The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-16
REPUBLICANS HIT HARD
Continued from page One.

These are but samples OF comments
made by many Republicans, particularly
within the past few days.
They have been expressed without ap-
parent hesitancy TO reporters known TO
represent the News-Democrat an ac-
knowledged Democratic newspaper: and
while, of course. none OF the gentlemen
quoted expected TO be named and proba-
bly, none OF them even thought that his
words would be put In print at all, their
names could be given II necessary.
Their publication would, in three cases
at least, create a tremendous sensation
and undoubtedly would stir up the big.
gest kind of a row in the Republican
camp; but the Democrat will en-
ploy no dishonorable or unfair weapons
In this campaign, and the facts are here
presented simply as a truthful presenta-
tion OF conditions that actually exist and
TO which added Importance Is given by
the character OF Col. Goddard's letter.
When Republicans who are under
known obligations TO the Republican boss
utter such words In private conversa-
ton with representatives of a Democratic
newspaper. 1t may at least be accepted
as a straw that shows the direction OF
some political winds that are blowing in
Rhode Island, and In which may lie la
tent possibilities OF a hurricane In the fu-
ture.
AS regards the general drift Of COM
ment upon Col. Goddard's letter among
the Republicans, naturally. the expires
sions of opinion vary according to indl-
vidual differences OF viewpoint: but IL is
difficult indeed 10 find an intelligent OBJ
server OF affairs among Republicans, who
presumes to offer serious adverse critl-
cism, while many, more or less openly.
command its happy combination OF con-
! servatism and fearless, direct and force
| full statement OF facts known by every
thoughtful citizen to exist
Some Republicans even go so far as 10
refer TO Col Goddard's letter in terms OF
| undisguised praise and IL is doubtful II
| ever I'm this state has public statement
made by a candidate opposed to the dom
| inant machine been received and COM
| mented upon by Republicans with such
unmistakable general courtesy and evil
| dent respect.
OF sneers there are very few, of ridi-
| cule scarcely a suggestion and of anathe-
ma or abuse almost none; and what few
Republicans have ventured TO discuss the
letter in any of these ways are invaria-
| blp-either those who make their living
out OF Republican politics or mon whose
| opinions have no weight with any one.
Such an anomalous condition is unique
| In Rhode Island: and II serves only to em-
phasize. as no assertion OF his supporters
could do, the tremendous weight that Col
| Goddard's letter seems destined to have,
the great inherent strength that has
| caused IL successfully to challenge univer-
sal respect and the powerful force OF the
truth when stated with calmness and
! straightforward frankness
As one Republican office-holder. though
| not a machine tool said: "Col Goddard
/ has spoken what every intelligent man
knows to be the truth: and because
he has spoken IL so dispassionately and
simply, and yet with such frank sincerity,
his letter will avail more 10 those who
support his candidacy that all the invec-
tive and denunciation that all the political
spellbinders I'm the country could pour
| fourth from now until election day.
1.-THE entire absence OF demagoguery or
| grand-stand play that characterizes his
letter renders II. TO my mind the most
! telling body blow ever struck at existing
! conditions by an opponent of the Republi-
! can organization.
THE force OF the blow will be felt more
| and more as the campaign advances and
| the seeds Col Goddard has sown bear
! fruit; and IL the Democrats back him
| with local candidates of clean records
4 and high ideals, II cannot be doubted
| that the Republican organization Will be
! forced 10 fight for its life as never before
/ I'm this state
The man who said this only reflected
/ the views expressed more or less freely
by scores Of other Republicans; and IN
/ the inner machine circles there Is no mis-
taking the significance OF the looks oi
I anxiety and uneasiness that betray tbs
! staggering nature OF the blow that has
| been received.