The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-06-21
Tun nEPUBLr.AN IrLATFoRm.

The platform adopted by the Republic
cans at Philadelphia is prefaced by
brief resume of the achievements Of the
party during the past four years. IL Is
a pointing with pride which Is altogether
pardonable for the. changes that have
been wrought under the auspices OF the
Republican party in the condition OF
the country during the past four years
have been as beneficial as they have been
remarkable. An era of almost unparal-
leled depression has given place to an
era OF prosperity almost as unparalleled.
A war has been fought to a successful
conclusion without u single defeat.
Millions of people have been liberated
from Spanish oppression and tyranny.
And all these wonderful achievements
have bsen accomplished with mistakes
so few and trivial that they are already
completely forgotten. When the Repub-
Iican party assumed the reins OF govern
ment it made great promises, but its
achievements have been even greater
than its promises. Any party that has
raised the country in four short years
from the slough Of despond and set 1t
upon heights of prosperity rarely at
tanned In its history, has a right to
plume itself upon its record.
But, as Senator Lodge well says In his
speech to the convention, the Republican
party does not rest upon Its iaureis. 1t
Is the party OF progress and sets It's face
toward the future. Its past achieve
ments are so many incentives to new
and greater Zones hereafter. Turning
to the future, the Republican party
promises to maintain the gold standard,
which the people four years ago commits
stoned 1t to set up and establish as u
part of the law of the land. 1t promises
to stand by the doctrine of protection
which has been so potent in building
up the Industries of the country. True
to its mission of freedom and equal
rights 1t denounces the various enact
ments which the South has resorted to
to deprive people of particular race
of privileges and rights guaranteed by
the constitution. II stands by the merit
system which it first introduced into
the public service, and declares in favor
of home rule as far as practicable in
our new possessions. IL affirms anew
the oountrys obligations to the soldiers
and sailors and promises them liberal
recognition Of their services 1t pledges
itself to legislation TO extend our COM
merce and revive our shipping. IL de-
clares explicitly In favor of building an
Isthmian canal. Its promise to Cuba will
be kept as all Of its promises in the past
have been kept and II will give to our insu
lar posses ions all the self government and
freedom consistent with the capacity of
their people and our obligations to the
world 1t stands by the Monroe Doctrine.
and opposes any entangling alliances
with foreign powers. 1t will continue
to guard and protect the interests of
labor, and favor legislation to suppress
combinations for the restraint of trade
or the destruction of competition.
These, in brief, are the new promises
which the Republican party makes to
the nation. All its old principles are
re-aiiirmed. 1t Is still true to freedom
and the rights of man; 1t Is still loyal to
those policies by which the country's
industries and business have been built
up until they have excited the wonder
and admiration of the world; it still has
faith in the people and their capacity to
settle the difficult problems that lie be-
fore them. Pessimism Is not part of its
creed. 1t has no past which 1t could
wish blotted out. 1t can appeal conf
IDENTIFY to the people on its record.
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