The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-15

I'm behalf OF those | represent. throw
down the gauntlet before the retainers OF
the over-lord-the partisans Of the boss.
We have TO determine not only which or
three candidates is best fitted personally
for the position. but also which shall pre-
vail, candidate fighting for the rights
of the people against the boss or a Candi-
date allied with the boss In his hgslt
against the people.
Three days ago this community was
treated TO a newspaper sensation. Head
lines and bulletn-boards announced the
startling news that Col. Colt had said:
My aim. II elected, will he TO serve the
people Would that Diogenes were
alive to enjoy this scoop, Was his state
ment the natural outpouring OF a heart
brimming with love for mankind? Was
IL the delayed discovery that the office
OF United States senator is really no per-
sonal peruuisite but an office OF trust?
or was II, perhaps. the carefully calcu-
lated concession OF a crowded candi-
date7
the gentleman his acts and omissions. his
accomplishments and failures, his mode
OF life and everything which will help us
TO estimate his ability and his character
are legitimate objects for our considera-
tion. Why. did he at the same time eX-
press the hope that personalities VIII
form no part or our discussion? | admire
the gentlemsn's discretion more than do
his reasoning.
There is one objection which may pos
sibly be raised 10 all three men: they are
eral notorious examples OF rich men In
high positions who have not only by
their vulgarity offended the taste. but
also by their immortality shocked the con-
science OF the nation Puffed Up by
worldly success and sudden fortune ac-
quired by dubious means. they have by
their actions and by their words loudly
proclaimed the theory that wealth alone
Is the master-key which will unlock every
door, be II 10 social position or political
office All things. all men. are purchase
BILE. The integrity OF business men. the
opinion OF teachers, the honor or lawyers
the principles OF young men, the chastity
and good name Of women, the voice OF
the press and the votes OF legislators. all
may be bought II wanted: and expense liz
no object. Is IL any wonder that the de-
cent. respectable masses OF our people
say in their haste. great wealth is bad?'
I'm sharp contrast TO examples of
this sort may be offered examples Of
another kind OF rich men, less ostea-
tatious and therefore less notice l.
whose wealth has been the result OF
honest work and gradual accretiOn.
Such wealth Is a good thing for the
community; and the ambition TO ac-
quire II Is laudable one. The true
American view should be that wealth
OF itself neither qualities nor disquali-
fes for office, but that the manner OF
Its acquisition and the manner OF its
use offer strong indications OF char
acter and should be considered In dis-
cussing qualifications for office. The
rich man who Is a danger 20 our m
stitutions IL clearly not OF tho kind
represented by Col. Goddard.
"The other objections which may hc
offered 10 the three candidates are as
different as the candidates themselves.
II is pleasanter. however. and perhaps
equally profitable 10 contrast their re.
spective merits rather than dement's.
Which one do we think OF when We
use the words. shrewd. resourcefui.
afable. diplomatic Which one when
we use the words. amiable paiustak-
ing. accommodating. unobtrusivc7
Which one when we use tho words.
honorable clean. independent pa
triotic7 Which type Of citizenship meets
most nearly the ideal We should hold
up 10 the young man Of this countrv7
Il ask bluntly why will you not elect
Col. Goddard I have heard but 'wo
reasons even intimated The FIRST ig
that. although he Is n Republican him
self he comes here rs a Democrats
candidate. The argument Is the OIL
one. support the president" ! am viii
ing 20 meet a. ask which is tao
most apt 20 give the president earnest
support In his fight against the trusts.
for example? col. Goddard the Repuh-
lican horn and bred who franklv
stated even when accepting his nomina-
ton ~ She hands of the Democrats tht.
he was still true Go Republican no-
tionsl principles or Senator wetmoro.
the chairman ~ whose campaign COM
nitfee n has been publicly stated voted
egsinst Roosevelt for PRESIDENT or
Col Colt whose closest associates nra
the trust magnates. who On Wall stree.
WHY and in congress seek 20 circum-
vent the PRESIDENT The question re-
solves Itself into whether the test OF