The French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1896-1912, 1906-04-19
SOME GOOD SUGGESTIONS.
The News and Observer Offers Fine
Material from which State
Democratic Platform may
be Constructed.

AS long as platforms are glitering gener-
alues, can do little or nothing, and expert
ence has shown the necessity of specific
platform declarations to secure real pro-
gress or reform. A few years ago the rail-
roads sought to get plank in the demo-
cratic platform declaring in effect that
railroads ought not to be taxed on anythin G
except the roadbed and the cars-just as lit
tie farms are taxed. Of course it was not
adopted.
One of the ablest lawyers in North Caro-
lima Tin personal letter) says:
"Why not write suggestions as to the
planks that ought to be Incorporated in the
next State Democratic platform? If all
thoughtful men would make suggestions
the people in their homes would consider
the trious suggestions and by the time the
convention meets sentiment would be so
crystalized that the pls tform makers would
have nothing to do but formulate the will
of the people.
Below are some suggestions for the plat
form makers that may start the ball:
L Reduce passenger fares by the Gen
era Assembly to not less than 2 1-2 cents
per mile.
2. Reduce freight rates as much as can
be done not to deny fair returns upon &C
tual money invested in railroads.
8. Taxation upon true actual value.
4. Requiring grade crossings on railroads
wherever in the Judgment of the county
commissioners, protection of life demands
such.
s. No step backward in temperance.
6. Strict regulation of all insurance COM
panies, whether organized in this or in
other states for the protection of the men
who pay for policies. Abolition of insu-
rance trusts and excessive rates charged by
insurance companies particularly by these
1ndustrials that rob the poor.
Z. Require all outside insurance compa-
nies doing business in North Carolina to
invest in this state all money Qess fair pro-
portion for expense) derived from policy
holders in North Carolina, payment Of an
nual dividends and such other reform leg
lsiation as will protect North Carolina poll
cy holders and end the drain on the south |
in the way of insurance money.
8. No free passes or mileage tickets for
public officers, under the guise of actual |
employment as agents or attorneys.
9. Large enough appropriations for care |
of every insane person in the state who Is |
1ndigent or whose near relatives are unable
to care for him.
10. No girl under fourteen can be en-
ployed in textile mills and no boy under |
twelve
IL. No public official, state or county, to |
receive fees-alI public officials to he paid |
fixed salary, and all fees put in the public
treasury.
II. Corporation commission shall act |
for shipper in case the Hepburu bill be-
comes a law.
13. Railroads shall serve local business |
IbOOpCuuChb VI OuoIIOcS W uC1C
through trains delay local passenger service. |
Ia. Complete change in system of magis-
trates and other inferior courts.
Is. Reduction of number of challenges
allowed to the state and other reform in |
the criminal system.
l6. Marry the A. d M. College to the
Agricultural Department; make as liberal
appropriations to educational institutions |
as the condition of the treasury will permit;
provide so that every school district may
have library and continue building public |
school houses until every school district
has good home; and take no back ard |
step in education.
These suggestions, all touching upon
matters that vitaIly concern all the people, |
are presented as the basis for consideration,
in line with the advice of our correspond
ent All of them will not be adopted;
some of them will be improved; but the
platform ought to deal in a specific way
with the vital questions that affect the
people.