The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1905-09-28

In our platform the Democratic party
makes these pledges ITO use its utmost
erdeavors TO eliminate graft and polit-
ical corruption, and 10 prevent the per-
manent lodgmCnt of boss rule in the
state"
This promise we certainly shall carry
out If elected. We realize that to do this
we must have the help of all good citi-
Eens. irrespective Of party, who are OPP
posed to bossism, graft and corruption.
I'VE favor the raising of all revenue
necessary for state expenses, without
falling upon the counties. also that each
county shall have home rule to raise only
what 1t needs for its own affairs and
what Its own citizens may authorize"
This certainly is in harmony with the
wishes Of the masses OF the people.
we favor the assessment of steam
railroads and all other public service cor
porations at their saable value.
I'VE also favor the enactment of laws
whereby all franchises and privileges
shall be taxed as other property"
This law or a similar one has been de-
clared constitutional In New York. We
believe IL is right and just that all prop
critics whose value lies in their fran
chises should pay their share Of the pub
lie burden.
We favor giving to each and every
citizen equal rights and protection, and
to each individual the greatest liberty
possible consistent with the general good
and the proper consideration OF the
rights Of others"
This does not mean license to anyone
to do evil, or to violate the law. The
great Democratic party has always been
In favor Of law and obedience to law; II
believes In the greatest possible liberty
for the individual consistent with the
general good and the proper considera-
tion OF the rights Of others. Every good
citizen believes in this. and no shows his
good faith az member OF the commu-
nifty, and his patriotism as n good citizen
of the state, by standing by the laws.
which, so long as they are on the statute
books. are supposed and must be pre-
sumed to represent the voice of the
people.
Home Rule.
I'VE believe in home rule for village
and city. particularly as to all public
utilities, including the ownership Of
street railways as well as waterworks
and lighting plants; that any such own
ership shall be made by a vote of the
people and be safeguarded by the merit
system"
The ownership by cities of lighting and
water plants has become common
throughout the state, and in most cases
has proven satisfactory to the people;
tHtTe seems 10 nc no reason why a street
railway can not be owned by any city,
but whether this is wise thing for any
city to do is matter that should be left
entirely to the people of such city, to be
decided by them by majority vote of
their citizens. 1t is true that there Is at
this time an honest difference of opinion
as to city ownership of street railroads,
but there is no difference of opinion as
to the rights OF the people as against the
oh act oft Of In,
giving. and of members of council in re-
ceiving, b-ibes by which the rights of the
people in contracts and franchises are
given away or sold at a price far less
than their value. There certainly is a
general belief that If the people of cities,
towns and villages can not have their
rights under the present system. they
will demand that some other plan shall
be adopted, and as a final resort all win
vote to try the experiment of ownership
by the cities themselves, even of street
railroads. rather than continue to be
robbed by corporations and corrupt
officials.
I'VE condemn the recently enacted
school code, and especially do we protest
against the unnecessary loss of nearly
100000 annually of the school funds
ciently paid"
Save the Canals.
I'VE are in favor of the maintenance
OF the canal system
Every voter in Ohio knows that for
many years past there has been a sys
tematic attempt to virtually steal the
canal beds; that these attempts have
been growing stronger and more open
year by year, and every friend OF the
canal knows, too. how near the robbery
came being made complete in the last
session of the legislature. and that since
their failure, some OF these state plum
derers are assuming a virtue they do not
possess. Should the Organization" OBJ
tain strong enough hold OF the legisla-
ture, does any one doubt that this rob-
berry and outrage will be contaminated? :?
We are proud to state that the Demo-
cratic members OF both houses OF the
Legislature always have been faithful to
the preservation OF the canals, and we
pledge our party and all its members of
the coming legislature. that we will pro-
tect these great and vital interests OF
the state.
The waterways were worth many mil
lions in the early development OF the
state. In the great future they will be
worth hundreds OF millions. which cer-
tainly will be realized by tho next gem
GRAFTON, II not by this. Our forefathers
were wise in their building Let us not
be accused by our children or By our
grandchildren OF being either unwise or
kna yes.
I'VE condemn the unfair treatment OF
the agricultural interests Of the state at
the hands Of the Republican party"
It was not the Republican party, as
such. that was responsible for this treat
ment, but the boss-ridden members OF
the legislature, who had appropriated
more money than the state had income,
SO the governor was obliged to cut down.
While under ro circumstances would /
accuse him OF Intentionally doing a gross
| injustice to the farming class, I think he
was Influenced by the pressing demands
OF some OF these bosses. and possibly
failed to exercise his better judgment
Abolish Fee System.
"wa condemn the present fee system
| and demand the enactment OF reason
able salary law"
Tho CARRIER salary law passed by tho
last Democratic legislature somo Is years
| ago was repealed By the Republican leg
| islatiirs after It had boon Ia operation
| only fow mOIths DurIng all thsss
| years there has boon demand for fair
SALARY law for county officials Tho
bosses In control OF the Republican party
have failed 10 meet this demand. because
| they desired TO Increase the incomes OF
| their followers. The people should know
Just what compensation every officer re-
ceives, and instead Of this being the
largest sum possible, 1t should be a rea-
sonable amount, and no more, Public
office Is rot n place for great profit; on
lhe Contrary the man who serves as a
trustee for the people should receive only
| reasonable compensation. The man
who sees only the dollars in any publio
Office and loses sight OF its honors ~
likely think more of increasing his Jank
acpOunt than Of serving tlQ ptf,i...