The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-14
MONDAY, JANUARY "a, 1907.
THE SENATORIAL CONTEST.

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George Peabody Wetmore whose term will ex-
pre the third of March next There is no
hazard in the assertion that in this election the
people of Rhode Island arc as a whole more deeply
interested than they have been in any similar con-
test within generation.
There are three acknowledged candidates in
The field, but the strength of only is known
accurately in advance of the actual balloting.
Colonel Robert II. l. Goddard, the unanimous
choice of peoples convention held eight months
ago. will have forty-three votes, or only thirteen
less than the hfty-six necessary to his election.
Colonel Goddard was nominated because he
represents the highest type of American citizen
ship because he is true Rhode Islander honoring
It's best traditions and contributing to the making
of its brightest history by unselhsh and poten-
tal participation in its public affairs and by large
and never-ceasing contribution to its social and
industrial progress and prosperity
Able, clean prudent and fearless, Colonel God
dard is splenddly equipped TO represent this COM
monweath in the United States senate with dig
nifty. honor and conspicuous usefulness. 1t was for
this reason he was given unanimous nomination
and it was on the distinct pledge that they would
support him to the end that the forty-three Demo
Gratis and Independents returned to the legislature
were elected
And those forty-three members will remain
steadfast to Colonel Goddard until he is chosen or
until some other candidate has been victorious.
There can be no break in the ranks without
breach of honor and without the forfeiture of public
respect. 4
Colonel Goddard was not put forward and does
not stand today the candidate Of any party lie
is the nominee of the people and the peoples repre-
sentatves in the general assembly must remain
faithful in their allegiance, whatever may be the
mutations of the contest between the other can
didates. To do otherwise will be TO invite con-
demnation and contempt
Lacking but thirteen of the necessary ifty-six
votes TO insure his triumph Colonel Goddard has
h1a oh Of and
not be imperied by single detection. There
are evidences in plenty that the boss will not ex
ercise over the legislators that absolute domina-
ton that has made his word law in the past, and
there is ground for hope that there is among the
Republican majority a sufficient number of earnest
and independent men who will throw off the die
tators CALLING and gnoble yoke and join the Dem
ocrats and Independents to send Colonel Goddard
to seat in the highest legislative body in the land
But If that desired consunmation is not to
occur; if the choice must be between George Pea
body Wetmore and Colonel Samuel Pomeroy Colt,
the best interests of the and the welfare of its
citizens demand that Colonel Colt and not Mr..
Metmore shall be selected
Mr.. Wetmore is and has been ever since he
entered public life the particular pet of the boss
whose evil practices at the state house have drawn
from former Republican governor the declaration
that he is "a menace to the state of Rhode Island
Colonel Colt has been opposed by this same
boss who, is well remembered, pitted the late
Benjamin NJ Bosworth against him for the office
OF attorney general and he has never consented to
be the puppet of the boss.
On the other hand Mr.. Wetmore owes every
thing he has obtained in the way OF political pre-
ferment to his money and the management of the
boss. 1t was the boss who twice made him gov
ernor OF the state when he was even a sum-
rner sojourner here than he is today. The same
boss has sent him for two terms TO the United
States senate, and ii is upon the boss manipulation
he depends for a third term
These are facts that create in the public mind
q feeling distinctly hostile to Mr.. Wetmores re-
election, and it is strengthened by the knowledge
that though he has filled seat in the senate for
twelve years, Mr.. Wetmore has revealed absolutely
no aptitude, ability capacity for the important
and responsible duties OF the senatorial office.
Indeed, he has been little short of nonentity,
an amiable one it is true, but nonentty neverthe
less and of that sort of negative, feeble and color
less representation the people have concluded they
have had enougil-a surfeit in fact.
Moreover Mr. Wetmore represents nothing
save the Wetmore millions He is not OF the peo-
pie and never has been He knows nothing of their
traditions nor has he any sincere sympathy with
their aims and aspirations. His only interest in
them Is limited 10 what he obtain from them
In the way OF political preferment.
On the other hand Colonel Colt is Rhode
Islander His life has been lived among the people
OF Rhode Island He has large financial and indus
trial interests that aid materially in promoting the
states progress and prosperity.
He has not been persistent seeker after pub
Nc Office but when he has been called 10 hll public
Office he has done so with efficiency. ability and
courage As United States senator he would
bring to the Office the experience, knowledge and