The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-09-27

sion Is 1ustitied that II either branct
Of the Republican party were to sue
ceed at the polls the confusion in both
administration and legislation would
be greater than It now is in the inter
nal affairs of that once great organ
zation. There is neither harmony oi
policy nor cohesion In action, and II
the state government were given over
TO either wing public affairs would be
drawn into a mess much the same as
the presidency was recently lowered
in a regrettable controversy.
Put Friends In Office.
"Thlrd-slnee positive express
sion in behalf Of a progressive
charter Of government has recent.
ly been made, Is II not both i'm
portant and proper that the state
government be placed in charge
Of the political party which
showed an earnest interest In the
new order Of things by helping to
adopt il? A Republican adminls-
tration would hardly be installed
In any relation to carry out a
Democratic platform, nor would
it seem logical to intrust the new
charter of state In the hands Of a
party that has manifested, If not
opposition, then at least the in
difference of nonsupport.
"The regular Republican convention
In June gave no Endorsement Of any
Of the amendments, but expressed an
intent to carry the enabling const'tu-
tional rights into law if they were rat
ifed by the people. 1t was the old
story of evading every controverted
question. The seeding wing Of the
Republican party indorsed the amend
ments after they had been voted on.
1t was significant that the advocacy
of the major amendments was left al
most entirely to the Democratic lead
ers of the state. Neither the regular
nor the insurgent nominee of the Re-
publican party for governor raised his
voice in their behalf.
"our Republican brethren have for
years contended that the tariff should
be revised by its friends. If consist
ency is a noticeable virtue this year,
then they must subscribe to the
Of having the new state
charter set in motion by its friends.
"Of infinitely greater importance,
however, than the supremacy Of par
ty, is the adoption Of a program Of
progress in our state government
and the courageous adoption of such
laws as our best thought and expert
ence suggest regardless Of the depar-
ture made from the beaten paths Of
the past. / am not here to urge the
election of men because they are
Democrats, nor the defeat Of any one
because he is a Republican. But
contend most earnestly in behalf of
The Democratic platform adopted in
Toledo. 1t is sound in reason and hui
in spirit and intent 1t is
The most courageous declaration Of
ever enunciated by any po-
itical party in Ohio. At the time of
is adoption 1t was apparent that
here would be a division in the op-
posing party. The political usages of
)ther days, under the circumstances
hat surrounded the Toledo conven-
ion, would have suggested a cautious
program, a meaningless platform, a
positive declaration on no question
lpon which there was a marked diff
erence of opinion-in short the plan
lould have been to slip into power
" the oily methods of evasion, profit
ng by the weakness Of the opposition
ather than the righteousness of our
,ause. But a sense of duty, not ex-
,ediency, moved that body of almost
thousand men. The Democracy has
erious business in hand. In national
fairs it is not concerned about a
question of veracity between two
men, nor in state matters with play
ng purely for the place, in order that
he party organization might be con-
rolled on more auspicious day.
Platform a Contract.
"The Toledo platform was written
nd is now submitted as a contract
yith the people. In statement made
D the state central committee in ses-
ion in Dayton in July, stated that
ur platform was pledge to carry
5s provisions into law, if we were
lected in November, and that the |
ssistance of the organization, state |
nd local. would be invoked if necess |
ary to accomplish the promised legis-
alton. The binding force of this sa-
red obligation has been impressed |
pom every county committee that | |
ave addressed. If by suffrage edict |
become governor Of Ohio, every in
uence Of that Office and every en-
eavor on my part will be exerted to
rite our platform into law.
I'm our articles of faith our conven-
on declared for short ballot. To
lis end the remaining state offices Of
gislative rather than constitutional
'igin should be abolished as elective,
ID the power Of appointment lodged
''The plan Of separate ballots for
tate and national tickets is favored.
has worked well in other states. 1t
lduces better order Of concentra-
on Of interest and insures added
igilance on the part Of the voter.
"Home rule for cities, a subject in
olved in one of the recent constitu-
onal amendments, is ringing note
/ our platform, and the endorsement
aus given to it was doubtless a fac
,r in its overwhelming ratification by
le people. Every student Of govern
lent endorses this proposition. 1t Is j