Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-07-06

can anu NICidIe the spirit L not the
letter of the constitution CT the United
States.
We favor the exemption from tolls
of American ships engaged in coast |
wise trade passing through the Pan
anna canal.
We also favor legislation forbidding
the use of the Panama canal by ships
owned or controlled by railway car
riers engaged in transportation COM
petitive with the canal
PURE FOODS AND HEALTH.
We reaffrm our previous declarations
advocating the union ond streng them
ing OF the various governmental
agencies relating TO pure foods, quar-
antine, vital statistics, and human
health. This united and administer
ed without Partially to, or discrimi-
nation against, any school of medicine
of system of healing. they would con-
stitute a single health service, not
subordinated to any commercial or
financial interests but devoted ex-
Clusively TO the conservation of human
life and efficiency. Moreover, this
health service should cooperate with
the health agencies of our various
states and cities without interference
with their prerogatives or with TIE
freedom of individuals 10 employ such
/ medical or hygienic aid as they may
see fit.
( CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
! The law pertaining to the civil SER
vice should be honestly and rigidly en-
/ forced. to the end that merit and
ability shall be the standard of APP
/ pCintment and promotion rather than
! service rendered to a political party;
ard we favor a reorganization of the
civil service with adequate compen-
sation commensurate with the class of
work performed for all officers and en-
ployes; I'VE also favor the extension to
| all classes of civil service employees
Of the benefits of the provisions of the
employers liability law We also
/ recognize the right of direct petition
to congress by employees for the re-
dress of grievances.
LAW REFORM.
! We recognize the urgent need of re
form in the administration OF civil and
criminal law In the United States and
/ We recommend the enactment of such
legislation and the promotion of such
measures as will rid the present legal
system Of the delays. expense, and I'M
Certainties incident to the system as
now administered.
TIE PHILIPPINES.
we reafTirm the position thrice an
nOuncad by the democracy in nation al
convention assembled against a policy
OF Imperialism and colonial expioiia-
ton in the Philippines or elsewhere.
We condemn the experiment in i'm
periaiism as an inexcusable b,under
which has involved us in enormous
expense, brought us weakness instead
of strength, and laid oUr nation open
to the charge OF abandonment of the
fundamental doctrine Of self-govern-
ment. We favor an immediate declara-
uCn of the nations purpose to recOg-
nize the Independence of the Philip
pine islands as soon IS a stable gov
eminent can he established, such in
dependence TO be guaranteed by US I'M
til the naturalization of the islands
can be secured by treaty with other
powers. IN recognizing the independ-
ence of the Philippines, our govern
ment should retain such land as may
be necessary for coaling stations and
naval bases.
We welcome Arizona and New Mex
leo to the sisterhood of states and
heartily congratulate them upon their
suspicious beginning OF great and glo.
r!ous careers.
We demand for the people of Alaska
the full enjoyment of the rights and
. privileges of a territorial form of gov.
eminent, and We believe that the Off,
Gals appointed 10 administer the gov,
eminent of ali our territories and the
District of Columbia should be quail
fed by previous bona fide residence.
THE RUSSIAN TREATY.
We commend the patriotism Of
= the democratic members of the senate
= and house of representative which
. compelled the termination of the Rus
St~ii SiSo'y VI loo-B anu We BlGuSt
I ourselves anew to preserve the sac
red rights of American citizenship
1 at home and abroad. No treaty
should receive the sanction of oul
8 government which does not recog
nize that equality of all of our citi
Gems, irrespective Of race or creed
and which does not expressly guar
antee the fundamental right of ex
patriation.
The constitutional rights o
American citizens should protec
= them on our borders and go witt
: them throughout the world, and ev
y cry American citizen residing o.
: having property in any foreign coun
try is entitled TO and must be givel
$ the full protection of the United
I States government, both for himsel
3 and his property.
4 PARCELS POST.
We favor the establishment Of
= parcels post or postal express ant
also the extension of the rural de
: livery system as rapidly as practi
cable.
We hereby express our deep inter
= aE- n ID.