The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-25
Mr.. b|CKNELL
WILL TAKE STUMP
FOR GODDARD

Hon. Thomas w. Blcknell. organizer
and for years secretary Of tho Municipal
league. which created such stir In
Providence few years ago In the inter
est OF reform. IL 10 take the stump for
Col. Robert IL. /. Goddard.
Mr.. Bicknell II stalwart Republican,
one OF the old guard. who voted first Tor
Fremont I'm the days that tried men
souls, and has voted for every Republl-
can candidate for president since 1856.
Like hundreds OF others he has not yet
surrendered. and does not propose to sur
render his Republicanism even now out
intends 10 make his fight from the van
tage point OF his position In the Republi-
can fold.
"I am for Col. r. II. l. Goddard he
or both. or any other candidate the Re-
publican machine may name. When i re.
turned to Rhode Island In 1894 ana FOUND
things so terribly wicked and generally
unsatisfactory, rebelled at once, and
with two other gentlemen, organized the
Municipal league. Tho intention was "a
make Providence the centre or greai
independent movement in behalf of clean
politics and decent government. The late
Frank F. Olney was mayor and the first
fruit of our activity was the nomination,
Endorsement and election OF the late Ed
win ID. McGuinness For time me
Col Goddard was sent 10 the senate. ana
Rathbone Gardner and other strong men
to the house.
My ultimate purpose was TO overthrow
Braytonism. Since that time / have been
quiet. awaiting developments. The God
dard movement now presents a promising
solution. Last year. did not know
whether the Democrats would stand fast
and thought they would break away. They
have shown themselves as true as steel
and this has strengthened them and their
cause immeasureably with the people of
the state who are now convinced that IL
ia their sincere purpose TO purge the state
house o fthe corrupt machine that has so
long dominated X.
"I have been Republican since iSSs
when voted for John c. Fremont and
have voted for every Republican candi-
date for president since that time. / be-
iieve In Republican principles and IL has
always seemed most disgraceful for citi-
gems who desired just laws TO have to go
to the boss or any of mis- minions for
them. I regarded and still regard It as too
humiliating for any self-respecting man
10 be compelled TO take any such action.
''I am convinced that the Democrats
are honest, sincere and determined 10
elect Col Goddard TO the United States
senate believe the movement has made
great headway and is destined TO succeed.
All that is needed Is wise management.
cool heads and the education OF the peo-
pie who are already beginning TO open
their eyes.
'I intend to take the field as a straight
Republican and advocate Col Goddard $
election. I am no Independent nor Dem
ocrat and believe / can do moro good In
bringing Republicans into the fold by
fighting within the ranks as Col. God
dard is known to be good Republican.
'I don't believe in Braytoh nor his ma
chine and though / am about 20 years old
now. I believe I've q lease OF life long
enough 10 see Brayton and his machine
buried politically. beyond hope OF resur-
rection and the state house thoroughly
cleaned
"I intend to make one Goddard speech
next month and in the fall shall take the
stump for him. / have about 300 horse
power lungs and shall devote time, mind
and voice 10 talking to Republicans. l
have never before felt so much like fight
ing as / do today, but shall confne my
fighting within the Republican ranks. /
do not believe In changing my coat po-
litically in order TO bring about re-
form"