Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1908-05-16
THE M|NOI
PLATFORM

me resolutions adopted at the
Republican state convention at Mi
not are as follows:
We, the Republicans Of the state
of North Dakota, in convention as
sembled, do hereby adopt the follow
ing principles as our PLATFORM:
L. We indorse the administration
and policy of President Theodore
Roosevelt, and declare our apprecia-
tion of his efforts that our govern
ment shall in fact, as we'll as in name,
be administered in the interest of the
whole people. We believe with him
that there should be no domination
of our politics by predatory wealth
or special interests, but the privileg-
es conferred by government should
be equally shared by all, and that
all citizens should be equal before
the law.
Protect American Industries.
2. We favor the speedy revision of
the tariff by the Republican party in
such manner that, while all necessary
protection to legitimate American
industry is retained, all duties which
are no longer needed in their present
form shall be reduced or abolished,
and we especially recommend the
abolition of all tuties on those arti-
Giles whose production or distribution
are controlled and manipulated by
trusts.
8. We heartily indorse the activity
of the present national administra-
ton in relation to the preservation
and conservation of the natural
wealth and resources of the country,
and especially its efforts in relation
to forestration, and retaining Of the
arid west by irrigation, the making
once more the waterways of the
country national highways which
shall. be free and open to all our citi-
zens.
4. We advocate speedy and cour-
ageous treatment of the financial
question to the end that a safe and
stable currency may be guaranteed,
panics may be prevented, and dis
rupting speculations thwarted.
8. We believe that the successor
of President Roosevelt should be
man who is committed and who is
able and willing to carry on the
policies and reforms of the present
administration, and to that end we
instruct our delegates to the conven-
ton at Chicago to vote for the nom
ination for the presidency Of the
United States of Honorable William
H. Taft of Ohio.
6. We believe that the same great
principles which have commanded
our support for the Roosevelt idea in
national politics, should also obtain
in the organization and administra-
ton of the Republican party within
the state and to that end. ,.
Eliminate Corporate Influence.
Z. We believe that the most bane-
full influence of the political life of
the Republican party of this state is
that OF public service corporations,
and we demand the absolute elimina-
ton of the public service corporation
from participation in the political
affairs Of the state, as advocated by
President Roosevelt, and which has
made him the idol of this nation.
Recognizing that at present there is
a widespread feeling among the peo-
pie OF this country that railroads and
other public service corporations are
not bearing their just share of public
burdens, and that the toll now being
collected from our people by these
corporations is, in many cases, out
of all proportion.
8. We Recommend that there shall
be made at the earliest possible date,
a valuation Of the property of such
corporations to determine the proper
basis for taxation thereof, to the end
that corporate property shall be plac-
ed on an equal basis of all other
property, and for the proper adjust
ment of rates charged by such cor
porations.
Governor Burke is Arraigned.
8. We denounce the present gov
ernor of the state for his failure to
redeem his pledges made on the
stump to the people in the last cam
paign, upon the question of railroad
taxation, and his failure to register
his vote on this question as MEM
Der OF the state board of equalization.
10. We realize further that the
problem OF taxation is one of most
vital importance before our people,
and therefore recommend such
changes in the tax laws to the end
that a complete and rational system
OF taxation be adopted, which shall
distribute fairly and impartially the
burdens of taxation.
IL. The primary election law hav-
ing been devised to give the individ-
uai voter the opportunity for larger
participation in the political affairs
OF his party and state, we pledge
ourselves to the maintenance of the
primary principles and to such
changes, amendments and improve
ments as will from time to time sug.
gest themselves to its proper and inn
partial operation after giving the law
a fair trial.
~. Under the inspiring leadership
OF Theodore Roosevelt, the American
conscience has been quickened and
aroused to recognize the Importance
OF the doctrines of the square deal, )"
which means equality of all men be
fore the law, and the equal enforce
ment OF the laws. We therefore
pledge the Republican party in this
state to the doctrine Of law enforce
ment and call upon the men who are
to bear the standard of Republican,
ism, to recognize this pledge in the
administration of the Offices to which
they may be chosen.
just Control of Railroads.
ID. Transportation is necessary to
the development Of all sections of the