The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-16
MONDAY, JULY I6, 1906.
BRAYTONISM'S THREAT.


ment which resulted in the unanimous nomination
of Colonel r II. l. Goddard and the men behind it.
Threats are the last resort of those fearful OF de-
feat They are never made by those hopeful OF
victory or with any sincere faith in the honesty
and justice of their
From the organ OF Braytonism threats against
The men who have brought about union of the
Democratic and Independent voters OF the state
Iand the nomination of Colonel Goddard come as a
signal indication of discontinue and despair.
The forces Of reform challenge Braytonsm to
make good its threat. Confident of the righteous
ness of their cause, of the honesty of their motives
and the decency of their methods they we'll
court the most searching scrutiny OF the people of
Rhode Island.
But Braytonsm will never dare to make good
Its threat for if it did it would be but to strengthen
the movement for reform and to materially in
crease the hosts that are marching under the God
dard banner.
If Braytonism does attempt any such exposure
as its newspaper mouthpiece threatens it will be
nothing but diatribe of mendacity, discredted
and rendered worthless in advance by the known
corruption dishonesty and maevoIence OF the
source from which il will come.
The people of Rhode Island know Braytonism
and its methods. They need not be told that trick
carries on its political warfare. 1t hesitatcs
TO traduce or misrepresent men or measures to
which it is hostile.
But that malignant policy will not serve 1t i'll
the present campaign. 1t cannot asperse the
motives of the honest citizenship of the entire state
now banded together for the destruction of as
corrupt and mpudent ring as ever fastened itself
upon body polite.
1t cannot attack Colonel Goddard as to his
ability, his integrity his character as private
citizen or as public servant The candidate nomi-
mated by the Democrats and Independents of
Rhode Island has lived his long, honored and use
full life among the people whose enthusiastic sup
port he will receive at the polls November.
There is not blot upon the record OF that lie
that even the prying and prejudced eyes Of Bray
tonism discover. There is not act in Colonel
Goddards entire career that will not bear the most
searching scrutiny of friend or foe.
If Braytonism's threat means that it purposes
to inaugurate campaign of mud-throwing, the
mud will be of its manufacture. 1t will befotl
Braytonism, but will not besmirch the target at
which it is aimed.
If principles are to be thrust aside and person
alities to be Braytonisms weapon of attack and de-
fence, let it pause before it policy that
will bring upon of those whose political ambi
tons it seeks to promote the bitter and biting pen
atty of exposure
The forces OF reform have selected as their
standard bearer man of high character and clean
life. They intend to fight the battle for the rescue
of the commonwealth from the clutches OF an
unconscionable gang OF political freebooters on
principle on issues Of right, decency and Justice
They will frown upon every attempt to obscure
the real questions that demand settlement by the
people, or to make men instead of measures the
paramount issue in the campaign.
But Braytonism will do we'll to remember that
II will not be permitted to make use of mud and
mendacity without inviting turning OF the search
light of publicity into dark corners that will
bring confusion and dismay TO some OF those OF
whose welfare Braytonism is most solcitous.
Neither as to the principles they are fighting
for nor as to the candidate they have named to lead
their united legions have the Democrats and Inde-
pendents any fear OF the most public and searching
investigation. Such an investigation they invite
confident that it can result only in winning in
creased support for those principles and in bringing
new recruits to the banner OF reform.
Braytonsm can withstand such scrutiny
1t represents no principle except that OF usurpet
power II stands for nothing the suppression
OF representative government Its methods are
mischievous and its achievements befouled by cor
ruption.
Can candidates OF Braytonism be better thar
the Braytonism that names them!