The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-06-21

X
Wv known as well as though
the Democrats had already
acted in convention, speculation liz rife
regarding the probable identity OF the
nominee for the vice presidency and
the nature OF the platform to be adopt
cd at Denver. Democrats realize that
1T is going to be lard matter to es-
cape the charge certain to be made
by Republicans that the, Denver ,,lat-
form Is copy OF that prepared at
Chicago. There is no DOUBT that the
Democrats VIII have to declare for
great many OF the things for which
the Republicans have already declared
this year.
The Republicans, were Inconsistent.
and violated their best precedents and
traditions when they inserted many
OF the most prominent of the planks
IN the Chicago platform. and the Dem
ocrats would be grossly inconsistent.
too, IL they rejected several things
which the Republicans apparently re-
sarded as trump cards. The Demo-
Gratis. however. will probably put into
The Denver platform several planks
which the Republicans refused to use
\ Democratic Outline.
1t is regarded as we'll assured that
the Denver platform Will contain.
among others. strong declarations on
the following subjects.
Limitation of The power of Inferior
Federal courts 10 grant writs OF In
Junction.
The publicity OF all campaign con-
irIbutIons.
The election of United States senn-
tors by the people.
The nmplificati0n and STRENGTHENING
of existing laws prohibiting combtna-
lions In restraint of trnde.
The Republican pronouncement on
he subject OF Federal court injunc-
tions has proven very unsatisfactory
10 the organized la1or people. as well
rs to others who FAVOR Limitation OF
the authority 10 grant Injunction pro-
cesses. II is recognized as q clear
straddle. not entirely without shape,
but utterly void of meaning.
The demand for popular election OF
Senator'S, as evidenced by the ndop-
ton of the primary in so many
States. Is widespread. cmocratlc ma
tional platforms TOR several y Lrs past
lave been declaring for tho election
nf Senators by the people. and the Leg
islatures of about one-hair the States
of the Union have adopted resolutions
calling upon Congress to submit to
the people constitutional amendment
TO this end.
The demand for the publicity Of all
contributions to campaign funds is
very strong in both parties. In these
respects and in several others the Dem
Yer platform will differ from that
adopted by the Republicans at Chicago.
Physical valuation Plank.
1t does not appear to be settled that
the Democratic platform will contain
q plank declaring for n physical VAL
untion of railroad property in the
United States. Strenuous efforts were
made by Senator La Toilette ard his
followers to secure adoption of this
plank by the Republicans, but their
efforts failed. IT is regarded as likely
that tho Democrats Will declare for
legislation OF this sort, but doubtless
there will be n fight over the PROPOSE
ton.
The principle rnvolved Is very dear
to the heart of Senator La Toilette.
great many Democrats. including Mr.
Bryan have taken the position tina,
1t will be impossible for the Inter
state Commerce Commission to decide
just what constitutes q ''reasonable
rate" until 1t knows how much The
railroad company has invested in its
property, Congress would not adop,
the physical valuation principle ir
enactins the rate law of 1906. Tn,
Interstate Commerce Commission
recommended to Congress this yea,
that such valuation be made. alleging
that the reasonablenessa of n rate coul,
not be determined without 1t. Oppon
ents of such legislation asserted tina
the adoption of the principle by Con
gress would give such enormous ad
vantage to the cheapiy cpnstructe,
competing line that the road whicl
was built at greater expense woul,
be practically forced out of the trans
portation business.
1T is probable that there will be n,
bitterer fight III the resolutions com
,rittee at Denver than that aroused b,
this proposition for. a general, valua
tion of railroad properties.
Tie absence of any clear-cut declar
alton in the Republican platform ii
opposition to the Capitalization o
power at Washington suggests tina
The Democrats at Denver Will proba
bly come out in no uncertain terms
against the Republican tendency t,
oblitcrate state lines.
Az nrymn's Running Mate,
Though there does not appear to b
anything like concentration OF senti
lnent upon n candidate for second plac
on tho pemocratic ticket. 1t appear
that Woodrow WILSON, of New Jersey
and Burton Harrison, of New York, ;ir
leaders for vice-presidential honors.
The impression thai Mr.. Bryan ia
vors the nomination OF the Presiden
Of Princeton University is widespread
Many Democrats advocate the nomina
tion OF Governor j ohnson, OF Mime
sofa, as. Mr.. Bryan's yo,e mate. Their
arc two objections to this nomination
tho first, that both candidates wOul
thus be chosen from q section west &
tho Mississppi; tho second that Gov
ernor Johnson says ne would not nc
cept tho nomination for the vice-pres