The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-02
DEMOCRATS FIGHT
FOR THE GOVERNOR

At 11:25 Gov. Higgins appeared in
we'll fitting black broadcloth suit
with silk lined Prince Albert. lie
glanced over the chamber and an
nounced with a vigorous thump OF his
gavel. "The senate will please come TO
ordar. The clerk will call the roll"
Every member was in his seat except
Mr.. SStoddard OF Portsmouth.
Secretary OF State Charles r. Ben
nett read the minutes OF yesterdays
session, which were approved as read.
Senator Walter r.. Stiness moved the
adoption Of the rules he presented yes
terday, depriving the governor OF
power TO appoint or fill vacancies in
committees
The governor asked that the rules
be read.
What is the pleasure of the senateT"
asked the governor.
Mr.. Gardner offered an amendment
that rule be so amended as TO allow
all committees TO be appointed by tho
governor, and said:
II think that for the good name Of
the senate this question is about as
important as could arise. All commit
tees should not be elected by the senate.
The action proposed by the senator
from Warwick would take from the
presiding officer power he has enjoyed,
with a single exception, from the
adoption of the constitution which
makes him the presiding officer Of the
senate.
"It is now proposed. for what reason
is not stated, to take from the man
the people have elected the right the
privilege, the duty. that has been given
10 every other governor with a single
exception.
1T seems TO me an act Of the grossest
personal dscourtesy. 1t seems TO me
worse than that. II is partisanship run
mad. Ii is an assertion that the presi-
dent OF this body cannot act fairly.
The Republican party is in control jf
this senate and is entitled 20 nave ma
jority OF the committees; but challenge
any senator OF the 20 Republicans TO stand
upon his feet and say that he believes
that II the president OF this senate makes
the appointments he will not do so with
the utmost fairness
you all know him, though not so well
as do. He Is actuated by the purest and
best motives; and you know he would
treat you fairly. and you have no reason
for Offering him this discourtesy.
at will be decided. II such action is
taken. simply and solely on psrtisanship.
with no reason behind IL other than that
the majority bears one party name and
tho presiding officer another.
THE $500 voters Of the state intended
that the man they elected should dis
charge the functions OF the office. George
n. Utter was candidate for this ofrice.
Is there any man here who would have
deprived him Of this right7
There is and could be nothing like n
greater atfront to the people OF this state
than 20 take this action.
II appeal 10 the senators individually
10 say whether you believe the presiding
officer cannot be trusted 10 act impartial
~. / appeal 10 you TO say whether the
dignity Of this office should not be main
talned, 7 believe that | can appeal 20 you
IN confidence that this is an occasion
whore every fair-mnded member must
agree that caucus rule cannot bind. that
the senate of Rhode Island thinks and
acts for itself and tries TO act fairly"
Senator Stness said: There never has
been a time when the presiding officer
vas of a different political party that this
action has not been taken" He denied
that there was any personal discourtesy,
and continued
There has been good deal p. eheap