Daily Kennebec journal., 1916-08-18


banks.
Thus, contrary to the claims Of the
President, it was the Republican
measure that saved the country. But
that was probably fault Of memory
on the Presidents part. while some Of
the claims Of his party leaders Of late
appear to be deliberate misstatements
for the sake Of misleading the public.
We have reference to the following.
The New York Times Of Monday.
July 31st, Rublished "the first official
statement Tsued by Vance c. McCor-
mick, chairman Of the Democratic
National Committee, since he took
charge Of the Wilson campaign. In
this statement Mr.. Mccormick adroit-
ly pleads for Progressive support OF
Mr.. Wilson on the record Of perform
ance Of his administration and the de-
clared intentions Of the Democratic
party. In the following words he calls
attention to the record:
"what Progressive can fail to con-
template with deep satisfaction and
gratitude the list Of enactments in
which Congress. under Democratic
control and leadership, has consum-
mated Progressive platform declara-
tions?"
Then follows a list Of "20 measures
enacted by Congress while President
Wilson has been in the White House."
which he pronounces in keeping with
distinct commitments in the Bull
Moose platform Of 1912:
/. The Rural Credits act, which per-
nits the farmer the same access to
credit facilities that is enjoyed by the
other elements of our citizenship.
2 The income tax law.
g. The Federal Reserve act, which
measures up to the Progressive require
ments for 1.-The issue of currency as
governmental function under system
government and should be protected from
domination or manipulation by Wall
Street or by any special interest.
4. The good roads law. which EXTENDS
federal aid to road building, thereby in
surine the extension of the rural free de-
livery service.
5. The trade commission law. which
fully satisfies the Progressive demand for
sion of high standing that shall main
tain permanent, active supervision over
Industrial corporations engaged IN inter-
state commerce."
6. An eight-hour law applying 10 Work
done for the government as well as "oFh
done by the government.
L An eight-hour law applying TO 1e-
male employees in the District OF Co!um-
bia. over which Congress has 5ur1sdictdon.
E An eight hour provision for postoff1ce
clerks and carriers.
q An eight-hour provision applicaole
TO civilians engaged in the manufacture
Of ordnance and powder for the govern
"iHn'' 81 a,,b+-hour proyision as to the
whining Of ali coal to be used by the navy
ii. The children's bureau law TO pro
mote the welfare of children ana 10 oe-
wise means p preventive OF ~ ose +he chiid
70 The industrial commission law 70
Investigate the entire subject OF industrial
relations. ,ro
''iu IA The Antitrust act. embracing the
regulation Of the issuance OF 1nJunct1ons.
Is. The Department or LABOR Law, W,
who shall be member OF the PRESIDENT
1s The smith-Lever agricultural edu-
cation law which responds 10 tne TO-
r. III "the last load Of illiteracy from
American youth" by "encouraging agri.
cultural education and domestlc scHoos.
1.-THE Corrupt Election Practices act
IS. The measures n;z;n aponsn,.s +he e infer
state Commerce Commission to make
nlysical valuation Of railroads.,
10. The Sherwood Pension PHI. "H'cn
must meet the the Proxfsss'of no1icV cf pen penson,ng
Anerican soldiers and sailors and their
widows and children.
% The parcel post law.
John Williams, former commission
or Of labor Of New York state. makes
the following comments on the above:
Students and promoters OF sound
social legislation will do we'll to ex-
anime this list, for it contains a num-
ber of items Of unusual interest.
Wa NAV we'll believe that 1t was
With great deal Of pride that Mr..
Mccormick contemplated the record
of his party and that he drew a viva
mental picture Of Progress1ves hocK-
ing to the support Of Mr.. Wilson be.
cause of the things claimed on behalt
of his administration.
II is a pity that in the interest OF
truth, which knows neither Democrat
Progressive nor Republican, we mus
mar this remarkable statement.
Nevertheless, it is our duty to call at
tention to the fact that in his eHort 10
induce the support Of Mr.. Wilson the
chairman of the Democratic National
Committee has fallen into a glar1ng
error. We have no desire to dis
parage the achievements of the Will
son administration. but we must enter
emphatic protest against any attempt
to pad the record.
Mr.. Mccormick claims twenty
measures enacted by Congress while
President Wilson has been in the
White House." This claim we dis
pute. Almost one-half are measures
enacted under a Republican admins
tration and approved by ex-President
Taft.
Lest anyone think that this Is
groundless assertion we herewith
furnish the record. which can easily be
verified:
6. (Eight-hour law applying
to work done for the government)
In effect March /, 1913. signed by
Mr.. Taft.
s. (Eight-hour provision for
postoffice employees.) In effect
generally. August "a. 1912.
Eight-hour section in effect March
4, 1913, signed by Mr.. Taft.
II