Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1902-07-26
ROBERT M. LA TOILETTE.

expressed in the last national platform,
and as Loyalty exemplified in the policies
of the adminiStra ton Of William Nc
Kinley and Theodore Roosevelt. Lament
ing the enduring loss to the country in
patriotism and craftsmanship through
the untimely death of President McKin-
ley, we testify our confidence in the abil-
ity of his successor fully to administer
the high trust, and we record our ap-
probation of his splendid courage and
enduring integrity made manifest in his
official conduct.
We approve of the public services OF
Wisconsin representatives in both houses
of congress, and we especially commend
the official career Of Hon. John G. Spoon er,
who by his notably able, conservative and
patriotic course upon questions OF ma
tional and international Importance, has
become recognized as the leader of the
United States senate. We again express
our faith in his announced determin alton
not to serve the state another term In the
senate, and should he now find it possible
to reconsider this decision and express his
willingness to stand as candidate in har-
mony with the sentiments and in support
of the platform principles here adopted by
Wisconsin republicans, and for the cleo
ton of legislature favorable to their en-
actment into law, his decision would meet
the general appreciation of republicans
everywhere, and We pledge him the enthu-
SldStlC support OIL the party tOI HIS re-
election to the high position which he has
filled with such distinguished ability and
with such great honor to the state and ma
ton, and in case Senator Spooner shall not
find it possible to again be eligible for
United States senator, we demand that all
candidates for this position shall indorse
the principles of this platform and favor
the election of legislature pledged to en-
act these principles into law.
We adopt the last republican state
platform and reaffirm It's principles. We
indorse and approve the administration
of Gov. Robert NJ La Toilette as con-
spicuouSly able, honest and impartial.
and ever mindful of public interests. We
commend his patriotic devotion. his
leng-cOntinued and courageous efforts in
behalf of good government; the just,
fearless and conscientious performance
of his plain duty to secure the fulfill
ment of the pledges made to the people
which has received the most emphatic
approval of the republican party of Wis
consin, and we take great pleasure in
recording that approval in convention,
and his denomination by an overwhelm-
ing majority is the best assurance Of his
loyalty and faithful adherance to prin-
ciple that could be given by the people
of any party.
We regret the failure of the last legis-
lature to enact those laws pledged to the
public by demand of the republican par
ty through platform in its last state
convention. We condemn the pernicious
activity of federal officials in this state
in fragrant disregard of civil-service
laws, in attempts to fOrestall and con-
troll conventions and caucuSeS of the
party, and in assisting professional lob
byists before the legislature and else
where in the work of defeating legisla-
ton. in refutation of party pledges. AS
representatives of the republicans of
Wisconsin, chosen in a contest, and after
campaign which has left no reason
able ground for doubt we declare an
equal and uniform taxation of all tax
able property and the right of every
citizen to an equal voice, with a direct
vote, in the nomination of candidates for
office, are issues of supreme Importance
in the ensuing state campaign.
Therefore, the great reformation ex-
pected in our general elections through
the Australian ballot inspires us with
confidence to apply the same method in
making nominations, and that every
voter may experience his sovereign right
of choice by direct vote without the in
PREVENTION and manipulation Of political
agencies. We, therefore, demand that
caucuses and conventions for the nomi-
nation of candidates for Office be abol-
ished by legislative enactment, and that
all candidates for state, legislative, con-
gressional, and county offices be NOM
mated at a primary election upon the
same day and by direct vote under the
Australian ballot
We heartily indorse the careful, con-
Scientious, and judicious work of the tax
commission, as shown by it's reports, and
recommendation of the last legislature,
and give assurance of support in the ad-
vancement to completion of its difficult
task.
We renew the demand of the party for
the enactment of such laws as may be
necessary to compel each individual and
every corporation transacting business
with the state, except such fraternal
and other associations as are now ex-
empted from taxation by law, to bear a
justly propOrtionate share of the burdens
of taxation.
TIC the immediate accomplishment of
this end the republican party of Wiscon-.
sin stands pledged, and we ask all can
didates for the senate and assembly at
the coming election to be called upon by
the voters to give assurances of their
support in accordance with these pledges
made by the party and We here record
our cenSure for those who for purely
selfish purposes have obstructed the
earlier tulfillment Of these party ohliga-