The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1904-05-26
PLATFORM OF
THE COOK MEN.

Rooseveltuand affirming the declar-
alton of the national platform, has
the following to say:
The republican party declares IN
relation to state affairs:
Fjrst-That we approve of the
wise rule which has commended 1t
self generally to the peoole of the
United States that the chief execu-
tive eitheI of the state or nation
should not be nominated for three
terms in succession.
Second That it is vital to the
success of representative govern
ment under our political system
chat the distinction between the
three great independent and co-ordln
ate branches of the government-the
executive. legislative, and judicial,
shall be at all times strictly observed.
Third-That it is especially i'm
uortant that the selection and cleo
tion of judges of the supreme court
be free from partisanship.
Eourth-That the public officials
are paid Out of the moneys eXacted
from the people and should be held
to strict attention to the discharge
of public duty.
Fifth-That the administration OF
the government shall be as econom-
zeal as possible with efficiency.
Sixth-We further declare that
railway corporations are the credi-
tors of the state and subject to reg
ulaGion by the state. This princi-
pie long ago settled by the highest
courts of the state and nation has
not aud cannot be successfully chal-
lenged. The franchises and power
conferred upon such corporations
are primarily for the public service,
and the exercise of the same should
he limited by law and administered
90 the conservation of the general
public interest. These corpora tions
are necessary to the public conven-
fence and to the prosperity and COM
naerce of all the people. Ali legisla-
tive regulation of public service cor
porations should be characterized oy
4. spirit of justice to the people on
she one hand and to the great in
serest which these corporations rep
resent on the other. 1t is often
times problem of great difficulty
TO make that fair adjustment which
Justice requires.
It so vitality involves the interests
of the state that it should not be en-
tered upon blindly upon assumption
or allegation of contested fact, but
should be preceded by careful legis-
Iative investigation. Passion and
denunciation do not aid but they do
obstruct wise solution.
We favor the enactment OF law
supplanting existing legislation
which while leaving the railway
companies free to adopt their rates
and regulations to the interests OF
the sections, cities and industries to
the end that the Developments OF
fae state may be hereby increased.
will prohibit under heavy penalties
unjust discrimination as to persons
or places by secret preferences or
otherwise and we favor the enact
ment of law creating a railway
commission of not more than three
members, to be elected at the spring
election, with full powers to investi-
gate conditions, to originate actions
tejther upon complaint or it's own
iuitiative)and to enforce Gin the
courts and by such other means as
may be provided by law strict OBJ
servance of legal restrictions upon
the exercise of corporate power.
We favor the retention of the
provision of existing law giving
damages to the shipper for violation
of law and providing the suit shall
he brought and prosecuted in the
name of the state for the benefit of
the shipper.
Seventh-The last legislature en-
acted and has submitted to the
people, to be voted upon at the next
genera election, proposed primary
election law. This law proposes a
radical change in the nominating
procedure of all parties, and effects
every elector in the exercise of one
OF his functions, and we approve the
action of the republican senate in de-
clining to put into immediate opera
<sor ~, +ba pooioritu Uoto Of ona