The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1912-07-06
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
New Document Written Almost En-
treIy by Bryan

Bryanite prOSreSSlNlsh inc pl"tiNi -
on which the democratic party VIII
stand in the approaching campaign
was adopted at tonights session OF
the democratic national convention.
The platform is an almost new docu-
ment and was largely written by WI
liam Jennings Bryan, chairman OF the
subcommittee on resolutions.
II covers every subject of impor-
lance which has been the subject OF
party discussion during the last TOUR
years. None of them are deliberately
presented, but the large number OF
subjects renders it somewhat yolum-
nous.
The platform reafiirms party devo-
ton to the principles of democratic
government as formulated by Jeffer-
son.
Declares for a tariff for revenue
only and denounces the high repub-
lican tariff as the principal cause Of
the unequal distribution of wealth y
Favors immediate downward revision
of the present duties especially upon
necessaries of life Also faYors grad
ual reduction so as not to interfere
with or destroy legitimate industries.
Denounces President Taft for We
toing tariff bills of last Congress.
Condemns Republican party for fail
ure 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 vigorous enforcement of the
criminal features of antitrust law.
Demands such additional legislation
as may be necessary to crush private
monopoly. Favors prohibition of
holding companies, interlocking direc-
tors, stock watering, etc. Con-
dennis republican administration for
compromising with Standard Oil
company 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, mo twilight
zone between the nation and the
state in which exploiting interests
can take refuge from both"
Urges people to support proposed
constitutional amendments pending
| in various state legislatures, provid-
| ing 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 eXpendi-
lures of money made by and in be-
half of the president and his prede-
cessor in the recent contest"
Declares for presidential preference
primaries. Directs national commit
tee to provide for selection at primar-
les of members of national commit
tee.
Pledges party to enactment of law
| prohibiting campaign contributions
by corporations and unreasonable
campaign contributions by individu-
ais.
Favors single presidential term
and making president ineligible to
reelection
Felicitates democratic Congress on
its record, enumerating important
achievements and pledges an ade-
quate navy.
Denounces republican administra-
ton on charge of extravaganza and
demands return to simplicity and
economy bedtting a democratic gov
eminent.
Favors efficient supervision and
rate regulation of railroad, express
companies, telegraph and telephone
lines and a valuation of these compan
les by the interstate commerce com.
mission, and also legislation against
overissuance of stocks of these
corporations
In connection with a demand for
such revision OF the banking laws
as will give temporary relief in
case OF financial distress. there is a
denunciation of the Aldrich bill pre-
pared by the commission. The pres
ent 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 com
petitive bidding in state or national
banks without discrimination as TO
locality.
Recommends investigation of aPri-
cultural credit societies i'm Europe TO
ascertain whether a system of rural
credits may be devised suitable to
conditions in the United States.
Pledges party TO enactment of leg
islation to prevent devastation of
lower Mississippi valley by floods and
the control of the Mississippi is de-
clared to be a national rather than a
state problem. The maintenance of
la navigable channel is also recon-
mended.
Repeats the party's declaration of
the platform Of 1908 as to the rights
OF labor and pledges the party to an.
employees compensation law.
Declares the unnecessary with
drawal OF public lands tends TO re-
tard development and bring reproacb
upon policy OF conservation: that re.
servations should be limited to pur.
poses which they purport to serve.
iayors broadcast liberality in admins
tering laws and says forest reserve
act permitting homestead entries
within the national forest should not
De nuliihed by administrative regula-
TONS declares for immediate action
10 make available Alaskan coal lands
ana guarding Of lives OF miners
FaFors announcement Of agricuI-
ture and legislation to suppress gam.
ping IN agricultural products.
Believes in fostering growth of a
merchant marine and urges speedy
enactment OF laws for greater secur-
ity OF life and property at sea.
heafhrms previous declarations re-
garding pure food and public health
faNors reorganization OF the civil
service and SAYS laws should be hon
estly and rigidly enforced.
recommends Law reform Ierisls-
ton
ReaHr~z rneiffo- s--s--. -.