The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-10-25
BIG LINCOLN PARTY
RALLY AT WAKEFIELD

In order to wipe out Braytonsm ex-
Gov. Garvin advocates the giving to the
people OF the State control OF the States
organic law. The former Governor. Prof
William Macdonald OF Brown University
and Senator Rathbone Gardner of this
city were the speakers at a Lincoln party
rally held at Wakefield last evening, at
which Hon. Howland G. Hazard presided.
WHO are the men TO whom the over
throw or bossism in the Republican party
is committed?" said PROF Macdonald.
"The same convention that nominated
Mr. Jackson for Governor reelected
Brayton a member Of the State central
committee, and also put back on the
same committee such Simonpure re-
formers as Elmer j. Rathbun, S. w. Is.
Allen, Zenas w. Bliss and Frank w TIL
linghast-men who have been for years,
and still are. the close political asso-
ciates and loyal supporters of Brayton.
and who have been his proud and willing
lieutenants In his years OF dirty work.
Then, to cap the climax. the convention
indorsed Mr. Wetmore as a candidate for
the United States Senate--a man whose
responsibility for political corruption in
Rhode Island Is direct and large"
II see that Mr.. Jennings, formerly very
close TO Boss Brayton, speaking in Wake
field last night, asserted that the Demo-
Gratis have an easy remedy at hand He
added: All the crimes they have named
can be punished by the courts and the
perpetrators imprisoned. Have they tried
this easy method OF reforming condi-
tions? II not, why not?'
I'm reply to Mr.. Jennings / would say
that the method he suggests has been
tried. Prior to the State election of both
1908 and 1904 /. as Governor. issued proc
lamations against corrupt practices and
hired detectives to secure evidence. The
best case of bribery l had. in one of the
towns of South County, Mr.. Stear0s. then
Attorney General, declared insufficient to
secure conviction.
THE next year | took greater pains TO
secure legal evidence, and did so I'm sew
eral towns. In Pawtucket there was a
clear case against warden who allowed
unofficial ballots TO be deposited. con-
trary to the express provisions of the bal
lot law. In New Shoreham ample proof
was obtained OF two instances Of bribery.
In Warwick l had a case of bribery. and
in Johnston proof of pretended illteracy
on the part of a voter contrary to the bal
lot law.
These five cases were brought in the
local courts In the three District Courts
in which the cases were brought they
were thrown out, and in the ,Warden's
Court on Block Island a hearing could
never be obtained"
Rathbone Gardner spoke in part as fol-
lows:
"Since the great success Of Governor
Higgins in the interrogative style of ad-
dress last year. the Lincoln party speak
ers have favored II. But IL we expect
answers to our questions we must also
answer those propounded by our oppo.
nents.
"Mr. Jennings has asked why we do
not appeal to the courts for the punish
ment OF vote buying, which we have
charged against the Republican party.
The answer 10 this he well knows; that
with the Republican party in control for
so many years there Is no law written on
the statute books under which such Of
fenses can be prosecuted. He knows you
must establish case of actual vote de-
posted at given time, under the Aus
tralian Ballot law. The establishment of
| such a fact Is impossible"