, 1908-03-10

A NATIONAL PLATFORM.

Unless all signs fail william Howard
Taft is to be the presidential nominee
of his party this year-and We hazard
the prediction that the moment his
nomination is assured there will be
concerted closing of the Republican
ranks in his support n an immediate
recognition of his all around qualitics-
tions for the office-therefore the plat
form adopted by TIE Republican party
in his state is of vital interest n
to be accepted as having his entire ap
prevail and one that will be the text
for the national declaration of the par
ty.
The Ohio Platform is magnificent for
it's clarity and straightforwardness
Words are not used to conceal intent,
There is not a sign of regeneration,
no squaring of the circle. 1t is strong
enough and sufficiently well founia-
toned to uphold a man like Taft.
1t is a platform of a greater United
States. 1t is for the Panama canal
construction, a greater system of wat
erway that would revolutionize the
present transportation system of the
nation; a merchant marine in accord
with the commercial supremacy of the
United states and In adequate navy 10
protect the flag wherever it floats.
1t is the platform Of the party OF
individualism as against the party
of socialism or paternalism. No truck
ling to any division of the extremists
is attempted. The platform is for gov
eminent control as against gov
eminent ownership. 1t recognizes to
day more than ever the need for d
strong central government that will
not infringe upon the states further
than the changing conditions necessi-
tate. Overlapping of commerce, con-
c%entration of capital and transporta-
ton and the passing Of state barriers
in everyday affairs of business have
brought added duties to he federal
government and this evolutionary
trend is given recognition as it should
be by brave leaders.
The platform is ~splendidly optimistic
The country is in fine shape and there
is no need for tinkering with the none
tary "ystem.
Protection is a dominant factor in
this document. A scantling is not used
for a plank. Scientific revision of the
tariff to be undertaken under the dir
ection of the next congress is advoca'-
ed and this means that whatever
changes may be necessary will be made
in such a way as to cause the least up.
heaval to business. There is to be no
abandonment of the protective system
but such adjustment as may be neces-
sary through ever changing conditions
here and elsewhere.
OF course the platforms stands like
a stone wall for the Roosevelt policies
There is going to be no backing down,
no concessions to the reactionaries
who have been so bitterly opposing the
president. And one has but to read the
Ohio platform at this day, after the
storm and stress from Wall street, to
learn how eminently conservative IN
all essentials has been the republican
national administration. 1t has been
a guarantee of safety to the individual
against the reactionaries who are
dangerous han the extremists n the
other dill ection because they have more
power. The demagogue can find no
comfort in the decorations which ac-
company Mr.. Taft's candidacy from his
home state, and the enemies of the
president will be equally disappointed
Denver Republican.