The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1901-08-01
Democratic Platform In Full.

The Democrats OF Ohio reariirm their be-
lief in an equality of taxation and other
public burdens; their advocacy OF the equal
rights Of all the people, with special priyi-
leges to none; their hostility to the mOnop-
olization of industry, with Its tendency on
the one hand to crush out Individual enter
prise, and on the other to promote a social
istic spirit among the people as the only
refuge from oppression; and their faith in
that theory and practice of constitutional
government which brought the nation into
existence and have preserved 1t to the pres
ent generation.
For the promotion OF these objects the
Democratic party of Ohio makes the follow
Ing declaration Of principles and policies:
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS.
The government OF municipalities OF the
state should be radically reformed and wise
general laws be enacted TO correct abuses
and prevent their recurrence.
inefficient, expensive, unbusinesslike par.
tlsan and corrupt, the system which has
prevailed has encouraged the Interference
OF the state with the government of the
cities and the denial OF home rule; has fos
tered special legislation and the imposition
OF burdensome debts and taxes without the
sanction Of the people, and has brought
about the corrupt employment OF party
leaders to secure valuable franchises with
out adequate compensation therefor and to
protect the owners of such franchises from
just public demands.
For the existence and continuance OF
these conditions the Republican party is
responsible Though controlling the last
general assembly and the state admlnlstra-
ton, 1t defeated the Revised Municipal
Code" prepared by a nonpartisan commits,
sion, and calculated to produce real and
lasting reforms.
The Democratic party therefore calls upon
the people 10 unite with II in placing the
conduct of clunlcipal Affairs upon busi-
ness basis, that they may be administered
by The people In the interest Of all the peo-
Pile on the principle OF home rule. No fran
chlse, extension or renewal thereof ever to
be granted by any city or village without
first submitting the same to a vote OF the
people.
TAXATION
The acceptance of free passes or other
favors from railroads by public officers OF
employees shall be made adequate ground
for vacating the offices held by them.
All public service corporations shall be re-
Quired by law to make sworn public re,
ports, and the power and duty OF visitation
and public report shall he conferred upon
the proper state and local auditing officers
to the end that the true value OF the privi-
leges held b. these corporations shall be
made plain &c the people
Steam and electric railroads and other
corporations possessing public franchises
shall be assessed In the same proportion to
their salable value as are farms and city
real estate
The proceedings OF the Republican maJar
ity OF the state board Of equalization are n
scandal. PrcDerty values instead of being
equalized We. e Increased or diminished at
the dictation OF political bosses pursuant
to corrupt combinations and conspiracies
CONDUCT or STATE AFFAIRS. ETC.
The Republican majority OF the general
4. sI a..
people for Its reckless cYtravagance and
the creation Ct useless Offices, while II ell
acted no Legislation for the bene.. OF tho
people. The present Republican admins
tration In the conduct OF public AFFAIRS and
in the management OF public Institutions
has been the most costly in the history OF
the state. It's benevolent and penal insti-
tutions sholli be conducted upon a non.
partisan and business basis.
PEOPLES RIGHTS.
The reserved rights OF the state and peo-
pie to be upheld. Capitalization, which
would destroy them. TO be condemned. A
strict construction Of the constitution. The
greatest individual liberty consistent with
public order and welfare.
TARIFF REFORM.
Tariff reform. never more urgently de.
manded than now when the production of
the country so far exceeds Its power of
consumption that foreign markets are o
prime condition OF It's continued prosperity,
and when the existence and abuses OF trusts
have been brought about by the policy of
protection 0f favored industries. The aho-
iltlon OF the so-called protective system anO
the substitution In Its place OF the tradI.
tlonal Democratic policy Of a tarin for rev
enue, so levied AS not 10 burden one Indus
try for the benefit OF another
MONOPOLIES.
Tho enactment and rigorous enforcement
of measures which shall prevent all monop,
oiies and combinations In restraint OF trade
and CONNER. e--the matter % irst impor-
tanee being % prevent the use OF the gov
ernment MS an inStrumentality for the crea.
ti0n and Increase Of the wealth OF the few.
while preserving intaca the right Of private
property aad the fullest measure OF lndI-
vldual liberty Of contract, and sssvring to
every man the just reward Of superior IL