The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-25
THE PLATFORM.

1t is enough to say that the platform OF
the Republican state convention is Repub-
lican and progressive. At the outset the
Endorsement of President Roosevelt is more
than cordial: 1--WE are proud of his cour-
age, his purity and his devotion to the
interests of the entire country is an ex-
preston of the highest esteem. The plank
relative to the Philippines embraces the
avowed policy of the Republican Congress-,
and it is the only reasonable one, now that
the opposition has abandoned the dastardly
suggestion of abandoning the islands to
their fate. The plank touching trade is ar
intelligent discrimination between com
binations which are not monopolies and
those organized for that purpose. Practical
reciprocity is approved. and the revision of
the tariff recommended from time to time
always holding to the principle of protec-
ton. The exclusion of the Chinese, the
righteous claims of the soldiers of all wars
cOngra tulation over the progress of Cuba
and the Endorsement of the gold standard
are the other national topics given a place
in the platform.
1t will be noticed that an unusually large
portion of the platform is devoted to State
affairs. 1t is a hopeful indication. TO the
inhabitants of Indiana the management of
State affairs is a matter of supreme impor-
lance. At the outset Governor Durbin's
administration is given the most emphatic
Endorsement that language can convey. 1t
is deserved. The plank touching the States
financial affairs is a demand that the wise
and practical policy the Republicans have
adopted and pursued shall be continued
'Inefficiency, indifference waste in pub
lie administration. expenditure or account
ing is crime" are the words of the plat
form. This gospel of integrity and eff
cheney in public affairs is taking root i'm In
diana, so that soon counties, townships
and cities will be managed upon business
principles. as is the State government un-
der Republican control. Public institutions
are no longer put in charge of men who are
party dependents. Vigorous business men
are selected. The nonpartisan rule of the
State institutions is more emphatically APP
proved than ever before, because time has
attested it's wisdom.
The Journal begs to call special attention
to the marked Endorsement of the laws
regulating county and township business.
They may need amending to perfect them,
but to support them is part of the party
creed. The consolidation of railroads is
condemned and the supremacy of the laws
of the State over all corporations is af-
irmed.
The declaration in favor of laws for the
regulation of the making of nominations
shows that the Republican party under
stands that popular government begins
with the primary and that the primary
must be so guarded that only Republicans
who live in the territory for which they
are held shall vote. The subject is a most
important one, and whether the laws are
or are not changed the State committee is
given power to make regulations which
will govern the manner of selecting dele
gates.
In conclusion, it may be said that the
platform expresses the opinion of the party
in Indiana on national questions and de-
clares the advanced convictions of the Re
pubhcans of the State relative to the man
agement of State affairs