Blackfoot news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1891-1902, 1898-09-03
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
Opposed TO Cuban Annexation, as
to Other Territory to Consult
WisheS of Inhabitants.

The following is the platform adopted
Saturday last by the Democratic state
convention at Boise:
The Democrats of the state OF Idaho
in convention assembled, adherrine
firmly to the time-honored principles
and practices of the Democratic party,
which seek to secure to the great body
OF the people the widest liberty OF
thought and action, aud the broadest
possible power of control over govern
mental actions, aud, believing that the
most important function of government
is to so distribute its benefits as we'll as
its burdens, that they may be shared as
equally as possible by all the people,
declare our convictions that the cou-
,centratiou of power and wealth within
a narrow and contracting circle engaged
and fostered by the Republican party,
may be relieved by the establishment
of the following Democratic principles
which We hereby again promulgate and
pledge an honest effort to carry out:
The free and unlimited coinage of
both gold and silver at the present es-
tablished ratio OF 10 to by independ-
ent action of the United States, with
out waiting for the consent or permits
sion of other nations.
The reduction of tariff duties to a
point which viii provide only suffi-
cient revenue for the needs of the gov
eminent, without levying extra tax
upon the consumer for the purpose of
.enrichiug the already wealthy.
The adoption of a fair and equitable
tax on incomes, and an amendment to
the constitution of the United States,
if necessary to accomplish this purpose.
That appropriate legislation be en-
acted TO more clearly define the duties
and powers OF courts in the issuing of
writs restraining citizens of their rights
without trial by jury.
The adoption of national and state
laws that win abolish pools and trusts,
which unite in unlawful com binations
and corporations, including irrigation
companies engaged in the same line of
business, for the increase of prices and
the decrease of wages, thereby largely
augmenting profits at the expense of
both consumer and laborer.
We declare our unfaltering allegiance
to the Monroe doctrine, and are siren
uously opposed to the annexation OF
Cuba, believing the inhabitants of that
island should be given the opportunity
of self-goverDment. We also advocate
the retention of all territory acquired
by American val0r in the war waged
for humanity, always provided the peo-
pie to be governed yield their consent.
We recognize William Jennings Bry-
an as the leading exponent of the fore
going principles enunciated as decla-
ration of party faith by the Democratic
National Convention of 1886, which &C
knowledged the leadership he had
justly earned, and is universally accord
ed BY reason of his great ability, match
less eloquence and Jealous devotion to
inc welfare of the whole people both
in peace and war. and we confidently
look forward to a glorious victory for
Democracy in 1900 under his superb
leadership.
We declare that the Republican party
has utterly and signally failed to carry
ont any of its platform promises made in
1896. 1t has made no effort to reform
the admitted defects in our financial
system so as to provide stable and
sufficient currency.
The Republican tariff law has not
only failed to provide labor the prom.
ised relief from idleness anG low wages.
but has increased to marked extent
the cost of necessities, which increase
goes into the bank account that was
levied upon in 1896 for the success OF
the Republican ticket.
We pronounce the war with Spain
justified by every consideration of jus.
tice and sound national policy. We
congratulate the Democrat minority In
congress ior the firm stand in demand
ing the redress of our national honor. in.
dorse the declaration of war on Spain,
and glory in its results.
We rejoice in the glorious deeds ot
yalor of our soldiers and sailors and
greatly deplore the fatalities and iniu.
ries which have 50 far resulted. and VIC
favor the adoption of the most liberal
policy toward the sick and wounded
and the families of the slain.
We condemn as unwarranted and Cd.
posed to the interests OF the people the
issue of s200, 0OO, 900 of interest bearing
bonds by the present Republican adj.
ministratiGn, where there was lying in
the United States treasury an abundance
OF money Of the constitution, and when
ali the people were anxious to meet the
expenses Of the war with Spain in 0
manner more patriotic than the manip
plation Of a national debt to be manip.
ulated as burden upon the ppor,1e he a