The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-03
50V. HIGGINS DEMANDS FAIR REPRESENTATION
IN BOTH BRANCHES Of THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Bank Examiner

come ought to be increased in every legiti-
mate way.
Bank Examiner
matter which / believe demands your
immediate attention is the appointment
of a state bank examiner with full power
to supervise. inquire into and act upon all
affairs relative TO the management OF
state banks. savings banks, institutions
for savings and trust companies. There is
hardly "A subject OF legislation more
worthy OF your consideration. According
to the returns made TO the state audi
tor, IL appears that on June -. 1905, there
were about $40 .O00 on deposit I'm such
institutions. II Is needless 10 suggest that
"A large amount OF this vast sum repre-
sents the earnings OF workingmen and
women At the present time there is no
provision for supervision over the man
agement of institutions having these
funds i'm charge.
There has been little loss from want of
such provision because the men I'm charge
are. as a rule. OF high character and
business integrity. But because depositors
have not suffered losses in the past, is no
reason why safeguards should not be
provided for the future. The ablest and
most conservative bankers are liable to
make a mistake which would bring seri-
Gus misfortune 10 many deserving people
l. therefore recommend the enactment OF
a law which will provide for the strictest
supervision Of all banks, trust companies
etc, operating under the laws OF Rhode
island and the Appointment OF capable
and tried man 10 make examinations Of
such banks.
believe that any officer of a bank or
trust company operated under the laws of
Rhode Island should be ineligible for the
office of bank examiner. and that If any
such examiner should become indebted TO
any such bank or trust company. or IL he
should engage or become interested I'm the
sale OF securities. negotiations OF loans,
etc. for others, his office should become
vacant
Executive Appointiye Power
Under chapter 500 OF the Public Laws
passed Jan. 20, 1901. the power Of ap-
pontment is practically taken from the
governor and placed in the hands OF the
senate / recommend the repeal of that
act so far as IL takes from the governor
the power OF appointment, and l recon-
mend the restoration TO him OF fun au-
thority to make nominations and appoint
ments subject to confirmation by the SEN
ate
The law OF 1901 has. perhaps. no parallel
in the United States. IL is n denial TO the
governor OF his proper executive pre-
negatives. He Is given such prerogatives
under the constitution of the state. IL Is
contradiction OF the practice prevailing In
almost every other state OF the union, as
well as in the Federal government, and
was designed for purely political motives
i'm order TO thwart the will Of a majority
OF the people as expressed In the vote for
governor, and to place and perpetuate in
office appointees of the senate
This law should not be allowed 10 re-
main upon our statute books a single
day, and the legislature should right the
wrong done in 1901 and restore to the gov
ernor chosen by all the people his proper
executive functions.
Soldiers Home and Relief Fund
recommend the appropriation of $25,-
600 for the Soldiers Home fund and $4,000
for the Soldiers Relief fund. This is an
increase Of $1,000 for the latter. an addition
recommended by the secretary OF state
board Of soldiers relief on account of
added calls and age Of claimants for state
aid.
Public Officials
At the present time there appears
to be an increasing tendency through
out the Union to divorce public officials
as much as possible from all financial
or selfish interests In legislation, or
from any other matters coming within
the Jurisdiction OF their office | he
lieve there is a wide field of action for
the spread of such a tendency I'm Rhode
Island. Complaints are being made
about some Of our officials occupyiug z
Inconsistent positions, namely, hold
Ing an office and working presumably
for the interests OF the public, while at
the same time passing upon matters
in which they have private or finan-
cial interest
I recommend. therefore. the enact ..
ment OF laws which viii prevent nll
city town or state officials from being
in n,erested, directly or indirectly in any
business transaction, contract or other
matter whatever to which tho citv,
town or state, or any department, board
or commission thereof may be party.
In other words / believe that no pub
lie Official. state or municipal should
receive any compensation or emolu-
ment from the public, except his salary
as such official Along these same lines
would be a law rendering members OF
the general assembly Ineligible for ap-
polntment or election TO any state Office
or position during the term for which
such mon were elected. the mount ben I
whereof is appointed by the governor
house thereof, such ineligibility not 10
be evaded by resignation from either
house during the term for which such
member was elected.
Uniform state Laws
The conference Of commissioners on
the uniformity OF state laws Is prepared
to submit at this session OF the gen
eral assembly several important maj
ters Of legislation, which. I believe.
should receive your consideration and
endorsement. one Is a uniform law of
sales. the other is a uniform law Of
warehouse receipts. Another is uni
form divorce law. All OF these matters
have been considered at great length
and with thorough skill by eminent
attorneys from various parts OF thC
country, and have been endorsed by tls
legal profession generally. They toucr
on subjects which are no longer stare
or local issues, but which have become
matters OF national Importance requ'r
ing "A settled and uniform law " cor
fusion and litigation are TO be pre-
vented hereafter. The proposed uni
form divorce law treats OF the pro