The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-04
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM.

In giving first Importance to the matter of re-
form in representation in the general assembly in
his message to that body yesterday, Governor
Higgins acted in consonance with the wishes and
desires of large majority of the people of the
state.
There is in the reform he proposes nothing
either radical revolutionary. 1t contemplates
only the establishment in Rhode Island of that just
and equitable representation in the law-making
body which was decreed by the founders of the re-
public, and which is maintained in every common
wealth in the Union with the solitary exception of
Rhode Island
In no other state is there such glaringly un-
equal and unjust representation in this common
wealth. In no other state is it possible for eight
and half per cent. of the population to dominate
the other ninety and half per cent and to
exercise all the governmental functions, legislative,
executive and administrative.
The evils that have resulted from this dispro-
portionate and unfair representation are too mani
fest TO need emphasis. They are known TO and de-
I'ored by every thoughtful citizen, and their eradi-
cation is the imperative as we'll as patriotic duty
of every man who loves the state and is Jealous of
It's good repute.
1t is bad enough, in all conscience, that under
the provisions of an antiquated and inadequate
organic law an overwhelming majority of the
people should be denied rights guaranteed them by
the fathers of the republic but it is infinitely worse
that those provisions should furnish the founda-
ton upon which has been established the most
political oligarchy that has ever disgraced, de-
bauched and despoed any commonwealth in these
United States.
n,i,. (, 10 La,, ac.,a 80 A.
oligarchys outrageous and debasing practices dare
defend system of representation that renders pos
sible such monstrous suppression of the will of
the majority and that permits the creatures of a
malign political machine to exercise almost des-
potic rule over community of free American citi-
zens.
On the other hand, there can be no doubt that
the great mass of the people in full accord with
Governor Higgins in his advocacy of an amend
ment to the constitution which, by righting the
grevous wrongs inflicted as result of the existing
gross inequalities of representation will destroy
the evil OF oligarchca rule, and give to the state
government in which the citizenship Of the entire
state will have just and fair representation,
The governors proposition involves no injus
tce to any town. whether it be large or small 1t
simply proposes to render ong-delayed justice to
the larger communities which have suffered seri-
ously from unfair system Of representation
which, he declares with entire truth SIS the worst
form of taxation without representation and
which is substantially denial of republican
form OF government to the state of Rhode Island
Governor Higgins obvious desire is to secure
such an amendment to the constitution as will
bring about proportional representation in the
senate we'll in the house. To reform of this
character no man of honesty and sanity of judg-
ment can offer valid objection.
To contend that such a reform is not desired
here is to arraign the whole citizenship of Rhode
Island willing to live under corrupt political
dictatorship, and therefore unworthy to bear the
to enjoy the rights and privileges of Amer
can freemen.
Unless partisan bigotry runs mad in the gen
cral assembly, unless the boss stolen power is still
as malevolently potent it formerly was, there
will be passed during the present session PROPOSE
tion of amendment substantially in accord with
Governor Higgins recommendation, and such
proposition will be approved by all overwhelming
majority OF the people.
WAGE ADVANCE