Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1892-07-11


largely of his appointees holding office at his
pleasure, is a scandalous satire upon free popu-
lar institutions and startling illustration OF
the methods by which a president may crafty
his ambition. We denounce policy under
which federal officeholders usurp control of
party conventions in the states, and we pledge
the Democratic party to the reform Of these
and all other abuses which threaten individual
liberty and local self government.
Sec. 10. The Democratic party is the only
party that has ever given the country foreign
policy, consistent and vigorous, compelling re-
spect abroad and inspiring confidence at home.
While avoiding entangling alliances, 1t has
aimed to cultivate friendly relations with other
nations and especially with our neighbors on
the American continent, whose destinyis close
ly linked with our own, and we view with
alarm the tendency to n policy of irritation
and bluster which Is liable at any time to con-
front us with the alternative of humiliation or
war. We favor the maintenance of u navy
strong enough for all purposes of national de-
fense and to properly maintain the honor and
dignity of the country abroad.
Sec. II. This country has always been the
refuge of the oppressed from every land-exiles
for conscience sake-and in this spirit of the
founders of our government we condemn the
oppression practiced by the Russian govern
ment upon its Lutheran and Jewish subjects,
and we call upon our national government in
the interest of justice and humanity, by all
just and proper means, to use its prompt and
best efforts to bring about cessation of these
cruel prosecutions In the dominions of the cZar
and to secure to the oppressed equal rights.
We tender our profound and earnest sympa-
thy to those lovers of freedom who are strug-
Cling for home rule and the great cause of self
government in Ireland.
Sec. IL. We heartily approve all legitimate
efforts to prevent the United States from being
used as the dumping ground Of the criminals
nrpfaSSiOnal pf Eurpna nd
demand the rigid enforcement of the laws
against Chinese emigration and the importa-
tion of foreign workmen under contract to de-
grade our labor and lessen its wages, but we
condemn and denounce all attempts to restrict
the immigration of the industrious and worthy
of foreign lands.
Sec. 10. This convention hereby renews the
expression of appreciation of the patriotism of
the soldiers and sailors of the Union In the war
for its preservation, and we favor just and lib
eral pensions for all disabled Union soldiers,
their widows and dependents, but we demand
that the work of the pension office shall be
done industrously, impartially and honestly.
We denounce the present administration of
that office as incompetent corrupt, disgrace
full and dishonest.
Sec. II. The federal government should care
for and improve the Mississippi river and other
great waterways of the republic, SO as to Sc
cure for the interior states easy and cheap
transportation to the tidewater. When any
waterway of the republic is of sufficient i'm
portance to demand the aid of the government,
that such aid should be extended on definite
plan of continuous work until permanent i'm
provement Is secured.
Sec. l5 For purposes of national defense and
the promotion of commerce between the states
we recognize the early construction of the
Nicaragua canal and It's protection against for
eign control as of great importance to the
United States.
Sec 10. Recognizing the Worlds Columbian
exposition a national undertaking of vast
Importance, In which the general government
has invited the cooperation of the nations OF
the world, and appreciatinR the acceptance by
many such powers of the invitation so extend
ed and the broad and liberal efforts being made
by them to contribute to the grandeur Of the
undertaking, we are of the opinion that con-
gress should make such necessary financial pro-
vision ms shall be requisite to the maintenance
of national honor and public faith.
Sec. II. Popular education being the only safe
basis of popular suffrage, we recommend to the
several states most liberal appropriations fol
the public schools. Free common schools art
| the nursery of good government, and they
| have always received the fostering care of tn,
Democratic party, which favors every means
Of increasing intelligence. Freedom Of educa
ton being an essential of civil and religion.
| liberty, as well as a necessity for the develop
| ment of intelligence, must not be interfered
| with under any pretext whatever We are op
posed to state interference with parental rights
and rights of conscience in the education OF
children as an infringement of the fundament-
al Democratic doctrine that the largest indi-
vidual liberty consistent with the rights of 9TH
ers insures the highest type of American citi.
zenship and the best government.
Sec. Is. We approve the action of the present
house of representatives in passing bills foi
the admission into the Union as states OF the
territories of New Mexico and Arizona, and
we favor the early admission of all the ter.
ritories having the necessary population and
resources to entitle them to statehood, and
while they remain territories we hold that the
officers appointed to administer the govern.
ment of any territory, together with the Dis.
trict Of Columbia and Alaska, shall be bona
fde residents of the territory or district In
which their duties are to be performed. The
Democratic party believes in home rule and
the control of their own affairs by the people
of the vicinage.
Sec. 10. We favor legislation by congress and
state legislatures to protect the lives and limbs
of railway employees and those of other hazard.
Gus transportation companies, and denounce
the inactivity of the Republican party, and
particularly the Republican senate, for caus-
ing the defeat Of measures beneficial and pro-
tective to this class of wage workers.
Sec. 20. We are In favor of the enactment by
the states of laws for abolishing the notorious
sweating system, for abolishing eontract con-
Wet labor and for prohibiting the employment
in factories Of children under fifteen years OF
age.
Sec. 81. We are opposed to all sumptuary
laws as an interference with the individual
rights Of the citizen.
Sec. -. Upon this statement Of principles and
policy the Democratic party asks the intelli-
gent judgment of the American people. 1t asks
change of administration and a change OF
party in order that there may be a change OF
system and a change OF methods thus assuring
the maintenance unimpaired of institutions
under which the republic has grown great and
powerful.
An Honest Candidate.
The Chicago convention rises equal to