The age-herald., 1900-09-18

put prevent HIS securing any similar eHl- ployment The blacklist enables employ CTS to secure, by mutual agreement, that control over the wage-earners which private monopoly exercises without con- u act.
 Arbitration
 The platform renews the demand for arbi- tration between corporations and their em- ployes. No one who has observed the fric- ton which arsises between great corpora tions and their numerous employees can doubt the wisdom of establishing an inn partial court for the just and equitable settlement of disputes. The demand for arbitration ought to be supported as heart fly by the public, which suffers inconveni- ence because of strikes and lockouts, and by the employers themselves, as by the employees. The establishment of arbitration Will insure friendly relations between labor and capital, and render obsolete the grow ing practice of calling in the army to settle labor troubles.
 Department of Labor
 cannot too strongly emphasize the inn portance of the platform recommendation of the establishment of a department of labor, with a member of the Cabinet at its head. When we remember how important a position the laborers fill in our economic, social and political fabric, it is hard to conceive of d valid objection being made to this recognition of his services Agri- culture is already represented in the Presi- dents household. the army and navy have thelr representatives there; the State De- partment, with its consular service, and the Treasury Department, with its close connection with fiscal affairs, keep the executive in touch with the business and commercial interests. A Cabinet officer truly representative of the wage-earning class would be of invaluable aid, not only In ha foil hut to tl,a
 Chinese Exclusion
 The Chinese exclusion act has proven an advantage to the country, and its con- tinuance and strict enforcement, as well as its extension to other similar races, are imperatively necessary. The Asiatic is so essentially different from the American that he cannot be assimilated with our population, and is, therefore, not desira- be as a permanent citizen. His presence as a temporary laborer preserving his na- tional identity, and maintaining foreign scale of wages and living, must ever prove an injustice to American producers, as well as a perpetual source of irrita- tion.
 Pensions
 The party expresses its pride in the sol- diers and sailors of all of our wars, and declares its purpose to deal generously with them and their dependents. liberal
  ernment which depends upon a citizen SOL diery, instead of a large standing army Self-interest, well as gratitude compels the government to make bountiful provis- ion for those who, in the hour of danf er. and at great sacrifice of business, health and life, tender their services to their country.
 The pension laws should be construed according to the generous spirit which prompted their passage. The platform very properly reiterates the position taken in 1S96 that the fact of enlistment shall be deemed conclusive evidence that the soldier was sound when the government accepted him. A certificate given now to the health of a person 40 years ago, even if easily obtainable, should not have as much weight as the certificate of the medi- cal officer who examined the volunteer with a view of ascertaining his fitness for army service.
 Nicaragua
 The Democratic party is in favor of the immediate construction, ownership and control of the Nicaragua canal by the Unit ed States. The failure of the Republican party to make any progress in carrying out a uledge contained In its platform four years ago, together with the substitution in its latent platform of plank favoring an isthmian canal for specific declaration in favor of the Nicaragua canal, would indi- cate that the Republican leaders either do not appreciate the importance of this great waterway to the maritime strength and commercial interests of the country or that they give too much consideration to the in- terested opposition of trans-continental lines. The Hay-Pauncefote treaty, now be- fore the Senate, would, if ratified, greatly lessen the value of the canal, if 1t would not indeed convert it into a positive men, ace in time of war. The paramount inter- ests of the United States in the western hemisphere, together with the obligations to defend the republics to the south of us, makes 1t necessary that our government shall be able to close the canal against any hostile power.
 Arizona, New N ex co and Ok,a homa
 Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma have long been ready to assume the responsibili- ties and enjoy the privileges of statehood, and it will be a pleasure as we'll as a duty, to carry out the platform pledge concern ing them.
 Ala 'ka and Porto Rico
 There will be a popular acquiescence in the demand for home rule and territorial form of government in Alaska and Porto Rico. Both are entitled to local self-gov- ernment and representation In Congress.
 Cuba
 The recognition contained in both the Democratic and Republican platforms of the right of the Cubans to Independence, removes the general principle involved from the domain of partisan politics. It Is proper, however, to consider whether the accomplishment of this purpose can be safely entrusted to the Republican party after it has yielded to the allurements of the colonial idea, and abandoned its earlier faith in the natural and inalienable rights of man.
 Reclamation of Arid Lands
 The time is ripe for a systematic and extended effort to reclaim the arid lands and fit them for actual settlers. The last agricultural report estimates that homes can thus be provided for many millions of people. The impounding and use of the waters which are wasted in the spring