia-
tive"
Speaking for the young man, Irving q.
Hunt who was prominently mentioned
for secretary OF state on the Democratic
ticket said:
"The Lincoln party gives 20 every voter
I'm Rhode Island the chance TO vote for
his own man for senator instead o. hav-
ing him chosen by the boss after tho cleo
tlon is all over and IL is too late to change
the choice. This Is the first time I'm the
history OF Rhode Island that such an
opportunity has been offered
THE platform upon which Col God
dard stands has attracted a large ma
iorty OF the decent members of the Re
publican party In the city OF Providence.
as well as all young men who are
ashamed OF the conditions under which
their state has been laboring for the last
few years.
This platform gives the voters OF the
state an opportunity to show the rest OF
the country that Rhode Island Is not al
WAYS I'm the pocket Of the Boss
mo young man IN the last few years
has been able TO serve in the legislature
OF Rhode Island and finish his term OF
service with the same amount OF self
respect that he possessed when he en-
tered the state house
I'm fact. there r. but one issue before
the people Of tho state. and that is. Are
they willing that Charles r Brsytcn
shall continue 70 rule7
Mr. Aspell recited an original poem
dealing with political conditions. and Mr.
Carpenter also delivered an interesting
talk.
Or. Gsrvin has issued his annual chai-