Connecticut western news., 1898-10-06

the people and a gradual lowering of the standards heretofore obtaining in state government
 The recent report of the canal investi- gation commission has startled the people of the state and produced a profound con- viction on their part, irrespective of their views on national questions, that n change of state administration is imperative for the preservation of the canals. now serl- ously imperiled. for the protection of tax payers and for the vindication of the hon or of the Empire State.
 It therefore becomes the part of wisdom to recognize the fact that under existing circumstances state issues in this cam paign must necessarily be paramount in the present extraordinary crisis.
 Third.-We pledge the people an honest and economical administration of the canals of the state. No squandering of the public monies. No more millions to be stolen, wasted or needlessly expended as reported by Republican Investigating commission and as have occurred with the s. 900 000 canal improvement fund. All public contracts to be fairly and honestly awarded to the lowest bona nde bidder. No special privileges 10 pet surety com panies favored by political Influence. We favor reduction Of canal expenditures and are opposed to the intrusting of the work of carrying on further canal im- provements to Republican officials respon- sible for the prodigality, favoritism and corruption which have characterized the present administration of the canals.
 Reform in canal management is the su- preme issue of the hour. We promise the taxpayers that if intrusted with power by the votes of the people, there shall follow a vigorous procedure on all canal officials implicated fin the theft, waste or misuse of the public money and the recovery of so much Of the diverted funds as it may be possible by dillgent effort to procure through legal proceedings.
 The fourth article demands the re- peal of the odious legislation known as the Raines liquor law and the enact ment of a just and reasonable excise law"
 The fifth article demands local self government the several municipalities to conduct their purely local affairs without legislative interference from Albany
 The sixth article demands the repeal of the municipal district election relat- ing to the city of New York passed at the recent special session of the legis- lature.
 The seventh article demands economy in public expenditures and a reduction In the volume of appropriations.
 The eighth article pronounces opposi- ton to unnecessary special legislation and asks a material reduction in the number of laws passed annually.
 The ninth article demands a fair and just enforcement of the state civil serv- ice laws, according to their letter and spirit: no spurious or "starchless" civil service laws.
 The tenth article demands the resto- ration of the national guard to the high standard of efficiency which under Dem ocratic governors 1t long enjoyed; no more "Tillinghastism."
 The eleventh article demands just and equal taxation and denounces tax dodg- ing. It accuses the Republican candi- date for governor, if eligible, of being a tax dodger. -..= .-
 The twelfth article demands an hon est interpretation and administration of the railroad laws.
 The thirteenth article demands n rec apportionment of senate and assembly districts.
 The fourteenth article favors biennial sessions of the legislature.