The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-07-11
THE DENVER PLATFORM.


Mr.. Bryan's endorsement of the plat
form adopted by the Democrats at
Denver will, we are sure. be echoed by
the Democrats of the nation. And
members Of every party will find in il
much TO commend. Without in any
way sacrificing the principles for which
Mr.. Bryan and the Democratic party
have contended, the platform measures
broadly up 10 the times. II is big
enough for every Democrat 10 stand
upon: and strong enough to attract the
votes OF hundreds OF thousands OF
thoughtful. independent citizens.
One of the most important planks re-
lates to the use of the injunction by
federal courts. In effect the resolution
asks only that the law be so modified
as 10 prevent discrimination and abuse
of the power OF injunction by the
courts; il would not limit the authority
OF the court 10 issue injunctions as now
when immediate action is necessary to
prevent injury to property or life; hut
IL would give those accused OF con-
tempt committed out OF court the
right TO trial by jury. In other words,
IL would preserve the individuals con-
stitutional right 10 a jury trial where
his liberty was threatened for an act
not committed in the presence of the
court; and it would provide, as the
plank SAYS. for rigid impartiality" in
the administration Of the law.
The platform specifically declares in
favor of the law on this subject passed
by the United States senate in 1896 but
which the Republican congress has re-
fused TO pass even under strong pres
sure at the last session from President
Roosevelt. The difference in the attI-
tude Of the two parties is that the Re
publican platform reiterates the lam
guage OF the present statute as its
plank. while the Denver platform
pledges the party 10 a measure of con-
sentative justice. II is TO be noted that
the Denver declaration is much less
radical than Bryan's enemies had pre-
6icted and hoped for. while the Chicago
plank is a direct Reputation of ROose-
velts position as affirmed in his mes
sages 10 congress
In a sense both platforms deny the
demands of those radicals who wished
10 deprive the federal courts OF the
right TO issue injunctions temporarily
on short notice where life or property
might be endangered by delay.
= y X
The tariff plank is as plain as tho
English language could make it. I'VE
favor immediate revision OF the tariff. ."
Il says. by the reduction Of import du-
ties. Articles entering into competition
with trust-controlled products should
be placed upon the free list; ana ma
terial reductions should be made In the
tariff upon the necessaries of lifs. espe-
cially upon articles competing with
such American manufacturing as are
sold abroad more eheapg than at
home; and graduate reductions should
be made i'm such other schedules as
may he necessary 10 restore the tariff
10 a revenue basis"
This is a frank. clear-cut statement.
II is certain that there Is no hope for
tariff revision as long as the Repub-
lear are in control OF national : ~airs.
The millions of Americans in all parties
who believe that the consumers of this
nation have suffered long enough under
the tariff burden must look for aid 10
the Democratic party.
The intent OF the Democrats To deal
Justly by all industries and all citizens
is aptly illustrated by the plank relat-
ing 10 railroads. which says. in part:
I'VE favor such legislation as viii
prohibit the railroads from engaging in
business which brings them into COM
petition with their shippers. also legis-
latinn which viii insure such reduction
In transportation rates as conditions
viii permit care being taken 10 avoid
reduction that would compel a reduc-
ton Of wages. prevent adequate service
or do injustice TO legitimate invest
ments"
That Is certainly ,air 10 the public as
well as to the railrlad companies. And
il shows that there is no desire on 5he
part OF the Democratic party To con-
fscate the property OF any corporation
or any individual
4 new feature in the platform is Mr..
Bryan's idea OF guaranteeing depoSitors
IN national banks against loss. The