The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1904-06-22
PLATFORM

FIFTY years ago the republican
party came into existence dedicated
among other purposes TO the great
task Of arresting the extension OF
human slavery. In 1850 It elected
its FIRST president, During ~ Of the
~ years which have elapsed since
the election Of Lincoln the republi-
can party has held complete control
OF the government. This long tenure
10 not due to chance-it IL q demon
straticn that the republican party
has cosnmsried the confidence Of the
American psople for nearly two gen
erattons.
'Ths republican party entered upon
its present period Of compiet su-
premaoy In 1897. We have every
right to congratulate ourselves upon
the work since accomplished. We
then found the country. after four
years Of democratic rule, IN an evil
plight. public credit lowered, debt
growing. standard values threatened
labor unemployed and confidence
gone.
I'VE replaced the democratic tariff
LAW. based on free trade principles
and garnished with sectional pro-
lection. by q consistent protective
tariff. Industry was free from ops
preston and. stimulated by the en-
couragement Of wise laws. has ex-
panded to a degree never before
known. We firmly established the
gold standard, then menaced with de-
struction: confidence returned to bus
mess and with confidence an unex-
ampled prosperity.
I'VE refused to palter any longer
with the miseries of Cuba. We fought
and won quick war with Spain. We
set Cuba free We governed the
island for three years. then gave II
to the Cuban people, with order re-
stored. with ample revenues. with
education, public health established,
free from debt and connected with
the United States by wise provisions.
I'VE have organised q government
for Porto Rico, and It's people now
enjoy peace. freedom. order and pros
perity.
"In the Philippines we have sup
pressed insurrection. established or
der. and given to life and property
a security never known there before.
BY our possessions In the Philippines
we were enabled to take prompt and
effective action In the relief Of the
legations at Pekin. playing a decisive
part in preventing a partition and in
preserving the Integrity Of China.
Possession Of a route for the
isthmian canal. the long dream of
American statesmanship, now 10 an
accomplished fact. We have passed
laws bringing the aria lands within
cultivation. organised aA army. put
II in the highest state OF efficiency,
passed laws for the improvement and
support Of the militia, pushed for
ward the building OF thu navy.
The administration Of the great
departments OF the government has
been honest and efhcisnt and wher-
ever wrong-doing has been discovered
the republican administration has no,
hssitated to probe the evil and brins
the Offenders to justice. In its rec.
ord Of achievement in the past eight
years may be read pledges Of the
party fulfilled. We promise to con.
tinue those policies and declare our
adherence to the following princi-
pies:
Protection, which guards and de-
veiops our Industries, Is the cardinal
policy Of the republican party. The
measure OF protection should always
leave an equal difference OF tho cost
of production at home and abroad
We insist on the maintenance Of the
principles OF protection and there.
fore rates and duty should be read.