The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1912-07-12
PLATFORM OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
MADE AT BALTIMORE
PUTS THE REPUBLICANS ON THE
DEFENSIVE IN MANY IN
STANCES.
FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES

IUh TALOlDLNllAL IAlMHhlLJ
FFavors Many Pertinent Reforms and
Closes With a Strong Appeal to All
Citizens to Assist in Their Estab.
lishment.
The democratic platform as promul-
gated at Baltimore Is one of progress
siveism, and summarized is as fol-
lows:
Reafirms party's devotion to the
principles of Democratic government
as formulated by Jefferson. MA
Declares for a tariff for revenue
only and denounces 1.-The high repub-
lican tariff as the principal cause Of
the unequal distribution of wealth"
Favors immediate downward revis.
ion of present duties, especially upon
pecessaries Of life. Also favors grad
ual reduction SO as not to interfere
with or destroy legitimate industries.
Denounces President Taft for veto.
ing tariff bills Of last congress.
Condemns Republican party for
failure to redeem its promises Of 1908
for downward revision. IT.
Takes issue with the republican
platform as to the high cost Of liv-
ing, contending it is largely due to
high tariff laws.
Demands such additional legislation
as may be necessary to crush private
monopoly.
Favors prohibition of holding COM
Lanies, interlocking directors, water
ing, etc.
Condemns republican administra-
ton for compromising with Standard
Oil Company and the Tobacco Trust"
Denounces as "usurpation" the eff
forts of republicans to deprive states
of their rights and to enlarge the pow
er of the federal government There
u.s." says the platform, mo twilight
zone between the nation and the state
in which exploiting interests can take
refuge from BOTH"
Urges people to support proposed
constitutional amendment pending in
various 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
attention is directed Ito
the enormous expenditures of money
in behalf of the President and his
predecessor in the recent presidential
Declares for Presidential preference
primaries. Direct national committee
to provide for selection at the prima-
lies of members of the national COM
raittee.
Pledges party to enactment of law
campaign contributions by
and unreasonable cam
paign contributions by individuals.
Favors single presidential term and
making president ineligible to re-elec-
ton.
Felicitates Democratic Congress on
It's record enumerating important
achievements, and pledges an ade-
luate navy.
Denounces Republican administra-
ton on charge of extravaganza and
demands return to simplicity and
economy betting Democratic gov
srnment.
Favors efficient supervision and
rate regulation of railroads; express
companies telegraph and telephone
ines, and valuation of these COM
GAMES by the Interstate Commerce
Commission and also legisiation
against over-issuance of stocks by
hese corporations.
In connection with a demand for
'uch revision Of the banking laws
IS will give temporary relief in case
If financial distress, there is den.
lnciation of the Aldrich bill prepared
~ the monetary commission.
The present method of deposlting
government funds is condemned, AND
he party is pledged to the enactment
# law for the deposit of such funds
" competitive bidding in State or ma
ional banks, without discrimination
IS to locality.
Recommends investigation of agri-
ultural credit societies in Europe to
scertain whether a system of rural
redits may be devised suitable to
onditions in the United States.
Pledges party to enactment of leg /
station to prevent devastation of /,