Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-05


in its control Of the federal government,
is rent into factions, it is opportune to
point to the record of accomplishments
of the Democratic house of representa-
uves in the sixty-second congress.
We indorse it's action and we chal-
lenge comparison of its record with that
of any congress which has been con-
trolled by our opponents.
We call the attention of the patriotic
citizens of our country to its record of
efficiency, economy, and constructive
legislation. 1t has among other achieve
ments, revised the rules of the house,
so as to give to the representatives of
the American people freedom of
speech and of action in advocating, pro-
posing and perfecting remedial legisla-
ton.
1t has passed bills for the relief of
the people and the development of our
country and has endeavored to revise
the tariff taxes downward in the interest
Of the consuming masses. and thus to
reduce the high cost of living
1t has proposed an amendment to the
federal constitution providing for the
election of United States senators by
the people.
Arizona and New Mexico as two SOW
ereign states. 1t has required the pub
licity of campaign expenses both before
and after election, and fixed a limit up-
on the election expenses of United
States senator's and representatives.
1t has also passed a bill to prevent
the abuse of the writ of injunction.
EIGHT-HOUR DAY.
1t has passed a law establishing an
eight-hour day for workmen on all ma
tional public work.
1t has passed a resolution which
forced the president to take Immediate
steps to abrogate the Russian treaty.
And it has passed the great supply
bills which lessen waste and extrava-
gance and which reduce the annual ex-
penses of the government by many mil
lions of dollars.
We approve the measure reported by
the Democratic leaders in the house of
representatives for the creation of a
council of national defense. which will
determine a definite naval program with
view to increased efficiency and econ
omy. The party that proclaimed and
has always enforced the Monroe doc
trine and was sponsor for the new navy,
will continue faithfully to observe the
constitutional requirements to provide
and maintain an adequate, well-propor<
toned navy sufficient to defend Ameri-
can policies, protect our citizens and
uphold the honor and dignity of the ma
ton.
REPUBLICAN EXTRAVAGANCE.
We denounce the profligate waste Of
the money wrung from the people by
oppressive taxation through the lavish
appropriations of recent Republican con-
crosses, which have kept taxes high, and
reduced the purchasing power of the peo-
pies toll. We demand return to that
simplicity and economy which BELTS a
Democratic government, and a reduction
in the number Of useless offices, the sal
aries of which drain the substance of
the people.
RAILROADS, EXPRESS COMPANIES.
TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE
LINES.
We favor the efficient supervision and
rate regulation of railroads, express COM
panies, telegraph and telephone lines en-
gafed in interstate commerce.
To this end we recommend the valua-
ton OF railroads. express companies,
telegraph and telephone lines by the in
terstate commerce commission, such val
uation to take into consideration the
physical value of the property, the orig
inal cost, the cost of reproduction, and
any element Of valuation fair and just.
We favor such legislation as will eff
fectually prohibit the railroads express,
telegraph and telephone companies from
engaging in business which brings
them into competition with their
shippers or patrons, also legis-
lation preventing the over-issue OF
stocks and bonds by interstate railroads.
express companies, telegraph and tele-
phone lines, and legislation which will as
sure such reduction in transportation
rates as conditions will permit, care
being taken to avoid reduction that would
compel a reduction of wages, prevent
adequate service, or do injustice to legit-
late investments.
BANKING LEGISLATION.
We oppose the so-called Aldrich bill or
the establishment Of a central bank;
and we believe the people of the country
will be largely freed from panics and
consequent unemployment and business
depression by such a systematic revi-
sion of our banking laws as will render
temporary relief in localities where such
relief is needed, with protection from
control or dominion by what is known as
the money trust.
Banks exist for the accommodation
Of the public and not for the control
of business. All legislation on the SUBJ
ject of banking and currency should nave
for its purpose the securing OF these
accommodations on terms of absolute
security to the public and of complete
protection from the misuse of the power
that wealth gives to those who possess
II.
We condemn the present methods OF
depositing government funds in few
favored banks, largely situated in or
controlled by ''wan street. in return for
political favors,' and We pledge our