The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1900-07-17
FOR PRESIDENT
w illiarn j. Bryan.

Following is the National Dem
ocratim platform adopted at
Kansas City, July 4th, 1900. 1t
is a true American document. and
represents the doctrines of JEFF
ferson. Jackson and Lincoln. 1t
is broad and strong enough for
any one to stand upon
We, the representatives of the
Democratic party of the United
States, assembled in National
convention on the anniversary of
the adoption of the Declaration
of Independence, do reaffirm our
faith in that immortal proclama-
ton of the inalienable rights of
Americans and our allegiance to
the Constitution framed in harm
ony Herewith by the fathers of
the republic.
We hold with the United Stat
es Supreme Court that the Dec
laration of Independence is the
spirit of our government, of
which the Constitution is the
form and letter. We declare
again that all governments in
stituted among men derive their
just powers from the consent of
the governed; that any govern
ment not based upon the consent
of the governed is a tyranny, and
that to impose upon any people
government by force is to sub
stitute the methods of imperial
ism for those of the republic.
We hold that the Constitution
follows the Flag and denounce
The doctrine that the Executive
or Congress, deriving their ex-
istence and power from the
people, can exercise lawful auth
GRITTY beyond it in violation of it.
We assert that no nation can long
endure half republic and half
empire, and we warn the people
that Imperialism abroad will lead
quickly and inevitably to despot-
ism at home.
PORTO RICAN BILL.
Believing in these fundamental
principles, we denounce the Porto
Rican law enacted by a republi-
can congress-, against the pro-
test and opposition of the demo
cratic minority, as a bold and
open violation of the nations or
ganic law and a fragrant breach
of the national good faith. 1t
imposes upon the people of Porto
Rico government without their
consent and taxation without
representation. 1t dishonors the
American people by repudiating
solemn pledge made in their
behalf by the commanding gen
eral of our army, which the Porto
Ricans welcomed to q peaceful
and unresisting occupation of
their land. 1t dooms to poverty
and distress a people whose help
fitness appeals with peculiar
force TO our justice and magnani-
nifty. In this the first act of its
imperialistic program, the re-
publican party seeks to commit
the United States to a policy in
consistent with republican insti-
tutions and condemned by the
Supreme Court in numerous de-
cisions,
CUBA.
We demand the prompt and
honest fultillmentof every pledge
to the Cuban people and the
world that the United States has
no disposition or intention to ex-
ercise sovereignty, jurisdiction
or control over the island of
Cuba, except for its pacification.
The war ended nearly two years
ago, profound peace reigns all
over the island and still the adj
ministration keeps the govern
ment of the island from it's
people, while republican carpet
bag officials plumber it's revenues
and exploit the colonial theory to
the disgrace of the American
people.
PHILIPPINE POLICY.
We condemn and denounce the
Philippine policy of the present
administration. 1t has embroiled
the republic in an unnecessary
war, sacrificed the lives of many
of the noblest sons and placed