Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-08-16

Milwaukee, Aug. Sine republican
platform adopted at the state conven-
ton yesterday, without dissent and
just as it came from the committee on
resolutions, is as follows:
The republicans of Wisconsin in conven-
ton assembled heartily endorse the republi-
can platform adopted at Philadelphia, and
pledge their enthusiastic support to the re-
publican candidates for president and vice
president
of William McKinlc" and the work of our
able senators and representatives in con-
greSS.
We endorse the administration of Gov.
Scotied, and the other present state Off
GERS clean, capable and business-like,
and heartily commend its efforts towards
carrying out the pledges of the republican
state platform adopted by the convention Of
The great reformation effected in our gen
erUl elections through the Australian ballot
inspires US with confidence to apply the
same method in making nominations, so
that every voter may exercise his sovereign
right of choice by direct vote without the
Intervention or interference of any political
agency. We therefore demand that eau.
cuses and conventions for the nomination Of
candidates for office be abolished by legise-
lative enactment: and that all candidates
for state, legislative, congressional and
county officers be nominated at primary
elections upon the same day by direct vote
under the Australian ballot.
legislature of state tax commission for
the purpose of an exhaustive investigation
of e complicated questions of taxation
was in accord with principles of sound pub
lie policy. This commission Will be able to
present the facts essential as Il basis to
sound legislative Judgment and TO the
enactment of such laws as may be neces-
Sary to compel each individual and every
corporation tranSacting business within the
state-except such fraternal and other as
sociationS as are now expressly exempted
from taxation by laW-tO bear a justly pro-
pOrtiOnate share of the burden Of taxation.
TO the immediate accomplishment of this
end the republican party of Wisconsin
stands pledged.
The growth and development Of business
and commercial affairs require of necessity
large aggregatiOns of capital. Great enter
prises may be honestly and fairly conducted
with legitimate profits to Investment and
substantial good to the community; bur
combinations and trusts that destroy com
petition, restrain trade and create mOnOpO-
lies should be prohibited by law, and we de-
demand the enactment of such legislation,
state and national, as shall render these
abuses impossible.
We heartily endorse the action of the last
! legislature on che pass question, and de-
mand that the next Legislature take such
further action as shall be necessary to sub
NIT the constitutional amendmen proposed
| and passed at the last session of the legis-
lature TO a vote Of the people for final rati-
ticatiOn.
We approve the action of the last legis-
lature in imposing strict regulations upon
lobbying at the state capitol, and demand
sue further legislation as shall restrict the
lobby to legitimate argument before Iegis.
latiVe committees
We demand the enactment and enforce
ment of laws making character and cOmpe
tency requisites for service in our penal and
charitable institutions.
We believe that the demand for better high
ways made by the farmers of Wisconsin
should be encouraged by the state as favor
ing an Improvement Of great practical value
for agricultural interests.
We pledge the party to an economical ad-
mfnistration of public affairs, reducing all
expenditures TO a business basis
We record our high appreciation Of the
pronounced ability. Invaluable public ser
wees, sound republicanism and devotion to
the national administration of Hon. John
c. SpOoner. We receive the announcement
Of his fixed determination to retire from
official and public life. and especially Of the
cause for such determination, with profound
regret.