Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-07-04
Democrats Condemn Opponents
"for Failure to Redeem
Promise of 1908"
SEEK REVISION OF TARIFF
Contend That High Cost of Liv
ing Is Largely Due to the
Republican Policy of
Protection.

Baltimore, June 2S-BriStlng with
democratic progressvism the platform on
which the Democratic party will stand
Turing the approaching campaign was
completed late to-day by the committee
On resolutions and awaits only the APP
proval of the presidential nominee to be
presented to the convention.
II Is an almost entirelr new document
though the recommendations of the New
York delegation were followed in many
particulars. 1t Is a platform of generally
advanced views although many of them
are less radical than tho party declara-
lions of Otner years.
Mr.. Bryan. who took most active
part In framing the paper. made the
prediction that it would arouse the dis
approval of not to exceed dozen menu
beers of the convention.
Under the new rule adopted the plat
form viii not be presented to the con-
Hention until after the nomination of the
candidates.
Baltimore. June 2S.-Planks OF the demo-
cratic platform summarized:
Re-afiirms party's devotion to the princi-
pies of democratic government as formu-
lated by jefferson.
Declares for tariff for revenue only
md denounces 1.-THE high republican tar
if the principal cause of the unequal
distribution OF wealth." Favors immedi-
date downward revision of present duties.
especially upon necessaries of life. Also
favors gradual reduction so as MT TO in
tcrfere with or destroy legitimate indus
tries denounces President Taft for Veto
ing tariff bills of last Congress. Con-
dennis Republican party for failure to
t,, Of Gov p,vo rd
revision"
Takes issue with the republican plat
form as to the high cost of living, con-
tending it is largely due to high tariff
laws.
Favors vigorous enforcement of the
criminal features of an antitrust law.
Demands such additional legislation as
may he necessary to crush private
monopoly. Favors prohibition OF holding
companies. intcrlockng directors. stock
watering, etc. Condemns republican ad-
ADMINISTRATION for compromising with
Standard Oil company and tobacco
lrust.'
Denounces as 'usurpaton' the efforts
of republicans to deprive States of their
rights and to enlarge powers of the
federal government there Is" says the
platform. mo twilight zone between the
nation and the state in which exploiting
Interests can take refuge from both. II
WANT AN INCOME TAX.
Urges people to support proposed
constitutional amendments pending in
various State Legislatures, providing
for an income tax and election OF
United States senators by direct vote
of the people AS justification of the
demands of the party for publicity OF
campaign expenditures, attention is
directed Ito the enormous expenditures
of money in behalf Of the President
and his predecessor in the recent presi.
dental contest"
Declares for presidential preference
primaries. Directs national committe,
TO provide for selection at primaries o
members of the national committees.
Pledges party to enactment Of Law
prohibiting campaign contributions b,
corporations and unreasonable cam
paign contributions by individuals
Favors single presidential term an,
making president ineligible to reelection
Felicitates democratic Congress on It
record, enumerating important achieve
ments and pledges and adequate navy.
Denounces republican administration o
charge of extravaganza and demands re
turn to simplicity and economy behttin
democratic government
PHYSICAL VALUATION.
Favors efficient supervision ana rat
regulation OF railroads, express compar
les, telegraph and telephone lines and
valuation OF these companies by the II
terstate commerce commission and ats
legislation against over-issuance of stock
Of these corporations.
In connection with a demand for sue
revision of the banking laws as wi
give temporary relief in case OF fina,
cial distress there Is Remuneration ,
the Adrich bill prepared by the mon
iary commission. The present method
depositing government funds it col
demned and the party is pledged to Il
enactment of n law for the deposit
such funds by competitive bidding
State or national banks without di
elimination as to locality.
Recommends Investigation of agricI
tura credit societies in Europe to a
certain whether n system of rural credi
may he devised suitable to condltio
IN the United States.
Pledges party to enactment Of legi
lation to prevent devastation of low
mississippi valley by Hoods and Il
control of the Mississippi Is Ieclar
to be national rather that a sta
problem The maintenance of a navi
able channel Is also recommended.
Favors national aid regarding 20
roads.
Repeats the party declaration of t
platform of 1905 as to the rights
labor and pledges the party to an er
ployes compensation law.
Declares the unnecessary Withdraw
nj Of public lands tends to retard d
velopment and bring reproach up
policy of conservatism; that reserv
lions SHOULD be limited to purpos
which they purport to serve; favo
broadcast liberality in administeri
land laws and says forest reserve a
permitting homestead entries with
the national forest should not be null
ned by administrative regulations; q
claras for imme Hate action to ma
available Alaskan coal lands and sal
guard OF lives OF miners.
Favors encouragement OF agric'
ture and legislation to suppress gam
ling In agricultural products,
Believes In fostering growth OF