The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-07-29
Bryan And Reform.

Bryan And Reform.
w. ]. Bryan's plan for the reformation
of the Democracy has been given to the
public and will receive the thoughtful
consideration which it deserves from that
element which hopes to see the demo-
cratic party one of progress, and not one
of mere opposition alone, as at present
organized. The election of Judge Parker
for President is advocated as a good be-
ginning. but the radical reforms urged
will be SHE'D at most decidedly by the
Parker class of democrats, who believe in
treating all such questions in SILENT.
or conservative" manner.
Mr.. Bryan declares the money question
for the present in allegiance, as the in
creased production of gold has lessened
the strain upon the dollar. Bimetallism
is as sound in theory as it ever was, but
the necessity for it is not SO apparent.
The time is ripe, he thinks. for the pre-
sentation of the question of government
ownership of railroads, as consolidation
after consolidation has taken place until
a few men now control the railroad traf-
fic of the country and defy both the leg
islative aud executive power of the nation.
The ownership and operation of the
roads by the States rather than by the
Federal government he thinks preferable,
as it would tend to lessen the dangers of
centrslization of power. The assumption
and operation of the roads by the govern
ment would prevent the extortionateI
rates now charged by these powerful
monopolies, and it would also be means
of effectually doing away with the illegal
determinations practiced by them. The
influence of these monopolies upon the
government would be entirely eliminated
also, it being an indisputable fact that
the politics of the nation is being de-
bauched by money drawn from these
great corporations that desire special
privileges or immunity from punishment,
and is used to corrupt not only the voters,
but legislatures.
The cause of municipal ownership of
municipal franchises should be espoused,
as private contracts for water, lighting
and street car facilities have been the
fruitful source of municipal corruption,
and there is no solution of these munic-
ipal problems that does not involve mu-
nicipal ownership.
The post office department should en-
brace telegraph system as we'll as mail
system. The cost of the messages would
be reduced one half and there is no good
reason can be urged against the govern
ment ownership and operation of the tel
egrsph system i'll connection with the
postal department.
Private monopoly must be destroyed
and government ownership will exert
tremendous influence in this direction.
An income tax is just and without it ii
will be difficult to secure any effectual
tariff reform.
Even as now organized the democratic
party stands for the election of senators
by the people and it ought to stand for
direct legislation as far as the principle
can be applied. Everything that brings
the government nearer the people is good.
The election of federal judges by the peo-
pie to serve for limited term, should
also be considered.
change in the method of appointing
postmasters should be made and system
devised whereby the federal government
will still retain the power of appointment
and removal and yet be restricted in ap-
pointment to persons named by the local
community, when the use of the post
Office department for the benefit of the
congressman or of the administration will
be prevented.
The differences between labor and cap
ital ara becoming more and more acute.
because capital has been permitted to use
labor for its own enrichment aud then to
dictate terms to the wage-earner. The
democratic party must be the champion
of the man who tolls.
The contest above outlined must be
made whether the party wins in Novem-
Der or not, says Mr.. Bryan, as single
election is but an incident in the life of a
party.