The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-09-11
PARTY PLATFORM
OF THE DEMOCRATS
Railroad Rate Reform is a
Leading Issue
LOBBYING IS DENOUNCED
w. J. Bryan Is Endorsed for President
of the United States and Faith
Is Expressed for B. 3.
Conner.

Montgomery. September 10-(speciaL)-
Following is the platform adopted by the
democrats in state convention today:
I'VE, the democrats of Alabama, in con-
ventlon assembled. rejoice that the true
principles of democracy are gaining
ground in state and nation. We congrat-
ulate the people of this state on their
splendid achievement in wrenching the
political control of this state from the
domination of foreign railroads: and we
declare on behalf of all good democrats
in Alabama the following principles and
policies of our party:
Il. That we have not forgotten the
Declaration of Independence written by
the great founder of our party. but adj
here to the same in letter and spirit. We
believe in equal and exact Justice be-
tween man and man and between man
and corporation.
% That we endorse all essential prin-
ciples and policies advocated by demoe-
raeys great leader. William Jennings
Bryan, especially his arraignment of
trusts, private monopoies and the abuses
of public service corporations. We pro-
claim him the greatest democrat of our
time and believe In his overwhelming
election as President Of the United States.
We endorse him as the standard-bearer of
our party in 1908.
Corporation Control.
''S. In line with the policies of our lead
er, we favor the complete control and
regulation of all corporations and the an
inhalation of trusts by national and state
governments acting within their respec-
tive spheres, and demand the absolute
enforcement of railroad and trust intiu-
ences from national and state affairs.
a That we have unlimited confidence
in our fearless leader, Hon. b. B. Conner,
the nominee of the democratic party for
governor, and unqualihedly endorse his
able, untiring and successful fight Tor
lower freight rates, equitable car SER
vice rules and prompt settlement of
claims by common carriers, we'll as the
regulation by law of express, telegraph,
telephone and other public service COR
porations We pledge him our hearty sup
port in carrying out these policies.
Square Deal.
20. That we recognize that railroads
and public service corpora lions are en-
titled to just returns from their invest
ments in this state, provided extortionate
rates are not required of our people.
In all their legitimate interests such cor
porations are entitled to protection by
law We recognize the right of all COR
porations which conform to our laws to
do business in this state; their rights
and privileges will be protected In the
same measure as the rights and privileges
of private citizens and private corpora
lions, and we pledge the faith of the DEM
ocratic party of Alabama to the full pro-
lection of all corporations In the proper
exercise of their lawful functions.
.6. We condemn without qualification
the practice of other states in exploiting
the state of Alabama by granting cor
porate franchises to be exercised in this
f1fa oaf1 fror 70 orr Ia n we 81
mand legislation requiring all foreign
corporations before doing business in this
state to become domestic corporations in
accordance with our laws and recommend
that suitable and liberal laws for their
domestication be enacted.
Against Lobbying.
81. We denounce the offense of lobbying
as direct attack upon the welfare of
Alabama. We demand legislation which
will clearly define and prohibit this Of
Tense in any form.
'S. That we demand the enactment of
a law requiring any and all employed
agents, attorneys or representatives OF
special interests who desire to prcssl.
th,ir views or the views II thei- prin-
ci9als or clients IN sega : to ~ 'Aing
or anticipst 1 legislation, 10 register in
special books to be kept by the clerk of
the house of representatives and by the
which book or books shall at all times
be kept open to inspection by any per-
son-the following statement of facts
concerning themselves and their employ
ment viz:
% The name and address of said agent,
attorney or representative. (2) The name
and principal business office or address
of the person, partnership or corpora
ton represented. together with the bus
mess or occupation of said person. part
nership or corporation go The legislation
in which the person, partnership or COZ
poration thus represented by him Is in
terested. ca The compensation paid, or
agreed to be paid to or received by said
agent, attorney or representative for his
services in behalf of said person, partner
ship or corporation.
80. That we demand effective legisla-
ton enforcing the prompt adjustment OF
claims of the people OF the state against