Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-08-09

those who are struggling for larger
measure of freedom-for self-govern-
ment? For this reason. our govern
ment was the first to extend recogni-
ton to the Republics of France and
Mexico, prompt to extend our sympa-
thy, as we'll as official recognition, to
the little South American States on
their escape from the despotism of
Spain and upon their efforts to estab-
blish for themselves representative
governments fashioned after our own
History has but repeated itself. and
the struggle to maintain free govern
ment-a century and quarter after
the PRONUNCIATION OF the Declaration OF
Independence-has been transferred
from the new world to the old Is it 10
be wondered then that the political dis
ciples of Jefferson should express their
sympathy for the oppressed Republics
of South Africa? Only those who be-
lieve that our country has outgrown
the doctrines of the fathers are In SYM
pathy with Englands attempt to es-
tablish monarchy upon the ruins of re-
publics.
LAVISH APPROPRIATIONS.
The lavish appropriations, by the
present Republican Congress, should
challenge the attention of all Thought
ful men. Subsidy bills and all unneces-
sary taxes are condemned by our plat
form. The accumulation of surplus
wasteful appropriations OF the public
money. The millions of surplus now
accommodating In the Treasury should
remain in the pockets of the people. To
THIS end the Democratic party demands
reduction of war taxes to the actual
needs of the government, and return
to the policy of strict economy i'll all
governmental expenditures.
TARIFF REFORM NEEDED.
In apt words the Dingley tariff law is
condemned. 1t is tersely characterized
as legislation skillfully devised in the
interest of Il class, and to impose upon
the many burdens which they should
not bear. Adhering to the time honored
doctrine of the Democratic party, we
oppose all tariff legislation, the neces-
Sary consequence of which is at the ex-
pense of the consumer. to secure un-
Just advantage to the favored few.
Experience has demonstrated that un-
Just tariff laws have deprived the gov
eminent OF needed revenues, secured to
Favored beneficiaries colossal fortunes.
and largely increased to the people the
cost of the necessaries of life The
baleful. but logical result of the tariff
law condemned by our platform. is seen
in the sudden growth of giant monopo-
lies. combinations in restraint of lawful
trade and TRUSTS more threatening
than foreign foe to the existence of
popular government. Believing that
Wherever there is "A wrong there must
be remedy" the Democratic party
VIII favor such legislation as will curb
'nc spirit of monopoly and place an
effective barrier against the unlawful
combinations of capital which now
prove an insuperabie obstacle to IeCiti-
male enterprise and investment
me deadly power of the Trust is felt
~ al channels or trade. This is but
me beginning. Is 1t too much TO say,
that unless restrained by wholosone
laws. wisely and efficiently ndminIs-
tered. the danger becomes appalling?
fostered By the Dinglcy tariff law. the
trusts, during the present Republican
administration, have enormously in
creased In number and I'm power. \ de-
ternined effort for their suppression
must now be made. Delay would still
lurther endanger every lawful business
interest OF the. country. The imper-
atiNe necessity for n remedy being con-
coded the question arises: Into whose
hands shall be committed the work OF
formulating laws looking to the sup
preston OF Trusts? TO whom shall be
intruStcd the execution of such laws?
Shall IL be to the victims or TO the ben
eiiciarieS of the ovcrshadowing evil? If
to the latter, then further lease of
power TO the present Administration is
all that is needed. Can any sane man
believe that the Trust evil is one that
Will cure itself. or that its destruction
VIII he compaSssd by those to whom
it has brought princciy fortunes? If
so. let him point to Il single honest at
tempt of Republican officials to en-
force the law now upon our statute
books against the most StupcndouS
commercial evil known to any period
of our history. The Democratic party
stands pledged TO an unceasing war
fare against private monopoly in every
demands nnfnrnpnAnt a
existing laws against Trusts. and the
enactment of laws yet more stringent.
1t wisely demands publicity as to the
affairs of corporations engaged in in
er-State commerce. AS one means to
the important end of curtailing the
power OF Trusts, we favor such amend
ments OF our tariff laws as will place
the products of trusts upon the free
list, and thereby prevent monopoly I'M
der the plea of Notwithstanding al
most four years of absolute Republi-
can control of all departments of the
Government. the trust evil has grown
to its present oVerShadowing proper
lions. What finger has been lifted for
its suppression? With its friends
again entrenched in power. what hope
Is held out for the future?
OTHER NEEDED REFORMS.
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 enlargement of the
scope of the Interstate commerce law
as will protect the public fro unjust
transportation rates and individuals
from unfair discrimination AS is well
known. this law has failed TO effect the
wise purpose for which 1t was enacted
In fact. it is now little more than a
dead letter upon the statute books
Under we'll considered amendments the
commission should be vested with am
pie power to prevent injustice both &c
individuals and to the public.
Our platform favors the creation of q
Department of Labor. whose chief off,
GERS shall take rank with other consti-