The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1916-06-20
Democratic Platform

the Democratic Congress is provid-
ing for nonpartisan tariff com
mission to make impartial and
thorough study Of every economic
fact that may throw light either
upon our past or upon our future
fiscal policy with regard to the i'm
position of taxes on imports OF
with regard to the changed and
changing conditions under which
our trade is carried on.
We cordially indorse this timely
proposal and declare ourselves in
sympathy with the principle and
purpose of shaping legislation with
in that field in accordance with
clearly established facts, rather
than in accordance with the de-
mands of selfish interests, or upon
information provided largely, if not
exclusively, by them.
Shipping Bill Endorsed.
We heartily indorse the purposes
and policy of the pending shipping
bill and favor all such additional
measures Of constructive or remed-
ial legislation as may be necessary
to restore our flag to the seas and
to provide further facilities for
our foreign commerce, particularly
such laws as may be made to re-
move unfair conditions of COMPETE
ton in the dealings of American
merchants and producers with com
petitors in foreign markets.
The part that the United States
will play in the new day of inter
nationalship which is now upon us
will depend upon our preparation
and our character. The Democratic
party therefore recognizes the as
sertion and triumphant demonstra-
ton of the indivisibility and coher-
ent strength of the nation as the
supreme issue of the day in which
the whole world faces the crisis of
manifold changes it summons all
men, of whatever origin or creed,
who would count themselves Amer
leans, to join in making clear to
all the world the unity and conse-
quent power of America.
Issue of Patriotism.
This is an tissue of patriotism.
To faint it with partisanship. would
be to defile it. In this day of test
America must show itself not a
nation of partisans, but nation of
patriots. There is gathered here in
America the best of the blood, the
industry and the genius of the
whole world, the elements. of a
great race and a magnificent So
ciety to be melted into a mighty
and splendid nation.
Whoever, actuated by the pur-
pose to promote the interest of a
foreign Power, in disregard of our
own cOuntry's welfare or to injure
this Government in its foreign re-
lations or cripple or destroy its
industries at home, and whoever by
arousing prejudices of a racial re-
ligious or other nature creates dis
cord and strife among our people
so as to obstruct the wholesome
process of unification, is faithless
to the trust which the privileges of
citizenship repose in him and dis
loyal to his country.
We therefore condemn as sub
versive of this nations unity and
integrity and as destructive of its
welfare the activities and designs
of every group or organization, po-
litical or otherwise, that has for its
object the advancement of the in
test of a foreign Power, whether
such object is promoted by intimi-
dating the Government, a political
party or representatives OF the
people, or which is calculated and
tends to divide our people into an
tagonistic groups and thus to de-
stroy that complete agreement and
solidarity of the people and that
unity of sentiment and national
purpose so essential to the perpet-
uity of the nation and its free in
situations.
Conspirators Condemned.
We condemn all alliances and
combinations of individuals in this
country, of whatever nationality or
descent, who agree and conspire to-
gether for the purpose of embar-
RAISING or weakening our Govern
ment or Of improperly influencing
or coercing our public repre-
sentatives in dealing or negotiating
with any foreign Power. We charge
that such conspiracies among a
limited number exist and have been
instigated. for the purpose of ad-
vancinO tha interaSts af foraion