The Mena star., 1899-07-06
THE REFORM CONFERENCE.
An Exciting Time Over the Admin istration's Policy in the
 Philippines.
DENOUNCED AS 4 WAR OF CONQUEST.
An Address to the Public Adopted -Reso- Vote on Equal Terms With Men Car ried- Resolution to Appoint Commit tee to Stop the Philippine War Tabled.

tee to Stop the Philippine War Tabled.
 Buffalo, N. Y., July 5--An address by Prof. Heron, criticising the Philip pine policy and the alleged tendency to autocracy, was adopted by the social and political conference yester- day, but the vote was subsequently, re- considered after number of addresses denouncing such action. Pandemonium ensued, as motion after motion fol- lowed and speaker after speaker was heard or suppressed Finally an address to the public was taken mp seriatim. From time to time some delegate would arise in state of desperation, trying to protest against the language of the address. The first paragraph denounced "the war of conquest and extermination. The word 'extermi- nation" was stricken out. The words 'lawless" and irresponsible" were stricken from the paragraph referring to military control in Idaho. The ad- dress as adopted refers to .sthe two great evils of militarism and plutocracy which now menace the existence of the republic" The former, it declares, is expressed in our warlof conquest in the Philippines; in our continued gov ernment of Cuba; in the private use of the United States army for the com plete and instant overthrow of civil government in Idaho, and the es- tablis!lment of military despotism in the corporate and private use of military force to destroy and terrorize organized labor and in the monstrous public exemptions that have grown out of our. Spanish and Philippine wars" The nation" the address continues, sstIfs -sserilSes at the liberties of another nation commits national suicide. Wecannot too great ly emphasize the fact that the militar- ism that seeks conquest abroad has for its ultimate purpose the destruction of organized labor at home and the de- fensc of government by injunctions of the federal courts, which have usurped the functions of legislation and have set aside the laws of the land. y
 An appeal is made to the public to join in the demand for granting of the liberties pledged to the Filipinos. Mill itarism is declared to be but the off spring and incident of the greater menace of plutocracy, which has estab- lished monopoly government. The ad- dress says:
 By economic force based upon special priyi- lcccs in law and natural resources. upon in- discreet taxation and consequent political competitor, monopoly is centralizing the wealth of the nation in the hands of .s.-.- f..-.. sponsible economic despotisms; which are using legislation. the judiciary andall the fune- tions of government as the mere instruments of private profit, which are reducing the tire people to economic scffdom or en- forced wage slavery. Political liberty is d mockery without economic liberty Even the further extension of the suffrage so as to grant political citizenship to women, which extension we urge and advocate, will avail little or nothing without economic frec- dom to al We therefore make urgent appeal to the people to cooperate with us ill the institution Of such movements and the support of such men as shall propose, first. direct legislation and proportional representation; direct taxation, public ownership of public utilities or monopolies growing out of natural resources and the existence of society the sole control by the people, through their government, of their medium of exchange; and for the upbuilding and enduring establishment of q free, just and progressive society based on these elemental principles Of political and so- cial democracy VIC offer our services and our citizenship and appeal to the good will inherent in the association of men for liberty and the common good
 Another resolution considered was tho one indorsing what is known as the .Buchanan'' plan, which provides that the reformers pledge themselves to support and vote for the party that puts into its platform the reform of re- forms most desired by the reformers. A general discussion followed, after which the resolution was adopted, 100 to 36.
 The Union Reform league was next discussed and resolutions in favor of uniting educationally in favor of direct legislation, public ownership, single tax and income tax were presented by Rev. Mir. Bliss and adopted.
 A resolution declaring that women should vote on equal terms with men was unanimously carried.
 Philadelphia was selected as the next place of meeting, to take place January l, 1900.
 At the afternoon session Preside George A. Gates, of Iowa. presented q resolution favoring n permanent or ganization with annual meetings. This was adopted and the chair appointed a committee on organization. The com mittee on resolutions presented a long preamble and resolution about the