San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1896-09-29
Jbe Daily Light.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 90, 1896
THE PLATFORM.


.cincts of the county, for the purpose of
making an effort to rescue our county
government from under the corrupting
influences of personal politics. We be-
lieve this can only be accomplished by
a return to party conventions and par
ty nominations.
We are convinced, that the people re-
CARELESS of party utilization, desire
change in our political methods
that will break down the ticket making
combinations that have ruled and all
but ruined our county and city govern
ments.
Under the deceptive guise of "Citi-
zens' Ticket" Reform Ticket" "Peo-
pies Ticket" and Business Ticket"
our community has been for the past
16 years, repeating, year after year
the farce of putting in office profession
al office 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 interest of
reform" and a desire to meet half
way other good citizens different po-
litical affiliations in 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 bodies
of our citizens, as well as creating in
dividual personal animosities.
We are convinced that the eXtraV-
agance which has piled up a heavy
bonded Indebtedness, for which not on
ly the present but the generations to
come must sweat and work, was born
of the corruption of non-partisian poll
tics. Our new court house was an
unnecessary eXtravagance-it stands
as a monument of derision of the peo-
ple-the issuance of county bonds to
produce campaign patronage for the
officials in power has been a shame and
a crime upon the people of Bexar coun-
ty. Hundreds of thousands of dollars
of the peoples money have been need
lessly and criminally wasted.
We are justified in asserting that I'M
der this non-partisan rule, our local
elections have become shameful eX-
hibitions of the use of money ee-secure
the votes of ignorant and irresponsible
voters. That it has come to be con-
sidered 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 sup
port.
Therefore, Resolved, That we as loyal
Republicans, renew with added fervor
our feality to the principles of the Re-
publican party as expressed in our ma
tional 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. H. Noonan and ask
that every good citizen of Bexar county
join with us in securing his return to
congress. His day of usefulness has
but just dawned, and his retirement
would be a calamity to this city ana
the district If not to the entire country
Resolved, That we as citizens of BeX-
ar county, who have known Judge
Noonan for over quarter of century
desire to testify in his behalf to the
entire district our high appreciation of
his unimpeachable integrity, his sound
sense. his exalted patriotism and his
devotion to the welfare of the people
he represents.
Resolved, That we favor the strictest
economy in our county government
The suspension of bond issues until the
wealth of the county will admit OF
necessary debts to improve our public
roads or maintain our public institu-
tions.
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
endorsements of all laws relating to bril-
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 expenses 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 l Furthermore solemly swear
for affirlnl that have not, directly or
indirectly. paid, offered or promised to
pay, contributed nor promised to con-