The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-06-23
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 despOtism,
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 It's true
mission. We Jemani ne OF ening 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-
reconcflable factions, one in favor OF
governmental usuSpation, tending to
the establishment of new feudalism,
and the other standing tor industrial
and political libe.ty.
In the peoples party of the nation
lies the only hOre of the perpetual
ton of popular institutions.
We ratify and reafflrm the fInda-
mental principles OF the platform OF
the peoples party adopted 1t 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 CT 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 tceIr nature natural mo-
sopolies, such as the railroad, teie-
phone, gas and electric lighting. As
to those trusts a7d moErpoiics which
are not public utilities OF natural mo-
nopolies, We demand that those spe-
cial privileges which they now enjoy,
and which aln..e enable them to ex-
list, Should be Immediately withdrawn.
Corporations being the creatures Of
government, should be subjected to
suck governmental regulation and
control as will Adequately protect the
public. We demand the taxation Of
monopoly privileges, while they re-
main in private hands, 10 tire 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 prblic Office by
direct vote of the people, and the cleo
ton of the United States senator's and
federal judges by tJe people.
The platform Of the 2eople.s party
made at Omaha in 1892 was originally
made in conference called and held |
by the labor organizations February
%, 1892. We therefore invite the
To take rart In the
primaries that shall choose delegates |
to our convention, guaranteeing that
the influence OF this party shall be
6itcH " dutdECC tuG tutcIeSIS Oh Or |
gained labor by the recognition OF |
the union label on manufactured prod
ucts, as we'll rs n Legislation, which |
at last Is the only hope OF just con-
ditions for labor.
We crlticisc as unfair, illega. and
unjust. those 'ecisions of the courts
declaring the labor Law unconstItu-
tional, and we demand constitu-
tional amendment authorizing legls-
Iation requiring Tie state, municipal
tiles and pubic f.anchise-owing cor
porations. their contractors ami SUBJ
contractors. to pa; worhmen the PIE
yailing rates OF wages. and that upon
public works, eight hours shall con-
stltute days work. and We demand
The abolition OF tho contract system
mon public work