The semi-weekly messenger., 1908-02-25

Chicago. February 2z.-Steps for the
formation OF new national political
party were taken at a conference Of
ths independence league today. The
action followed short speech by Viii
liam Randolph Hearst, enunciatiag tie
principles of the league and the adop-
ton Of declaration of principles"
setting forth the objects Of the ofgani-
zation and the means by which it
hopes to attain them. The provisional
national committee, of which MI.
Hearst is chairman, was authorized by
resolution to call a national copVen-
ton to nominate candidates for ths
presidency and the Vice-presidenSy af
Ter the republican and demOfTatie
parties have held their gatherings in
licago and Denver respectively
The platform was reported by Clar
ence ]. Shearn, of New York, chair
man Of the committee appointed in
September, 1907, to formulate the
document.
"The objects Of the independence
league are to conserve for the citizens
Of the United States the rights Of the
liberties won for them by the found
ers Of this government" says the
platform, ana to perpetuate the prin-
ciples and policies upon which the
nations greatness has been built. The
league is devoted to the preservation
Of American liberty, to honesty in
elections, to opportunity in business,
to equa.-,y before the law"
The declaration advocates direct
nominations Of all candidates, popular
elections Of United States senators
and judges, and legislation prohibiting
the use Of money at elections except
for meetings, literature and the neces-
sary travelling expenses of candidates.
An income tax is advocated, as ia
public ownership of all public utilities,
when municipal, state and national
governments are in a position to un-
dertake this. The immediate purchase
of the telegraph lines is made an is
sue separately. The referendum Is en-
dorsed, oyer-capitalization Of indus
tries IS condemned and the league de-
clares that the right to issue money Is
inherent in the government and that
further necessary issues should be
made by the government and loaned
to the banks upon securities approved
by the secretary Of the treasury"
Union labor organizations are en-
dorsed when they tend to bring about
"just distribution Of wealth and
laws for an eight hour day. {.
The enforced use of safety appli-
ances in industrial undertakings and
the right Of trial by jury in contempt
cases are favored.
AS to railroads, the league demands
federal and state inspection for the
promotion CT safety, the abolition of
rebates, the procuring Of cheaper rates
and the securing of the right to ship
oers to appeal to courts in case the
roads fail TO furnish and move freight
cars. A court to review and enforce the
orders Of the interstate commerce
commission is suggested
A revision Of the tariff by a gradual
reduction of schedules, postal saving
banks, federal aid for good roads, ma
tional Incorporation laws and a strong
navy are advocated. A ship subsidy
for the development of commerce and
the extension of the reserve naval
force is endorced
The document ends with an apprn-
val Of the project to complete n ship
canal from the gulf Of Mexico to the
Great Lakes and of the irrigation pro-
gram now contemplated by the govern
meut