The Monte Vista journal., 1908-07-11

finances Is not a confession of the
debasing and corrupt use of moneys
in its campaigns.
1t is eminently proper that this con.
vention should define the Democratic
attitude toward the regulation OF
transportation companies and call the
attention Of the country to the indis.
putable fact that it was only after
years OF Democratic effort that an
amendment was made to the interstate
commerce law authorizing the commits.
sion to establish reasonable rates
whenever 1t appeared that an exist
ing schedule was unjust and unreason-
able. The national platforms of the
Republican party remained silent upon
this great question for years and the
fact that the necessary change was
advocated by Republican president.
who succeeded only through the aid Of
the Democrats in both branches OF
congress in placing the amendment
upon our statute books does not affect
the credit to which our party Is en-
titled for having worked persistently
for such an enactment
Further amendment to our laws Civ.
Ing the federal government super
vision over the issuance OF railroad
stocks and bonds is demanded.
The fixing Of transportation charges
and the control of assurances OF rail
road securities are inseparably con-
nected with the actual valuation OF
railroads. The Democratic party be-
lieves that the first thing to do is to
secure physical valuation of the
roads. that is a valuation OF the solid
rather than the liquid assets OF rail-
road companies. While on the other
hand. the Republican party. on a roll
call in the convention. by an over.
whelming vote. took an unequivocal
rates without giving the people the
benefit OF n meter.
We search in vain for one syllable
II the Chicago platform pledging the
Republican party to retrenchment and
reforms; and 1t Is no mere coincidence
that has given us billion-dollar ses.
sion OF congress on the eve OF ma
tional election and the possible re-
vision Of the tariff.
So long as We maintain the present
method OF electing United States sen
ators We cannot hope that the upper
chamber OF congress will reflect the
popular will
On Ave different occasions the house
OF representatives has passed con-
stitutional amendment providing for
the election OF United States senators
by the direct vote OF the people, but
these measures have been sandbagged
In the senate by those who are deter.
mined that the senate shall not be.
come an integral part OF our free. rep
rcsentative institutions.
The Democratic party will continue
to labor for the direct election OF
United States senators. and It appeals
to the voters Of all America to elect
members OF the different state legisla.
lures who will pledge themselves to
vote for no candidate for the United
S'ates senate that is not In favor OF
this reform.
On the bosom OF the Pacific will be
enacted the great commercial strur.
giles Of the future. and the interests OF
American commerce In connection
with the exposure OF our western
shores to any hostile attack will de.
mand that the greater portion OF the
American navy shall be retained In the
waters OF the Pacific to preserve the
peace OF the world
This magnificent western country Of
ours has not only proved attractive to
our own people and the other white
ut k.A h b,,.s 10