Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-06-29
PLATFORM SUMMARY.

Baltimore, June ZN.--iflt DeElUtTdllc
platform was completed tonight. and
is ready for presentation to the con-
vention. The platform contains up
wards of five thousand words, the
leading planks being devoted To the
subject of tariff reform, the high cost
of living and the antitrust law.
While the text of the platform will
not be made public until submitted to
the convention the nature of the
party's declarations became known.
1t reafIirms partys devotion to the
principles of Democratic government
as formulated by jefferson.
Declares for a tariff for revenue
only and denounces The high Repub-
liean tariff as the principal cause of
the unequal distribution of wealth,
favors immediate downward revision
of present duties, especially upon nee
essaries of life. Also favors gradual
reduction so as not to interfere with
or destroy legitimate industries.
Denonnees President Taft for veto
ing tariff bills OF last Congress. Con
dennis Republican party For failure
to redeem its promises of 1908 for
downward revision"
Takes issue with the Republican
platform as to the high cost of living,
contending it is largely due to high
tariff laws.
Favors enforcement of the criminal
clause of antitrust law. Demands
such additional legislation as may be
necessary to crush private monopoly.
Favors prohibition OF holding cempa
mes interloeking directors, stock wa
tcring. etc. Condemns Republican adj
ministration for compromising with
Standard Oil Co. and Tobacco Trust.
Denounces as "usurpation" the eff
forts of Republicans to deprive states
of their rights and to enlarge powers
of the federal government. There is,
says the platform, no twilight zone
between the nation and the state in
which exploiting interests can take ref
uge from both.''
Urges people TO support proposed con-
stitutional 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 pre-
decessor in the recent Presidential con-
test"
Delegates for Presidential preference
primaries
Directs National committee to provide
for selection at primaries of members of
National committee. Pledges party to
enactment of law prohibiting campaign
contributions by corporations and unrea-
sonable campaign contributions by i'm
diyiduals
Favors single Presidential term and
making President ineligible to re-elec-
ton.
Felieitates Democratic Congress on IT'S
record, enumerating important achieve-
ments and pledges an adequate navy.
Denounces Republican administration
on charge of extravaganza and demands
return to simplicity and economy befit-
ting Democratic government.
Favors efficient supervision and rate
regulation of railroads, express COM
panies. telegraph and telephone lines
and a valuation of these companies by
the Interstate Commerce Commission
and also legislation against oVer-is-
suance of stocks of these corporations.
In connection with a demand for
such a revision of the banking laws as
will give temporary relief in case of
financial distress there is a denuncia-
tion of the Aldrich bill prepared by the
Monetary Commission.
The present method of depositing
government funds is condemned and
the party is pledged to the enactment
| of a law for the deposit of such funds
| by competitive bidding in state or ma
| tional banks without discrimination as
| to locality.
Recommends investigation of agri-
cultural credit societies in Europe to-
ascertain whether a system of rural
| credits may be devised suitable to con-
| dtians in the United States.
! Pledges party to enactment of legis-
lation TO prevent devastation of lower
| Mississippi valley by floods and the con-
| troll of the Mississippi is declared to be
national rather than a state problem
| The maintenance of navigable channel
| is also recommended.
Favors national aid regarding post
roads.
| Repeats the partys declaration of the
platform of 1908 as to the rights of labor
| and pledges the party to an employees
compensation law.
Declares the unnecessary withdrawal of
public land tends to retard development
and bring reproach upon the policy of
conservation; that reservations should be
Continued on Page Twelve.l