The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-07-31
THE OPTION
PLANK WILL
Be OPPOSED
Wayne County Delegation to
State Progressive Conven-
ton Against Such a Plank
in Platform.

CONTINUED from Page One)
ing large cities it is proposed to au-
thorize option elections for the dis
tricts outside of the cities, and also for
the cities as distinct units. 1t is not
thought, however. that the party will
take such stand upon the question.
Terse Plank Desired.
There is decided impression
among the Progressives that the party
should not attempt to straddle the
question, but should adopt terse,
forceful plank, pledging the party to
the county unit until the initiative and
referendum is given the people by the
party That such will be the ultimate
solution of the problem seems evident.
1t is known also that the party in
all probability will adopt a plank pro-
vidng for woman suffrage. This pro-
vision is included in the tentative
drafts of the platform which have
been drawn, and Progressive leaders
said yesterday that the plank probab-
1y will be inserted in the platform
without any opposition either from
members of the committee or from the
convention.
The platform in the main will be
similar to that adopted by the New
Jersey convention and in keeping with
the document which will be adopted
at the national convention in Chicago
next week. The state platform will
provide for the direct election of all
officers, including United States sena-
tors and delegates to national conven-
lions. 1t will favor preferential
vote on presidential and vice presiden-
tial candidates, and also will promise
enactment of legislation which will
place the primaries of all parties on
a registration day.
Progressive Measures.
1t is taken as matter of course that
the initiative, referendum and recall
planks will be inserted, probably with
out any qualifications. The graduated
income tax and a tax on inheritances
also will find Judgment in che state
platform. 1t will provide for an ex-
pert investigation of tax laws and the
enactment of laws whereby the taxes
The minimum wage law for women
and a workmen's compensation law
will be advocated.
Another reform to be advocated by
the party is the simplification of legal
procedure and the enactment of legis
lation which will annul technicalities.
The party will advocate the establish
ment Of public utilities commission
with power to regulate rates, services,
capitalization and the making of ply
steal valuations. 1t probably will ad-
vocate greater home rule for cities Of
Indiana and will express itself in IA
vor of allowing the cities the power
to adopt their own charters.
Rigid state laws to prevent child
labor will be advocated and the party
will go on record as favoring more in
dustrial and agricultural education in
the schools of Indiana. The plank
upon this subject probably will be
broad and comprehensive. The con-
servation of the states resources also
will be advocated.
The tariff plank probably will be
simple. 1t will bind the party to a
tariff policy which, in substance, will
provide that the tariff be measured
by the difference between the cost of
production in this country and abroad.
The platform will declare for the reg
ulation by tie federal government of
all trusts doing interstate business and
also will promise rigid regulation by
the state of trusts doing intrastate
business.
Other provisions may be inserted at
the meeting Of the committee tonight
and there is possibility that some
of the planks now in favor among the
leaders will be changed. 1t is pro-
bable, however, that the outline of the
platform now in the hands of leaders
will be accepted in the main by the
committee.
The committee on resolutions will
meet at Progressive state headquar-
tiers, 307 Majestic building, upon the
adjournment of the district meetings.
The session probably will consume
several hours. The committee on rules
and organization will meet in room II
of the state house while the creden-
tials committee will meet in room Is.
Edwin M. Lee, state chairman, said
yesterday that, because of the desire
OF the party leaders to go to Chicago
as delegates, it is probable that many
districts will decide to elect two dele
gates, each entitled to one-half vote.
In this event the Indiana delegation