Los Angeles herald., 1909-09-18
REFORMING DEMOCRACY'S
LINES


nHE Democratic leaders Of tn
state of New York, includin
Il Judge Alton b. Parker, Judge 1
Cady Herrick and Herman Ridder {
the Stats zeitung, met in conferenc
a few days ago at Saratoga for tn
purpose of taking counsel as to tn
future Of the party in that state and i
the nation.
As the result of their deliberations
a declaration of principles prepared b
Judge Herrick was adopted by the con
ference as follows;
The Democrats assembled in con-
ference at Saratoga Springs Sept,
and 10, 1909, announce the fol-
lowing as their understanding of
certain essential Democratic prin-
ciples and policies:
A strict construction of constitu-
tions. both state and federal, that
the rights of the state and people
respectively may be preserved.
Loyal support Of the federal
government in the exercise of all its
constitutional powers, eternal vlgi-
lance in Watching and detecting
and vigorous opposition to any and
all extensions of federal power that
trench upon those reserved to the
states or to the people.
A tariff for revenue only; no gov
ernmental subsidies to special inter
ests, either directly or through pro-
tective tariff.
EQUAL and uniform taxation, TAX
ing no more money from the peo-
p1e than the just needs of govern
too q DIN fr1i GfHrnH g.
quire.
The abandonment at the earliest
practicable moment of our imperial
istfc venture In the Philippine is
lands. first safeguarding their in
dependence by sufficient guarantees
Steady adherence to the principle
of home rule and local self-govern-
ment by the state and each OF its
political subdivisions.
Rigid economy in governmental
expenditures.
Election of United States senators
by direct vote of the people.
Reform in our registration ana
enrolment laws, so that personal
registration and enrolment shau be
required in every political SUD-
division of the state.
Reform in our methods of cleo
ton so that each elective ofhcer
shall be the separate, deliberate and
Intelligent selection of the voters OF
the state.
Reform in our methods of nomi-
mating candidates for public office
so that nominating conventions
shall be composed of representatives
directly chosen by the members Oh
the party.
Reform in our primary laws so
as to give to every citizen greater
direct influence in making candi-
dates for office, and surrounding .
the primaries with such safeguards
as will insure their honesty, and
providing the necessary time and
legal machinery to insure the
choice of a majority of the voters
being respected and enforced, in
conventions and committees.
No interference with the personal
liberty of any citizen except sucn
as is essential to secure the equal
rights of all the citizens.
Taxation of corporations by the
state alone.
A constitutional amendment au-
thorizing the levy of a federal in
come tax.
enforcement Of federal and state
laws against criminal trusts and
combinations in restraint of trade'
In the foregoing principles the lead
ers of the Democracy of the state Of
New York have pledged their party''
support to some of the most vital ant
important propositions Of government
now before the American people.
The Herald desires to suggest to the
Democracy of California the proprietS
Of holding a conference within the
near future and committing itself tc
The support of the vital principles OF
government now being discussed be-
fore the American people in the way
he New York Democracy has done.