The Mena weekly star., 1906-08-30


 Columbus, O., Aug. 23.-When the Ohio democratic convention re-assem- bled Wednesday it was with the knowledge that fight on county op- ton in temperance legislation. as a part of the declaration of principles was assured.
 A protracted night session of the committee on the platform had been insufficient to bring the different opin- ions together and the issues were clearly joined. Many of the temper ance advocates, among them the lead CTS Of the anti-saloon league, were understood to be willing to accept a compromise but w. l.. Finley had all along maintained that no compro- mise which left the county option idea at all obscured would be accept able to him and the delegates were not surprised at the prospect of minority report. The day was excess sively hot and few coats were in evi- dence when Chairman McCann called the convention to order and asked for the report of the committee on plat form
 Thomas E. Powell, chairman of the the reading being followed with close attention. frequent applause greeting favorite blanks.
 The report of the resolutions com mittee as presented declared for coun- ty home rule in the matter of taxa ton: i.e: each county raise only what 1t needs for it's expenses and its cit izens authorize; demanded that rail roads and other public service corpora tions be assessed at not less than their salable value as going concerns; that a tax be levied on all franchise privileges as on other property which now, although of great value, pay nothing towards the burdens of gov ernment; advocated home rule for each municipality and their right to inau- gurate municipal ownership through l the medium of the initiative and re- | ferendum. A rigid inspection and su- eprvision of state and private banks
  | law The election of United States sen- ! ators by direct vote of the people | by the adoption of the so-called Ore | gon plan was favored.
 The adoption of the initiative and referendum fin state and local affairs was advocated on the argument that the people should be the final arbiters in the matter of the granting of fran | chises.
 In order to secure purity of elections the repeal of all special limitations as to time within which criminal prose. cutions may be begun for bribery in elections was favored.
 The late governor John NJ. Patison was eulogized and delegates pledged | themselves to continue the battle he began until lasting victory be won.
 William J. Bryan was endorsed for the presidency in 1908 in the follow ing language:
 Tt is with feeling of pride that the 500,000 democrats of Ohio note the preparations making to receive the most distinguished private citizen of America upon his return from tour of foreign lands. Hhis intellectual en- dowments, his purity of morals, his high ideals, have arrested the atten- tion, aad compel the admiration of the people of all climes. He returns to the Uinted States splendidly equipped to grapple with the great problems of state. The Ohio democ- racy renews its allegiance to his bril- liant and matchless leadership. No other name appeals to us for presiden- tM preference. We cordially endorse our great commoner, William Jen- nings Bryan, for the democratic nom- ination for the presidency in 1908 and impatiently await the summons to battle under his banner"
 Mir. Powell moved the adoption of the report but before vote. W. l.. Finley offered his amendment as a subtitute for the initiative and refer endum plank and moved its adoption.
 J. S. McMahon, of Dayton, also a member of the resolutions committee, presented the views of the majority of that committee.
 On the roll call the substitute plank was lost and the majority report was then adopted.