The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1911-04-22
The Platform of Mr.. AswelI.

| NaCcnlCOcneS, mas a II II . u II Z e u
himself a candidate for governor,
and in so doing states his position
on public matters in an admir-
able platform. The opinions of
the State press, whether for or
against Mr.. Aswell, are a unit in
saying it is a good platform. All
recognize that he is not a politi-
clan, but an educator of eminent
ability, and that his services to
the State have been marked by
great development of our educa-
tional interests. He has the
courage of his convictions, is a
good fighter, puts himself on
record as to his views, and be-
ing amply able to defend them,
is prepared to make the canvass
altogether interesting to any and
all who may oppose him. The
entire platform is too long for
publication, but we give a short
extract and summary Of its pro-
visions, as follows:
1.-The Importance of the indie
pendence of the individual citi-
zens as against blind subservi-
ency in. political matters was
never so fully recognized as now.
A feeling of unrest is universal.
Well grounded dissatisfaction
with present conditions in gov
ernmental affairs is sweeping all
sections of the country. The de-
mand for a pure, free electorate,
and for the relentless prosecution
of dishonesty or fraud in all cleo
tons is world wide. 1t would be
marvelously strange should Lou
isiana be the one exception in
this hour of national awakening.
Il believe the manhood of Lou
.isiana is awake and unafraid in
demanding a square deal for
each individual, a free ballot,
and a fair count, without which
popular government is impossible.
THE coming campaign is
fraught with momentus issues
vitality affecting the future well
fare of Louisiana. l hold very
positive convictions as to the APP
plication Of the primary election
system as well as to certain other
principles and measures that in
my opinion will enable the cleo
torate to participate more direct
ly in the business of government
and will advance the best inter-
ests of the people of this State.
Since the voters have a right to
know what a candidate stands
for, l submit briefly the following
for your consideration:
To summarize: /. Curtail the
appointive power of the governor
and neither autocratic dictation
nor political subserviency can ex-
list. Without executive patron
age, the relations between the
governor and the legislature as
intended by the constitution will
properly adjust themselves. 2.
Curtaif the appointive power of
the governor, and the young man,
as we'll as the old, who thinks
and thinks straight, will have a
fair chance for advancement and
political promotion without sacri-
ficing his convictions at the die
tation of any man or combination
of men. 3. Abolish useless Of
fees, stop the waste of public
funds, and the States credit will
be secure, the problems of tax
alton will be simplifed and its
burdens Gghtened, immigration
will be more encouraged and in
vestOrs will be- attracted and
made secure. A. Avoid expen-
sive duplication in education, SIM
plify the machinery of the sys-
tenn, adapt the schools to the
home, and place them in the
hands of the people, and the great
progress of the past is but a be-
ginning of a still greater awak-
ening. 5. Stand for efficiency
without extravaganza in all in
ternal improvements; give the
people control, and prosperity is
assured. 6. Abolish the lobby
at Baton Rouge, stand for eau
ton in law making and uniform