The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-30
F|REMEN'S BILL
SURE To PASS,
CANVASS SHOWS

Despite the fact that tho Providence
commissioners are dead sot agin it,"
there seems to be every prospect that
tho fremen will get their one -day-in-
seven act Tassed by the assembly,
This statement is based upon the fact
that the sentiment OF the legislators at
the marble palace has been canvassed
and has been found to be Overwhelmingly
in favor Of the passage OF the bill.
Among the senators IL was found that
the sentiment was strong for the BILL
and from one OF those interested in its
passage IL was learned that 1t has been
virtually promised that the bill shall pass
there
Not satisfied with that. some OF the
friends OF the measure made a canvass
OF the house members, and found that
they were also largely in favor OF the
bill.
In order TO be sure that the measure
would pass the house. some one hit upon
the idea OF having the members afiix
their names 10 a petition favoring the
passage of the act; and at the session
yesterday in a short space of time 43
names were subscribed, showing that the
majority will vote I'm favor when the
measure comes up for action.
Although enough names have been sub
scribed already 10 secure this result. the
petition circulators are still securing sig
natures so that there may be no doubt
as to the outcome when the vote shall be
taken.
one OF those interested stated today
that when the members found that there
was such a voting force behind the meas
ure all over the state they were rather
more than anxious TO be found with the
influence, and hence the success with the
petition
There are about 5000 present and past
firemen In the state and each man is
said 10 have pledged himself TO fight with
his might for the measure; and IL a
failure is made this time 1t may be re-
membered at the next election.
A fireman stated today that each man
OF the 5000 or more had at least one
friend who could be influenced to vote for
these |ho will prove their friendship for
them by voting for the measure. and not
otherwise.
With the determination of the members
of the various departments TO corral votes
as necessary. II is no wonder that the
politicians are willing to proclaim their
pleasure in voting for the measure.
1t would be like political death for
any member OF the general assembly 10
oppose IL" said one OF them today
The orders issued on Thursday by the
board OF fire commissioners jolting per
niclous activity" among the members Of
the Providence department in political
matters and Legislation relating to fire.
men, Is generally accepted as having di-
rect reference To the legislation pending
at the state house: and some of the Vet
eran Firemen's association members say
the commissioners intended TO get in a
good slap at them.
One prominent member OF the associa-
tion sadd today that the preamble of it's
| constitution expressly prohibits political
! discussion
THE whole trouble" said he. ''is that
some one else than the commissioners
themselves is really running the depart
ment and. in effect. the first commission
er and not the fourth, as some one had
! facetiously put IL.
There rs a whole lot of dissatisfaction
in the fire department.; and N is by some
! laid at this unfortunates door. II Is not
bad guess however. that his days as
the power behind the throne are num-
bered
"The Veterans association Is not in
politics, but If they want to drive us In,
they are taking the very best method. IL
they want to throw down the gauntlet,
some one may pick II up.
The national board of fire underwrit-
ers criticized and called down the Provi-
| year to the queens taste.
THE bills introduced into the assem-
bly, and city council to secure four days
a month off for iiremen, which have been
opposed by the commissioners, were not
suggested by the Veterans association;
| but at its meeting a month ago the as
ISOLATION voted TO support them, as It
had a right to do.
The pronunclamento OF the commits
sion Is thought by some TO be designed to
hurt the big muster OF fremen from all
over New England. which is to be held
in this city in the second week OF Aug
ust, and is confidently expected TO prove
the largest muster ever held in the world.
THE Providence Veteran Firemen's as
ISOLATION has gone ahead with plans for
the affair and this action OF the commits
sion happens 20 come In such a way that
some OF us look slantways at II.
There are 200 members in our associa-
ton, less than 80 years OF age, who are
willing to form reserve companies OF 20
men each to serve without pay at big
fires In the city: and we don't think we
are n body OF men to be slapped just be-
cause we happen to see fit TO help the