Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1908-06-17

heht OF the nation. We demand
equal justice for all men, without
regard to race or color. We an
prove the efforts OF President
Roosevelt and the Republican ma
1ority In congress. over solid
Democratic opposition. to secure
equal accommodations on railroads
and other public carriers for all
citizens; whether white or black.
We declare once more and without
reservation for the enforcement I'm
spirit and letter OF all those amend
ments TO the constitution which
were designed for the protection
and advancement OF the negro and
we condemn all devices like the So
called grandfather clauses. that
have for their real aim his dis
franchisement for reasons OF color
alone, as unfair, un-American. and
repugnant to the supreme law of
the land.
Civil Service Laws.
We reaffirm former declarations
that the civil service laws. enacted
extended and enforced by the Re-
publican party, shall continue to be
maintained and obeyed.
Conservation OF Resources.
We indorse the movement inau-
gurated by the president for the CO.
operative conservation of natural re-
sources; we favor the preservation
of the White Mountain and the Ap-
palachian forests; we approve all
measures to prevent the waste of
timber, and commend the work now
going on for the reclamation of
arid lands. No obligation OF the
future Is NOR einsistent and none
will result in greater blessings to
Dosterity. In line with this splendid
undertaking. is the further duty,
imperative, to enter upon
systematic improvement upon
large and comprehensive plan, Just
to all portions of, the country. of
the waterways, harbors and Great
Lakes whose natural adaptability
to the increasing traffic of the land
is one OF the greatest gifts OF a be-
nign providence.
i. Army and Navy.
The sixtieth congress passed
many commendable acts increasing
the efficiency, of the army and navy
making the militia OF the states an
integral part, of the national estab-
ushment; authorizing joint maneu-
vers of the army and militia; .forti-
flying new naval bases and complet-
Ing the construction OF coaling sta
tons; instituting a female nurse
corps for naval hospitals and ships,
and adding two new battleships, ten
torpedo boat destroyers, three steam
golfers and eight submarines to the
strength of the navy. Although at
peace with the world, and secure in
the consciousness that the American
people do NOT desire and will not
provoke war with any other coun-
try, we nevertheless declare our I'M
alterable deyotion to a policy that
will keep this republic ready at all
times to defend her traditional doc
trines. protect her citizens at home
and abroad and assure her an APP
propriate part in promoting perma-
nent tranquility among the nations.
International Peace.
The conspicuous contributions of
American craftsmanship to the
great cause, OF international peace
so signally advocated in The Hague
conference, are an occasion for just
pride and qualification. At the last
session of the senate of the United
States. eleven Hague conventions
were ratified establishing the rights
Of neutrals, laws Of war on land,
restriction OF submarine mines,
limiting the laws for collection of
eontractual debts. governing the
opening of hostlllties, extending the
application of Geneva principles and
in many ways lessening evils OF war
and promoting the peaceful settle
ment OF International controversies.
At the same session twelve arbitra-
ton conventions with great nations
were confirmed, and extradition
boundary and naturalization treaties
OF supreme importance were ratified
We indorse such achievements as
the supremest duty a national can
perform, and proclaim the obllga-
ton OF further strengthening the
bond of friendship and good will
with all the nations of the world.
American Shipping.
We adhere 10 the Republican doc
.trine 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 In.
dustrial prosperity OF our own PEG.
pie
Health Department.
We indorse the movements d.
signed 10 secure the organization oil
all existing national public health
agencies INTO single national
hoaIth dprarfr,ort opd So,or evct