Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1914-10-02
Democratic State Convention.

on Thursday of last week in the Academ
of Music, Baltimore, recorded its 1879 vote
for the denomination of Senator John Wal
ter Smith and adopted platform ringing
with consciousness of duty faithfully ant
fully performed and with purpose to &
forward along the same lines.
Probably the most significant feature O
the convention was the unaffected pride
of party men of all shades of opinion il
the fact that the Wilson Administration
had made good the promises of the Ma.
tional Convention held in Baltimore in
1912.
State Chairman Vandiver called the con-
vention to order at 12:45 in speech in
which he said that after 81 years of ser
vice on the State Central Committee-l7
of which have been as chairman-the con-
dition of party unity at this time afforded
him the utmost qualification. He praised
Senator Smith as "a manly man. a sterling
Democrat" and said his record in office
warrants his return to the Senate.
General Vandiver then introduced Speak
er James Nice. Trippe, of Baltimore city,
as the temporary chairman, and named Dr..
Lewis c. Carrico, of Charles, and f. Aus
tin Bauehman, of Frederick, to escort him
to the chair. Jesse o. Snyder. of Wash
ineton county, and John j. Murn. of Balti-
more city, were selected as secretaries. In
taking the chair Speaker Trippe made a
brief speech in which he extolled the
party's record, its unity and its candidates
and predicted continuance in power
He then called for appointments by the
several delegations for the committees on
resolutions and credentials. State Senator
Carville d. Benson was named chairman
of the former and Harry H. Mahool, of Bal
timore city, of the latter The committees
retired
Senator Blair Lee was called upon to
speak to the convention. He said the
Democratic party had been "watchfully
Whiting" for generation to serve the peo-
pie and preparing during that time for ser
vice when called. Two years under Wilson,
he said, had proved its ability and its sim
cerity. He spoke of party discipline" as
one of the fundamental reasons for its
efficiency, saying that it gave vitality and
enabled the party to do its appointed task
as unit, regardless of what had taken
place prior, and he explained party dis
dipline" as obedience to the rule of the
majority.
Applying party discipline" locally, he
said that in this State the Democracy is
the party of primary elections. and that
when in those elections the rank and file
had spoken all Democrats supported the
ticket.
Chairman Benson. of the resolutions COM
mittee. then read the platform, which was
adopted unanimously. II is as follows:
I'VE, the chosen representatives of the
Democratic party of Maryland. in conven-
ton assembled, realiirm our adherence to
the principles of free government pro-
mulgated by Thomas Jefferson, and which
have ever since served as guide to lovers
of political, personal and commercial lib
erty.
I'VE call attention to the pledges of the
Democratic National Convention made to
the American people at Baltimore in 1912 !;
and we challenge any party at any time
in the life of this nation TO show a more
perfect record of complete and literal full
fillment Of its promises than the present
Congress has done under Democratic leader
ship in the House and Senate.
I'VE commend the Administration and
Congress for the prompt revision of the
tariff and the passage of the Underwood
Simmons Tariff bill for the enactment of
the New Banking act the Industrial En-
ployes' Arbitration act the improvement
of agriculture and roads the conservation
OF our natural resources, and many other
acts of most substantial and permanent
benefit to the people as a whole.
I'VE most heartily and enthusiastically
ndorse the able and efficient administra-
ton of President Wilson.
I'VE commend him for his wisdom and
success in dealing with the Mexican situa-
ton and we congratulate the country that
at this trying period, when more than half
the civilized world is devastated by war;
we have at the head of our nation Wood
row Wilson. who has. with supreme in
tellieence. sincere patriotism and untirng
patience. guided and preserved us from
And we commend the attitude of the
President in maintaining the strictest
neutrality in the present crisis.
I'VE know that by the policies adopted
by the Administration, backed by Demo-
cratic Congress. the commercial welfare Of
our country has lately been sineularly and
provdentially preserved.
"The prompt. brOad-mindcd and effective
course of the Administration in meeting
the grave financial situation confronting
the country by reason Of the terrific Euro
pean war must commend the President
and the Democratic party in Congress- to
every thoughtful American. The financial
emergency was quickly met. so that, with
values crumbling in Europe. there was
practically no reflex action in the United
States. and financial condition potential
for panic was thus converted into one of
security
I'VE pledge the support Of our six can
didates for Congress and our candidate for
Senator to the continued support Of Demo-
cratic policies and principles.
I'VE urge upon the people of this State
the patriotic duty which surpasses all
partisan consideration. Of keeping in the
House Of Representatives and in the Senate
from Maryland men who will support the
President, uphold his hands. and aid him
further in the great work yet to be done
for the lasting peace Of our country and