San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-10-19
THE PLATFORM.
Adopted By The Bexar County Repub-
licans.

| HCdUS.
We, Republicans of Bexar county,
assembled in convention composed of
delegates from the several election
precincts of the county, for the pur-
pose Of making an effort to rescue our
county government from under the
corrupting influences of personal poll
tics. We believe this can only be ac-
complished by return to party con-
ventions, and party nominations.
We are convinced, that the people re-
gardles of party utilization, desire a
change in our political methods that
will break down the ticket making
| combinations that have ruled and all
but ruined our county and city gov
ernments.
Under the deceptive guise of "Cit-
liens Ticket" Reform Ticket" "Peo-
pies Ticket" and Business Ticket"
our community has been for the past
10 years, repeating year after year
the farce of putting in Office profess
sional ofice-seekers and professional
office-holders.
We are convinced that the efforts
OF the Republican party in 1882 and
| 1886, to eliminate party politics from
local elections was made in the inter
est of reform" and desire to meet
| half way other good citizens of differ
ent political affiliations in a mutual
effort to secure relief from the tyranny
of an office-holders' trust.
We are convinced that in the course
of time this abandonment of party ac-
ton has demoraliZed our people, cor
rupted our elections, and engendered
hate and distrust between large bod
les of our citizens, as well as creating
individual personal animosities.
We are convinced that the extrava-
gance which has piled up heavy bond
ed indebtedness, for which not only
the present but the generations to
come must sweat and work, was born
of the corruption Of non-partisan poll
tics. Our new court house was an I'M
necessary extravagance-it stands as
monument of derision Of the people
the issuance Of county bonds to pro-
duce campaign patronage for the Off
Gals in power has been shame and
crime upon the people of Bexar coun-
ty. Hundreds Of thousands of dol
lars of the peoples money have been
needlessly and criminally wasted.
We are justified in asserting that I'M
der this non-partisan rule, onr local
elections have become shameful exhi-
hitions of the use of money to secure
the votes of ignorant and irresponsi-
BILE voters. That it has come to be
considered legitimate for candidates to
contribute to a campaign slush fund
for the direct purpose of corrupting
the ballot box.
We feel justified in calling upon all
true and loyal Republicans as well as
all good citizens who desire a change
of the present condition of things to
give our ticket their votes and support.
Therefore, Resolved, That we as.loy-
al Republicans, renew with added fer
vor our fealty to the principles Of the
Republican party as expressed in our
national platform.
Resolved, That we believe that the
nations honor is at stake and that ev-
cry good citizen should cast his vote for
the Republican national ticket at this
election.
Resolved, That we earnestly endorse
our distinguished representative in
congress Hon. Geo. II. Noonan and ask
that every good citizen Of Bexar coun-
ty join with us in securing his return
to congress. His day of usefulness
has Just dawned, and his retirement
would be calamity to this city and
the district If not to the entire coun-
try.
Resolved, That we as citizens Of
Bexar county, who have known Judge
Noona for over quarter of century
desire to testify in his behalf to the
entire district our high appreciation of
his unimpeacheable integrity his sound
sense, his exalted patriotism and his
devotion to the welfare of the people
he represents.
Resolved, That we favor the strict
est economy in our county government
The suspension of bond issues until
| the wealth of the county will admit
of necessary debts to improve our pub
| lie roads or maintain our public insti-
| tutions.
Resolved, That we favor the amend
ment of our registration law so that
the ballot may be made more simple
and certain in its form.
Resolved, That we demand the strict
enforcement Of all laws relating to bri-
berry and other crimes connected with
| elections.
Resolved, That we favor the passage
| of an act by the legislature requiring
all candidates for public Office filing
sworn statement of expense as can
didates with the proper authority.
Resolved, That we commend to each
and every candidate before the people
the following extract from the consti-
| tutional oath of office, which must be
taken before assuming the duties of
an office: towit:
"And'I furthermore solemnly swear
| (or affirm that have not, directly or
indirectly, paid, offered or promised
to pay, contributed nor promised to
contribute, any money or valuable
thing or promised any public Office or
employment, as reward for the CIV
ing or Withholding vote at the cleo
ton at which was elected, Tor, If the
Office is one of appointment, to secure