The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-09-15
DEMOCRACY'S POLICIES
STATE PLATFORM COMHEEDS CROTH-
ERS ADMINISTRATION.
Pledges Continued Progress Would
Reduce Expenditures by CandI-
dates and Further Amend Election
Laws.

The platform adopted by the Dem
Ocratic State Convention at the Au-
ditorium Theatre was as follows:
We, the representatives Of the
Democratic party OF Maryland, In
State convention assembled, heartily
commend and indorse the present
Democratic administration Of Mary
land under the guidance of Gov.
Austin T.. Crothers and its wise,
creative and benefcent policies. The
efficient, progressive and construc-
tive management Of the affairs and
interests OF the people OF the State In
Democratic hands during the last
four years, the clean and economical
conduct of the State government by
the present administration, its main
tenance Of peace, order and tran
auillity within our borders, its pro-
lection and advancement or the sub
stantial interests of the people and
Its steady development and upbuild-
ing of the State in all its material
concerns justly entitled III to claim
a continuation OF the confidence and
support of the people.
This policy the Democratic party,
through it, representatives here as
sembled, absolutely and unreserved-
Ky pledges itself to continue and fos-
Ter, devoting the utmost energies OF
the party through the constitutional
agencies of the State government
entrusted to 1t, to promote and ex-
tend i'm the highest degree the inter-
ests and welfare OF the whole people
of the State
THE Democratic Conventions OF
1907 and 1909 pledged the party to
the passage OF such measures OF re
form in the election laws, applicable
to both primary and general cleo
ttons, as would rid the State Of the
odious and corrupt practice OF bri-
berry at elections and enable the peo-
pie by direct vote to nominate their
candidates for Office.
Eve note with qualification and
pride that these pledges have been
redeemed, and that the Corrupt
Practices act and Primary Election
law passed by Democratic Legisla-
lures and approved by Democratic
Governor have had wholesome and
splendid effect upon our elections,
both primary and general.
Nominations by Direct Vote.
THE principle of direct voting
embodied i'm the present State wide
Direct Primary election law, enacted
by the last Democratic Legislature,
must be preserved and rigidly en-
forced, and the Democratic party of
Ehis State IL hereby pledged 30 to dol.
No changes should be made in the
present Direct Primary Election law
without careful consideration, but
experience has demonstrated the fact
that certain specific amendments
must be made to said law and to the
General Election law, I'm order that
those laws may better accomplish
the purposes for which they were en-
acted-namely, the securing of a free
and fair expression OF the popular
will in the primary and general cleo
lions
Specific Amendments Proposed.
TO this end we hereby pledge the
Democratic party OF Maryland to
the enactment OF the following speci-
dc measures:
"(a) An amendment to the Gener-
al Election law which will provide
TOT a new legislation in the counties
by May IL, 1912, ia order that the
party affiliation clause in the pres
emit primary law may become opera
tive.
"(b) Provide for sittings OF regis
tration officers prior to party pri-
maries for the purpose of revising
the registration lists adding new vo-
tiers, making transfers, etc.
"(c) Amend the Primary Election
law by providing that no change of
party affiliation shall be effective I'm
Tess made at least six months prior
TO the primary election.
I'D Provide that in the counties
no ballot shall be handed or delivered
TO any voter within 100 feet of the
election booth or within the booth
utseH, except the unmarked ballot
now required to be handed to him by
the election officials; to provide for
such representation in the selection
OF judges and clerks as will safe
guard the rights, OF all candidates for
nomination to office and give them
an equal chance without regard w
preference Of party organizations.
To Punish Buyer or Vote.
a(e) Provide that hereafter only
the buyer OF a vote at primary cleo
ton shall be- punishable under the
law, and that one-half OF the fine
imposed upon the briber shall 20 to
the informer. This IL the surest
guarantee that can be devised against
the buying OF votes at primary cleo
lions.
ln order to make such a provision
applicable to the general elections.
Az VIII BE- necessary to amend the
Constitution Oh the State, and the
party is pledged to the passage of a
law submitting such an amendment
70 the voters of Maryland.
For Fair Primaries.
"D We recognize the fact that II
Us absolutely essential " the vel
fare Of the Democratic party, as well
w. 10 the welfare or the people Of
maryland generally, that not only the
primary elections should be conduct
ed fairly but that the people should
have confidence i'm the fairness Of
such elections.
The Democratic party in con-
vention assembled, declares IT'D re-
solute purpose as far as possible to
put y stop To all and any violations
OF this law and demands the punish
ment of any election officers OR 9th
ers who may be found to have CON-
mitted any offenses against it.
In order to insure the fair count
ing OF all ballots cast at primary ell
ections In this State, including both
PnunfioE and tho nIfu oF DaIt;,~,o-z