The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-09-09

Former Gov. L. F. C. Garvin delivered
a ringing address TO hundreds OF repre-
sentatives of organized labor yesterday at
their postponed Labor day celebration at
Vanity Fair, In which he championed the
initiative and referendum and warned the
workingmen hat they must not scatter
their fire IL they would win.
He was introduced by Chairman
Thomas T. Kearney as a good friend OF
labor and In part spoke as follows:
"One OF the aims of organized labor
everywhere is to secure the passage OF
Just laws favorable to wage earners. IL
must be admitted that, although some
thing has been accomplished, the total
result OF the efforts TO get better legisla-
tion has been unsatisfactory.
MY opinion is that past failures are due
chiefly TO lack OF concentration. The
question upon which the future of our
country depends is whether We are TO be
governed by a few lawless men OF wealth
or by a majority. This fight. already long
continued, is now eliminating; and the
result is in doubt. Much depends upon
the wisdom of organized labor. That
great body of voters may be the deter
mining factor.
DON'T SCATTER YOUR FIRE.
1.-THE battle now going on is too serious
a matter TO be settled by the scattering
fire OF a shotgun. IL calls for a single
projectile, which when IL hits the mark
will be decisive. 1t is the policy of the
enemy to grant small sops at long inter-
walls, keeping the thoughts of labor leaders
off of this real contest. and an told
amounting to very little.
Happily the American Federation of
Labor. led by Mr.. Gompers, has emphad-
cally endorsed a single measure and one
embodying the right principle. What Is
most needed in this country If II is to be
self-governing, is the proper election ma
chinery by which the majority may ex-
press and carry out its will. That ma
chinery according to the National Fed
Grafton and in accordance with common
sense is the initiative and referendum.
These Latin words simply mean that
at an election a majority of the voters
shall have the power to accept or reject
a law which has been proposed by a
small minority Clearly no one can OBJ
ject 10 the principle who has any faith
in a government by the people.
POPULAR REFERENDUM
THE Rhode Rland constitution can be
changed only by means of popular
referendum, consequently all that is need
ed to give full control to the people is
the granting OF the popular initiative.
"Such a proposition for amendment to
the Constitution has long been pending
in our general assembly. At the January
session Of the present year Ii was dis
cussed upon the floor of the house for
two successive days. Unfortunately. and
unlike what has occurred in other states,
the party in power arrayed itself against
this most Just and desirable amendment.
ITO the laborers of the state the con-
stitutional initiative is OF the very high
est Importance. 1t is the most speedy
route TO any and all needed reforms.
When made a part of the state constitu-
ton, a majority Of the voters will be able
to confer executive power upon the gov
ernor: to create legislature which will
be representative; 10 deal with franchises
IN the interests of all the people, and, by
means OF just laws, TO rectify the pres
ent extraordinarily unfair distribution OF
wealth.
RIGHTEOUS MEASURE.
Genuine patriotism, true religion and
enlightened self-interest alike call for the
early adoption OF this righteous measure.
I'm Its enactment none has more at
etake than has organized labor. and no
body OF men is so we'll situated for bring
Ing IL about.
1T is only necessary for the labor un-
ions TO subordinate other legislation and
20 focus their efforts upon the constitu-
tional Initiative amendment. An aggres-
slve demand, enforced by every means
within our power. is necessary 10 sue
ccss-and will insure success"
Fred Hurst, tho next speaker, gave a