The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-04
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1906.
LABOR'S CAMPAIGN.

TO begin active and aggressive campaign against
the Republican machine is another and welcome
manifestation OF the determination OF the people
generally TO revolt against the corrupt oligarchy
that has held them so long and so securely in
ignoble political bondage
1t is cheering indication that the wage work
ers OF the state at last realize how outrageousy
they have been treated and how shamefully their
interests and wishes have been ignored by that
dangerous and conscienceess ring that rules
the Republican party and governs the state of
Rhode Island through the exercise of powers
flched from the people.
The whole history OF Braytonism's dealings
with the labor interests OF the state is one of
duplicty and deceit Fair promises have been made
only TO be broken. Help has been openly pledged
only to be followed by secret hostility Measures
designed to ameliorate the condition of labor have
either been throttled in committee or, if enacted,
have been emasculated to be of little value or
virtue,
OF what real benefit to the wage workers OF
the state is the factory inspection law as enforced
by the men whom Braytonism has made nspec-
tors? None whatever 1t is dead letter a hollow
sham.
Then there is the ten-hour law for street rail-
way employees, which is still on the statutes. AS
is stands it is miserable mockery, shorn of every
scnta of efficiency by supine legislature at the
command of Braytonsm in order that law
breaking traction companies might escape punish
ment for the fragrant offences for which they had
been indicted
Is there citizen fatuous enough to believe
the bureau of industrial statistics as conducted by
Braytonsm's commissioner is OF the slightest value
to anyone except,the commissioner and his assist
ants, who draw salaries from the state treasury?
Not one
The ten-hour law, the laws relating to the
employment of and children in factories
and workshops and other labor legislation to
which Republican conventions seldom fail to point
with pride when the labor vote is wanted, one
and all of Democratic conception and origin.
II is true they could not have been enacted
without the support of Republican members Of
the general assembly, but that support was given,
not because of any sincere sympathy with labor or
with these measures, but through fear that defeat
would unite the wage workers of the state in active
opposition to the Republican party.
In the case of the eight-hour BILL Braytonism
refused to permit the members of the assembly
opportunity to vote at all upon it, by ordering
Its commttal to the graveyard of the committee
on special legislation in which repose so many
worthy measures, strangled at the command OF the
machine.
That the petition OF ten thousand citizens and
voters should have been impudenty and caval-
ierly treated is sufficient warrant, were there
many other cases equally outrageous, for the de-
termination of organized labor to fight Braytonism
until il has been destroyed
No doubt those who are engaged in this
patriotic crusade realize that Braytonism can be
crushed only through the election OF general
assembly that will provide for the calling of con-
stitutional convention in which all the people of
the state will have fair and Misrepresentation.
new OF ganc law must be written and adopt
ed before government by corrupt ogarchy can
be thrust out and Government Of by and for the
people be restored 10 this commonwealth.
Braytonsm hourishes and is enabled 10 exer-
else the stolen powers OF government because the
present narrow and archaic constitution makes il
possible fer the insignificant fraction of so per
cent. OF the population to dominate the other oIX
per cent.
Until Rhode Island has new constitution
framed upon broad American principles, consti-
tuition that will uphold the right OF the majority
20 rule, and insure equal rights TO all citizens with
special privileges TO none. Braytonism will hold
its malign sway in this commonwealth
Clearly then, the paramount duty Of the wage
workers OF all citizens who desire honest gov
ernment and wise and intelligent laws is To secure
the election OF general assembly that will repre-