Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-09-03
A TENTATIVE REPUBLICAN PLAT
FORM.

The members of the committee on reso-
lutions to formulate platform for the |
coming State republican convention met
IN this city Tuesday and framed a ten |
tative platform, which might serve as
the ground work for whatever planks
might be added at the meeting of the
committee on resolutions usually held on
the night preceding the State convention;
and the splendid result Is printed in
our news columns this morning.
we take it that this tentative platform
has been made to include practically all
the subsects on which there would be lit
tie, if any, controversy in the State con-
venton. and on which all elements in
the party might readily agree. Every
subject considered is treated in n broad
and intelligent manner and is n fitting
product of the pen of Judge Mower, the
chairman of the committee on resolutions
with very few changes by the commit
.ce as a whole, and none of those changes
of great importance
The only national issue considered Is
.he tariff which is discussed on a mod
Natc basis that will appeal to most
Vermont protectionists. Vermont is not
FOR high tariff wall, certainly not for
the Aldrich brand of protection. and the
70 call for a non-part!san tariff board
commission is in line with the best bust
ness and statesmanlike thought on this
subject at the present time.
Turning to State issues the general
Of the new relations existing between
the state and the people and work for
realization in our institutions of higher
ideals of social justice, equality OF oppor-
sunity and political freedom, and con-
attractive legislation that shall afford
practical and effective recognition OF the
awakening political conscience Of state
and nation.
The explicit pledges include the enact
znent OF a comprehensive and practical
direct primary law; n worllngneu's com
expenses by candidates for State and
county OFFICES and for the General AS
eembiy: the encourag emsnt NJ tho do
velopmert IF our natural resources, the
continuance of our present road policy,
recommending only such further legis-
lative action az the General Assembly
may deem necessary - supplement. ex-
listing law on the subject: a policy of
economy IN State expenses. with the
readjustnent of duten and salaries of
public servants on n practical business
basis
The recommendations embody declnra-
lions IN favor OF measures to upbuild
our agricultural and tourist interests;
the modification Of the Judiciary system;
the adoption OF budget system showing
the estimated income and fixed charges
of the State; the REORGANIZATION of our
educational syrtem: tho aboishing Of n
per diem for members OF the legislature
and the substitution of fiat salary the
adjustment Of the compensation of clerks,
pages. officials and other employees of
the State House on an equitable and bust
aess-like basis; the establishing Of a
market bureau in the agricultural de-
partment; the submitting of an amend
ment to the constitution in 1920 looking
70 woman suffrage, and last but not
least legislation to enable Vermont bank
ing institutions to invest In the securi-
lies of conservative local Industrial en-
terprises for the upbuidlng of Vermont
These are all excellent in both purpose
and form,
We recall with interest that the tenta
tive platform written and published FOL
criticism and amendment previous to the
state republican convention Of 1912 wa'
radically changed on the night preceding
the convention particularly the planl
dealing with the direct primary.
The subjects which the people will ex
\ pect to have dealt with explicitly at con