The Progressive West Virginian. [volume] (Williamson, W. Va.) 1911-1913, 1912-07-04
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
SUMMARIZED

IHE DEMOGIaAlN ThhIFONNA
SUMMARIZED
Reaffirms party's devotion to the
principles of Democratic government
as formulated by Jefferson.
Declares for a tariff for revenue
only ond denounces the high reepub-
lican tariff as the principal cause Of
the unequal distribution of wealth.
Fayors Immediate downward re-
vision of present duties, especially
upon necessaries of life. Also favors
gradual reduction SO as not to inter
fere with or destroy legitimate indus
tries.
Denounces President Taft for veto
ing tariff bills of last Congress.
Condemns Republican party for
failure to redeem it's promises of
1908 for downward revision.
Takes issut with the Republican
platform as to the high cost of living,
contending it is largely due to high
tariff laws
Fayors vigorous enforcement of
the criminal features of the anti
trust law
Demands such additional legisla-
ton as may be necessary to crush
private monopoly
Favors prohibition of holding COM
panies, interlocking directors, water
Ing. etc.
Condemns Republican administra-
ton for compromising with Stand
ard Oil Company and the Tobacco
Trust
Denounces as susurpation" the eff
forts of Republicans to deprive States
of their rights and to- enlarge the
power of the Federal Government.
There is, !" says the platform, mo
twilight zone between the nation. and
the State in which exploiting inter-
ests can take refuge from both.
Urges people to support proposed
constitutional amendment 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 prefer
Eence primaries. Directs National
Committee to provide for selection at
the primaries of members of the Ma
tional Committee.
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 befitting Democratic gov
eminent.
Favors efficient supervision and
rate regulation Of railroads: express
companies; telegraph and telephone
lines, and valuation Of these COM
panies by the Interstate Commerce
Commission and also legislation
against over-issuance Of stocks by
! the corpoatfons
In connection with a demand for
such revision Of the banking laws
as will give tenn orafy relief in case
of financial distress, there is de-
nunciation of the A1drich bill pre-
pared by the monetary commission.
The present method of depositing
government funds is condemned.
and the party is Pledged to the en-
actment of law for the deposit of
lsuch funds by competitive bidding in
State or national banks, without dis
Termination as to locality.
Recommends investigation of agri-
cultural credit societies in Europe to
ascertain whether system of rural
credits may be devised suitable to
conditions in the United States.
Pledges party to enactment of
Legislation, to prevent devastation of
lower Mississippi valley by floods,
and the control OF the Mississippi is
declared to be national rather than
State problem The maintenance
of q nayisable channel is also rec
commended.
| Favors national aid regarding post
roads.
| Repeats party's declaration Of the