The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-03-24
THE ST. LOUIS ADDRESS.


We are fundamentally opposed to
the present unjust distribution OF
wealth, that creates a system Of So
ciety in which the few get, without
working, while the many work with.
| out getting; a system which must re-
suit in either anarchy or desp0tism,
and the total destruction OF our re-
public. This condition is due to the
monopoly of natural opportunities and
the creation of special privileges by
law.
We maintain that this government,
which was Dedicated by the fathers
of the republic, to freedom and equal
ity of opportunity, shall iulflll its true
mission. We ,lemani Tie opening TO
all OF the opportunities of nature and
the abolition Of all special privileges.
In both Of the great political parties
OF the nation are to be found two ir-
reconcilable factions, one. in favor Of
governmental usdTpation, tending to
the establishment of new feudalism,
and the other standing tor Industrial
and political libe4 ".
In the peoples party of the nation
lies the only hOTe OF lne perpetua-
ton Of popular institutions.
We ratify and reaffirm the funda-
mental principles Of the platform Of
the peoples party adopted at It's ma
tional convention in Omaha In 1892.
Free speech, free press, trial by jury
and the rights of the people peaceably
to assemble, are the constitutional
rights of every American citizen. We
oppose their violation by injunctions
issued by courts Of equity.
We hold tina. the right to issue and
coin money and to regulate the value
thereof is solely function OF the Gov
eminent.
We demand public ownership and
operation of those public utilities
which are in tcalr nature natural mo-
nopolies, such as the railroad, teie-
phone, gas and electric lighting. AS
| to those trusts and morcpoiics which
are not public utilities OIL natural mo-
| nopolies, we demand that those spe-
cial privileges which they now enjoy,
and which 8loae enable them to ex-
| list, should be Immediately withdrawn.
Corporations being the creatures Of
government, Should be subjected to
such governmental regulation and
control as will adequately protect the
public. We demand the taxation Of
monopoly privileges, while they re-
main in private hands, TO tfe extent
of the value Of the privileges granted.
We favor the initiative and referen-
dunn; the former to the end that the
people may compel the enactment OF
good laws; the latter to tn, end that
the people may veto legislative meas
ures.
We favor the direct domination OF
candidates for elective public Office by
| direct vote Of the people, and the cleo
ton of the United States senators and
federal judges by the people.
The platform of the peoples party
made at Omaha. in 1892 was originally
made in conference called and held
by the labor organizations February
%, 1892. We therefore invite the
wealth-producers 10 take rart in the
primaries that shall choose delegates
to our conyen ION, guaranteeing mat
the influence of Ibis party shall be
given to advance the interests of or
gained labor by the recognition OF
the union label on manufactured prod
ucts, as we'll rs II legislation. which
at last is the only hope Of Just cen.
ditions for labor.
We criticisc as. unfair, illegal and
unjust, those 'ecisions OF the courts
declaring the labor law uaconstilu-
tional, and we demanu a constitu-
tional amendment authol izing legs-
lation requiring tie state, nuricipal-
tiles and pubic f-anchise-owiag cor
porations, their contrac, DIS AMI SUBJ
contractors, to pa workmen the pre-
vailing rates OF wages. and that upon
public works, eight hours shall con-
stitute days work, and We demand
the abolition OF The contract system
upon public work.
We invite the cooperation OF all
reform forces believing in the above
principles.