Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1902-08-07
DEMOCRATIC TICKET.
Durand, of Flint, for Governor on
Fourth Ballot.

George Ill. Durand, of Flint. was
nominated for governor of Michigan
by the Democratic state convention
late Thursday afternoon, after one OF
the most interesting contests that has
been seen i'm a Democratic gathering
in this state for number Of years.
A great deal OF bitterness was develop
ed i'm the speeches of the morning SEES
sion, the Durand men kissing intima-
tions against Durands Democracy.
but after the fourth ballot had been
taken and the fight was over, the scrap
seemed to be forgotten. The complete
ticket named is as follows:
For Governor-George III. Durand.
of Flint.
For Lieutenant Governor-John +.
Bible, of Ionia.
For Secretary of State-John Dono-
van. Of Bay City.
For State Treasurer-W. +. David
son, of Port Huron.
For Auditor General-David A.
HAMMOND. of Ann Arbor.
For Land Commissioner-Arthur i.
Watson, of Cheboygan.
For Internationally. i. Nc
Knight. of Grand Rapids.
For Superintendent OF Public In
struction-W. y. Ferris, of Big Rapids.
For Member state Board of Ednca-
tion-Charles f. Field. of Hastings.
For Justice Of Supreme Court-Ben-
jamin ]. Brown. of Menominee.
Following is the platform adopted:
We. the representatives, Of the Democ-
racy Of Michigan, in convention assem-
bled. realizing that the people of the state
are face to face with crisis In when
the honor and welfare OF the common
wealth and It's citizens are at stake, DO
hereby proclaim the following declara-
tion OF principles
We hold that when government OF, by
and for the people haa been destroyed by
the seizure OF the political machinery OF
the dominant party by men who use the
power OF government SO gained TO further
only selfish and mercenary ENDS as IN
Michigan to-day, the first duty of the
patriot is TO wrest this power from It's
unworthy possessors and restore Ii to the
people. We the efore declare the supreme
Issue i'm this state. at this time to be
tho destruction OF boss rule, the restora-
ton OF political power TO the people, and
Its employment for the good OF all instead
of for the advantage of a few. To this
end we pledge the Democratic party TO
the following reforms:
First 1t is a matter OF common knowl-
edge that the pr, sent state administration
secured place and power two years ago
only by gross corruption and the manipu-
lation of caucuses and the nominat ng
conventions. and again this year similar
methods have been employed 10 Secure
It's continuance in power. The efore, such
reform of the primary nominating sys-
tenn that the people shall be supreme and
final arbiters OF nomination to office is
imperative. To this end we are in favor
of legislation by which primary elections
OF all parties for the direct nomination Of
candidates shall be held at the same time
and places under the supervision OF pub
lie officials and regulated by daw
The right OF sen-governmen is funda-
mental nsa u ana sst Dc served BY t5e re-
ns tRs 81 fse ,ssatars ovet m ma
inequalities and qua anteeing home rule
The election OF United States senators
by direct vote of the people.
The adoption OF the system known as
the initiative and referendum, with the
impera tive mandate.
Equal taxation and equitable assess
ments throughout the state so that the
humblest citizen shall pay no more in
proportion than the most powerful public
And we condemn the present admins
tratton for it's abuse Of the state tax law
commission In behalf OF the Michigan
central railroad and other powerful cor
porations, as openly charged by we'll
known Republicans.
We denounce the profigate expenditure
and waste Of tho peoples money, which
has resulted in the increase of the state
tax from 81. 200 in 1891 TO S. 49, 900 I'm
1901 at a rate more than seven times as
great as the increase I'm population during
the same period.
Since the state will shortly be confront
ed by a claim for damages made by the
Michigan Central Railroad company and
involving many millions of dollars. we in
sist that the defense OF the peoples rights
cannot safely h. left to the present adj
ministration. which is motto ously friend
~ to its interests and subject to it's con-
troll
We are in favor OF adequate compen-
sation for state appointees for honest and
faithful service but we are opposed 10
such appoiutees travelling the state at
public expense. ostensibly doir. service
for the state. but I'm fact manipulating
caucuses and conventions i'm the interest
OF the administration which appointed
them.
And we pledge the nominees OF this con-
vention If elected. To correct such abuses.
We favor the principle OF municipal
ownership OF public utilities, subject to
the referendum
help.