The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-06-15
FIGHT ON THE PLATFORM.
Opposition to 1t as Drawn May BE
Carried Into the Convention,

Chicago, June 15.-Pressure for
platform modification has increased
to such an extent that the Taft forces
plainly see a contest on the resolutions
in the convention which promises to
be both tenacious and prolonged. This
pressure has so far only Increased
the determination of those directing
the Taft movement to assume a more
unyielding attitude.
If we are to have Taft for the
candidate we are going to have a
Taft platform" is the ultimatum.
This Taft platform, as is well
known, has been written. 1t is in
the custody of Wade H. Ellis, attorney
quarters for the convention at the
Auditorium Annex. Every plank Of
this platform is declared to have re-
ceived the most detailed and weighty
attention. and the prediction is made
that every plank will remain in the
document and in the language in
which it is now expressed. with some
possible changes in verbiage.
However stern may be the declara-
ton against modification, there is not
the slightest disposition to refuse to
listen to those who want revision, and
this has been the task of Mr.. Ellis.
Incidentally, it may be stated that
both President Roosevelt and Secre-
tary Taft have been kept informed
infinitely as to the developments.
The platform contains an expression
of the belief that more liberal rule
applying the injunction process in
labor disputes. This plank is not
liked by some members of the party.
The elimination of any expression on
the subject would meet with their
hearty approval.
President Van Cleave of the Ma
tional Manufacturers association
urged the rejection of this injunction
plank with great earnestness. His
arguments were listened to by Mr..
Ellis, who called Senator Long COT
Kansas) into conference. The plank
president of the American Federation
of Labor, who was later given an
opportunity to be heard. 1t may be
stated upon authority that this plank
will not be changed with the consent
of Secretary Taft.
Mr. Gompers as result of the con-
ference of the officials of his organiza-
ton just concluded here, also pre-.
scented to Mr.. Ellis definite proposals
intended to pledge the party to future
action which would free labor or
CARNATIONS from the legal designation
and responsibility of trusts.
Another point of issue is on the
plank which sets forth the benefits
which would accrue to the country
through federal supervision or inspec-
ton of the issuance OF stocks and
bonds of corporations doing an inter-
state business. This plan makes it
possible for the declared representative
of the corporation to make dire Ite-
dictions as to the result of the election
if the plank is allowed to remain, but
it will not be disturbed.
There is in the platform a declara-
ton in the interest of the Philippines,
which expresses the belief that good
would come from an arrangement
which would permit of the free inter-
change of commodities between the
far eastern dependencies and the
United States, with a restriction that
such interchange shall not be allowed
to adversely affect any industry, such
for instance as sugar and tobacco.
Senator Carter conferred with the
trainers of the platform on the ad-
visibility of inserting a plank in adj
vocacy. of postal savings banks, with
the result that he received practical
assurance that it would be inserted.
Some of the banking interests are
opposing the declaration but it is be-
lieved to afford the best offset for the
Democratic contention for the guar
antee of bank deposits. The president
and Secretary Taft have both endorsed
the savings bank idea.
With these and other expressions IF
policy which are for the first time be-
coming known to the Opposition, in
terest in the document is increasing
and as the trainers of the document
are determined in their attitude. there
is prospect of a fight on the floor of
the convention.