The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-02-23

II had been expected that Perry Bel
mont would also be among the speakers
He was unable 10 he present and the fol-
lowing letter Of regret from him was read:
.I'homas w Keller. Esq. Secretary
Young Mems Democratic Club Provi-
dence. r. l.:
Dear Sir--I am detained in Washing
ton and shall be unable to be present
at the meeting of the Young Mems Demo-
cratic club. which desired so much to
attend. This greatly regret. but trust
] may be permitted to take this method
OF addressing It's members upon a sub
ject OF pressing Importance. especially TO
the state OF Rhode Island. While the in
terests Of my native state Of New York
naturally appeal TO me- my association
with Rhode Island IL such that I could
never be Indifferent to anything vitality
affecting It's welfare.
For several years past II has been ap-
parent TO the managers OF national and
state campaigns that some check should
be put upon tho secret contributions and
expenditures TO and by the national. state
and local campaign committees for the
purpose OF carrying elections. Revela-
tions In New York OF the secret use by
corporations and insurance companies OF
the money belonging to stockholders and
policyholders for political purposes with
out their knowledge or consent continue
from day to day TO afford speculative
proof that publicity Is a most effective
form OF correction and restraint and have
given renewed impetus to the movement
commenced last winter I'm the New York
state Legislature for remedial legislati
year ago In an article upon this subject [
published in the North American Review
he'd occasion TO say sthat Individual
stockholders or policyholders had already
q complete right of action in case OF ex-
penditure of any portion OF corporate
funds for political purposes. But OWN y
In part 10 the present difficulties In OBJ
tanning necessary information individual
stockholders have rarely been disposed 10
vindlcate their rights. The enforcement
OF publicity by federal and state laws
will assist in bringing stockholders COR
noIIcyhodersD suits The results Of the
Armstrong committees investigation are
sufficient proof Of the correctness OF this
statement
"A meeting of the National Publicity
Bill association was recently held in
washington. at which influential members
Of both political parties. including Repre-
sentatiye Granger OF Rhode Island and
ofFicials representing important labor or
eanizations OF your state were present. It
was then determined to promote the for
nation OF similar associations In every
state in the Union. In order that the pro-
posed national law might be supplemented
nv state legislation Of like character and
ss nearly uniform as possible. il is hoped
that such an organization is being sue
eessf,illy formed In Rhode Island.
RHODE ISLANDS RECORD.
II have received letters from many
states asking for copies Of the publicity
bill. introduced In congress by Represen-
tative Mccall OF Massachusetts and by
senator Patterson OF Colorado. and am
advised that IN New Jersey, Texas and
other states bills of like character arc
shortly TO be introduced In Albany mem
hers Of the senate and assembly OF both
narties have assured rne l could report
70 the national publicity bill organization
that a publicity law will surely be en-
acted at the present session Of the New
York legislature. Rhode Island, with her
brilliant record OF patriotism and public
service. owes II to her glorious traditions
IN place herself In line with her neigh
boring states Massachusetts and Conncc-
tjcut. who already have the benefit of this
form Of legislation.
Il had also been expected that Hon