Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1908-07-08


Temporary Chairman Bells speech
In full follows
We have assembled at a time when
the public conscience is demanding
honesty of purpose in the men who
undertake to direct the affairs of state
The public eye is keenly sensitive to ev-
cry political movement. and our pro-
ceedings here will be approved ac-
cording to the degree of sincerity APP
pearing in the work of this conven-
ton. There is a widespread belief
founded upon evidence of convincing
character, that the party in power has
not been true to its trust. that 1t has
betrayed the common interest into
he hands of the enemies of good gov
ernment, thereby forfeiting its right
and destroying its ability to rule in
the name of the people.
Apparent to evcrv one is thu fact
that way down deep in the heart "
the republican convention at Chicago
there was feeling or anger and re-
sentiment over the popuilr clamor for
reform; and 1t is usually patent that
there is no bona fde intention on the
republican party of granting any re-
| forms. if the machinery of that party
can be retained in present hands. It's
paper platform. divided like ancient
Gaul into three parts-barren prom
J ises, makeshifts and evasions-it is
| hoped will make a good campaign
| transparency; but no one seriously be-
lieves that the republican party really
endorses that neutral manuscript
which held the convention together
until 1t could ratify the nomination
OF a presidential candidate.
Approaching our great task in a
manly. dignified manner. imbued with
the loftiest sentiments of patriotism.
ambitious to throw every safeguard
around the liberties of our people. de-
termined to stamp out the abuses that
are consuming the substance of the
nation, let us proceed to our appoint
ed duty with the sustaining conscious
ness that we are responsible alone to
God and to our country for the JUS
tice of our cause.
There are three things that this
convention should do. 1t ought to pre-
sent in a plain and Ineligible man
ner the serious industrial and politi-
cal conditions that are disturbing 'he
peace and happiness of our country.
| We should then proceed to cour-
| ageous exposure of the repuhlicnn a
policies that are co-ou,4ating th
private greed in the general oppres-
sion of the people. Most important of
ALL we must exhibit a readiness and
an ability to grasp the problems of
the hour and to effect their solution
in a manner that will satisfy the sober
| commonsense Of the multitudes whose
interests are at stake.
Among the great evils that afnict
the country at the present time is the
! abuse of corporate power. At first
the advancing aggressions Of the cor
porations are not discernibe to the
common eye. for every move Is care
fully covered up until sufficient poll
tical strength is attained to defy the
protests of the people Thus the
constant and insidlous invasion of the
peoples rights finally results in a
species Of arrogance and. defiance so
formidable in its appearance that the
body of the people. In fear of even
worse aggressions. hesitate to assert
and exercise their rightful authority
over these colossal enemies of the
commonwealth. And so we behold a
subverslon Of our free institutions,
adornment voluntarily subordinating
itself to selfish private ends, special
privileges resortng to cunning. brib-
cry and Indignation to maintain its
unholy power, while the masses timid-
ly hope that when avarlce has at last
reached the point CT safety it will
then benevolently permit the people
TO resume their rightful share In the
government of themselves. Whenever
the mutterings of the people become
too threatening the cry of confsc 9tiln
goes up and appeals are fcantlcally
| made to the sacred rights Of patty
This is lrtended to alright the ears Of
honest men In the enjoyment oe the
fruits or their industry and thrift and
by thus playing upon their prejudice
and fears to deter them from casting
their Influence on the side OF whole
sale reforms. The cry of conhscaton
Is the historic defense of usurpation.
Let the people take warming When
ever the wrongs OF today become the
vested rights of tomorrow the nation
Is in deadly peril.
The democratic party is not the
enemy Of property; but to the con-
trary. II has always stood and will
continue 10 stanl firmly against every
species or aggression that would de-
stroy or weakon the right of any man
TO enjoy the rewards to which his pa
tlenee, his skin. his Industry and his
economy, entitle him Our party ap.
proves that 'ee' ng of pride which al
ways accompanies the possession al
property, and Il commends an lndi.
vidual ownership In the soil that vii
bring to the homes of America more
Of the conveniences, comforts and
luxuries Of life. Against the evils OF
special privilege we urge the benefit,
of equal opportunity. In order thaI
there may be more land owners. more
homes, and more happiness among n,
masses.
The democratic party Is not Al
enemy Of all corporations. II recog
nlzes their great value In the indus
trial world. Through the agency O
incorporation scattered wealth Il
brought together and given a drlvinl
force that II would not otherwise pos
sess. Great enterprises arc thereb.
undertaken and the undeveloped re