The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-05-05
narrlngton's Platform

hdrrlngton's Platform
In discussing gubernatorial timber
two weeks ago, The Independent,
commenting on the Lincoln Evening
News boom for M. f. Harrington,
took the position that Mr.. Harrington
would not allow his name to go before
the convention.
Last weeks Holt County Indepen-
dent confirms this view. That paper
prints a letter from MIR. Harrington,
which we reprint entire, because the
platform outlined is worthy of serious
consideration. The letter follows.
To the Editor: | am not and have
not been candidate for the nomila
ton for the Office of governor OF Me-
braska, and hope my friends
throughout the state will refrain from
urging my nomination. | do not de-
cline to be candidate through any
fear of the result, but have no &C.
sire to hold Office. My time is more
than occupied with my professional
duties and in so far as | can it is my
desire to urge such reforms as tie
government ownership and operation
of railroads and kindred reforms, from
the standpoint of a private citizen.
My interest in the coming conventions
relates only to principles and men.
want to see the reform forces of this
state take firm stand for the follow
ing reforms:
1. The taxation of railroads on the
same basis as all other property; the
railroads to be treated as worth, for
the purpose of fixing their value, the
amount for which they will sell In
the market and on which they are
paying dividends.
2. The proper taxation of all ter
minal railroad property by the mu-
inequalities in which they are SIT
uated.
8. A bill providing for a reason
able reduction in freight rates.
q. A law which will enable the
farmers cooperative elevator COM
panies in the state to condemn a suf-
ficient portion of the railroad right
of-way to enable them to build their
warehouses thereon, and thus be put
in a position to compete on equal
terms with the trust elevators. The
railway, companies necessarily woulC
have to be paid the reasonable value
of the portion of the right-of-way
taken.
! 5. A law giving ample protection
to the lives and limbs of railroad
street car and packing house employe,
who are today substantially withou
legal protection.
s. A law which will place a "a,
specially on all foreign railroad cor
porations operating railroads in Nc
) braska. Such tax would force ther
: to incorporate in this state and woul
then make 1t impossible for them I
remove lawsuits to the federal couI
: and ii would compel them to NEE
citizens OF the state sustaining wrong
a at their hands In local courts and o
equal terms.
z. A just revenue law to take th
}. place OF the present corporation
i made statute.
s. A plank In favor of the govern
, ment ownership and operation OF raj
o. roads. We would then nominate
h candidate for United States senate
= who will make vigorous campaig
!. In the legislative districts Tor the eIe'
tlon OF legislature committed 10 tn
|, necessary and progressive change
n our Industrial development
II We adopt such platform m
y nominate candidates who are tho
" oughly In accord with Il We can a
10 feat Governor Mickey and elect ma
- jnrity In both branches of the legi
lature. Yours truly.
- NJ. Il. HARRINGTON.
Va The Independent does not agr
Q. with Mr.. Harrington an to the wlsdo
a az nominating candidate for n
- United Statca senate. The cxperien
" In Nebraska with this mlsefat
NJ malse-shift for popular election Of se
ID ators 10 very dlscouraging. hut h