Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1900-07-12

principles, we 0enounce tNe tortO RlCo
law, that 1t imposes upon the people OF
Porto Rico government without their
consent and taxation without representa-
tiOG.
Pledge to Cuba Must BE Kept.
We demand the prompt and honest full
fillment of our pledge TO the Cuban people
and the world that the United States has
no disposition nor intention to exercise
sovereignty. jurisdiction or control over
the island of Cuba, except for its pacitica-
ton. The war ended nearly two years ago,
profound peace reigns over all the island
and still the administration keeps the gov
eminent Of the island from its people.
The Philippines.
We condemn and denounce the Philip
pine policy of the present administrator
1t has involved the republic in unnecessary
war, sacrificed the lives Of many of our
noblest sons and placed the United States,
previously known and applauded through
out the world as the champion of freedom,
in the false and un-American position of
crushing with military force the efforts of
our former allies to achieve liberty and
self-government.
Not Opposed to Expanaion.
We are not opposed to territorial eXpan-
sion when it takes in desirable territory
which can be erected into states in the
union and whose people are willing and fit
to become American citizens. We favor
trade expansion by every peaceful and
legitimate means. But We are unalterably
opposed to the Selling or purchasing of dis
tant islands TO be governed outside the con-
stitution and whose people can never be-
come citizens.
The Paramount Issue.
The Importance of other questions now
pending before the American people is in
no wise diminished. and the democratic
party takes no backward step from its po-
sition on them, but the burning issue of i'm
perialism growing out of the Spanish war
involves the very existence of the republic
and the obstruction OF our free institutions.
We regard it as the paramount issue of the
campaign.
The Financial Plank.
We reaftirm and indorse the principles
of the national democratic platform
adopted at Chicago in 1896, and re-
iterate the demand of that platform for
an American financial system made by
the American people for themselves,
which shall restore and maintain bime
tallic price-level. and as part of such
system the immediate restoration of the
free and unlimited coinage of silver and
gold at the present legal ratio of l6 to /,
without waiting for the aid or consent of
any other nation.
sympathy for Beers.
Believing in the principles of self-govern
ment and rejecting, as did our forefathers.
the chain of monarchy. we view with in
dignation the purpose of England to over
whelm with force the South African repub-
lies. Speaking as we do for the entire
American nation, except its republican Of
flee holders. and for all free men every
where, we extend our sympathy to the he
roic burghers in their unequal struggle to
maintain their liberty and independence.
Other Principles.
We oppose militarism; pledge the DEM
ocratic party to an unceasing warfare in
nation. state and city against private
monopoly in every form; denounce the
currency bill enacted at the last session of
congress: favor arbitration as a means of
settling disputes between corporations and
their employees; favor liberal pensions.
statehood for territories and repeal OF the
war tax.
Asks Support of People.
Believing that our most cherished insti-
buttons are in great peril that the very eX-
istence of our constitutional republic is
at stake and that the decision now to be
rendered will determine whether or not our
children are to enjoy those blessed priv
ileges of free government which have
made the United States great, prosperous
and honored, we earnestly ask for the fore
going declaration of principles the hearty
support of the lberty-loving American
people regardless of previous party at
tiiatons.