The Topeka state journal., 1916-08-01

able means our agricultural interests, and
We include in this program an effective
conservation of our natural resources. We
desire not only that they shall be safe
guarded, but that they shall be adequately
developed and used to the utmost public
advantage
We turn to other considerations of i'm
portant policy. One of these is our atti-
tude toward the Philippines. We have
assumed international obligations which
we should not permit ourselves to evade-
American policy, though opponents
have seemed to consider It such. We
ippines with a full recognition of our IN
ternational duty, without partisanship,
with the aim OF maintaining the highest
the interest of the Filipinos. This is
matter of national honor. rc
Woman Suffrage.
endorse the declaration in the plat
form in favor of woman suffrage. do
not consider IL necessary to review the
arguments usually advanced on the one
proceed from n somewhat different poiut
of view. Some time ago, a consideration
of the position of women in gainful occli-
pations, of the nature and course of the
demand. led me to the conclusion that the
granting of suffrage to women is newt
able Opposition may delay, but In my
judgment cannet defeat this movement.
Nor ,cb can see any adyantsges t.sss IN the de-
vantages which IRE necessarily incident to
the continued agitation; Facts should be
squareiy met. We shall have constantly
intensified effort and a distinctly femf-
mist movement constantly perfecting its
organization to the subversion of normal
increasing in bitterness, which 1 believe
to be inimical to our welfare. II women
are to have the vote, as / believe they are.
1t seems to me entirely clear that In the
interest of the public life of this country
the contest should be ended promptly. II
favor the vote for women -+
Confronting every effort to improve con-
ditions is the menace of Incompetent ad-
that democracy can be faithfully served By
inexpertness. Democracy needs exact
knowledge. special skill and thorough
training in its servants. I have already
spoken of the disregard of proper stand
ards, in numerous instances In appoint
ments to the diplomatic service. Unfor-
tunately there has been a similar disre-
gard of executive responsibility in appoint
ments to important administrative posi-
respect to technical bureaus the demands
of science have been compelled to yield
to the demands Of politics.
Show Extravaganza.
We have erected against opportunities
OF spoilsmen the BARRIERS Of the civil serv-
ice laws. but under the present administra-
ton enactments providing for the crca-
ton of large numbers OF places have been
deliberately removed from The merit sys-
tenn The principles of our civil service
laws have been shameiessly violated. We
stand for fidelity to these principles and
their consistent applications And, fur
ther, it Is our purpose that administrators
chiefs shall be men of special competense
eminently qualified for their important
work.
Our opponents promised economy hut
they have shown a reckless extrayaganee.
They have been wasteful and profiigate.
1t is time that had fiscal reform. We
demand a simple busfness-1Ike budget Il
believe 1t is only through a responsible
budget. proposed by the executive that We
shall avoid financial waste and secure
proper administrative efficiency and
well balanced consideration of new admin
istrative proposals.
We live in fateful hour. In a true sense
the contest for the preservation of the ma
tion is never ended. We must still be i'm
bued with the spirit OF heroic sacrifice
which gave us our country and brought
us safely through the days of civil WIZ
We renew our pledge to the ancient fden1s
Of individual liberty. of opportunity denied
to none because of race or creed, of an
swering loyalty We have q vision OF
America prepared and secure strong and
Just. equal to her tasks: an exemplar or
the capacity and efficiency of free people.
endorse the platform adopted by the
convention and accept its nomination.