Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-06-25

boat destroyers. three steam GOLFERS and
eight submarines to the strength of the
navy. Although at peace with ali the
world. and secure in the consciousness that
the American people do not desire and will
not provoke war with any other country,
we nevertheless declare our unalterable de-
votion to a policy that will keep this re-
public ready at all times TO defend her ira
ditional doctrines and assure her appro-
pirate part in promoting permanent tran
guilty among the nations.
Foreign Commerce.
Under the administration of the Repub-
lican party the foreign commerce of the
United States has experienced remark
able growth, until it has a present annual
valuation of approximately $4,000, 100000
and gives employment to a vast amount
of labor and capital which would otherwise
be idle. Ii has inaugurated. through the
recent visit of the Secretary of State TO
South America and Mexico. a new era Of
pan-American commerce and comfy which
Is bringing us into closer touch with our
twenty sister American republics, having a
common historical heritage a republican
form of government and offering us limit
less field of legitimate commercial expan-
sion.
Arbitrations Treaties.
The conspicuous contributions OF Ameri-
can craftsmanship to the great cause of
international peace so signally advanced
in The Hague conferences. are an occasion
last session of the Senate of the United
States eleven Hague conventions were rati-
sed establishing the rights of neutrals, laws
of war on land. restriction of submarine
mines, limiting the use of force for the
collection of debts, governing the opening
of hoStilitieS, extending the application of
Geneva principles and. in many ways. less
ening the evils of war and promoting the
peaceful settlement of international con-
troverSies
1t the same session twelve arbitration
conventions with great nations were con-
farmed and extradition, boundary and neu-
traliZatiOn treaties of supreme Importance
were ratified.
We indorse such achievements as the
highest duty people can perform and pro-
claim the obligation of further strengthen
ing the bonds of friendship and good will
with all nations of the world.
Merchant Marine.
We adhere to the Republican doctrine Of
encouragement to American shipping and
urge such legislation as will revive the
merchant marine prestige of the country, so
essential to national defense, the enlarge
ment of foreign trade, and the industrial
prosperity of our own people.
Veterans of the Wars.
Another Republican policy which must
be ever maintained is that of generous pro-
vision for those who have fought the coun-
try's battles and for the widows and or
phans of those who have fallen. We COM
mend the increase in the widows pensions
made by the present Congress and declare
for liberal administration of all pension
laws. to the end that the peoples gratitude
may grow deeper as the memories of heroic
sacrifice grow more sacred with the passing
years.
Civil Service.
We reaffirm our former declarations that
the civil service laws. enacted extended and
enforced by the Republican party, shall con-
tinue to be maintained and obeyed
Insular Affairs.
The American government in Republican
hands, has freed Cuba, given peace and
protection to Porto Rico and the Philippines
under our flag and begun the construction
of the Panama Canal.
The present conditions in Cuba vindicate
the wisdom of maintaining between that
republic and this, imperishable bonds Of
mutual interest, and the hope is now ex-
pressed that the Cuban people will soon
again be ready to assume complete soyer-
eighty over their land.
In Porto Rico the government of the
United States is meeting loyal and patri-
otto support; order and prosperity prevail,
and the well-being of the people is in every
respect promoted and conserved. We be-
lieye that the native inhabitants of Porto
Rico should be at once collectively made
citizens of the United States, and that all
others properly qualified under existing
laws residing in said island should have
the privilege of becoming naturalized.
In the Philippines instruction has been
suppressed, law established and life and
property made secure Education and prac-
tical experience are there advancing the
pacity of the people for government, and the
policies of Mckinley and Roosevelt are lead
ing the inhabitants step by step to an ever
increasing measure of home rule.
Time has justified the selection of the
Panama route for the great isthmian canal,
and events have shown the wisdom of
curing authority over the zone through
which it is to be built The work is now
rpnt SirlCy will mir ifV fn Qy
pectations, and already the realization of
the hopes of centuries has come within tine
vision of the near future.
Admission of States.
We favor the immediate admission of the
Territories of New Mexico and Arizona as
separate States in the Union.
Democratic IncaDacity.
We call the attention of the American
people to the fact that none of the great
measures here advocated by the Republican
party could be enacted. and none of the
steps forward here proposed could be taken,
under Democratic administration or under
one in which party responsibility is divided.
The continuance of present policies. there
fore, absolutely requires the continuance in
power of that party which believes in them
and which possesses the capacity to put
them into operation.
Differences of Parties.
Beyond all platform declarations there are
fundamental differences between the Repub-
make the one worthy and the other I'M
worthy of public trust
In history, the difference between Democ-
racy and Republicanism is that the one
stood for debased currency, the other for
honest currency; the one for free silver, the
other for sound money; the one for free
trade. the other for protection the one for
the contraction of American influence, the
other for its expansion; the one has been
forced to abandon every position taken en-
the great issues before the people, the other
has led and indicated all.
In experience, the difference between De-
mOcracy and Republicanism is that one means
adversely. while the other means prosperity
one means low wages, the other means high
the one means doubt and debt, the other
means confidence and thrift.
In principle the difference between De-
mocracy and Republicanism is that one stands
for vacillation and timidity in government,
the other for strength and purpose; one
stands for obstruction, the other for con-
struction one promises, the other performs
one finds fault, the other finds work.
The present tendencies of the two parties
are even more marked by inherent differ
ences. The trend of Democracy is toward
stands for wise and regulated Individual
ism Socialism would destroy wealth. Re-
publicanism would prevent its abuse. Social
ism would give to each an equal right to
take: Republicanism would give to each an
equal right to earn. Socialism would offer
an equality of possession which would soon
leave no one anything to possess; Repub-
licanism would give equality of opportunity
which would assure to each his share of
constantly increasing sum of possessions.
In line with this tendency, the Demo-
cratic party of to-day believes in govern
ment ownership. while the Republican party
believes in government regulation. Ulti-
mateIy, Democracy would have the nation
own the people, while Republicanism would
have the people own the nation.
Upon this platform Of principles and pur-
poses. reaffirming our adherence to every
Republican doctrine proclaimed since the
birth of the party, we go before the coun-
try, asking the support not only of those
who have acted with US heretofore, but of
all our fellow citizens who, regardless Of
past political differences, unite in the desire
to maintain the policies, perpetuate the
blessings and make secure the achievements
of a greater America.
As Things Are.
my goodness, Mrs. Jones, am in de-