The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1904-07-01
Ole Platform
Text of the Declaration on Which the
Republicans Will Stand in the COMING
Campaign , > . > , =

Fifty years ago the republican party
came into existence, dedicated among
other purposes. TO the great task of ar
resting the extension of human slavery.
In 1860 1t elected its first president.
During twenty-four of the forty-four
years which have elapsed since the cleo
tion OF Lincoln. the republican party
has held complete control of the gov
eminent. For eighteen more of the
forty-four years it has held partial
control through possession Of one or
two branches of the government; While
the democratic party during the same
period has held complete control for
only two years.
This long tenure OF power by the re-
publican party is not due to chance. 1t
is a Demonstration that the republican
party has commanded the confidence of
the American people for nearly two
generations to u degree never euualed
In u history, and has displayed a high
capacity for rule and government,
which has been made even more con-
spicuous, by the incapacity and infirm-
ity of purpose shown by it's opponents.
The republican party entered upon
its present period of complete suprem-
acy in 1897. We have every right to,
congratulate ourselves upon the work
SiiiSt tueI accomplished, Tor II mas
added luster even to the traditions of
the party which carried the govern
ment through the storm of the civil
war. We then found the country. after
four years of democratic rule" in evil
plight, oppressed With misfortune,
doubtful of tho future. The public
credit had been lowered. revenues were
declining. debt growing. he admins
tratlon's attitude towards Spain was
feeble and notifying. the standard of
values was threatened and uncertain,
labor was unemployed. business sunk in
the depression which had succeeded II
panic of 1893. hope was faint and con-
Adencc gone.
We met these unhappy conditions
vigorously. effectively and at once. We
replaced a Democratic tariff law based
on flee trace principles and Garnishcd
with sectional protection by a consist
ent protective tariff, and industry.
freed from oppression, and stimulated
by the encouragement of wise laws,
has expended to a degree never before
known, n has conquered new markets
and created a volume of exports which
mas surpassed the Imagination.
Under the Dingley tariff labor has
oeen fully employed, wages have risen,
and all Industries have revived and
prosnered.
We firmly established the gold
standard. which wa then menaced
with destruction. Confidence returned
to business, and with confidence, unex-
ampled prosperity. For deficient rev.
enues supplemented by %improvident is
sues of bonds. we gave the ountry an
income which produced a large sur
plus and enabled US. only four years
after the Spanish war had closed, to
emoVe yer $100. 900 900 of the annual
war taxes, reduced the public debt, and
lower the interest charge of the gov
eminent. The public credit. which
a been SO lowered that In time Of
peace a democratic administration
made large loans at e~Xtravagant rates
of interest in order to pay current eX-
p~enditures. rose under republican adj
mintstration to its highest point, and
enabled us to borrow at 2 per cent,
even in times of war.
We refuse to palter longer With the
misery of Cuba. We fought a quick and
victorious war with Spain. We set Cuba
free, governed the island three years,
and then gave it to the Cuban people
enues and public health established and
free from debt, and connected with
the United States by a wise provision
for our mutual interests. We have re-
organized the government of Porto Rico
and Its people now enjoy peace and
liS-CtlCiIA. oILti anu JItSllGIllH. Il
In the Philippines we have suppressed
insurrection, established order and
given TO life ana property a security
never known there before. We have
organized civil government and made
1t an effective and strong administra-
ton, and have conferred upon the peo-
pie OF those islands the largest lvici
pie of those stands the largest civil lib
erty they nave ever enjoyed.
BY our possession of the Philippines we
were enabled to take prompt and effective
action in release of the legations at Pc
king, and a decisive part in preventing
the partition and preserving the Integrity
of China.
The possession OF a route for an 18TH
tnlan canal. so long the dream of Ameri-
craftsmanship, Is now an accom-.
plished fact. and the great work of con-
the Pacific and Atlantic by canal
Is at last begun, and it Is due to the re-
publican party.
We have passed laws which will bring
the arid lands of the United States within
the area OF cultivation.
we have reorganized the army and put
t in the highest shape of efficiency. We
passed laws for the Improvement and
support of the militia. We nave pushed
,orward the building of the navy for de-
'ensa and protection of our honor and in
Our administration OF the great depart
nents OF the government has ieen honest
and efficient, and whenever ~wrongdoing
has been discovered the republican admin
stration has not hesitated to probe the
Evil and bring the offenders to Justice.
without regard to party or political ties.
Laws enacted by the republican marty,
Witch The democratic party failed to en-
'orce, and which were Intended for the
protection OF the public against the un-
ust discrimination or Illegal encroach-
nent Of vast a%ggregations Of capital have
'een fcarlessly enforced by n republican
and new laws ensuring reason
Lble publicity es to the operations of great
and providing additional
emedies for the prevention of dlscr.mi- Z
lation in freight rates. have been passed $
a republican congress. In this record s
4 achievements. during the past eight /;
ears MAJ be read the pledges which the s
epubiicari party has fulfilled. !,
We propose to continue these policies I
nd we declare our constant adherence to !