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

In many ways remarkable Is the
legislature that came into being at high
noon today az the marble palace
There were many new faces and the
average OF ability in each house Is very
high. The forces OF reform are strong
and there ar eevidences OF such changes
in public sentiment as have occurred sell
dom in Rhode Island.
Providence has some OF the ablest men
in both bodies. In the house the strength
of the city because of numbers is most
noticeable All the representatives are
men who cannot fail TO impress upon the
smaller constituencies the force OF the
new movement for restoration OF repre-
sentative government.
Pawtucket Central Falls, Lincoln.
Cumberland. Woonsocket and Burrill-
ville-al the large communities to the
north of Providence-are almost unit IN
the new house for reform
Newport is the only city represented by
Republicans; and that is only because
favorite son was supposed TO be possi-
bility In the senatorial contest that Will
open two weeks from today.
There are 10 be many hard battles
fought during the next 90 legislative days
and a brief glance al the men who are 10
lead the attack or 20 defend is OF interest.
BY courtesy first must be considered
the honorable speaker, Roswell IL. Bur-
chard, a man learned in the law and op-
posed 10 being generous In the use or the
law-making power. He can By appointing
a committee on special legislation that
will report no reform measures continue
the course he followed himself and so
roughly defended on the floor OF the house
last year.
Ordinarily suave, he has yet at times
his crotchety moments; and his fellow
members chosen as Republicans will fol-
low more closely his tempermental ba-
--otaatar than fba other Scianfi6C instrti-
ments I'm or about the legislative cham
ber
The speaker has great power and no
Republican speaker has failed TO use IL
when the Democrats were numerous In
the house. Last year the Democrats did
not have enough members to get roll
call; but this year they can always Sc
cure one and that they will bother the
speaker and the clerks. considerably, is
safe betting.
The Democrats have much the ablest
r7en i'm the house of representatives.
There are Representative Lewis A. Wa
terman. with mind and manner that can
not fail 10 make their impress upon the
other representatives, and upon their
wcrk; Representative KeardoY, Well post
ed on all affairs n when organized !apor
IS interested; Representative John w.
Hogan a clear and forceful speaker
whose gift of sarcasm will find full op-
portunity for development; Representa-.
tives Carroll and Haven. who are the
only Democratic members OF the present
house who sat with the notable delega-
tion from this city IN the legislature Of
1868 both men whose past service was OF
valuable nature ana who will be worthy
fighters In the coming ban -, Mr.. Haven
having shown his tact ana ability IN say,
a recent conference of neInhers or the
assembly
Then there is Representative Theodore
i. Greene a new man In politics. but one
who Is bound to make one OF the best
records a the state house this year. Nell
informed, quick and capable he VIII be
ing the principle OF representative gov
ernment There are men We'll posted who
declare that he will be the real leaucr OF
the minority in the house.
other places. such as Representative
James +. Murphy OF Central Falls. who
is of solid attainments, and TO whom the
Republican leaders always pay much at
tention; Representative Rattoy OF the
same city who made good record as
bold and fiery leader Of the minority in
the last house. RepreSentatiYe Hcrrick cf
v oonsoclet, who has tns happy faculty
of finding the weak point IN All opponents $
position and touching 1t quickly and
sharply.
. There are many other men on tho Dem
ocratic side of the house who will do good
work, and who realize that the course Of
the reform members Of the present house
will have much 10 do with the ea;ly sue
devoted.
While the Republicans have some Of the
best of their old members still to fight
their battles their opponents have all the
advantage, save that of numbers, In the
house There are men who predict an
open split I'm the Republican ranks be-
fore the session Is over but. whether
this shall occur or not the most notable
leaders will be found To be true 10 the
demands Of the caucus and OF Boss Bray
ton. who dictates 10 II.
Representative Bliss who will remain
head OF the finance committee, is the
man who had two chances for the speak
ership. one was II the Republican mem-
bers had been free TO choose, the other
was II his friends had refused to go into
the Republican caucus. The men who
have fought him hardest would have
voted for him as a second choice. as be-
tween him and Burchard He devotcs
about all his time TO financial matters
Judge Harris has reserved manner
and yet makes friends and is the best