Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-04-20
DEMOCRATS ASK
STATE REFORM
Extravaganza in Illinois Rule Is
Condemned in Platforms
Adopted at Peoria.
CURE IN THE REFERENDUM
Protest Against Governors Defiance
of Public Opinion by Refusal to
Garry Out Wishes.

Peoria, H.. April 2O.-The demo
cratic state convention adopted the
following platform:
The democratic party OF the state of /
Illinois, IN convention assembled, here /
by declares: Our conviction that an .
outraged people whose demands for /
relief from unjust and intolerable ex-
actions have been answered for 16 |
years past by continuing concessions |
20 privilege are ready TO throw of the |
yoke OF republican domination and |
place their reliance in the eternal prin- |
ciples OF democracy. We affirm the !
principles OF the democratic party as
announced in the national platform
adopted IN Denver in 1908 We APP
prove the measures passed in the low
or house OF congress in 1911 and 1912.
We denounce the expressions OF
the Payne-Aldrich tariff tax bill and
condemn the violation by the republi.
can administration Of the solemn
promises OF relief made TO the people
by President Taft and republican off,
Gals in the campaign of 1908.
EXTRAVAGANCE CONDEMNED.
We condemn the extravagances and
IroAigate expenditures of the last two
republican state administrations of IL
linois. We invite the attention OF
the people to the fact that there is now
being expended in the operation OF
institutions OF the state a sum of
money approXimating S15,0OO,OO0 per
annum, and under the administration
Of Governor Deneen, while under the
democratic administration of Governor
Altgeld approximately only 100000
we're expended.
This wasteful expenditure on the
part Of the administration of Governor
Deneen, having for its object the pro-
viding OF bounties for favorites in po-
ltical Offices and providing in other
respects for the enrichment Of chosen
contractors and special supply agen-
cies by administration Of the institu-
tons OF the state, is condemned by
the citizens Of the state as lacking in
economy and efficiency.
hypocrisy LAID TO DENEEN.
We denoGnce the hypocrisy and
double-dealing OF Governor Deneen in
the matter OF the election Of Sena-
tor Lorimer and of the tricking of peo-
pie through the manipulation Of the
legislature. which has resulted in
bringing upon the state Of Illinois the
bipartisan cabal which has made the
expressions "bi-partisanship" and Jack
potism' the unique and newly coined
Of
wealth OF Illinois
We denCunce the bipartisanship
corruption and Jackpot conspiraCies
which under the supervision and ac.
quiescence Of Governor Deneen have
dlsgraced Illinois.
We protest against the scandalous
favoritism in taxation extended to Ger
tain powerful interests Of the state OF
Illinois by the state board Of equaliza
ton.
We denounce the practice permitted
and encouraged by the present pri
mary and general election laws-the
expenditure OF enormous amounts Of
money by candidates TO secure nomin
alton and election 10 Office.
PROTEST AGAINST TAXATION.
We protest against the outrageou,
and increasing taxation upon all tn,
cities as the result Of the extrava
Eances Of the public officials of tn,
state Of Illinois.
We protest against the defiance o
public sentiment exhibited by the gov
ernor and the republican legislature il
defeating the will OF the people and re
fusing 70 follow their direction in tn,
enactment OF the initiative and refer
endum.
We demand the adjustment of tina
instrument OF injustice in matters o
taxation designated the state board o
equalization. In its stead We demand
the creation Of a tax court or tribunal
composed OF nonpartisan member
properly advised in taxation and as
sessment matters, who shall be ap-
pointed by the governor. with the ar
prevail Of the senate. We propose tina
this body shall sit as a court and re
FORD its findings from day to day afte
allowing all parties in interest to b
heard in open court in all cases wher
excessive or inadequate assessment
are charged.
We demand the passage OF a corrup
practices act regulating the expend
.ure OF money at primaries and genei
Al elections and requiring publicity G
he same before and after election.
SENATORS BY POPULAR VOTE.
We demand that steps be taken {