Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-06-17
Americanism in the Platform

IN the platform the Democratic party. as
semhled in convention in ST. Louis, has
! adopted there is the record of substantial
achieyement-of great constructive works
for the public good, which have beaten back
the shock OF war from the industrial edifice
OF our country, fostered prosperity, pro-
noted justice, preserved national honor,
established law, wrung allegiance to the
| principles of humanity from war-mad auto
crat and yet maintained for all our people
the rich blessing of peace
The platform declares for an Americanism
not only undiluted," but unimpaired by any
faint or suggestion of double allegiance. 1t
rebukes the efforts of pnrtisans to make
America fight the battles OF the Kaiser and
to induce this nation to surrender the price
less heritage of the fathers
On this issue Woodrow Wilson can afford
even to be defeated, but he will not be- On
this issue also the Republicans have de-
clared themselves. When the mass of their
partys Senator'S and Representatives in Con-
gress voted, in response TO the insolent de-
mand of foreign lobby, to warn Americans
off the high seas, they revealed exactly what
their patriotism amounted to, and the pledges
OF support their candidate has received from
the German American Alliance and other
similar organizations show just how that sup
port was. and is. appreciated. If Justice
Hughes manages to summon courage to re-
ject this following, he will reject also his
party's congressional record
The platform demands tariff commission
and antidumping laws which will protect the
industries Of this country against dangers
that, will follow the conclusion Of peace. 1t
leaves the woman suffrage question exactly
where it belongs-in the hands OF the States.
which from the time of the organization of
the government, with one unhappy and un-
fortunate exception, have been the undisputed
arbiters of the right to vote within their
borders.
7,
breathes the spirit of Pan-Americanism it
1ndorses the pending shipping bill and all
additional measures necessary to restore our
flag to the seas; it stands for a wise policy
OF conservation; it declares for justice to the
farmer and laborer and helpful legislation
that will enable them to share in the pros.
perity of the country; it is for good roads
good harbors and good inland waterways; il
approves Democratic legislation in behalf of
the Philippines Porto Rico and Alaska: il
upholds the assertion Of American rights and
the protection of American citizens, at home
ana abroad it is for Preparedness and points
TO the large and effective accomplish ments of
this administrat ton to attain that end: il
pledges the nation to join with other nations
or the world to preserve, after this war a
lasting peace
But the real issue it makes is Americanism
It's declarations on this point, evidently writ
ten in the White House, are as clear and
specific as the Republican declarations ara
meaningless and vague He who runs NAV
read-and we rather imagine it will be the
Republican party and candidates and their
hyphenated allies who will do the running
Says the platform:
We condemn subversive of the ma
tons unity and integrity. and ms de-
Structive of its welfare. the activities
and designs OF every group or organi-
cation, political otherwise that has
for its object the advancement OF the
interests Of foreign power whether
such object is promoted by intimidating
the government, political party or
representatives. of the people
We condemn all alliances and comhina.
lions OF individuals in this country OF
whatever nationality descent who
agree and conspire together for the pur-
pose OF embarrassing weakening our
government or OF Improperly infuenc-
ing or coercing our public representa-
foreign power. We charge that such
conspracies among n limited number
exist and have been instigated for
the purpose of advancing the inter
ests OF foreign countries to the
prejudice and detriment OF our own
country We condemn any noliticai
party which. in tho view OF the activ-
itH OF such conspirators surrenders its
Integrity or modifes its policy.
There is the issue which the people OF
the United States will render Judgment on
the first Tuesday after the first Monday in
next November. 1t is presented fatty and
I