The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-10-17

the nation, and / must obey your man
date and do my part TO remove the stigma
which unprincipled and selfish men have
placed upon us.
WAR ON SHAMELESS BOSS
Irrespective of former party affilia-
| tlons We are all enlisted i'm a campaign 10
overthrow the strongly intrenched organ
ization of the Republican party, domi-
noted now, as II has been for three dec
AIDES, by a shameless boss who, from
the sheriffs office In yonder state house.
built by and for the people, ha dehed
public sentiment, usurped the functions
| of government, and lent his powerful
aid 60 any candidate who would agree
TO make the largest contribution to the
campaign fund.
| state, from Woonsocket to the sea, cred
ulous enough TO believe that the power
OF the boss is really destroyed that be-
cause Gen. Brayton has resigned from n
subcommittee of The Republican control
committee, his bdneful influence Will no
| longer be felt?
Unless the next general assembly is
controlled by men sincerely and reso-
lutely opposed TO the scandal OF tame
| submission TO tins degrading machine
government, Gen. Brayton will continue
during the entire session OF 1908 to do
business, If not at the old stand In some
other room OF the state house. or at some
convenient place, as he did last year and
as he mas done Tor quarter or CEN
tury.
"it is not essential for the honor OF
the state that the majority controlling
the legislature should agree with you In
supporting the candidate for United
states senator wnom you favor. but II Is
of paramount Importance that upright
and independent members OF the general
assembly should unite 10 break the power
of the boss, drive nim into obscurity, and
thus wipe away the disgrace which has
been too long and too tamely endured.
There can be no hope for political re-
generation and decency until he vanishes
forever as the dominant figure in Rhode
Island politics.
This year, my friends. as last year,
the first step I'm the direction OF political
reform is the triumphant reelection of
our gallant leader. James III. Higgins. He
has been able, digniied and fearless In
the discharge OF his duties as governor
and at every function where he has repre-
sented the state.
THE better we know him. the better
we love him. and the more highly we es-
TEEN him. He has kept every pledge he
ever made. and the people will set the
seal OF their approval upon him by again
choosing him as chief executive of the
state he has so signally honored.
III he did not bring about the total
overthrow OF tn, present disgraceful sys-
tenn. he die all within his power, and the
recent confession OF the boss is evidence
OF what he accomplished
"If the general assembly had not
thwarted him I'm his efforts to expel the
the good name of the state. Rhode Island
would be today a cleaner and purer
state to live In.
''Do you remember those brave words
OF his In his letter TO the sheriff OF Provi-
dence county? They rang through the
state. touched a responsive chord In the
bosom OF every decent man who placed
his manhood. his conscience and his
SAYS HIGGINS WILL WIN.
Gov Higgins will be reelected, and
az he IL bound to listen to a lot of kind
words about himself before the campaign
closes. / Will let him of now with this
brief but most sincere tribute to his
worth.
"A year ago the terrifying prophecy
was often heard that TO turn the state
over to men who had not received the APP
proval OF Gen. Brayton would place the
power in the hands of those who would
prove danger TO the best interests OF
this commonwealth Better stand the
know that by paying him we can prevent
any legislation hostile to our property In
terests. In other words, the safety OF
our property and OF our institutions is
made TO depend upon the ability OF the
boss TO direct his puppets how to vote in
the general assembly. Corruption Is
dangerous weapon. IL Is two-edged
sword and can be used by the unscrupu-
lous TO promote dangerous legislation as
well as to repress II. But let us consider
some OF the men who have had the tenn
consent OF Gen. Biayton
First. there Is Gov. Higgins j have
already told you my opinion of him and
7 doubt TT There Is a sane man I'm the
state who believes him to be n menace
TO our highest interests. Then consider
the II members of the general assembly
elected by the reform coalition. In the
long history OF khode Island can we
point TO worthier or abler representatives
OF the people than they proved them
selves TO he2 Not one of them Is record
ed In that daily procession OF shame TO
take orders from the boss. but all invar-
iably supported every measure To abolish
corruption and 20 place this ancient COM
monwealth upon lofty political plane.
Another dangerous man Is Congress
man Granger, who has shown fidelity,
wisdom and scrupulous integrity i'm his
useful career as city treasurer, mayor
and congressman. This wicked and dan
gerous man has been chosen 10 represent
the church TO which he belongs at it's tri-
ennial convention at Richmond, Va. and
he is there now, attending TO his respon-
sible duties
"Then. Mayor Mccarthy looms up as
another dangerous man. He has conduct
ed the affairs OF this city in a non-parti-
san and able manner. and he deserves the
plaudits OF all who dwell or pay taxes I'm
the city.
II admit that when he appointed an up
right and able gentleman OF a different
political faith TO aid the chairman of the
police commission I'm giving the city good
government, he became a terror and a
danger-but only to the thieves and graft
ers.
APPEAL TO YOUNG MEN
How futile and how absurd to de-
nounce such men as dangerous. and TO
cling TO the boss and his minions. as II
the salvation OF the state rested upon
their iniQuitous rule.
"A word In all seriousness to the young
Republicans OF this state. Are you con-
tent with the present political conditions
which prevail here? 1 am not changing
my party because I am fighting the in
justice. the graft and corruption OF the
few men who control II. i would not for
an instant strive 20 shake your loyalty TO
tho old Republican party, with all its
splendid history. You inherit a great
name and you may well bo proud OF your
Inheritance.
"Will YOU not aid us 90 raise that
glorious Inheritance from the mire of cor
ruption through which II has been drag
ged by selfish and unprincipled men7
Your party earned honor and eratg,ud,