The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-25

ply that has caused them 10 put the price
20 such an extortionate rate, but 10 most
people IL seems rather remarkable that
all OF the smaller dealers did not realize
they were short of a supply until the
Pawtucket Ice Co. made its announce
ment. IL is scarcely conceivable that each
dealer who delivers ice discovered his
predicament on exactly the same date
that the larger firm decided that II was
short. II seems much more reasonable
TO suppose that the smaller dealers hav-
ing found the larger concern was going to
put up the rates concluded that this was
the time for them TO make a little more
money.
II was stated early I'm the year that the
Citizens Ice Co. had secured a supply OF
ice in New Hampshire which was suffi-
Client 10 carry IL through the season. In
fact the company carried it's cutting ap-
paratus 20 a lake I'm that state and did
It's own harvesting. IL Is strange what
what has become of this supply. but ac-
cording 10 the men who control this COM
pany there is not enough ice on hand TO
go through the season.
The action of Mayor Wood in calling a
special meeting OF the city council for the
appointment Of committee TO investi-
gate this matter has been heartily COM
mended everywhere This is a matter
that demands public investigation and the
committee which was appointed has an
opportunity 10 prove It's value 10 the peo-
pie. IL had been holding daily sessions
since the time 1t was appointed and sew
eral of the dealers have been called be-
fore IL To answer questions I'm regard to
the ice business. OF course the committee
has no real authority. II cannot compel
the attendance OF any OF these dealers IL
IL cannot compel them TO show their
books and correspondence. but IL can
make public the statements that are made
TO them and the force OF public opinion is
strong enough To bring about relief IL
Is stated that before the committee makes
It's report there will be a public hearing,
but this will only give an opportunity for
the dtsUfruUtpd uurs To give-vcn to their
opinions and will not be likely TO add any
thing TO the knowledge which the com
mttce will have by that time
There was another meeting during the
week which had TO do with the present
phase OF the ice question. This meeting
was held by the Pawtucket Business
Mems association. This organization made
up Of the leading business men of the
city very frequently takes up public ques-
tions for consideration. but II Is probably
the first time I'm its history that IL has
been called together in midsummer for
such a purpose.
AS an evidence OF the great interest
taken In the subject It may be said that
there was large attendance The action
taken too was OF the most sensible char
acter. Secretary James l.. Jencks struck
the keynote when we declared that I'm his
opinion IL was not for this association TO
rail at the present conditions of things
or to spend it's time I'm trying to find out
the causes which had brought IL about.
1t was rather the duty OF the business
men 90 consider the subject from the
viewpoint OF trying TO find a remedy. He
stated that there were I'm his opinion two
or three remedies which II they would
not have any effect this year might have
the effect of preventing a recurrence of
the trouble He suggested that 1t would
be good business policy for some OF the
business men 10 unite and establish an
artificial Ice plant which could be I'm use
another season. He believed that IL could
be made 20 show a profit on the invest
ment and II would make the city iude-
pendent OF the ice companies who had
such a firm grip on things at present.
Later on the suggestion OF Acting Pres
ident Tuck. a committee was chosen to
look into this matter and II possible de-
wise a cure from the troubles which the
people were I'm at the present time.
STRAIGHT LABOR TICKET.
Much has been said recently regarding
the position OF the labor unions I'm the
coming campaign. The Central Trades
this matter and there is n political com
miltee- which Is wrestling with the sub
1ect. Now IL is said there Is o growing
feeling that a straight labor ticket should
be nominated this year. IL Is also said
that several of the unions have express
ed themselves I'm favor OF this plan.
Just what effect IL will have on the
election N the scheme is carried out re-
mains TO be seen. IL IL possible that on
this ticket would be at least some OF the
names which will be found on one OF
the other tickets. In that case IL would
give strength TO the labor candidates but
would not assist the men who are nomi-
mated who are not distinctly labor men.
Without doubt the interests Of the la
Dor people should be considered I'm the
coming election. II seems probable that
the Democratic leaders viii be inclined
To- nominate as a part OF their legislative
ticket some of the men who are connect
ga with the labor organizations. but 10
would be hardly fair for the labor peo-
pie 20 expect this support for their candi-
dates ~ they are not willing TO give the
support OF their votes To- the others on
The Democratic ticket who are not allied
with the labor organizations. II would be
an altogether too One-sided proposition.
ana Il Is scarcely conceivable that the
labor leaders will expect to be favored In
this extent
However. the matter Is now all I'm the
air The political question is being /
lhreshed out I'm the committec, and until
II makes It's ..nal report IL seems unnec-
essary 90 make any guesscs as To what
II will be.
RETAIL MERCHANTS OUTING.
The second annual outing Of the Paw
tuckct Retail Merchants association was |
held yesterday at Boyden Heights, and u I
proved 60 be "a thoroughly successful af- 1
fair In every parucul'r.
The party boarded an electric car at 4
the foot Of Broad street shortly after
1880 o'clock yesterday afternoon. and the 4
ride down 20 the Heights was made 4
without Incident ON arrival IL was
found that "a most appetizing lunch had /
been prepared for the party and this +
was partaken of with entire satisfaction.
After that there was ball game b,- /
tween two mines. one OF which claimed .
the name Pirates and the other was \
called the Angels N was hot con- \
test. although the scorer hari TO time 10 \
take account ~ anything except the num- /
ber ~ rune made. There was some won
derful playing. and after II was all over /
there Was difference OF opinion regard !
ing the score. one man said Il was rs \
10 / and another declared that the los I
ng side had secured four runs Accord /