The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-10

Col. Harold j. Gross is a candidate for
another term as police commissioner of
Providence.
lie has the hearty Endorsement not only
OF Chairman William III. Luther who re-
turned this morning from a 1O-days' trip
south. but OF Commissioner Lewis j.
Pierce.
In expressing their desire to see Col.
Gross on the board for another term II
is believed that both commissioners
merely voice the very general sentiment
OF the decent citizenship of Providence.
which has watched with the deepest in
terest the conduct OF police affairs since
Col Gross was appointed. and has cor
daily approved practically every one of
his official acts
II am candidate 10 succeed myself"
said Col Gross this morning. TO repre-
sentative of the New Democrat. II have
delayed making the announcement be-
cause l though II would be unfair TO
other possible candidates to declare myself
before election; and up to a short time
ago had not definitely decided.
Now that election is over. however,
and other men have been mentioned, it
seems only fair that l should announce
my candidacy.
If my record has been such as to en-
title me 10 reappointment and to re-elec-
tion9 have no doubt IL will be consider
cd by those responsible authorities"
When Commissioner William n. Luther,
chairman OF the board, was told OF Col
Gross decision, he was overjoyed
You can imagine how / feel" he said.
II am delighted. Nothing, absolutely
nothing. would please me better than TO
have the colonel as my colleague for the
two years remaining before the expiration
OF my term.
"I think that Col. Gross can take the
same position ! took last year and say
that he is a candidate on his record as
member OF the board. 1 have found him
always reliable. dependable.
Every subject that has come before
the commission has been given the same
attention by him that he has given TO his
private business. which has been neg
lected TO some extent in his desire to
protect the city's interests and keep the
police department up to the highest pos
sihle state of efficiency.
His decisions on matters submitted to
MS have always been given after they
have been carefully investigated. and
were prompted, 1 know. solely by the die
tates OF his conscience.
while we nave always agreed on the
policies pursued by the board, IL has
been only after the fairest and fullest
discussion. / do not believe it would be
possible for any man TO coax, frighten or
hire Col. Gross to do anything whatso-
ever.
MY experience with him, In an associa-
ton Of three years, has been that he will
not even consider any action that he does
rot conscientously believe will promote
the affairs of the department and OF the
city.
II want to see him reappointed and re-
elected, and shall take off my coat and
work earnestly to that end
Commissioner Luther is looking we'll
after his trip to Norfolk. Washington and
Baltimore, the sea voyage having greatly
refreshed him and Increased his appetite
enormously. II have had three square
meals daily ever since l left home" he
said. 'and I'm feeling even better than
/ look"
Commissioner Lewis ]. Pierce was ask
ed whether he favored the reelection of
Col Gross, and said
II most assuredly do. / am a warm
personal friend OF Col Gross: and moth
ing would please me better than TO see
hlm continue as member Of the board
Any statement that ! am opposed TO him
Is a downright falsehood."
The announced candidacy Of Roswell G.
smith caused many people 10 smile
knowingly today. Mr. Smith was cred
tied five years ago with having been one
OF the men who Matched the scheme In "A
certain newspaper office TO create a COM
mission for this city I'm order to curb
At that time the mayor was shutting
down the lid and IL was desired TO at
least deprive the mayor and the Demo-
cratic party OF any credit for this work
even N the primary and ultimate inten-
tion was not 10 lift the lid.
The indignant protest OF the people OF
Providence which followed the springing
OF tho scheme upon the common council
on the Monday evening following the
Sunday afternoon conference that result
cd In framing up the plan. resulted i'm
such appointments TO the police board T.
ter 10 was created as practically disarmed
criticism. except for the principle at
stake-the denial OF home rule: and even
this was met by the last legislature i'm
transferring the power OF appointment
back to the city. though IL Is vested I'm
the board OF aldermen. which may ignore
appointments by the mayor
IL IL not known, OF course. whether
Roswell 6. Smith who was not appointed
a commissioner while appointments rested
with governor and senate had any hand
In bringing the power back to Tho city
machine.
" Is known that he once declared that
ne was not "A candidate for police com
missioner and would not take the job for
$4,000 "A year Now that there Is chance
for the city machine to possibly elect n
candidate or its choice. he says he will be
a candidate under certain conditions"
lie has left the loophole for retreat by
simply declaring that col Gross deci-
sion 10 he n candidate Is condition
which prevents him from entering the
race.
IL Is certain that Mr.. Smith could not be