The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1912-07-19
Inc Platform

that does credit to the party. 1t Is
plain, clear-cut and STRAIGHTFORWARD.
There is no evasion about it. no gilt
tering generalities, no effort to OBJ
scure the meaning of its declarations
or TO so phrase them that they may
be construed several ways.
1t is Thoroughly progressive plat
form. 1t is an answer, and a salts
factory answer, to the demand for
such changes as will bring about a
reduction in the cost OF living, curb
oppressive combinations and insure a
greater democracy and better, more
efficient and more economical gov
eminent.
It's tariff plank is a straightfor-
ward demand for tariff revision
downward. 1t tells why the party
believes such step is necessary. 1t
characterizes the tariff as the great
cause of the increased cost of living,
in spite of the denial of this fact by
the republican platform. II promis:
es, if placed in a position to do SO,
to lower the tariff At the same time
1t favors such steps as will secure a
reduction without injuring any leglti-
mate industry. The fact that the
democrats instituted legislation in
the house to secure such reductions
since they have been in a majority,
there is surety that they will keep
their word.
1t declares for the enforcement OF
the criminal as we'll as the civil law
against trusts and trust officials and
the enactment of such additional
statutes as may be necessary to make
it impossible for a private monopoly
to exist in the United States, 1t de-
elares for the proposed amendments
to the constitution authorizing an
income tax and the direct election of
senator's 1t favors presidential pri-
maries and a constitutional amend
ment making the term of Office of
livered splendid talk to those who
the president six years and forbid
ding reelection. 1t promises the en-
actment of law forbidding corpo-
rations to contribute to campaign
funds and any individual to give
more than a reasonable sum to any
party for political purposes.
1t points with iustifiable pride to
the record of the democratic major
ity in the house of representatives, a
record which fair-minded observers,
regardless of party. have found wor-
thy of commentator Its censure
Of the extravagant republican admin
iStration is but a voicing of the ma
ton wide disapproval that has fol-
lowed the official acts of the latter.
1t declares for federal supervision
and rate regulation of railroads, ex-
press, telegraph and telephone COM
panies engaged in Interstate COM
merce and an equitable valuation of
their properties, as well as legisla-
ton that will prevent over-issues of
their stock and calls for a revision
of the banking laws along lines that
will prevent panics.
1t reiterates the labor plank of
the democratic platform of 1896
which met the approval of the lead
ing labor men of the country, and ad-
yocates an employees compensation
law that will, so far as federal juris-
diction extends, provide for ade-
quate compensation for injuries or
loss of life. 1t calls for national aid |
in improving post roads, declares |
for an honest and fair conservation |
policy and for federal action to pre-
vent flood damage in the Mississippi
valley.
1t calls for the announcement of
agriculture; for increasing the mer-
chant marine without the Offering
of subsidies; for fairer treatment for
American seamen and greater safe
guards for crews and passengers at
sea. 1t calls for legislation in be-
half of the public health; for fair and
honest administration in regard to
the civil service; for a reform in civil
and criminal law procedure to make
them simpler and more conducive to
securing justice; declares against inn
perialism and for ultimate indepeMd-
ence for the Philippines; demands
fair treatment for Alaska and calls
for the enforcement of the rights OF
American citizens abroad, with spec
ial reference to the treaty with Rus
sia 1t favors parcels post and the
extension of the rural free delivery
service and advocates liberal pen
sions. Finally, it emphasizes the
need of the rule of the people and
promises the carrying out of the
party pledges.
1t is a document that rings true.
It is platform that will be strongly
by those who consider 1t
fairly
1t is a credit to the party and 1t
Is one that will be carried out if the
democrats are placed in power
Gazette,