Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-06-18

lHcuu luc WUTh uOW sSOlu5 ioi shN reclamation of arid lands, and re- affirm the republican policy of the free distribution of the available areas of the public domain to the landless settlers. No obligation or the future is more fnsistent and none will result in greater blessings to posterity. In line with this splendid undertaking Is the further duty, equally 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 in- creasing traffic of the land is one of the greatest gifts of benign Provi- dence.
 The Army and Navy.
 The present congress passed many commendable acts increasing the ef- ficiency of the army and navy; mak- ing the militia of the states an in- tegral part of the national establish ment; authorizing joint maneuVers of army and militia; fortifying new naval bases and completing the con struction of coaling stations; insti- tuting female nurse corps for naval hospitals and ships and adding two new battleships, ten torpedo boat destroyers, three steam colliers and eight submarines to the strength of the navy. Although at peach with all the world and secure in the con sciousness that the American people do not desire and will not provoke a war with any other country, we nevertheless declare our uaalterable devotion to policy that will keep this republic ready at all times to defend her traditional doctrines and assure her appropriate part in pro- noting permanent tranquility among the nations.
 Protection of American Citizenship Abroad.
 We commend the vigorous efforts made by the administration to pro tect American citizens in foreign lands and pledge ourselves to insist upon the just and equal protection of all our citizens abroad. It is the un- questioned duty of the government to procure for all citizens, without dis tinction, the rights of travel and so- journ in friendly countries and we declare ourselves in favor of all proper efforts tending to that end.
 Extension of Foreign Commerce.
 Under the administration of the re- publican party the foreign commerce of the United States has experienced remarkable growth until 1t has at present an annual valuation of ap- proximately three billions of dollars and gives employment to, vast amount of labor and capital which would be otherwise idle. It has in- augurated through the recent visit of the secretary of state to South Ameri- ca and Mexico new era of Pan American commerce and comity which is bringing us into closer touch with our twenty sister American re- kpublics, having a common historical heritage, a republican form of gov ernment and offering us a limitless field of legitimate commercial ex- pansion.
 Arbitration and The Hague Treaties.
 The conspicuous contributions of American statesmanship to the great cause of international peace, so sig nally advanced in The Hague confer ences are an occasion for just pride and qualification. At the last session of the senate of the United States eleven Hague conventions were rati- fled and establishing the rights of neutrals, laws of war on land. re- striction of submarine mines. limit ing the use of force for the collection of contractural debts, governing the opening of hostilities. extending the application of Geneva principles and in many ways lessening the evils of war and promoting the peaceful set tlement of international controversies. At the same session twelve arbitra- tion conventions with great nations were confirmed. and extradition, boundary and naturalization treaties of supreme importance were ratified. We endorse such achievements as the highest duty a people can perform and proclaim the obligation of furth- CT strengthening the bonds of friend ship and good will with all the na- tions of the world.
 Merchant Marine.
 We adhere to the republican doc Urine of encouragement to American shipping and urge such legislation as will revive the merchant marine pres of hn nsrNH E.N national defense. the enlargement of foreign trade and the industrial pros- perity of our own people.
 Veterans of the Wars.
 Another republican policy which must ever he maintained is that of generous provision for those who have fought the country's battle and for the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. We com mend the increase in the widows pensions made by the present con- gress and declare for a liberal ad- ministration of all pension laws. to the end that the peoples gratitude may grow deeper as the memories of heroic sacrifice grow more sacred with the passing years.
 Civil Service.
 We reafirm our declarations that the civil service laws. enacted. ex- tended and enforced by the repub- lican party shall continue to be maintained and obeyed.
 Public Health.
 We commend the efforts designed 70 secure greater eFicienrv ia na-