The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-07-07

trial LCSpOtism cannot exist side by
side; and nowhere is this truth more
plainly shown than in the gigantic
monol0iies which have bred all sorts
OF kindred trusts subverted the gov
ernIents Of many of the states, and
established their official agents in the
national government. We submit
that it is better for the government
to own the railroads than for the rail-
roads to own the government; and
that one or the other alternative
seems inevitable.
We call the attention Of our fellow
citizens to the fact that the surrender
of both of the old parties to corporate
influences leaves the peoples party
the only party OF reform in the ma
ton.
i Therefore, we submit the following
platform of principles to the Ameri-
can people:
The issuing of money is function
of government, and should never be
delegated to corporations or individ-
uals. The constitution gives to con-
gress alone power to coin money and
regulate ltS value.
We demand, therefore, that all mon
ey shall be issued by the government
in such quantity as shall maintain
stability in prices, every dollar to be
a full legal tender, none of which shall
be debt redeemable In other money.
We demand that postal savings
banks he established by the govern
ment for the safe deposit of the saw
ings of the people.
We believe in the right of labor to
| organize for the benefit and protec-
ton of those who toll; and pledge the
efforts OF the peoples party to pre-
serve this right inyiolate. Capital is
| organized and has no right to deny to
labor the privilege which 1t claims for
itself We feel that intelligent organi-
zation OF labor is essential; that 1t
raises the standard of workmanship,
and promotes the efficiency, intelli-
gence, independence and character OF
! the Wage-earner We believe with
Abraham Lincoln that labor Is prior
to capital. and is not its slave, but its
companion; and we plead for that
broad spirit of liberation and Justice
which will promote industrial peace
through the observance of the prin-.
ciples OF voluntary arbitration.
We favor the enactment of leglsla-
ton looking to the Improvement OF
conditions for wage earners, the abOli-
ton of child labor, the suppression OF
sweat shops and of convict labor, In
competition with free labor, and the
exclusion from American shores OF
foreign pauper labor.
We favor the shorter work day, and
declare that ii eight hours constitutes
a days labor in government service,
that eight hours should constitute
days labor in factories, work shops
and mines.
AS means of placing all public
questions directly under the control OK
the people. we demand that legal pro-
vision be made under which the peO-
pie may exercise the initiative, refer
endum and proportional representa-
ton, and direct vote for all public ofi-
GERS, with the right of recall.
Land, including all the natural
sources of wealth, Is heritage Of all
the people, and should not be monop-
olized Tor speculative purposes; and
alien ownership of land should be pro-
hibited.
We demand return to the original
Interpretation of the constitution and
a fair and impartial enforcement OF
laws under it; and denounce govern
ment by injunction and Imprisonment
without the right Of trial by jury.
TO prevent unjust discrimination and
monopoly the government should own
and control the railroads: and those
public utilities. which in their nature
are monopolies. To perfect the postal
service the government should own
and operate the general telegraph and
telephone systems. and provide par
cells post
AS TO those trusts and monopolica
which are not public utilities or nat
ural monopolies, we demand that those
special privileges which they now en-
! JOY. and which alone enable them ia