The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1889-09-11
THE PARTY'S PLATFORM.
Solid PIanks to stand on in the Coming
Fight.

|
From Yesterdays Jerseu City Neius Extra.
The Democratic party of NeU Jersey, in con-
ve7ltion assembled, dectdre:--
That upon all issues affecting the administra-
ton of the national government they reaffirn the
doctrines adopted in the National Democratic
platform at St. Louis, in June, 1888.
That, upon state issues, they reatfrm the plat
form adopted by the State Democratic Conyen-
tion on tile 26th of September, 1886.
That they endorse the administration OF Gov
ernor Green who is recorded in favor of an
honest and economical management OF the
affairs of State, and whose unvarying course has
been governed by desire to promote the Dest
interests of the people.
That they call attention to the fact that, at the
late Presidential election, large plurality OF
the voters Of the United States declared by their
ballots, their confidence in the National Demo-
cratic administration, and their desire for its
continuance. The success of the National Re
publican ticket was brought about by the cor
rupt use of money, and this shame has been
made the more glaring by the official honors con
ferred upon contributors to the corruption funds
In view of the facts, we would be derellct If we
failed to solemnly warn the people against the
evils which menace them from the practice OF
bribery at the polls. 1t places money above
manhood. 1t encourages the unworthy to seek
| official station and creates an almost unsur-
mountable barrier to the reform of government
evils which enrich the few at the expense OF the
many. We appeal to the patriotism OF all honest
citizens to join in Furnishing every attempt TO de
base the elective franchise.
That the increasing number of combinations
to control the necessaries of life is q fruitful
source Of alarm TO the people The so-called
TRUSTS which are combinations to control
prices without regard to the natural rules OF
supply and demand ARE opposed to the letter
and spirit of our laws. They cannot be justified
upon any fair plea of commercial enterpri Sc.
For the benefit of a few, these combinations in
fiict cruel burdens upon the many, causing
penury and misery among those who are de-
pendent upon the product of their daily toll.
The tendency of our advancing civilization is to
increase the general average of human happ1-
ness, and the corrective hand of the law mus
be used to abate conspiracies which are Stun
bling blocks in the way of the general progress
of the people.
That we favor equal taxation, and declare that
reform in that direction should be followed upon
the lines laid down in the inaugural address OIL
Governor Leon Albeit, until the entire distribu
tion of public burdens shall square with the con
stitutional requirements of fairness and equality
Under partial adoption of the recommends
tions of that address general State tax mas
been rendered unnecessary during the past tive
years, and we promise the people OF New Jersey
that the affairs of State shall be economically
administered, while entrusted to the Democratic
party, that there shall not be any general State
tax necessary. We denounce the attempt made
by Republican members of the Legislature q
1889 to impose general State
tax as tending to extravagance IN
State expenditures, and we declare the
undercurrent of that movement to have been
desire to relieve corporate property from the
payment of its fair proportion of taxation
Under the system of taxation instituted in re-
Sponse to the recommendations of Governor Az
bett, the sum of 7,749742 has been assessed,
within the past five years upon corporations,
many of which, prior to 1884 enjoyed exemptions
from taxation, and thereby increased the tax
upon private owners. In the same time there
has been assessed, upon railroad and canal prop,
erty, heretofore wholly exempted from local
taxation the sum of 81 $50 $685. for the use OF our
cities, towns and townships This amount repre-
sents clear gain to the municipalities OF the
State.
We demand a strict enforcement of the laws
regulating the employment of children. 1t is the
duty of the State to see that every child receives
fair education and is protected from employ
or physical value of future citizenship We
pledge our party to the advancement of the pub
lie educational interests of the State. The
common school system must be foStered and
extended SO that no excuse can exist for
ignorance.
We recognize the value of agriculture and our
other industrial interests as the basis of National
and State prosperity, and pledge to them a
policy of liberal encouragement. In fixing
charges for transportation in or through this
State common carriers should not be allowed to
discriminate against the citizens of New Jersey.
We recognize the dignity Of labor and the neces-
sy of proper legislation to protect its interests.
and shall unwaveringly oppose every attempt to
lessen the fruits of toll or to place honest work.
men in competition with pauperS or convicts.
We demand reform in the matter of municipal
expenditures throughout the State. BY reason
of the constantly increasing cost of municipal
government, the growth of many of our cities
and towns has been greatly retarded. We there
fore insist upon the enactment of laws limiting
axation for municipal uses.
We favor such revision of the election laws OF
the State as will guarantee to every voter the
greatest possible secrecy in the casting of his
ballot, and secure the punishment of any who
attempt the corruption or intimidation of voters.