The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-13

Mayoraelect Patrick j. McCarthy's pub
Ic statement. issued yesterday. on the
ubiect OF police commissioner attracted
considerable attention and was the prin-
ipal theme OF discussion where voters
ongro ogated last evening and this morn
ng
p j." il is generally thought. has evil
emily seen Gross symptoms and has his
myers anxiously on the public pulse Lest
10 misunderstood the condition which
onfronts him as mayor-elect he has pro-
osed 10 the people that both tongue and
'en be employed 10 make their wishes
lain.
The creation OF an advisory board was
step that at once placed between him
nd adverse criticism a strong buffer that
likely 20 prove a source OF much en-
srrassment 10 the machine members OF
he city council. who would like 10 turn
own the recommendation OF the mayor
o-be. but may find themselves bound TO
onsider propositions coming with the
geight of Endorsement by such citizens as
orm the next mayors official board Of
ounsellors
".'P. j. is broad enough 10 be willing to
hare any fame that may come 20 him
through acting favoraby upon a matter
hai has received the sanction of his ad-
isory board and the appreciation OF his
Hn conscience" /" said one OF the mayor
lectS admirers today" and he is wise
nough 20 relieve them OF any embarrass-
nent Il N over becomes necessary TO take !
he bull by the horns and assume the !
whole responsibility.
In this matter Of the police commits |
ionership. the mayor elect has played !
me of his master strokes. He has not |
consulted his advisory board. but has 0p- |
,,ealed directly TO the people, whose YER ,
lict will he final He has undoubtedly |
nqdc hig mind he inf aptl
~ a Democrat as a member OF the board |
cpnsummation devoutely 20 be wish |
I'd; and IL the aldermen show any en-
,oura ging signs OF Welding 10 the popu-
~ his appeal, I am convinced that p. j.
VII send the name of hlgh-class Demo
,rat to the board.
That Democrat. however will not be
alderman John G. Dunn. nor any one of
he Dunn stamp. whether recommended
,y 100 or 10000 petitioners. or by all the
Democratic members Of the city coun-
III.
"The mayor-ele knows Dunn about as
veil as any Of the petitioners. and will act
accordingly With Napoleonic disregard
" the forces the alderman Is rallyinR and
SURVIVING TO the front. the mayor-elect
las appealed 10 the people themselves TO
ay what should be done. and when they
lre heard from as directly as they have
'een invited 10 reply TO the mayors ques-
ions. OF what avail will be the political
egions the plumber candidate is pushing
o the front?
suppose the voice OF the people. which
: neither small nor still. az the political
osses have good reasons 10 know ndi-
ates TO the mayor that this is not time
or swapping horses. that no experiment
wanted on the police board. which is
ow ruled firmly by incorruptible. impair
Ial. resOlute men: that no chances should
e taken OF return to the saturnalia OF
rime. graft and official weakness that
revailed prior 10 the time the legislature
'as besought TO take the responsibility
rom the board of aldermen and vest IL I'm
nc governor and senate? What would
le next mayor do?
Would he content himself with doing
hat casual reader of his statement
light believe he would do. namely wash
is hands. of all responsibility 81 n ma
board OF aldermen should
lrn down his Democratic nominee--a
IAN nominated in obedience To desire.
owever laudable. but misguided, 10 have
Bipartisan board?
'He could not do this IL he tried Pom
us PLATE never escaped the conse-
uences OF Sinking his own responsibility ,
n the ground that those who clamnred :
pr n sacrifice must assume the respon- J
bility. His own duty was plain and no ]
lifted az the critical moment.
How about Mccarthy? Can he escape.
I'LL he even seek to escape. the full meas ;
re Of official recreancy II he abandons /,
commissioner Harold j. Gross 10 the /.
lercy OF the very crowd Of machine poll
clans against Whom nc so earnestly IN :
eighs.
1T rs the same crowd against whom 8
commissioner Gross, despite his chair a
'anship OF the Republican state central
has stood up Hike a Gibraltar
! obedience TO the dictates of his private
onscience, as the Mayor-elect says, rath-
! than i'm servility TO tho very organiza-
on Mr. Mccarthy accuses of striving To
ontrol the commission and whose cause
9 knows would be served as successfully
y Democratic appointee, I'm tho pres !
NJ peculiar situation as IL could by the
ppointment OF a machine Republican.
What would be the effect of the ap-
ointment of a Democrat who might
crk In harmony with Commissioner
evils Pierce Instead OF with Chair
'an William VI. Luther. IL would spell :
isaster for the plans or majority ot .
le present board for continued good gov
nmcnt In this city. so far as the police q
apartment is concerned. II such a man
ent into office pledged TO back up Mr.
luther and did SO. regardless OF Mr
uther's actions. he would do too much. :
wouldn't be fsir to him TO tie him up |