The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-04-19

corporate morality is nothing but the
morality OF the individuals running the
corporation. No man should be allowed
IN control of great powers unchecked
Human nature cant stand it
Charles ID Hughes. prominent in the
public eye because OF the recent sue
eessful conduct OF the insurance invesu-
cations In New York made the above
stateemnt In his address on the Manage
ment OF Corporations" at the annual din
ner OF the Bank Clerks Mutual BENEFIT
association OF this city az the Wellington
last evening.
over 800 covers were laid. and the
affair wRs-the largest -its-kipd- ever
held in Providence.
President Herbert ] Wells OF the lthod
Island Hospital Trust company presided,
and others seated at the speakers table,
beside Mr. Hughes. were Acting City So
licitor Albert A. Baker Rowland c. Has-
ard. Robert knight. John w Danielson,
T. W. Carpent. Prof J. Irving Manatt
Rev j. E. Mcconnell Gilbert Phillips Prof
X. l.. Butterfield A r. Thurston IA. j.
Wheeler Dr Robert r. Noyes. ex-Gov
Charles Warren Lippitt, George G. Noyes
Benjamin r. Smith. r. E. Cranston, f.
II. Richmond and IL. IL Hmckley.
Owing 10 confusion I'm dates Gov
Utter was not present Mayor Dyer also
ent. owing TO his doctors mandate.
Acting City Solicitor Albert A. Baker
welcomed the distinguished guest of the
evening I'm behalf OF the city.
Mr.. Bakers introduction as the first
speaker, was the signal for enthusiastic
applause. which continued for several
minutes and took the form OF "A genuine
ovation, most nattering To- him in view OF
his candidacy for the office OF city SO
licitor.
I'm the absence Of the mayor" said
MIR. Baker. II extend 10 the distinguished
speaker on his behalf and also In behalf
OF the city OF Providence the old yet
ever new. Rhode Island salutation, What
Cheer. / remember him when a
freshman l looked up 20 him then mem
ber OF the senior class At that time
he was looked upon one who would
make his mark. and I'm this he has not
disappointed his many well wishers
His appointment by tne department OF
justice as special counsci for the inves-
rtETttUu of ti1r transportation -srr1d safe OF
coal In the interests OF the interstate
commerce, is 10 my mind. destined TO be
the greatest achievement yet attained by
him I'm the interest OF general humanity.
A selection by the Lyric trio. which
sang several times during the evening
followed Mr.. Bakers speech. and then
come after his introduction by President
Wells. He said In effect.
THE hearty welcome which you have
given 10 me this evening. said MIR.
Hughes, demonstrates 10 me that busi-
ness men OF the country condemn the
cred and the disclosures that have been
made
The support that was given TO the
Armstrong committee In New York was
not that OF those who love scandal, but
the support OF business men throughout
the country, who, mortified at the dis
closures that were made. desired TO eN-
press their approval OF the firmness that
was shown In the continued effort 20 bring
about, not a mortifying disclosure, but
the establishing OF clean methods.
Tho business men OF this country stand
for probity and fair dealing. The only
remedy for the disclosure OF fraudulent
impositions is 10 strip aside the deceptive
regulations BY patient. persistent and I'M
partial enforcement OF law.
THE corporation is a creature OF the
law and IL as much beholden thereto az
the individual save in few particulars.
They elect directors or trustees which for
purposes OF management are the corpora
fion. They are responsible for the com
mission or omission as much as an !ndi-
vidual.
Where the trouble lies in connection
with corporation is that those who are
chosen 20 constitute the directorate as
sumo the positions without any thought TO
the responsibility How much stronger Is
the public conscience
Corporations require as intelligent su-
pervision from a director as a man would
give 10 his personal affairs. Large cor
porations Of course have 70 detail much
business 70 committees and TO subor-
dlnates. But the directors should see 10 II
that the work is completely performed
and full and detailed reports of their ac-
tions rendered
THE system which will not stand public