The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-10-30

Newport. oct. so.-Naturally one who
has been edeavoring to gain knowl-
edge. from diligent search, OF what. IN
the u years that are past. the period dur
ing which George Peabody Wetmore has
occupied a seat in the United States SEN
ate. this Newporter has done 10 merit
continuance of his stay In Washington, In
the honorable position of senator. expects
TO gain in Newport considerable informa-
ton that would counteract, to a degree
the unkind things that have been said'
and found their way into the columns of
the press-unkind because they have dealt
with his lack of ambition and energy,
during the session, in public matters.
Only In public matters TO be sure, for In
social affairs he has always been re-
markably busy, so industrious that his
lack OF time TO attend 10 matters of state
has not been wondered at.
The searcher for knowledge, In this
summer resort city, IL he questions the
man who is known To be an energetic
thinker and worker for the ex-senator, Is
much surprised when the evidence is all
in and weighed to find how little he has
learned favorable TO the credit account
of G.. r. w. The informer seems most
versation, but after struggling with the
problem for a long time seems to lose
hope almost entirely and drifts into a eu-
logy of this worker for continued or re-
newed honors, because OF his frequent
contributions financially to local institu-
lions.
One Is told that II a society be endeavor-
ing to raise money for "A certain purpose
and the senator be solicited his check has
been quickly forthcoming; ''he has gain
ed for several individuals PENSIONS" 'he
has secured positions for many others"
HAS DONE NOTHING
yes" you say, "this all may be true,
but what Sas he done OF Importance to
the state? The granting of individual
favors. the donating of money to churches
and societies. the securing OF positions
for worthy and capable men, the securing
OF a few pensions for old soldiers, is work
that is done by senator's and representa-
tives from all states. The real patriotic
citizen is not or should not be seriously
Influenced by such work. IL such IL be.
The mayor of city. whose office Is not
nearly as exalted as that OF senator.
expects these calls frequently and often
from voters, and marks them down to a
fund expended as Is campaign money. IL
Is rather strain on a senator's record
when these gifts are made to cover up a
multitude OF sins OF omission.
From what can be learned. in this city,
OF the attltude OF the senator on all mat
ters, that affect even the public veal in
Newport. IL can hardly be expected that
the ex-senator can work up any interest
In problems that make for the good OF
not only this city. but the state. He
knows nothing OF the dignity OF labor. be
knows nothing of the energy expendai
by employers of labor, in the endeavor to
live and TO grow. He really knows moth
ing OF the struggles and self-denial prac-
tced by those who have made this little
state one OF the richest I'm the Union, in fact
the busiest and wealthiest commonwealth
10 be found in this nation. He knows
title OF the legislative needs OF Rhode
Island for he knows little OF its people
and its institutions. He does not even
appreciate the city that he calls home. for
seldom does he meet its people In a
summer that precedes election time. he
may, because OF necessity. entertain a
few OF the Republican leaders. who rec
ognize his ability as secondary TO the
weight of his purse.
DISCOURAGED ENTERPRISE
But senator. in his home town is ex- |
pected to. from the ma ture of his position, |
be at the front when any matter is |
brought up that tends to improve or ad- |
vance financially. it's interests. IL is inn !
possible to find that George peabody Wet |
more, In the past IL years. has spent any