The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1914-09-03

creation of bonded indebtedness con-
servatve policy eminently wise IN prln-
ciple and efficient in practice. we piedge
ourselves for It's continuance, recommend
ing only such further legislative action
as the general assembly may deem neces.
sary TO supplement existing law on the
subject.
Agriculture.
/ We recognize the fact that agriculture
continues TO be the predominant industry
of our commonwealth. The farm IS and
must continue TO be the foundation head
of our material prosperity,-the corner
stone of the new Vermont. All measures,
therefore, looking to the upbuilding OF
agriculture both in method and practical
result, are commended TO the favorable
consideration of the general assembly.
We believe that nowhere in the United
States are there greater agricultural op-
portunities than in Vermont,--land val
ues, proximity to the most ample mar
kets and all other factors considered. we
believe that the efficient work OF our
state publicity department in giving the
widest possible publicity to these UNI
doubted opportunities should be contin-
ued. not only as an encouragement TO our
citizens to remain upon the farms OF Yer
mont, but as an inducement to the farm
ers OF other states to seek homes within
our borders.
The teaching Of practical agriculture
should be prosecuted with vigor and eii1-
cheney. Without disparagement or ne
elect of the other educational interests
of the state, we bespeak for agricultural
instruction through existing agencies the
most liberal and effective encouragement.
We believe that the agricultural ex-
tension work inaugurated by the last
general assembly whereby practiced in
struction in method is carried from the
state agricultural college to the farm, is
of great value TO our farming interests
and should be given generous financial
support.
we also suggest that in addition to his
other duties the commissioner OF agrf-
culture establish in his office depart
ment OF markets and a department of
| farm labor.
State and Municipal Economy.
We express our deliberate conviction
that national, state and municipal ex-
travagance is one of the most crying evils
OF the present day To anticipate the
future by the creation OF a permanent
bonded indebtedness is to mortgage the
/ future,--a policy economically unsound
and socially unwise, except to meet the
most pressing civic demands. So also, to
live beyond current income so as to ne-
cessitate temporary loans which grad
uallv accumulate until an increase in the
tax rate, almost inevitably permanent,
must be resorted to for relief is equally
unsound municipal financering. In SO
far as this tendency towards public ex-
travaganee can be held in check by the
establishment of a uniform system OF
municipal accounting, by the encourage
ment Of efficiency in the expenditure of
the public revenues, and by further linz
itations upon the debt creating power OF
our towns and cities, we commend these
measures to the favorable consideration
OF the general assembly.
We pledge ourselves to policy of
economy in state expenses; and to that
end we recommend thorough investiga-
ton of the official duties and emolu-
ments of the various state commissions,
and all state executive and judicial Off
IgpIS, WlIU a view u IItit
lupon practical business basis. We are
opposed to the establishment OF new sal
aried commissions unless absolutely nee
lessary to carry out essential state poll
ieies.
To further promote economy in state
expenses we submit three specific recon-
mendations:
First. that at or prior to the opening
of the next session of the general as
sembly budget be prepared by the fiscal
officers of the state showing the estimat-
ed income of the state for the next en-
suing biennial period, the fixed charges
lupon its revenge during such period, and
such other data as will most effectively
aid the legislature in making its appro-
lpriations for the support of existing IN
stitutions and the establishment OF such
new governmental agencies as may be
deemed for the best Interests OF the
state.
Second, that the per diem basis OF COM
pensation for the members of the legis'
lature be abolished and fiat salary for
the session be substituted therefor; and
Third. that the next legislature, as
soon as NAV be after it convenes, take
steps TO investigate thS NphhPNh9"eiSii "
the clerks, secretaries, reporters, pages
and all other legislative and State House
officials and employees, and to adjust the
same upon an equitable and busness-hke
basis.
Party Loyalty.
Upon the wisdom and justice OF the
foregoing measures for the Advancement
and prosperity of Vermont we appeal to
its freemen for their support at the polls
land we extend a cordial welcome TO all
electors. regardless of past party afhiia-
tions. who are in general accord with us
in this declaration. We enioin upon the
candidates this day nominated, and all
Republican candidates in our several
towns and cities, the endorsement OF this
platform. hereby explicitly declaring that
1 If they cannot advocate and support the
general policies herein outlined. good
faith to the Republican party and to the
people demands their refusal to accept
office as Republicans.
n % MA