The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-27
REPUBLICAN STATE PLATFORM

|
REPUBLICAN STATE PLATFORM
| A conspicuous feature of this docu-
ment is its immensely. AS Mr.. Benton
said of the Kansas Nebraska bill, 1t has
stump speech in its belly, and 1t may
be expected that the school boy orators
| Of the party will memorize and declaim
it all over the state.
Kinley and concentrations Of what 1t
lis claimed the party has accomplished,
all of which might have been expected,
as It is in accord with the common prac-
tice of party conventions. The platform
displays excessive party egotism, but
nobody is going to ind fault with that,
for the delegates needed something to
make them happy. and we are amiable
enough not to disturb their enjoyment.
4 'It was ;brazen effrontery for the con-
tvsntion to claim. all the glories that have
been achieved in the war with Spain
for the president and the Republican
party. We would not withhold what
ever Of right belongs to the president
or any other official Of the government.
nor will shield any one from deserved
criticism or denunciation. In the praises
bestowed upon many by name 1t is
strange that the convention did not
make such mention of Alger as he de-
serves. If he should be justly con-
demned for his course the president is
responsible for his retention, and a
party so pretentiously devoted to just
ice and reform should have pointed out
the errors of a grievous nature that
have been committed. A good party will
punish its rascals and incompetents by
singing them out for denunciation.
| The convention must have presumed
on the ignorance of the country in as
Stunning that the great achievements in
the war are due to the Republican pres
ident and party. The whole people know
that the war was forced upon the ad-
ministration by its political opponents,
and without this 1t is problematical
whether anything would have been
done to vindicate the honor of the nation
and to aid the Cuban people in their
struggle for freedom. The war was de-
clared by a unanimous vote in both
branches of congress, and all the men
and money asked for were granted by
congress without captious or obstruct-
i've tactics. No president was ever p1ore
fortunate than Mckinley in having a
congress so unanimously non-partisar
and patriotic. Volunteering was by men
Of all sections and parties, with equal
patriotism and zeal, and all who had
opportunity have fought heroically.
There were differences in regard to the
best way for providing the means to
defray war expenses. 1t was thought
by many that 1t was unnecessary to
issue bonds, and that the better way
was to issue certificates. Both are gov
eminent obligations. the only difference
being the one draws interest and the
other does not. The masses of the Amer
lean people have never discredited any
of the government obligations, and they
would have readily accepted certificates.
which would enter into general circula-
ton. The opinion was well-nfgh uni
versal that the war would be short, and
that it would not be necessary to incur
large indebtedness. and that, II de-
sirable, the certificates could be speed
| lily taken up and retired with the sur
plus money the succeeding revenue law
would yield when the war should come
to an end. The law authorized the Sec
rotary of the treasury to issue $3.50, 900, 900
of certificates, but he chose instead to
issue bonds, which impose upon the
country an interest charge Of $4,500,000
per annum for a series Of years. This
burden of interest might have been
saved. The convention, in it's proceed
ings and platform, omitted to mention
this s5s-a ~.
The platform indorses many things in
regard to which there is no issue. Every
but the platform fails to state whether
the party would have ii constructed,
owned and operated by the government
or a corporation. Considering the in
fuences which have dominated the con-
ventton. 1t would not be unreasonable
to presume that 1t preferred corporation
to government, and only lacked the cour-
age to say sos.,F
All parties are in favor Of compelling
the railroads to pay all they owe the
government, and the resolution de-
claring for economy and reform are
stereotyped platitudes. While on the
subject of economy and political purity
the convention might have shown its
earnestness by saying something about
the late Duckworth legislature.
But one issue is distinctly presented.
and it il the one on which the campaign
is to be fought, 80 far as national ques-
tons are concerned. That issue is upon
the money policy. On this question the
Republican party has changed front
squarely. The convention which has
just adjourned affirmed the st. Louis
platform, which declared:
We are therefore opposed to the free