The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-13
GOVERNOR UTTER'S RECORD

Citizens who have taken pains TO carefully read
the remarks made by Governor Utter in accepting
denomination from Braytonism's convention can
not fail to have noted the dominance OF the per
sonal note throughout his statement. This mani
festation of egoism, whatever may be ones view
as to its propriety, necessarily prompts inquiry as
to its warrant and Justification.
Governor Utter would have the people under
stand that he stands on his record and upon that
alone seeks reelection Obviously he believes his
record is one that ought TO recommend him to the
favor of the voters and command their support at
the polls.
What is that record? Aside from asserted,
but unproven independence of boss rule, Governor
Utter himself does not disclose what il is Nor
does an examination of the work of the two general
assemblies that have held Office during his occu-
pance OF the gubernatoria chair reveal single
measure enacted into law on his suggestion or
initiative.
Indeed, the record to which Governor Utter
in saccharine sentences of self laudation invites the
scrutiny OF his fellow citizens is absolute blank
an unbroken and dreary expanse OF nothngness.
The single measure he did prepare and present
was a proposition for a constitutional convention so
glaringly partisan, manifestly inadequate that
when il was stranged and laid away in its pigeon
hole grave by Braytonisms orders, there were none
to mourn.
Governor Utter expressed himself in favor OF
the bill providing for the creation OF the Office OF
state bank commissioner which before the
legislature. 1t was worthy measure and it's en-
actment would have been of the greatest value to
thrifty citizens of the state whose deposits now
reach the vast total of $I23,ooo,ooo
Here was presented to the governor an oppor-
tunity to make record TO which he would be
justified in pointing with pride. Did he improve it
exestng his personal influence and the prestige
OF his official position to induce members of the
legislature to enact that desirable bill into law?
He did not Why? Can there be any reason
able doubt it was because Braytonism opposed
to its enactment? The money power in the oil
garchy Of Braytonism, the men who manage the
affairs of the two banking institutions that hold
nearly SIooooo,ooo of the peoples savings, ordered
the defeat of the measure, and their active agent,
Charles R. Brayton, secured its defeat. Governor
Utter. who prates so gIibly OF his freedom from
boss dotation, dare not offend the boss by en-
deavoring to have enacted bill of which the
people have been in dire need for decades.
IL may be, however, that the record OF which
Governor Utter is seemingly so proud achieved
in the line OF law enforcement rather than in the
direction OF constructive legislation.
The people are well aware that by the orders
OF the executive gambling horse races was
stopped at Waterford. at Johnston and some other
places. They are aware also that this enforcement
OF the laws entirely sporadic and was prompted
solely by political and partisan exigency. IL was
not an earnest and honest effort at law enforce
ment and was not so intended by those who nit-
ated IT,
Did Governor Utter attempt TO suppress and
punish the open and fragrant violation OF the anti
gambling laws at Narragansett Park during the
running races year and half ago3 Did he order
the sheriff of Providence county TO put an end To
operations of hundreds of bookmakers carried ON
in the view OF thousands Of citizensl
He did not. Moreover. although he was we'll
aware that gambling was one of the chief pur-
s1ees ~ that race meeting he not only failed 10