Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1912-07-10
PLATFORMS STRONG
POSITION ON TARIFF
Criminal Feature of Antitrust
Law Demanded
COST OF LIVING MADE ISSUE
Favors Immediate Revision Down
ward of Duties

oy the National Democratic COpven-
ton in Baltimore last week:
I'VE the represen tatives OF the
Democratic party OF the United
States, in national convention as
sembled, reaffirm our devotion TO the
principles Of the Democratic govern
ment formulated by Thomas Jeffer-
son and enforced by a long and
illustrious line OF Democratic Presi-
dent.
We delare is to be fundamental
principle OF the Democratic party
that the Federal Government, under
the Constitution, has no right or
power to impose or collect tariff
duties, except for the purpose OF
revenue, and we demand that the
collection OF such taxes shall be
limited to the necessities OF govern
ment honestly and economically ad-
ministered.
The high Republican tariff is the
principal cause OF the unequal dis
tribution of wealth; it is a system OF
taxation which mikes the rich rich
err and the poor poorer; under it's
operations the American farmer and
laboring man are the chief sufferers;
it raises the cost OF the necessaries
OF life to them, but does not protect
their product or wages.
THE farmer sells largely in free
markets and buys almost entirely in
the protected markets. In the most
highly protected industries, such
as Gotten and wool. steal and iron, the
wages of the laborers are the lowest
paid in any of our industries. We
denounce the Republican pretense
on that subject aud assert that
American wages are established by
competitive conditions and not by
the tariff.
The platform demands immediate
downward revision OF present du-
ties, especially upon necessaries of
life, but favors gradual reduction,
SO as not to endanger legitimate
Industries.
Denounces President Taft for
vetoing tariff bills of the last Con-
gress and condemns the Republican
party for failure to redeem its
promises of 1908 for downward
revision"
Takes issue with the Republican
platform as to the high cost of liv-
ing, declaring that this is largely
due to high tariff laws.
| Urges vigorous enforcement OF tie
criminal features Of the Antitrust
law, and demands such additional
Legislation as may be necessary to
crush private monopoly.
Favors prohibition of holding
companies, "intsrlOcking directors
and stock catering. and condemns
the Republican administration for
compromising with the Standard
Oil Company and the Tobacco
Truss."
Characterizes as 'usurpation'
the efforts OF the Republican party
to deprive States of their rights ant
to enlarge the powers Of the Fedt r
al Government.
Solicits the support OF the peopl
for proposed constitutional amend
ments pending in various State,
providing for an income tax and til,
election of United States Senators
by the direct vote of the people.
Demands publicity OF campaigl
expenditures and calls attention t.
the enormous expenditure @
I money in behalf OF the President an,
his predecessor in the recent
Presidential contest"
Favors parcels post and extension
of rural delivery.
Favors encou ragement as can b.
: properly given the Panama Cana
: Exposition. -.
Favors encouragement of agricul
: ture and Legislation to surppres.
: gambling in agricultural products.
D Favors reorganization of the civi
? service and says law should be hon
1 estly and rigidly enforced.
Welcomes Arizona and New Mex
go TO the sister hood OF States.