The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1909-05-14
Unfair to Boston Voters.

Unfair to Boston Voters.
Harvey N. Shepard believes that
the now charter should be submitted
to the voters, declaring that 1t would
be unfair that Boston should be singled
out for what he terms exceptional
treatment"
In a letter to J. Howell Crosby, chair
man of the committee on metropolitan
affairs, Mr. Shepard says:
"As a citizen and lifelong resident
OF Boston, may | express the earnest
hope that all the provisions of the new
charter will be submitted to its voters?
A charter for a city is like the con
stitution for the Commonwealth, both
to be passed upon in the first instance
by the legislature and then submitted
to the people. 1t is true that the legis-
lature has the legal right in the mat
ter of a charter to impose its provisions
upon city, but 1t is not eXpedlent for
It so to do. Moreover why should
there be a discrimination against the
city of Boston?
In the case Of every other city in
stance, new charters, or amendments
thereto, are made either upon the di-
rect petition of the city affected there
by, or submitted to the vote of its citi-
zens. 1t is not far that Boston shall
be singled out for exceptional treat
ment, and such n course inevitably will
be productive of dissatisfaction. The
changes proposed by the finance COM
mission are six in number: CD few
names on the ballot, (2) no party nom-
nations, (3) a city council of one body
small in membership, and elected at
large, (D concentration of power in
the mayor, (5) expert heads Of depart
ment, and (6) a permanent finance
commission.
1t hardly is consistent, then, TO claim
that the same people who are com
petent to pass upon one or more of
these provisions are not competent TO
pass upon all of them"
The Boston theatre is the scene of
Chauncey Olcotts visit to New Eng
land this year and he Will be seen no.
where else in this section of the coun-
try this season. Mr.. Olcotts latest
play is called Ragged Robin" and
it entered upon its second week in
Boston on Monday, with the warm
endorsement of all the Boston News
papers. Regular matinees are on We'd
nesday and Saturday.
Here is what the New York Herald
of Nov. 13 had to say about May Rob
son, WHO is now appearing at the Tre-
mont theatre: standing like an oasis
in a desert of dreary and weary
plays, The Rejuvenation of Aunt
Mary" with May Robson in the title
role will 1De held by many as the best
comedy seen here this year. This state
ment, while il may seem eXtravagant,
is entertained by the audience which
greeted the opening performance To
miss this play is TO miss one of those
rare and delightful treats which come
but seldom in theatrical season.
Ii seems to be unanimous verdict
that "A Stubborn Cinderella which
began an engagement at the Colonial
theatre. Boston. Monday. May 3, Is
the best musical play that has been
seen in this part of the country for
some time. Those who have seen 1t
speak of ii in the highest possible
terms and as pleased audience is
the best possible advertisement. the
business is only limited by the capa-
city of the theatre.
The week of May 10th at Keiths
theatre is notable for another one OF
those star bills. One Of the best fea-
lures is Bert Williams of the Williams
and Walker company, who has been
engaged for special season to do
an act that will Introduce some Of his
latest successes. The important dra-
matte feature is Valerie Bergere and
company. presenting an entirely new
company in His japanese Wife" Still
another big feature is Clara Belle Jer-
ONE and company In q splendid musi.
cal production entitled, "Joylsnd."