The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-03-23

The house OF representatives began it's
session this morning at 1876 o'clock with
Speaker Dennis presiding and a quorum
present. Sundry matters were communi-
Gated from the senate as passed in con-
currence.
Mr.. Palmer OF Cranston introduced
bill, on behalf OF the committee on COR
porations with recommendation of pass
age, to increase the capital stock OF the
Coventry company from 500 900 TO $4,000.
Mr.. Gorton OF Providence introduced a
hire the sum OF S5ooo for ward room pur-
poses Referred to the committee on judl-
ciary
MIR. Butler of Pawtucket presented the
petition OF Lyons Delaney and others on
the socalled constitutional imitation. Re-
ferred to the committee on special legisla-
ton
Mr.. Eddy OF Providence introduced a
bill authorizing the city OF Providence TO
hire $4,000 for a fire station In the Fifth
ward. Referred 70 the committee on judi
ciary.
Mr.. Brown OF Providence by request in
troduced petition of G.. G. Peirce and
others for constitutional initiative Com
mittee on special legislation
PROVIDENCE POLICE COMMISSION.
The first business upon the calendar
was the Police Commission bill.
An act In amendment of chapter $50 of
the Public Laws, entitled AN act TO es-
tabllsh a board of police commissioners
for the city OF. Providence" passed at
the November session, A. ID 1901. The
committee on judiciary recommended
passage.
Mr.. Bowen OF Providence was the first
speaker and he spoke in favor Of the
passage of the bill.
The bill is now up for discussion, but
il is not my intention to make any ex-
tended remarks on II, but to speak few
words explaining the position of the dele
CATION from Providence. A few years ago
the matter Of the police department was
In the hands of the board OF aldermen
and the councilman. The power would
stlll be invested in them were it not for
the fact of the manipulation OF the licenses
to liquor dealers.
The administration of the police depart
ment was not satisfactory and both tho
board OF aldermen and the common coun-
Gil requested the state step in.
The bill does not call for any partisan
commission. so it will be neither Demo-
cratic nor Republican The state is cr!ti-
cized for'interference with home rule. The
Republican party did appoint the Iolicc
commissioners but their action was APP
proved by the electors.
Now Providence asks for n restora-
tion OF the right OF home rule. II wants
the power to appoint placed i'm the hands
OF the mayor with consent OF the board
OF aldermen. Why Is IL not right TO place
a check on the mayor at the same time
IL Is not possible TO stamp out vice cu-
tirely, and as long as that Is the case
means must be taken to control the situa-
tion. The city asked for tho passage of
the bill and Il was Ora fted by the city's
law departments The delegation fdvors
it and l believe it is proper to return the
power TO the people and IL they are not
capable Of controlling affairs Of their own
city then the state can step in again
MIR. PIERCEs VIEW.
Mr. Pierce OF Providence stated that the
bin was asked for and their was no need
OF saying much on the subject The act
changed the method or appointment and
Is so plain that no talk is necessary. lie
hoped IL would pass.
Mr. Crafts stated that he would support
the measure in giving home rule. but he
did not approve OF absolute home rule. II
Is a matter OF the cxpediency OF the act.
II home rule Is the best government. then
let's endorse Il, n not then let the con-
troll return TO the state. In this case all
the city departments endorsed IL ana ne
hoped IL would pass.
Mr. Hendricks moved 90 amend the bill
so that two members shall be OF one
party and one shall be OF the other.
Mr. Rattcy seconded the amendment.
Then came n forensic battle and a flow
OF oratory. with several members trying
20 reconstruct the bill.
WANTED MINORITY REPRESENTA-.
T1ON.
Mr.. Rattey stated that the amendments
aimed 20 represent the opinions OF all
parties. The board Is not TO be OF one
party. lie hoped that at least ono mem-
Der shall represent tho minority
Mr Bowen explained that az the bill
now stood Il was opened to all parties.
Republicans. Democrats. Socialists.
I,aborites and white Ribbonists. Why
should politics enter into the matter. par.