The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-22
FOR TAX REFORM.
Ohio Democrats in State Con-
Vention Assembled
Declare for Radical Changes in
Matters of Revenue.
ARE AGAINST PASSES.
They Favor Home Rule and
Municipal Ownership.
Endorse Bryan for the Presi-
Dental Nomination.
ARE AGAINST PASSES.

Columbus. o.. Aug. 22-when the
Ohio Democratic convention reassem-
bled today it was with a knowledge
that fight on county option in tenn
perance legislation, as 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 clear
~ joined. Many of the temperance
advocates among the leaders of the
antisaloon league were understood to
be willing to accept a compromise, but
W. L. Finley had all along maintained
that no compromise which left the
county option idea at all obscured
would be acceptable to him and the
delegates were not surprised at the
prospect of a minority report. The
day was excessively hot and few coats
were in evidence when Chairman Nc
Cam called the convention to order
and asked for the report of the COM
mittee on platform.
The report of the resolutions COM
mittee as presented declared for coun-
/ ty home rule in the matter of taxation,
J. e, each county raise only what it
needs for its expenses and its citizens
authorize; demanded that railway and
other public service corporations 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, alth ough Of
great value, pay nothing towards the
burdens of government; advocated
home rule for each municipality and
their right to inaugurate municipal
ownership through the medium of the
initiative and referendum. A rigid in
spection and supervision of state and
private banks was advocated as was an
antipass law.
The election Of United States sena-
tors by direct vote of the people by. the
adoption of the socalled Oregon plan
was favored.
referendum in state and local affairs
was advocated on the argument that
the people should be the final arbiters
in the matter of granting franchises.
In order to secure purity of elections
the repeal of all special limitations as
to time within which criminal prosecu-
lions may be begun for bribery in cleo
lions was favored
The incoming state central COM
nittee was directed to require that
delegates to the state convention be
selected by primaries. or delegate con-
ventions to be selected by primaries,
such selection to be made by precinct
primaries.
AS TO campaign contributions Dy
corporations the resolutions says:
1.-The refusal OF the Republican ma
jority in the national house of repre-
sentatives to pass the bill pending be-
fore the late session of congress pro-
viding that insurance companies and
other corporations and trusts should
be hereafter prohibited from contri-
buting money to political corruption
funds, is a vital issue in the present
campaign for the election of members
of congress. AS the measure was an
important one and essential before
congress for the control of trusts the
Republican majority should be held
responsible for the bills cowardly de-
feat by being smothered in commit
tee"
The voters attention was called to
the fact that the Democratic victory
in the state last fall had the following
results:
The enactment of the two cent rail-
way fare last fall. the passing of a
state and county salary law replacing
the fee system; the creation of a state
railway commission the repeal of the
Dow law and OF the inheritance tax
law: the creation Of the Drake inves-
tigation committee for Hamilton,
which it is claimed. forced the return
Of a quarter of a million dollars stolen
from the taxpayers by corrupt Of
The late Governor John NJ Patti
son was eulogized and delegates
pledged themselves to continue the
battle he began until a lasting victory
william ]. Bryan was endorsed for
the presidency in 1908 in the following
language:
1T is with feelings of pride that the
half million Democrats of Ohio, note
the preparations making to receive the
most distinguished private citizen of
America upon his return from a tour
of foreign lands. His intellectual en-
dowments his purity Of morals, his
high ideals, have arrested the attention
and compel the admiration of the peo-
pies of all climes. He returns to the
United States splendidly equipped to
erapple with the great problems of
state The Ohio Democracy reneWs its
allegiance to his brilliant and matchless
leadership. No other name appeals to
US for presidential preference. We cor
daily endorse our great commoner,
William Jennings Bryan for the Demo-
cratic nomination for the presidency in
1908. and impatient1y await the sum-
mons to battle under his banner.
The proposition of Mr.. Finley for 10
cal option by counties, the present laws
providing only for township and resi-
dence district option came before the
convention as an amendment to the
platform committees report. Mr. Fin
ley and those with him on the county
ontfon proposition voted for the ball
ance Of the platform and there was no
dissent from its views The proposal
made BY Mr. Finley to the committee
was rejected but was submitted by him
as an amendment to the report of the
committee on resolutions Wnen that
was presented to the convention
u.