The Detroit times., 1908-07-21
BRADLEY OUTLINES
STRONG PLATFORM
IN STATE FIGHT
DECLARES FOR CONTROL OF COR
PoRATioNs, EQUAL TAXATION,
WIDE PRIMARY LAW-AoAINsT
PROFESSIONAL LOBBYIST.

Dr. ]. b. Bradley has issued the fol-
lowing statement relative to his candi-
dacy for the Republican nomination
for governor:
AS an aspirant for the Republican
nomination for the office OF governor II
is proper that l should state my posi-
ton upon the political questions which
are receiving consideration by the peo-
pie during the present state campaign.
IL honored by the Republican party
with a nomination. and by the people
or Michigan with an election, 1 shall
enter the Office of governor pledged TO
an efficient and economical administra-
ton OF public Affairs. The state has a
right to require Of it's servants an in
dustrious and devoted service. The ct
ficiency of the civil service should
equal in all respects the most efficient
The use of public patronage to in
fuence legislation. TO control party
nominations ,., or to promote personal
ticed IL a serious menace to the well
fare OF the state and should absolutely
cease.
The state OF Michigan has committed
itself TO railroad regulation by the en-
actment of railroad commission law.
The situation demands its strict en-
forcement and the enactment OF any
amendments thereto. which experience
may prove necessary to make 1t effec-
tive.
Over-Ca pitalixation nm EVIL.
Over-capitalization Is the greatest
evil OF the present day business world.
II is the creator OF trusts and the chief
source OF financial disaster. The dis
honest manipulation OF the securities
Of railroads and other public service
corporations is a crime against their
stockholders and the public which must
patronize them, and Is deserving OF the
most severe punishment. The public
and the shareholder alike should have
the protection of every possible legis-
lattve safeguard
For years equal taxation has been an
universal cry OF the people OF our
state. 1t is just as important that II
shall be equal as between corporations
as that II shall be equal as between
corporations and individuals. There Is
no argument in favor OF the ad VAL
orem taxation OF railroads that does
not apply with equal force to the taxa
ton OF telegraph and telephone COM
panies. The present inequality should
be removed by making all these cor.
porations subject TO the provisions OF
the present ad valorem law.
Favors Wide Primary Law.
A state wide primary law which will
make II possible to elect ali officers,
state. county and municipal, by a di-
rect vote is unquestionably desired by
large majority OF the people and
favor the enactment OF such law.
The professional lobbyist, whether he
be a public official or a private citi-
zen, Is a constant menace to good leg
isiation.. and his presence In legisle-
tive halls is most undesirable. The
legislature should either by Its rules or
by legal enactment restrict as far as
possible his activities, but II Is import
ant that neither rule nor law shall
deny to any citizen the privilege of a
hearing upon any matter In which he
Is interested and which may be the
subject Of proposed legislation.
There has never been time in the
history OF our country when the tend
-eney- towards extravagancc In both
public and private expenditures was
OF our state taxes has not only been
very large. but demands the closest
scrutiny. I earnestly favor the strict
est economy In the administration OF
public institutions and In the conduct
OF the affairs OF the state. A substan-
tial reduction should be made In the
burden OF state taxes now borne by the
property owners OF the state.
Advocates Reforestratton.
At the present rate OF consumption
the timber resources or the country
will be completely exhausted In thirty
years. This condition IL one of grave
concern. II Is OF the utmost import
ance that immediate action be taken to
fast disappearing forests. Reforestra-
ton has proved practicable and sue
cessful In other countries. 1t is quite
fitting that Michigan. the once great
lumber state, should be the leader in a
movement for REPRESENTATION. 1t is
work OF public Improvement second 10
none.
Action by the state looking towards
the conservation OF It's natural re-
sources should be supplemented by
earnest effort TO promote the develop
ment OF agriculture and increase our
industries.
There Is still room for hundreds OF
thousands OF settlers on our Michigan
lands, and the possibilities of agricul-
tural and industrial growth are un-
limited.
These things count for the perma-
nent prosperity and happiness of the
people, and should be. and so far as
can control. shall be matters OF first
concern in our political activities.