The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-02-20
PREACHER GIVES OUT
PROGRESSIVE PLATFORM
Rev w. f. Jerome Announces
Candidacy For Election TO
State Legislature

HlLLSDALE. Mich. Feb. 2O,-"in
announcing my candidacy for the Re
publican nomination for state repre-
sentative from this district. / want il
understood that | stand squarely Tor
the progressive Republican principles
as adopted al Chicago, Oct. ., by me
conference OF progressive Republicans
from 30 states, said the Rev. W, f..
jerome. pastor OF local Episcopal
church.
The progressive movement ne
continued. is a struggle TO wrest the
control OF government from the rep
iesentatives OF special privilege and
restore II 10 the control of the people.
The necessity for this movement
in Michigan is emphasized By the Iact
that the reactionary leaders of both
parties have in the past prevented
the enactment OF important reform
legislation, while al the same lime
they have worked night and day TO
pass laws beneficial TO special inter
ests. The progressive movement
aims 10 nominate and elect men who
will, with sincerity and slngleness o..
purpose, represent the rank and file
and carry out their will. This moS G.
ment advocates sound constructive
legislation rather than destructive att
gaticn which is always expensive TO
the taxpayer
'lf nominated and elected. | Will
do all in my power TO secure the pass
age OF a joint resolution submitting
TO the people an amendment 10 the
constitution providing for the initia-
tive. referendum and recall.
The people OF this state Will never
have their rights restored 10 them
until these three important principles
are embodied in the laws of the state.
They are the only means by which
unworthy public servants can be re-
moved from Office, wicked legislation
be prevented and popular government
restored 10 the people.
II am heartily in favor OF presi.
Dental preference primary law. Civ
express their choice for nominees OF
all parties for president and vice
president.
II am in favor OF a strong corrupt
practices act in this state. securing
the publicity of all campaign con-
tributions and expenditures. such pub
LEGATION TO be made before election,
also limiting the expenditure 10 &C
tual legitimate expenses.
The need of such law is plainly
demonstrated by the fact that after
every election ugly rumors OF the II.
legitimate use of money, contributed
by large corporations 10 various can
didates startle our intelligence. II is
largely by this means that these
same interests have secured the con-
troll which they now possess. lnvesu-
CATION of similar rumors in various
other states have resulted in the I'M
covering OF legislative conditions
which are reacting against men OF ma
tional reputation.
The question OF taxation In Michl-
gan has always caused a great deaf
OF dissatisfaction and | will favor
such reforms in our present system
as will tend TO bring about an equal
ity. | believe that some OF our large
corporations. such as the express CON-
paaies, telegraph and telephone com
panies, railroad companies, and min
ing corporations OF the upper PENN
sula in particular have never paid
their Just share. can see no reason
why they should not be compelled 10
pay on the basis OF their true valua-
ton"