The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-09

lies, combinations in restraint of law
full trade and Trusts" more threat
ening than foreign foe to the exist
ence of popular government. Believ
ing that wherever there is a wrong
there must be remedy" the Demo
cratic party will favor such legisla-
ton as will curb the spirit of moncp-
oily. and place an effective barrier
against the unlawful combinations of
capital which now prove an insupera-
bic obstacle to legitimate enterprise
and investment. The deadly power of
the Trust is felt in all channels of
trade. This is but the beginning. Is
it too much to say, that unless re-
strained by wholesome laws. wisely
and efficiently administered, the dam
ger becomes appalling? Fostered by
the Dingley tariff law, the Trusts,
during the present Republican adj
ministration, have enormously in
creased in number and in power. A
determined effort for their suppress
sion must now be made. Delay would
still further endanger every lawful
business interest of the country. The
imperative necessity for a remedy be-
ing conceded, the question arises: Into
whose hands shall be committed the
work of formulating laws looking to
the suppression of Trusts? To whom
shall be intrusted the execution of
such laws? Shall it be to the victims
or to the beneficiaries of this over
shadowing evil? If to the latter then
a further lease of power to the present
administration is all that is needed.
Can any cane man believe that the
Trust evil is one that will cure itself
or that its destruction will be com
passed by those to whom it has
brought princery fortunes? If so, let
him point to a single honest attempt
of Republican officials to enforce the
law now upon our statute books
against the most stupendous CONNER
cial evil known to any period of our
history. The Democratic party stands
pledged to an unceasing warfare
against private monopoly in every
form. 1t demands the enforcement
of existing laws against Trusts, and
the enactment of laws yet more
stringent. 1t wisely demands public
ity as to the affairs of CORPORATIONS
engaged in Interstate commerce. As
one means to the important end of
curtailing the power of Trusts, we
favor such amendments of our tariff
laws as will place the products of
by prevent monopoly under the plea
of protection. During almost four
years of absolute Republican control
of all departments of the government,
the Trust evil has grown to its pres
ent over-shadowing proportions. What
finger has been lifted for it's suppress
sion? With its friends again en-
trenched in power, what hope is held
ont fO1. the H1turp2
UNJUST TRANSPORTATION RATES.
At this hour, ] can but allude in
brief words to other needed reforms.
to which the attention of the country
is called by the Democratic platform
Prominent among these, is such en-
largement of the scope of the inter-
State commerce laws as will protect
the public from unjust Transports
ton rates, and individuals rom unfair
discrimination. As is well known this
law has failed to effect the wise pur-
pose for which it was enacted. In
fact, it is now little more t;,an a
dead letter upon the statute books.
Under well considered amendments
the Commission should be vested with
ample power to prevent injustice
both to individuals and to the public.
NEEDED LABOR LEGISLATION.
Our platform favors the creation OF
department of labor, whose chief
officers shall take rank with other
constitutional advisers of the Presi-
dent. This is in the interest of JUS
tioe, and will prove an important step
looking to the proper recognition and
encouragement of the producers of
wealth.
In explicit terms it favors liberal
pensions to our soldiers and sailors
and to those dependent upon them.
With equal justice it reiterates the
demands of q former Democratic plat
form for bmetallism; the restoration
| of silver to its former function in
our monetary system.
For the protection of the home Ia
borer it demands the enforcement of
the Chinese exclusion act
| And in the interest of an enlarged
commerce it favor the immediate con-
strllction of the Nicaraguan canal
This, however, with the provision that
| it shall remain forever under the eX-
elusive ownership and control of the
United States The pending Hay
Paunceforte Treaty is condemned as
a surrender of American rights, not
| to be tolerated by the American peo-
pe. In the construction and control
| of this great work, there can be no
| concession of rights to any European
| power. Commercial interest, and nat
| ural safety in time of war, alike de-
| mand its permanent ownership by
| Or government.
THE PARAMOUNT ISSUE.
A question is yet to be discussed,
| to which all of these are of secondary
| Importance 1t is solemnly declared
by our platform, to be of paramount
| issue. Questions of domestic policy,
| however importan, may be but ques-
lions of the hour-that of imperial
| ism Isl for time. In the presence of
| this stupendous issue, others seem
| but as the dust in the balance. In
no sense paItering with words, it is
| the supreme question of Republic or
| Empire. The words of the eminent
Republican Senator, Mr.. Hoar, chal-
lenge attention: Il believe that perse-
| verance in this policy will be the
abandonment of the principles upon