The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-10-31

Il will venture to say that IL Col God
dard is sent to the United States senate
he will support Theodore Roosevelt bet
ter than either Nelson w. Aldrich or
George. Peabody wetmore."
The above declaration was made by
Ex-Governor l.. +. c. Garvin yesterday
afternoon at the o'clock Democratic
meeting at As Weybosset street.
The Republican platform" he said,
makes misstatement when II says the
revised constitution of 1898 gave the ap-
pointive power to the governor. Never
has any Republican authority proposed to
confer upon the governor the power of
appointment.
This is not fight between the Re-
publican party and the Democratic party.
but between a few self-seeking individ-
uals who have gotten the control of the
Republican organization and the people of
the state.
This year, as last. the issue is Bray
tonism. The only change is that now the
self-seekers are frightened badly.
THE Republican office holders, who
constitute the inner circle of Braytonism,
are now ready to promise anything.
Hence the Utter platform.
But that platform means very little.
The two constitutional reforms IL favors
were. included in the so-called revised
constitution, which was twice rejected by
the people. the second time by an over
whelming vote.
"This discreditable instrument constitu-
ted the high-water mark Of Brayton's
concessions to the public demand for con-
stitutional reforms. Nothing better than
its provisions can be expected and nothing
better is promised.
Moreover, Mr.. Utter's platform, like
the revised constitution, makes no allu-
sion to senate reform.
-I-
promise TO submit two amendments to
popular vote. The first of these is to be
for the chief executive a substantial veto
power
Turning to the revised constitution we
may learn what this means. Ii is a veto
which may be overridden by majority
vote which applies to bills only. and
which does not permit the vetoing of sep
arate items in an appropriation.
las a matter OF fact IL is a custom in
this state for the general assembly to
make many large appropriations, not by
bill, but by joint resolution. Indeed, all
appropriations might be made in that
manner out OF any funds in the treas
ury not otherwise appropriated In that
case they would not be subject to veto.
But If the veto power is a dubious one,
what shall be said of the platforms prom
ise to provide for a larger representation
for the cities and the larger towns? That
provision, too, was in the revised consti-
tuition and Mr.. Brayton has long been
anxious to do this very thing.
Now the ostensble object of such a
larger representation is to give more
power, and therefore more protection, to
the cities and larger towns but every
amendment offered by the Republican ma
jority in the general assembly has applied
TO the house only, has provided for un-
eoual representative districts and for the
gerrymander. The necessary effect OF
every such proposed amendment would be
to deprive the cities and large towns OF
the protection against bad legislation
which they now possess.
THE most amusing thing in Mr.. Utter's
platform is the pledge to guard the state
against every attempt. by whomsoever
made. TO secure special benefits for the
few at the expense Of the many How
Mr.. Allen must have laughed at thar
plank! why, doing that very thing Is the
whole stock -in-trade OF Braytonism-the
sale of offices. the sale OF legislation, the
passage OF Interchangeable laws. the con-
ferring upon the senate OF executive
power. and about all else.
'That platform Is "A sham. Actions speak
louder than words. The interests OF al
classes OF citizens who are not the i'm
mediate benehciaries OF Braytonism are
with the reformers.
PROFESSOR LANGDoN.
Prof. Iangdon said in part:
II am glad TO represent Brown univer-
sity here in this political issue, but / had
rather be up against a roomful Of Repub-
Icans: then there would be something do
ing:
II think all Rhode Island has learned
something during the past year. The peo-
ple OF Rhode Island have made Up their
sr.,.a. ,hat they want tho things that Gov