The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-10-31
WETMORE'S USELESSNESS
EXPLAINED TO NEWPORTERS
which is supported by Col. Robert
Goddard"
Robert Grieve.

which is supported by Col. Robert II. T..
Robert Grieve.
Robert Grieve said
The necessity OF constitutional reform
in Rhode Island has long been apparent
TO conscientious and pubiic-spirited citi-
zens. For many years the Democrats
have made these reforms the issues or
their campaigns.
Instead of denying the existence OF po-
litcal evils the Republican machine has
now entered the arena TO assall them. But
their reform program. like some OF their
leaders. is lame. halt and blind and lacks
character Nevertheless they have the
assurance TO put II forward at this time
TO deceive the people.
who under these circumstances are
worthy OF support? The hypocritical Re
publican leaders. who at the last moment,
when they fear their power Is passing.
claim virtues they do not possess or the
Democratic and Lincoln Union leaders,
who I'm good and evil report, have fought
a good fight7 The people should answer
I'm no uncertain manner and elect the en-
tire Democratic state and assembly tick
cts pledged 10 the support OF Col. God
dard for United states senator. and the
reform OF the state constitution"
Gov. Higgins.
Governor Higgins, who received an ova-
tlon, said he was deeply impressed with
considered IL a sign that the Democracy
OF Newport was still alive for all reform.
THE issues OF the campaign" he said,
have been fully explained by the other
speakers and II would be useless for me
60 try TO explain further. ] came 10
Newport especially In the interests or the
general assembly ticket, and In the in
terests OF the other candidates OF the
Democratic and Lincoln parties"
lie said he considered II the greatest
Issue of the campaign to elect proper
senators and representatives to the gen
eral assembly as all powers are lodged In
the legislature In this state, which he re-
ferred TO as un-American, inasmuch. he
said. as In every other state government
the powers are distributed
Gov Higgins made reference TO the
questions 10 Senator Wetmore that he
had asked from public platforms several
times during the present campaign, and
said:
II will continue 10 ask them until re-
ceive an answer and until the end OF the
present campaign. II necessary. man
running for public office owes IL TO the
people to lay bare his qualification for
office"
HAS Mr. wetmore ever made any pay
ments TO Gen. Brayton2 If he denies
this. will he allow an investigation OF his
books? III he admits the payments, will
he tell what they were for and IL they
were not for the purpose OF buying votes2
II the former senator has done these
things. Is he a proper man TO represent
you IN the UnlttO btIdttE
"Col. Goddard mas never bought any
votes. nor has he contributed any money
TO buy votes. Every dollar which Col.
Goddard has given was for the legitimate
expenses. While giving this money he
has not winked an eye, and he has also
seen that IL has never been used for any
other purpose than that for which IL was
given.
"Col. Goddard would be willing 10 do
as much for Newport as anyone else, and
what is II about Goddard that makes him
impossible TO get improvements for New
port?' He differed with those who had
advanced the argument that as Mr.. Wet
more had been for IL years In the United
States senate, he was more fitted TO Sc
cure various Improvements for their
state
of the national congress and who has
failed TO go back once, and thdy1 subse-
quently is returned" he said, lis Obliged
TO begin at the bottom Of the ladder
takes tho lowest position in all commit
tees and loses practically all his power
that he may have held.
THE Democratic and Lincoln parties or
Newport have shown great choice In the
selection OF their candidates for the gen
eral assembly-Andrew X Quinn for sena-
tor, and Messrs. Hazard. Scott. Murphy,
and Mumford for representatives-and
have faith in the patriotism OF the DEM
ocracy of Newport In electing these men.
AT the Republican rally held here last
week some OF the arguments put forth
cannot comprehend. IL the Republicans
put forth veto power that can be over
ridden by majority vote OF the general
assembly, the same as the one they sug-
gested last year. l do not want IL and
Will oppose IL. What we want is a three
fifths vote necessary In the general as
sembly TO override veto.
II consider that Newport has "a chance
OF electing its candidates on the Demo
cratic ticket and l hope that Newport
citizens will also support the Democratic
candidate for lentcnant- governor. Charles
Sisson. for his election Is necessary TO
have success in the reform movement l
hope that on the night of Nov. the news
will be sent to Providence that Newport's
Democracy has carried the city. and also
that IL has given a majority for leuten-
ant-governor 20 Mr.. Ssson''
John c. Pegram, the last speaker, dealt
with general state issues.