The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-04-19

of public utilities; but until we reach
this, we will enforce the utmost extern
sion and possible service from these
utilities, as far as the present laws will
permit.
We look upon the contract system
also as danger. 1t constantly induces
contractors to bride city officials on the
one hand, and to exploit their workmen
in the interest of the city that citizens
earn decent wages; therefore, instead of
contractors, the labor unions ought 10
be encouraged. The city should stand
pledged, as far as the charter permits,
to employ only union labor, eight hours
d DAY, ana should require the same Of
all contractors doing city work.
me money made out of the city by
contractors will better go toward the
rIelief OF the unemployed; first, by the
improvement of streets; second, by the
esta bl1shment of public coal and wood
yards and public icehouse. In this
climate Ice is as necessary in summer
as coal is in the winter. These neces-
stiles should be sold at cost. The city
couid easily harvest an abundance Of ice
during the winter months, thus employ
ing many citizens who would otherwise
nave to receive public aid. We realize
that giving work to the unemployed can
soIve no industrial problems, but 1t is
the least that can be done as q humane
duty towards those in distress.
Free education is essential TO a high
ciyiiization. Free books are as much a
part or free education as free teachers
ana free schoolhouses. The Social
democracy demands that books and
schooI utensils be furnished free to ell
pupils attending the public schools.
Question Of Taxation.
This naturally leads us to the cues
eion OF taxation. If corporations bear
ti snare Of taxes-fgured at even
nT4E4nT q
cities could be reduced 20 per cent and
men there would still be enough left
In the city treasury, which could be
used Tor public improvements of all
Public health requires more atten-
tlon TO factories and workshops. bet
Ter plumbing, more public baths and a
system OF public street closets, such as
are found in European cities.
Public health also demands an ex-
tension of the free medical service. At
the present time many a disease, and
even epidemics, get their origin from
Ihe Iact that poor people shrink from
consulting a physician because of the
expense, until 1t is too late.
While we realize that pauperism and
restitution are the legitimate out
CROWN OF the present system, which
submerges the lower stratum of the
proietariat, 1t Is well known that GER
tain wealthy citizens derive profit from
degradation through the rent of old
rookeries which are a menace both to
public morals and the public health.
We Will see to it that all slum prop
erty be condemned and that steps shall
be taken to protect our boys and girls.
Protection of the Poor.
THE city ought to afford the protec-
ton OF the law to such Of its citizens
as are unable to afford themselves pro-
lection. At present the poor know of
the law only when they feel it's crush
ing effect. A poor person with q lust
cause has no standing in the courts
unless some lawyer is promised big
snare OF the proceeds Of the case: if
there are no proceeds, the poor person
has no means of defense at law.
This Is a general outline of the prin-
ciples that will guide the SocfaI-Demo-
cratic administration. AS to the work
ing details, we shall have to refer to
our platform and the message of our
mayor, Emil Seidel.
We are hampered by an absolute
charter and laws made in favor of the
capitalist class, and the capitalist class
only, but we again promise the best
this city has ever had.
and, as far as human effort can secure