The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-04-17
THE NEW JERSEY PLATFORM.


clined to oppose the nomination of a man
like Parker or Pattison, have proceeded
upon the mistaken view that to do so
would require the adoption of platform
wanting serious opposition to the trusts,
imperialism, executive usurpatlon and
like foes of the doctrine of equal rights
to all and special privilege to none.
Undoubtedly there is an element of the
boilers who would wish the Democratic
platform to be Il milk and water ME
Too" \echo of the Republican platform,
and their advocacy Of Parker or Pattison
or man of that stamp has led some good
men to fear that the party would take
step backward from it's defiance of pre-
datory and lawless wealth.
The platform adopted by the New Jer-
sey State Convention will serve to show
that such fears are groundless. The con-
Vention was controlled by the regulars
men like Robert Davis and Johnston
Cornish, who have always kept the
rudder true In 1896, at Washington,
Y. j., when Mr.. Bryan spoke there to a
great gathering, he was entertained by
Mr. Cornish, a wealthy manufacturer,
who gave him hearty support Mr.. Cornish
is delegate-at-larg to st. Louis. In New
Jersey, one hundred Hearst delegates
bolted the convention when they saw they
were defeated-a piece of business that
straight Democrats do not like, whether
practised by Hearst or Cleveland follow
ers.
The New Jersey platform is a Demo
cratic platform, it places the issues-state
and national-before the country in a way
| that will invite the earnest support OF all
men, rich and poor, who wish the en-
forcement Of laws against the trusts as
| we'll as against the petty thieves. 1t is so
excellent platform that we print 1T in
| full and invite the favorable consideration
of this platform, in both the national and
State declaration, to the platform makers
in the coming North Carolina State Con-
vention. 1t IS as follows:
I'VE favor the abolition or reduction OF
all duties which give unfair advantage 10
| trusts, especially on such products as are
| sold bv the trusts cheaper in foreign
| countries than at home. The Government
should not permit the law to remain I'M
| enforced in order to get campaign con-
| tributions from tie trusts.
1--WE arragn tho Republican party Tor
| its reckless departure from safe and es-
| tablished American policies and principles,
| its wasteful and corrupt conduct OF the
| Government It has made open effort to
| foster trusts at the expense OF the whole
people, and especially of the laborinS
| man. The growth of these gigantic com
| binations of capital has eliminated IN
| monopoly dangerous to the public welfare
which calls loudly for legislative redress.
I'm this respect our present laws should
be strictly enforced, and more stringent
| legislation enacted. We declare for rigid
inspection of their books by proper State
and national officers, whose report shall
be open for public inspection.
| 1--WE believe that it should be made a
| criminal offence to attempt to Great a mo-
popoly in the necessaries of life. We de-
mand strict enforcement of the Sherman
| Act against all illegal combinations. The
government should pursue vigorously its
| plain duty as pointed out by the Supreme
Court of the United States and prosecute
all violations against it.
| 1.-THE Government should be for the
| the law to remain unenforced in order to
get campaign contributions from the
trusts.
"The Government shout be for the
Denefit OF all and not for the benefit of a
fcw.
eve declare for revision of our tariff
schedules so that the commerce OF this
country will not suffer from unjust dis
elimination and so our manufacturers may
have more favorable opportunities to
compete with the markets Of the world.
I 1--WE favor the construction of an inter
oceanic canal, and we insist that it be
built and controlled by the United States.
1--WE charge, however. that the Rresi-
dent of the United States, in his con
Iduct relating 10 the Panama Canal, has
been unrairdful Of the duties of his great
ioffice his incorporate zeal is without
that profound sense OF moral obligation
which should mark a strong and Vlrtuous
lpeopIe. Our treaty with Columbia was
inever intended to be construed as justify
ling the active interference OF the United
States against this sister republic. In con
Isequence of his unlawful acts our position
las the trustive friends of the republic of
ISouth America, acquired after years OF
lcareful international conduct, have been
materially weakened. Suspicion and mis-
TRUST now exist in place OF confidence and
good faith Entertainments OF the Presl-
ldent in Congress have become menace
| to the dignity and power of the national
LEGISLATURE. A blow is struck at the
Ifabric of our Government when the pow
ers of the peoples representatives are
thus abridged.
eve advocate the election Of United
IStstes Senators directly by the people
| Sucf a change in our organic law would
hiring the Senate closer to the great body
Of the people.
owe also arraign this state adminlstra,
Ition for its subserviencv to railroads and
lothcr incorporate influences Whhe not
Eopposed 10 corporations as such we are
Eopposed to granting them immunity and
lprivilegeg rot conferred upon the people
| at large, or to allowing them to dictate
to tho nol;o,, Of our State.