Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-09-22
Democratic Platform.

Democratic Platform.
We reatfirm our belief in and adherence to the
great principles of the democratic party as laid
down in the democratic platform at the Chicago
national convention in 1896.
WHEREAS, the corrupt ring of republican
state during the last session. caused an amend
nent to be enacted to our election laws de-
signed to prevent unity of political act ion on
rule thereby practically DISTINGUISHING the great
army of producers, taxpayers and industrial
classes and depriying them of the free untram-
meled exercise of the elective franchise so dear
to every American citizen and striking Il blow at
the very foundation of our system of government
AND WHEREAS the said amendment prohibits
the democratic and independent and other par
ties in uniting on any candidate, however accept
able he might be to them, and Saye his name
party head. 1t therefore becomes necessary to
take such action as will defeat this attempt to
prostitute the elective franchise to base parti-
san uses and deprive the citizen of his right to
vote for the candidate of his choice.
AND WHEREAS, the democratic party holding
and cherishnE in common with other good citi-
ans the cardinal principals of good govern
ment and having heretofore successfully made
common cause against the same corrupt ring of
bosses, invite all good citizens to unite with
respective party allegiance, for the purpose of
wrestling the affairs of the state from the hands
OF those now in control. and in the interests of
home rule equal taxation and economy in ad-
IulniSt ration.
THEREFORE, be it resolved by the delegates of
the democratic party in convention assembled !;
RESOLVED, That we invite all citizens and
friends of good government of every party, to
JON IN this movement to deposc the present
corrupt, ring, who are condemned alike by the
better element of the republican party, demo-
Gratis independents and others.
We rejoice, in the glorious achievements of
our army and navy, whose magnificent victories,
participated in BY citizens of every state in the
union, have added imperishablc luster to our
arms. swept away the last vestigc of sectional
united people, and we pledge the loyal sup
port of the democratic party in this state to the
national administration in wasng and bring
ing to successful termination the present war
with Spain. We urge the vigorous prosecution
Of the war, unscltshly begun in the interests
ana I'll ofbsr md Until
continent are freed from her blighting influence
and dominion.
The supreme duty Of the hour is to relieve the
oppressed and pcrishing victims of Spanish
cruelty and to secure the complete. triumph of
our national arms. When this has been accom-
pliShcd the wisdom and justice of the American
people may be safely trusted to deal with all
questions which may grow out of existing com
plicat ions, in such a way as to promote the OBJ
jcctS for which the war entered upon and
to pcrpctuate the principles upon which our
government is founded.
We favor such strengthening of the United
States navy and such improvements of our coast
defcnses as shall assure adequate protection
aga inst foreign aggression.
We charge the republican administration of
Official duties, and specifying to such char
yes allcge as follows
During the constant absence of the governor,
the lieutenant governor has been absent most of
the time from the state, attending school, it is
said while his salary runs just the same,
leaving the responsible offices of governor and
lieutenant governor in charge of the private
secretary.
That the republican administration of the
state has shown itself incompetent to care for
the troops during their encampmcnt at Fargo :;
furnishing them insufficient and unwhoicsomc
food and clothing, although paying cxhorbitant
prices for what it did furnish.
That the state officers have been absent a
large portion of the time attending to their pri-
vnte bus mess schcmi ng to be reelected, lcHv-
tend to be discharged by their clerks.
That many Of the state officers guilty of
I4p and have carried On the pay rolls Of
to thc injury of the public service.
That the last republican legislature raised the
sum placed in the hands of the governor for in
executive mansion from $1,000 per year to $1S,-
900, and that there is no check on this fund
other than the governors approval.
That the state board of equalization consists
o. the governor, state treasurer, attorney gencr-
al, auditor and commissioner of agriculture and
labor, all republicans.
That at its last meeting to e0ualiZe assess
| mcnts a motion was made to assess the railroads
$500 per mile; that it is stated that the rail
road companies we're satisfied to be assessed at
s., 500 per mile; that the attorneys for the tax
commissioners of the rOadsrwcrc present that a
| motion was made to assess the roads at 5000
| per mile: that the board took recess before
voting and on rccOnvcying voted to "e1ualzc'
the assessment on the railroads, by adopting
the motion for $1,000 per mile, being just one.
half the amount of the first motion.
That in this act alone the present republican
! administration at Bismarck dcfrauded the
state out OF SlGOOW per year, if $500 a mile
basis and $24O,COO per year, if on 5000 per
| mile basis.
That the immense school fund of the state is
being deposited in favored banks and borrowed
back at high rate of interest.
Recognizing the principle that the people
| SHOULD rule we favor direct Legislation.
shal devote their whole time and services to
their respective Offices and official duties and
thus save to the state large sums of money that
have under the present administration been
| paid to clerks.
We demand that thccxpcnse of the Legislative
session be reduced by the employment of only
| SO many cicr and employees as are necessary
| to perform the work and hus reform a practice
| whereby thousands of dollars Of public money
| have been suuand red by every republican cgs-
| 1aturc since statehood.
We demand 4 more at ringcnt system of invest
ing and guarding he sc oo funds and that they
DO kept in interest bearing bonds and securities
| AZ the law directs, instead Of lying idl. in
| favored bnnks without interest.
We demand that the valuation OF railroads
| and all other corporate property be raised to II
just ana equitable basis, az compared with farm
| lands and other taxable properly, and that the
unjust rntns charged by tho railroads for carry.
ing passengers and freight shall be reduced IL,
| u lust and reasonable basis.
| we fhVor II riEid enforcement Of MI laws ON
| tho statutes and concur with the statement Oi
| General Grant that the best way to the
| repeal OF u bad law il to enforce it.
We condemn tho nso OF political influence in
n,curinH appointing IN our state militia, be-
| Loving that merit alone should bs considered
| and recognized.