The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-03

There IL no question In my mind"
said Mr.. Cristy today. that Gen Charles
r. Brayton holds absolute control OF
legislation and even over law enforce
ment in this state.
Every man who wants law passed, or
wants the laws restraining evil enforced.
In this state. must reckon with the in
fuences which proceed from Gen. Bray
ton.
''Our personal experiences have been
this: We have tried for seven years TO get
a few amendments TO the liquor laws.
None OF these was very radical: and all
OF them would make it easier for officials
20 restrain illegal business, and TO pun
ish those who defy the law
"A year or more ago, when Brayton
lost his grip for a little while. two OF our
amendments were passed This year, al
though we had the statement OF many
officials that they believed that they
would find IL easier to enforce the law IL
all the amendments were passed, we
could not secure the attention Of the COM
mittee on special legislation TO them until
Gen. Brayton gave his consent that three
OF them might be reported to the house.
Those three passed the house during
the last week. but were hung up in the
senate committee.
During the sctsion I was repeatedly
advised 10 see Gen. Brayton' about them
II ! wanted to have them passed. l did
have one conference with him; and
know he was seen by others in my inter-
est. who urged him that action be taken
on those amendements, 80 that am sure
that he was responsible for the fact that
those amendments did not become law.
"On the other hand, l am equally sure
that he was responsible for the passage Of
two amendments under suspension of the
rules In the last two days OF the session.
by which the liquor business was relieved
from restraints that the law had imposed
upon II.
lone OF these amendments took from
the occupants OF property the right they
had enjoyed TO remonstrate against the
granting of license for a saloon within
200 feet Of property they occupied but did
not own.
This is a distinct injustice against
those holding long leases of property that
would deteriorate from the presence OF
the saloon, and especially to employers OF
labor whose employees might be debauched
by the near neighborhood OF saloon.
THE other amendment imposed upon
the taxpayers OF the state the necessity
of giving a bond 10 any member of the
state police whenever the citizen made
complaint Of an illegal business and re-
quested the state police TO take action
against the illegal business complained
OF. This seems TO me one Of the most
outrageous pieces OF legislation ever en-
acted.
mo one who has any regard for the
welfare OF the state and the suppression
OF evil business by the constituted au-
thorities could have been persuaded to
consent 10 such an amendment
II hold Charles r. Brayton distinctly
responsible for the passage OF this in
iquitous bill.
During the past seven years I have
been repeatedly told by citizens OF expe-
riences OF their own or Of their friends
when attempting to procure the passage
of laws or to prevent the passage o: o,h-
ers.
These people have alleged to me that
they were forced 10 see or were advised
20 see Charles r. Brayton. and that
price was named as a condition on which
their bill was TO be passed or the obnox-
ious legislation prevented
IT never happened to have any personal
experience OF that kind myself; but l
believe their statements.
1T was n common sight during the re-
cent session OF tie legislature. which I
often witnessed, TO see chairmen Of COM
mittees. both OF the house and senate. In
close personal conference with Gen. Bray
ton In the high sheriffs office at the state
house: and frequently heard statements
that this or the other one must see the
general 10 know what he wants done
about this.
His PERSONAL will seems TO he
dominant. and no matter who the
official may be. he must deal with
all questions concerning the Law
and Its enforcement with the full con-