The times., 1898-09-30

ish all who may be responsible for the
unnecessary deaths, privations, suffering
and neglect of the soldiers which have
saddened the nation and abated the ma
tional rejoicing over the triumphs of our
arms.
Second-While in national affairs we
adhere with steadfast fidelity to all the
principles and policies of Jeffersonian
Democracy, we recognize that the present
time the attention of the people of this
State is largely engrossed by the con-
sfueration of grave scandals and abuses
OF administration which, during four
years of Republican control of State
affairs, have resulted in great pecuniary
loss to the people and gradual lower
ing of the standards heretofore obtaining
in State government.
THE recent report of the Canal Investi-
cation Commission has startled the peo-
pie of the State and produced a pro-
found conviction on their part, irrespect-
i've of their views on national questions,
that change of State administration is
imperative for the preservation of the
canals now seriously imperiled, for the
protection of taxpayers and for the vim
dication of the honor of the Empire
State
"A reduction of the volume of appro-
priations, which have been nearly dou-
bled in amount during four years of
Republican rule; abolition of unneces-
sary offices and taX-eating commissions
and a wedding out from the public SER
vice of Republican employees put upon
the pay roll for partisan services rather
than in furtherance of the interests of
the taxpayers. A low tax rate is de-
manded, such as was had during the
administration of Democratic governors
from 1883 to 1895.
Opposition TO unnecessary special leg
islation. A material reduction in the
number of our annual laws and a re-
turn to the desirable policy of embody
ing needed legislation in general laws,
so far as practicable-a policy which
has been to all intents and purposes
abandoned for the past four years to
the detriment of the best interests @:
the State. Recent Republican governors
have virtually abdicated their functions
and surrendered them TO the legislature,
whereby the enormous number of 3521
laws have been placed on the statute
books during the past four years. Re-
form in legislative methods and re-
suits is absolutely necessary.
1T therefore, becomes the part of wis
dom to recognize the fact that under
existing circumstances State issues in
InlS campaign must necessarily De para
mount in the present extraordinary crisis
I'VE pledge the people an honest and
economical administration of the canals
of the State. No squandering of the pub
lie moneys: no more millions to be stolen,
wasted or needlessly expended. as report
ed by a Republican investigating COM
mittee to have occurred with the IS, 1000. 900
canal Improvement fund; all public con-
tracts 10 be fairly and honestly awarded
of the lowest bona fide bidder; no special
privileges to pet surety companies favor
ed by political influences.
I'VE favor reduction of canal expendi-
lures and are opposed to the entrusting
of the work of carrying on further canal
improvements to Republican officials re-
sponsible for the prodigality, favoritism.
and corruption which have character
lied the present administration of the ca
nails
Reform in canal management is the
supreme issue of the hour We promise
the taxpayers that, If entrusted with
power by the votes of the people, there
shall follow a vigorous prosecution of
all canal officials implicated in the theft,
waste or misuse of the public moneys
and the recovery of so much of the di-
verted funds as it may be possible, by in
telligent effort to secure through legal
proceedings