The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-05-20
CAUCUSES TONIGHT.

of a candidate for the United States senate TO
ceed former Senator George Peabody Wetmore, to
be held in Music hall next Wednesday, will be open
TO all citizens, without regard to their previous
political affiliations, who desire to advance the
cause of representative government and civic
form in this state.
These caucuses should be largely attended by
Democrats Independents and all citizens who de-
sire change in political conditions in this COM
monwealth The Republican machines agents
active and desperate, and it is by
mote possibility that they will attempt to manpu-
late tonights primaries in the interest of the
oigarchy that has looted and polluted most
dalously in Rhode Island
If the men of Providence who are loyal to the
state and who are working for its regeneration turn
out they should do, there will be chance that
any of the Hessian harpies will be able TO disturb
single to prevent full vote and fair
count of every ballot cast.
1t is hardly necessary to recall to the honest
citizenship of Providence that the purpose Of to-
nights caucuses and of Wednesdays convention
is to place in nomination for second time for the
vacancy in the United States senate--Hon Robert
H. /. Goddard. When he was named little more
than year ago the senatorial vacancy was pros
pective, now it is actuality, made by the
steadfastness of the forty=one Democrats and Inde
pendents in the general assembly, who throughout
the most prolonged struggle in the states history
never faltered a single vote in their allegiance
to the peoples standard bearer
The duty now before the forces Of decency and
righteousness is to complete the good work begun
last year by renominating Colonel Goddard and
then sending to the state house general assembly
that will return him to the senate of the United
States
And in this good work every honest man in
the commonwealth can join, irrespective of the
party ties that formerly bound him. Col. Goddard
this year as last will be the candidate of no party,
but of the intelligent and thoughtful men in all par
ties. If he stood merely for partisan or personal
success he would not deserve the united and en-
thusiastic support he had last year and will have in
added measure this year.
He stands for neither of these but for the tri-
umph of the people themselves in winning the right
of representative government, honestly admins
tered, of which they have been despoiled without
conscience and with almost complete immunity to
the despoiling ogarchy
The choice of Colonel Goddard to carry the
standard of reform has been made because he
represents the best type of American citizenship
as it has been developed here in Rhode Island His
life, lived here among his fellow citizens is an open
book to them; the record one in which they take
just pride and one that gives them assurance that
United States senator he would represent this
commonwealth with signal ability and commanding
dignity.
In this campaign, with renewed vigor,
Colonel Goddard makes assault upon the Repub-
lcan party, nor upon the worthy principles it once
maintained. What he is fighting against is the
corruption mschievous machine has imposed on
the state through the supineness of that party and
against the evil of minority rule which by sinister
of that party the machine has fastened on the
body polite.
Not too often can Colonel Goddard's words
explaining his attitude be quoted for the enlight-
enment of friends and for the confusion OF political
foes. Il have waited patiently he says, 'in the
hope that reformation of the political evils in
Rhode Island might have its origin in the Repub-
lcan party; but have waited in vain. It's machine
control must be thrust aside before any good can
be accomplished. In the position / now take my
sole purpose is to endeavof 10 promote reform in
the political conditions of this state"
And what is this reform of which he has taken
the post of leader at the sacrifice OF personal i'm
clnations and business interestsl
The smashing OF the machine and the restora-
ton of a government OF the people, by the people
and for the peoplel
There is no occasion now for deubting or aues-
tioning as TO the outcome Of the new campaign
All signs point to success, to a completion OF the
~.s~s~ Il. t..