The Democratic advocate., 1907-08-16
The Maryland Democfacys Strong
Ticket And Strong Platform.
From the Baltimore Sun August 10.

Ticket And Strong Platform.
From the Baltimore Sun August 10.
The Democratic State Convention which
was held in this city on Thursday seems to
Embossed convention, with membership
free to select their own principles. The re-
suit of this free convention was the nomina.
ton of strong ticket upon a strong platform.
In respect to its freedom, this convention was
a refreshing contrast with all that have pre-
ceded it in many years. 1t has been the
monotonous practice in former years, going
back for generation. for the convention to
meet simply for the formal ratification of that
which had been predetermined in the upper
chamber of hotel or in the quietude OF a
select conference of two or three leaders. The
candidates were chosen in advance and the
platform was adopted in advance. In Thurs
days convention there was no ratification OF
predetermined states or resolutions. All was
fought ont in the open. and there was notice
able disposition among the prudent leaders OF
the party to sink personal preference for the
party good Mr.. Crothers was nominated tor
Governor, not because he WAS the personal
preference of all the delegates. Doubtless
many of them would have given personal pre-.
ference to another. The reason why so many
of them abandoned their individual choice
and voted for Mr.. Crothers was because they
considered him the strongest candidate. The
convention was, of course, not without con-
test, but these contests we're sign OF healthy
life and strength and will leave no sting. 1t
was the contest of men engaged in honorable
warfare without personal rancor, and there
was the swaying back and forth of the lines OF
battle as this side or that prevailed in a gen.
uine and honest fight.
A platform is generally addressed mainly
to party voters. But 10 fair minded people
this platform seems to have been framed to
appeal to men of independent and advanced
ideas. Indeed, if it had been drawn to at
tract independent voters it could not have
been better drawn. 1t addresses itself strong
" to the advanced political thought OF the day.
and is an indication that the party is putting
itself in line with that thought and with higher
political ideals. And the direction and "com
mand'' that primaries for the selection OF
United States Senators be held on or before
November of the present year follows pre-
cept with practice and provides for the lmme'
diate redemption of one of the most important
of the platform promises. This proof OF good
faith in so important particular will strength
en- popular confidence in the good faith OF the
whole platform. as well as in the honesty and
sincerity of the party under the new auspices
and spirit which seem to controllt. The Sun
has for wears earnestly advocated the adoption
of the popular system of nominations, and the
Democratic party is to be congratulated that
it has, by the adoption of this principle, placed
itself in closer touch with the people and
emancipated itself from the tyranny of the
boss system.
The adoption Of such platform as that
which was put forth is especially an unmlstak
able sign of new life and regeneration.
Ten years ago such platform would have
been impossible 1t would have died silently
in a committee room. In fact, it is hardly
Illikely that a delegate would have been found
SO courageous as to present such resolutions
as those pledging the party to an effective
measure against bribery and corruption and
for the popular nomination of candidates. Ii
has been said more than once in derislon that
a political platform is like the platform OF a
railroad car-not intended 10 stand on, but
merely to get in on. But one of the most
significant features of this significant platform
is that it contains guarantee of good faith
that cannot be impeached. The pledge to lei
the people select the men who are to repre-
sent them in the United States Senate is to
become effective before or on the day of the
general election and before the State candi.
| dates get into office.
The Democratic party, in its resolutions,
takes just pride in the good government OF
the State under Democratic administrations in
the excellence of its public institutions in the
efficient financial management; in its freedom
from public debt and in the low State tax rate
and then distinct promises are made to the
people. In brief, these promises are-to enact
corrupt practices law for the suppression Of
bribery at elections; general primary eec
ton law for the selection of candidates fol
State offices and for the United States Senate
by the direct vote of the people; that the Ha
man Oyster law shall be retained in its integ
rity; to promote good immigration; to continue
the policy of improving the public highways
With regard to the suffrage amendment tc
the Constitution and the elimination of the
illiterate negro vote, ''the Democratic party
stands steadfast, and promises at the earliest
possible time to submit an amendment which
will protect the rights of native-born ano
naturalized white citizens, and at the same
time dsfranchise ignorant negroes.
With such declaration Of platform princi
Piles and such ticket there is no reason why
the Democratic party cannot 60 before the