The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-09-27
PLATFORM SHOWS
ROOT INFLUENCE
Senior Senator Would Not Be
Put on Defensive by Answering
Too Many Criticisms-Dem-
Gratis Are Arraigned and
Woman Suffrage Plank
Adopted.

! platform presented for adoption TO
the Republican state Convention to-
/ night prais IS the administration .!
President Taft and arra!gns the Demo
Gratis. but practically Ignores the Pro-
gressive party and it's national ana
State candidates. In this omission
I delegates said they traced the influ-
ence of United States Senator Root,
who has been the party's cnief guide
In thu deliberations that preceded the
adoption of the articles of faith by tho
committee on resolutions.
Don, let US put ourselves on the
defensive" said the senior New York
Senator. when some member Of the
committee wished to insert a reply
to the criticisms Of the Progressives.
Let us 10: sacrifce our dignity by
pleading defense to all the charg :,
made against US"
The platform in its preamble de-
clares:
The prosperity enjoyed by this
country during ths past three years
has been made possible by the Sc
curity. order ana good administration
OF the government under the Repuh-
iicau party. Its continuance would he
thr -atened by a change Of admins
tration. A vote for the Democratic
presidential nominee endansers ma
tional prosperity: a vote for the can
didate Of the Progressive party is
equivalent TO half a vote for tn :
Democratic nominee and proportion
ately as dangerous"
For the most part the platform deals
with State issues. It favors woman
suffrage: reafsrms its adherence TO
the protectiv- policy; and denounces
the Progressive proposal to choose
Judges because Of their known views
on matters likely to come before them
for judicial action
! The declaration also is made that
the Democratic tariff program
threatens the complete destruction
of tn, American system of protection,
and the tariff bills passed by the last
Democratic National House Of Repre-
sentatives are condemned.
The New York police scandal was
responsible for plank providing for
a system Of State inspection of local
politics. The Democratic administra-
ton OF State affairs is condemned.
Consideration of the declaration II
principles occupied the attention of the
delegates from early this evening until
, nearly midnight When it had ad-
tourned the convention had unani-
mously adopted its platform. and to-
morrow the State ticket will be nomi-
mated. The platform was presented
: by former Governor Horace White
who. as chairman of the resolutions
committee. read the document as agreed
upon by a majority of the committee
. men and moved its adoption. Senator
Josiah Newcomb. OF New York. sub.
mitted a minority repor. suggesting
certain changes in the platform, bu,
this was Overwhelmingly defeated. and
the majority platform was adopted by
an almost unanimous vote.
A feature OF ,o-nisht's session wa!
brief address by United States Sen.
ator Root. who. in referring to the
Chicago convent IN. asserted that Pres.
ident Taft had been elected honestly
and fairly The Senator rose to .
dramatic flight when he asserted tina,
the Republican party would outlive the
short lives Of its trsducers.
/ Stm Looking for CANDIDATE.
When the convention adjourned to-
night the delegates were still cast
Ing about to find the likely candidate
for head Of the State tickle, to be
chosen Tomorrow.
I The leaders were said to be trying
TO md q dark horse who would be
able to win in case the support Of the
three candidates was found to be
neutralized. Tonight Job E. Hedges
OF New York. stated his absolute con-
ndence in his nomination. while the
adherents of form sr Speaker James "
Wadsworth and former Congressman
William s. Bennett were equally con-
hdent.
J: Permanent Chairman Edgar T
Bracket. Of Saratoga. was the las,
dark horse to b. brought out EarIfes
in the day state Senator Human. OF
Singhamton. and ex-Msyor Seth Low
OF New York. were most talked Of a.
possible choices for the place
) Indications at midnight were that
haif dozen or more candidates would
be placed in nomination Tomorrow.