The weekly herald. [volume] (Amarillo, Tex.) 1906-19??, 1908-08-20
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EXCHANGE COMMENT
The nemocrallo Plalfofm.

The Texas Democratic platform
adopted at San Antonio is clear
and sound declaration OF party prin-
ciples and policies, II correctly
voices the dominant public opinion
OF Texas In respect 10 every peril
nent political question. II stands
for all the REFORM legislation ro-
Gently enacted and challenges com
parlson OF Texas laws with the laws
OF other states, but 80 far from In
dlcating hostility to capital, II dis
tinotly invites legitimate investment
and encourages material develop
ment.
While there Is no sign Of reaction,
there is a becoming spirit OF con-
servatlsm and caution. The result
Of tho late primary was properly con-
strued as a vlndication OF past and
present policies, but not as encour-
agement OF legislative adventure.
Only two policies that might be
called new we're inaugurated. ono
is the guaranty OF state bank de-
poslts and the other Is decreasing
tho number and increasing the pay
Of Legislators.
The first Is entirely consistent
with the plank OF the Denver plat
form promising the guaranty OF ma
tional bank deposits. It is wise In
Cts own behalf, and 81 Is a necessary
part Of the proposed national policy,
for II national bank deposits are 70
be guaranteed state bank deposits
must be guaranteed or state banks
would suffer. Even II the proposed
national policy should not prevail,
the guaranty OF state bank deposits
Ia none the less justiflable as a state
policy. In the ono case II is a ne
tesslty and In the other distinct
duty both as measure OF protection
10 the people whom the state in
ttitutlons serve and as a spur to the
national congress 10 protect in like
manner the people whom the fed
trail institutions serve.
Tho reduction OF the number and |
me inrcease Of the pay OF legislators
a matter that has long had public |
Approval. but not before has 1t beoA
presented in this concise form. It is
! measure Of simplicity and economy
that ought 10 have been adopted
bng ago, and we trust the incom-
hg legislature will promptly submit
The necessary constitutional amend
hent.
The point OF great contention and
Inference OF opinion was the subs
mission OF a prohibition amendment
10 the state constitution. We are
IT'LL OF the opinion, as heretofore
Expressed, that under the terms OF
he law the demand failed by re-
leiVing less than a majority OF all !
he votes cast in the primary. The
htal vote in the primary was 329,-
TAI, tho total vote for and against
admission was 2S9,SS2, the vote for
admission was 244,2S4 and against
admission 140,59S. Thus the affr-
native vote for submission was much
esa than one-halt the whole vote,
Yearly $4,000 voters refralned from
Expressing themselves upon the sub
bet. We believe the intention OF
The legislature was to prohibit party
demands failing TO receive the posi-
i've approval OF a majority OF Dem
bcrats participating in the primary
Election. But In the absence OF
judicial Interpretation the view OF
he convention must be accepted as
h official Democratic instruction.
An unfortunate complication
srows out OF the fact that many
members OF the legislature were
Elected upon the distinct pledge of
he candidate TO vote as his county
lr district voted. In counties and
districts that voted against submits
don, with the pledge OF the candi-
late 10 obey local instructions, the
member is bound by personal COW
nant to vote contrary to the party
Instruction, and he will incur no
roper reproach II he regards his
ocal pledge as superior to the party's
mandate. 1t is impossible to foresee
he outcome OF this complication.
Iuch members may or may not be
persuaded that their several constit-
Iencies will be reconcied to the
larty demand. 1t is a matter OF In
lividual conscience and judgment.
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