The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-03-19
PLEDGES MADE TO BE BROKEN
portland Oregonian.)

" OI lldHu OISSOllldll.J
Our pledges are made to be kept
when in office as we'll as relied upon
during the campaign" said the Balti-
more platform of the Democratic
party.
The only acts by which the Demo
cratic party has kept any of its
pledges are:
Passage of low tariff law.
| Passage of an income tax law.
Passage of the Federal reserve law.
Passage of two antitrust laws.
Passage of the seamen's law.
The Democratic party pledged itself
to respect the reserved sovereign
powers" of the states. Congress, con-
trolled by that party, is attempting
to usurp these powers by passing the
Ferris water-power bill
1t is pledged to publicity of cam
paign contributions before election, to
prohibition of such contributions by
corporations and to limitation of con-
tributions by individuals, but it has
done nothing
1t urged adoption of a constitution
al amendment limiting the president
to a single term. A resolution to that
effect was introduced by Senator Cum
mlngs, but was smothered in COM
mittec, because, as Representative
Ruckcr said, every one knows the
President is not in favor of it,"
The platform denounces Republican
extravaganza and demands simplicity
and economy and abolition of useless
offices. The last congress has appro-
prlated more money and created more
new offices than any preceding con-
gress.
Legislation preventing over.issue Of
stock by railroad, express, telegraph
and telephone companies was promis-
ed, but has not been passed.
Rural credit legislation was prom
lsed, but has been repeatedly post
poned.
The platform declared in favor of
the cooperation of the United
States and the respective states in
plans for the comprehensive treat
nent OF all waterways" A bill for
that purpose has been introduced, but
has been repeatedly shelved in favor
OF the old, disreputable, pork-barrel
system OF river and harbor appro-
Driation.
Conservation laws were promised
ana some progress has been made to-
ward their enactment, but the bills |
invade the jurisdiction, violate the
tights and are in some respects in
meal to the interests of the western
states.
The fostering of commerce and the
growth OF a merchant marine were
avored by the platform. Some pro-
'ress toward carrying out this pro-
MISE was made under pressure of |
var, Out the ship purchase bill check
q development of merchant marine |
" private enterprise and no steD has |
een taken to amend the navigation
pment.
The platform favors the exemption
rom tolls OF American ships engag.
IN coastwise trade passing through
ne Panama Canal" The law max
lg TINS exemption was repealed at
ne demand of Democratic presi-
ent supported by the maioritv of
'emocratS in congress.
Inc platform said the civil service
Nv should be honestly and ripidIv
ntorced," but it has been evaded nv
Eecut!ye officers in the appointment
spollsmen. and congress has taken
ON under its provisions large nun
ers OF Offices and has excluded from
ffces. y e'teu
Extension of the rural mail delivery
stem was promised, but that system
IS been SO curtailed that MANY pio-
Ger settlers in the west are left with.
1t mail service. '''''
ne bill reported to the Sixtv-sec-
IA congress creating a council Of
'tional defense was approved bv the
atiorm, but is was not even consid-
ed when offered as an amendment
tne naval appropriation bill at the
sslon just closed. '''
! ms record goes to show that the =
al.l,tlmore platform is what President
llson declared it was not-"molas. a
$ $ to catch flies 1t caught Aies IN b
- out the party which made and "
oke 1t will not be able to catch f
any IN 1910 with the most attractive "
1IfOTn1 % |