The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-10-20

Hon. Patrick j. Mccarthy, Democratic
nominee for mayor OF Providence today
sent 10 the notification committee OF the
democratic city convention his formal let
ter of acceptance.
He stands squarely for a tunnel on the
East Side TO be owned and controlled by
the city; for combining public service cor
porations TO the performance OF public
service; for the eight-hour day: more
time forfpolice and firemen; more schools
and better pay for school teachers. an in
vestigation and determination OF equita-
bic rates. for gas. electricity and telephone
service; a more equitable payment TO the
city by the street railway companies for
the franchises they enjoy; licenses for
motormen; efficient car tenders. and a
revision of the street car ticket transfer
system.
The full text of Mr. McCarthys letter is
as follows:
Providence. Oct. 10, 1906.
"Messrs. William J. keenan,, Christopher
w. O'Brien and Hugh f. Rowley. Com
mittee Of the Democratic City Conven-
ton.
nomination for the office OF mayor by the
Democratic party. I'm convention assem-
bled on the 18th inst, l reply that / ac-
cept. and thank the party for the distin-
gutshed honor conferred.
~ am deeply sensible OF the duties end
responsibilities Of the office. which | de-
clare / shall endeavor. IL elected, TO per
form in accordance with the official oa tn
office faithfully and imparually.
"The mayor OF Providence has scarcely
power sufficient TO entitle him TO be call
ed chief executive. Still he retains the
retary. Is eX-oftlcio a member OF all city
council committees. and may take the
initiative i'm requesting action of the city
council
"Our city is increasing rapidly in popu-
lation and commercial Importance Its
present needs and the possible require
ments OF its future development suggest
the following as matters worthy OF con-
sideration:
"As the commercial center OF the state.
the city should acquire title TO and retain
as public. property all available natural
avenues for general trade and com
merce. such as the Providence river water
front and a tunnel through College hill.
to the end that no private party can hold
the' same against the public. Inc present
and future development OF the East Side
the tunnel as public thorough
fare.
aOur public service corporations are en-
titled 10 all the rights, privileges and le-
gal protection required 20 enable them 10
serve. but they should not be permitted
to dictate as 10 public rights and prop
erty
specially favored by our Republican leg
islators and have sold our franchises, for
"a period OF 900 years. ana have thus bound
future generations TO pay 5-cent fares for
that time. regardless OF future saving In
cost OF operating or improvements in
motive power.
Il believe. therefore. that all future
grants Of highway privileges for street
car service should be given upon condition
that tracks shall be removed upon due
notice from the city council when and
where the public cd demands. II grants
are made without such condition the com
pany may hold under the forever lease
Il advocate the cultivation and care
of shade trees on public highways; pro-
viding Of adequate public school ac-
the abolition Of the Smead
system Of ventilating from school build
ings; the payment OF adequate salaries
TO teachers: the weighing and inspection
OF coal supply FOR schools ana other pub
lie departments. which has never been
done on behalf OF the city; the some pro-