The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-14

WHAT THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL
SAID EDIToRIALLY OF COL. COLT
TWO YEARS AGO.
(From the Providence Journal. october
Q. 1So4)
Our Next Governor.
The Journal commends to the voters of
Rhode Island and to the citizens Of the
state generally. without regard to creed,
politics or religion, class or nationality,
the letter of Colonel S. Il. Colt address
ed to Chairman Holden OF the State Cen
tral committee and published I'm another
column OF this mornings issue.
A careful perusal of this communication
will amply repay the busiest man, wheth-
er interested in politics or not. The most
radical Democrat will be compelled 10
join with his Republican brother in con-
gratulat ting the author. All fair-minded
men will feel natural pride that public
office vainly seeks TO honor one whose es-
Inmates Of the governorship of this small
but important state is so high, whose
views on public questions are so broad
whose patriotism is so lofty and whose
opinions on the public questions of the
day and the hour are so intelligently and
so clearly expressed.
Colonel Colt, knowing that the Republi-
can nomination for the governorship
would be his for the asking at the state
convention which meets October twelfth,
and knowing also that his sense OF obliga-
"a ha i,,,
ness interests committed to his care would
not permit him TO become a candidate for
the office at present, promptly grasps
time by the forelock. Frankly and with a
refrenhing lack OF mock modesty he tells
the Republican party that he cannot be
its candidate, and at the same time adds
a cordial word OF friendship and indorse-
ment addressed TO his fellow Republican
who will, by force OF natural selection re-
sulting from his ability as man, his
merits as a citizen and his strength and
as a Republican, be chosen to
at the November election the
supremacy OF the present chief execu-
tive of Rhode Island.
BY his practical. sensible and altogether
manner OF taking the pub
lie into his confidence the moment he
reached decision In the struggle between
the pressure OF private interests and the
allurements OF public office Colonel Colt
has rendered his party valuable service
and given to the people of Rhode Island
additional testimony to the breadth and
character OF the man. Broad minded and
upright in politics as in business. his let
ter furnishes to the opponents OF Democ-
racy a campaign document second I'm
practical worth only to the recently pub
lLshed letter of acceptance OF President
Roosevelt. The Presidents document set
forth In plain and graphic language the
acts OF the Administration, and outlined
the policy contemplated II he should be
entrusted with another four years of
power. Colonel Colts letter puts before
the people OF Rhode Island in words
equally emphatic and clear the para
mount Importance of retaining In power
the Republican party in Nation and in
State in order that the prosperity and
welfare OF both may be promoted and
maintained
Rhode Island is manufacturing
State. Her industries have been built up
and have prospered under the Republican
doctrine OF protection In national cam
paigns she has alwayS stood by the party
that has ever been the guardian OF those
interests which are vital 10 her prosper
ity and 10 the well being OF her people.
The American people have a strong
tendency TO let well enough alone. They
do not care TO disturb existing conditions
or the great business interests OF the
country in the absence Of some definite