The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-06-20
IN MANLY FASHION
COLT W|THDRAWS
IS A CANDIDATE
(Contlnued from Page One.)


drawal, containing nothing that could be
construed into demand for the simulta-
neous withdrawal of ex-senator Wetmorc,
and perhaps no reference TO the New
porter at all
No direct confirmation OF this statement
could be obtained. but IL was noticed that
this morning several men who have here
tofore been regarded ms strong supporters
OF Col. Colt visited the Wetmore head
quarters for the first time. or course.
they were most cordially received. There
is more Joy at headquarters over one re-
pentant Colt man than there is over the
usual 80 and nine just Wetmoreites." was
the way one enthusiastic proselyter ex-
pressed IT,
COMMITTEE CLOSELY DIVIDED.
IL speedily became manifest before the
committee met that the contest, IL one
were started In committee, would be close.
Gen. Brayton. long the boss OF the party.
changed his mind about attending the
conference. not even returning TO the state
from his vacation at the seashore, and
thG. deprived the Colt men OF one sup
porter. There were rumors that several
members OF the committee who had given
half-hearted support TO the Colt side in
the closing days OF the assembly session.
would be found In the Wetmore column II
any test vote were taken this afternoon
Among those who were counted upon to
back up Wetmore were Walter III. Drn-fee
OF Providence, Herbert M. Gardiner OF
harrington and John w. Sweeney OF Wes-
terly.
IL was also decided that the Wetmore
men would make no fight unless one was
forced upon them during the committee
meeting. 'If there is any attempt. how
ever. to take us TO task for our action In
organizing the Republican League OF
Rhode Island" said one enthusiastic
disciple OF the reform propaganda within
the party ranks. 1--WE shall be found re-
senting II with voice and votes. and we
shall not be In the minority on any show
OF hands"
Among the early visitors TO the league
headquarters was Senator John +. San
born OF Newport. who said that every
thing was lovely In the City by the Sea.
There is perfect harmony" he said, and
he didn't smile.
ADJOURNED TO JULY 1.
The meeting was in session until after
o'clock when Il ended rather suddenly.
During the session there were only "a
members present Col. Gross presided. and
made brief address In which he eoun-
selled party harmony and said he thought
that the letter he had been asked TO
present 10 the committee would be step
tending to unite the party on some candi-
date for United States senator who could
command the support OF all factions.
The chairman was authorized TO ap-
pointed committee OF three to draft
resolutions OF the death OF the late james
NJ Wright OF Foster. and the committee
voted to hold It's next meeting on Mon
day. July 1. at noon IN the same place.
and adjourned to enjoy n dinner at the
Crown Hotel
After the meeting, Col. Zenas w. Bliss
said: THE letter OF Col. Colt opens the
way to uniting the Republican party"
Col. Frank w. Tillinghast. chairman OF
the executive committee. said: ut Is now
UP to the state committee to agree upon
a candidate for United States senator to
present to the people of the state before
the next election. and believe that such
action will be taken as will prove accept
able TO tho voters"
wETMORE STILL IN FIELD.
When the attention of Chairman
Joseph T. Burllngame Of the Republi-
can League OF Rhode Island, the Wet
more organization. was called to Col.
Colts letter. he said: Former Senator
Wetmore Is now the only candidate In
the neld. and so far as I know. he
has not the slightest idea OF withdraw
ing. cannot see a thing to II now
but Wetmore.
"It was a very gracious thing sor
Col. Colt TO do and we appreciate II
very much, Indeed"
other supporters or the FORMER SEN
ator said they did not favor his with
drawal. and asserted their belief that
hc would be elected.
contrary view was taken by some
OF the pronounced Colt men. One OF
these discussing this phase OF the
question said 1T was a splendid let
ter and puts the Wetmore people In
the hole. IL shows that they made
grave mistake last April when they
united with the Democrats and voted
for adjournment when there was such
good chance OF electing a senator
instead OF letting the post be vacant
all the rest OF the year.
COLTITES STILL HOSTILE.
"Wetmore will never be the next United
States senator. you may depend upon
that The man who will be chosen Aill
be the choice OF the Republican state CEN
trail committee and that body is at pres
ent composed OF majority which does
not approve OF Wetmore's stand and will
not stand for his candidacy"
IL Is practically certain that the retire.
ment OF Col Colt means n reorganiza ton
OF the Republican party in the state.
Whether the Wetmoreites will consent TO
any further harmony" plans or not re
mains to be seen. The senator could not
be reached this afternoon.