The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1904-09-08

last week IL, we have reason 10 beiieVe
generally satisfactory to the democratic
voters of the state.
The platform opens with an endorse
ment of the principles declared by th'
last national democratic convention al
st. Louis The nomination OF Judge
Alton B. Parker for president and tint
Hon. Henry G Davis for vice president
il cordially approved and the earnes
efforts of the Wisconsin democracy il
pledged to promote their choice at th'
polls
The importance of a return to tue
principles of the constitution is com
mended TO the people Of the state. The
necessity of preserving the different de
partments of government rs defined II
the constitution is emphasized Inc
evils resulting from the protective tariil
are pointed out AMI tariff revision is de
clared for. Imperialism, extravaganza
and corruption are denounced
The utter inability Of the republican
party to accomplish needful reforms II
submitted to the consideration OF the
citizens of this state. The fact that the
necessary remedial legislation can be
accomplished only through the instru-
mentality of the democratic party is
pointed out
After setting forth the need Of a
thorough examination and investigation
of certain state Offices aud declaring
that this can only be satisfactorily
accomplished by a change Of administra-
ton the platform contains the follow
ing paragraphs in relation to railroads
This convention reminds the people
of the state that all their relief from
railroad abuses has come from the demo
cratic party, and the citizens must de
pend upon that party for the protection
of their rights against unreasonable and
extortionate demands of common car
riers. 1t was democratic legislature
and a democratic governor that in
creased railway taxes from three to four
per cent, that first passed an anti-free
pass act that passed the co employe
law that passed the law compelling rail
roads to fence their tracks; that passed
| the law compelling passenger coaches to
be supplied with tools for the protection
| of passengers in cases of accident that
passed the law compelling common car
riers TO serve all persons alike without
discrimination in facilities or charges.
While it must be conceded that
public service corporations such ~ rall
roads, street railroads, express sleeping
cars, telephone and telegraph companies
and other quasi public corporations Of
like character are essential tothe progress
and development Of the state and to the
comfort and convenience Of the people
yet they should all be compelled to bear
their just and equitable share OF the tax
burden. In the interest Of the shipper
and the travellers freight and passenger
rates should be made ~ low ~ is con
sistent with fair aud reasonable profit
upon investment Unjust lisCriminatlng
freight rates, however granted, should
be absolutely prohibited and under
penalties severe enough to insure strict
observance of the prohibition. Telc
phone rentals and tolls, telegraph rates
and charges, sleeping CIR fares, express
charges, street railway fares, charges
for water service, gas and electric hight.
ing and the charges of all other corpo-
artions operating franchises granted by
state and municipality. or doing business
within the state, should not be in excess
OF compensatory and reasonable rate
The platform declares for an elective
railroad commission and favors "a law
compelling the railroads in this state to
sell mileage books ut n dat rate Of two
cents per mile The hearty and con
tinued support of the democratic party
VI w iNibHNili ~ I'i'hBth w VIC NNA yum
mission which was created some years
ago. A radical diminution OF expenses
of government in state and nation is
demanded and more economical man
agement Of public funds is insisted ON
The platform opposes the primary
election law M passed by the last legis-
lature and gives valid reason for its op
position to the measure The protection
Of the fish and game OF the state is
favored but the present method 'of afford.
ing this protection is severely criticised
by implication An amendment TO SEC
ton Of article of the state constitution
relating to taxation is favored. Such
amendment is to provide for gradual
cd income tax.
The platform is II clear straightfor
ward statement of the principles Of true
democracy and is in every way worthy
Of the great convention that adopted it.