Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1901-08-03
STATE PLATFORM.
ADOPTED BY THE DEMOCRATIC
CONVENTION.

Discussed Politics To Be Eliminated
From Public Schools State Census Il
Commended Election And Legislative
Laws Praised Pledges Made For GooC
Primary Election Law.
The following is the declaration o.
principles set forth by the Democratic
State Convention
"Called together for the purpose OF
nominating our State ticket and declar-
ing the principles and policy which
should be observed in the administration
of our State affairs, we, the representa-
tives of the Democracy of Maryland, do
not feel il To be necessary at this time
To DO more in regard TO national issues
than to reafiirm our steadfast allegiance
TO the cardinal doctrines of the Demo
cratic party as expounded by its illUstri-
GUS founder, Thomas jefferson, and our
undiminished belief that adherence to
these doctrines will best preserve in its
original integrity and strength the con-
stitutional government established by
the fathers of the Republic.
1--WE confidently ask the support of
the people at the election in November
next for the State and local candidates
of our party, because we believe that
their success is necessary to secure to
the State a continuance of the good gov
ernment which our citizens now enjoy
under Democratic control.
after four years experience of Re-
publican rule the people cast il off, and
since the beginning of the year 1900 all
branches of our State government have
been administered by Democratic oflic-
ials These officers have performed their
duty with absolute fidelity to the inter
ests of the people. They have guarded
with care the States Investments and
and haye so prudently aud economically
managed the public institutions owned
by the State as TO make them equal to
the very best in the Union.
"Goyernor John Walter Smith has
strictly and lmpartially enforced the
laws. The turbulence and disorder
which Republican success encouraged
and engendered in class of our inhabi-
tants nave been largely repressed, so
that safety TO person and property is
now assured.
"The record of the Democratic party
demonstrates that while it has always
favored and promoted the development
of the material interests of the State and
the people by proper encouragement of
corporate enterprise, il has at the same
time kept itself free from obligations to
corporate wealth and power, steadily
acting upon the sound Democratic doc
trine of equal advantages to all, special
privileges to none; and we feel that il
may safely be trusted without explicit
pledge to adhere to this wise, just and
conservative policy.
The oyster Question.
"Confessedly difficult as is legislation
affecting the development and protection
of the oyster and other kindred products
of the Chesapeake bay and its tributaries
we are especially gratified to be able TO
declare that the act passed at the session
of 1900 relating to these important inter
ests has thus far met the expectations of
its trainers.
"While it has not provided revenues
sufficient TO put back into the treasury
the deficiency of $50, 900 left us by the
Republicans, it has nevertheless made
our State fishery force more than self
supporting, and will undoubtedly give
us a handsome surplus at the end of the
fiscal year.
Moreover, under its provisions, en-
couraging progress has been made in the
development and preservation of our
oyster beds, which constitute so vast a
source of State wealth, and full protec-
tion is given to the large numbers of
worthy and sturdy men who are engaged
in the prosecution of this great and val
liable industry.
COLLECTIONS to some of its details
which experience has developed, as well
as some defects, which have been MOTTO
ed, can be remedied, and we favor such
appropriate amendments as will remove
all reasonable ground of complaint, and
make the law thoroughly effective and
satisfactory.
To Examine Public schools.
"The Democratic Party of Maryland,
always the advocate and supporter of a
broad and liberal public school system,
reaffirms its belief that the problem of
popular education is among the most i'm
portant with which the State must deal.
"The progress, comfort and happiness
of the Commonwealth are advanced by
the education of the masses. A free peo-
pie must be developed and educated by
free schools.
ave have good reason to be proud of
our admirable school system, but as the
State advances and education becomes
more general the methods of administer
ing our public schools must be improved
to keep pace with the public demand, and
to remove well-founded complaint and
dissatisfaction.
above all things they should be con-
Quoted without reference to politics, and
should be absolutely free from partisan
interference or dictation.
Teachers should be appointed and re-
tanned for their fitness only, and should
be safe from removal except for cause,
after reasonable opportunity to be heard
in their own defense.
"We accordingly recommend the pas
sage by the next Legislature of an act
providing for the appointment by the
Governor of commission of prominent
citizens, selected irrespective of their
political views, from among those who
are personally interested in the improve
ment and efficiency of our public schools,
whose duty it shall be to examine into
their condition and management, and
to oreportwhat amendments of our existing
law arc necessary to reform whatever
shall be found defective in their admin
;stration, and in the method of appoint
ment and tenure of the commissioners.
The Extra Session.
"We heartily commend the wisdom and
courage of Gov. John Walter Smith in
calling the recent extra session of the
Legislature and we feel that our thanks
are due TO our Democratic Senators and
r. 4. 4 l. -.