Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-12
Declaration of Principles

Declaration of Principles
The full extent of the declaration Of
principles follows:
The Progressive party began its ex-
istence as did the Republican party as
a marty Of moral conviction and ma
tional purpose. The Progressive plat
form of 1912. was of necessity COM
posite of national and state issues. Tor
the party was new organization and
had to speak at once for both nation
and state. Since then, state issues
such as the short ballot. initiative. ref
erendum and recall, have. been taken
up in various state platforms.
National Issues
Tine national issues presented by
our platform of 1912 and those for
which we now stand represent the vi
tar needs of our national life. They
are in substance:
"A broader nationalisnl, to make pos
sible an effective program of social and
industrial justice at home, and the
protection Of American citizens and
rights abroad ~
rather than destructive disruption of
efficient business organizations-be-
havior and rot size being the test.
THE Introduction of business eff
cheney into government by the budget
system and the coordination Of de-
partments.
"A permanent, non-partisan tai'ifA
commission to make possible the sci
cntific revision Of tariff schedules on
protective lines. Also a pledge for the
immediate revision of such schedules
as the condition Of world war have
made unjust or as are necessary for
the preservation after the war of in
dustries newly established here whose
necessity the war has demonstrated.
"A provision for equal suffrage.
1.-THE reinforcement Of the invisible
government.
"A provision for an adequate mer-
chant marine.
ITO the Progressive platform of 1912
as above summarized and amplified we
pledge or continued allegiance, both of
the old parties have failed to make
serious efforts to enact these national
principles into law.
son administration to deal adequately
with national honor and industrial well
fare. this country faces problems Of a
sraver and more far-reaching conse-
quence than any since the Civil war.
Humanity's Safeguard
international law is humanity's final
safeguard and civilizations bulwark. It's
recognition and observance by the ma
tons is the true measure Of the worlds
progress; it Is our high duty to do our
utmost to uphold it for the advancement
Of higher civilization. 1t Is likewise our
supreme duty to protect American insti-
buttons and American standards of JUS
tice. This momenfous hour, therefore,
demands complete preparedness. not
merely in military armament but prepar-
edness that will mobilize our economic
resources. agricultural. industrial and n
nancial, a preparedness that will unity
American citizenship and create a loyal
ty to our institutions such as peoples of
other nations have so periodically shown
since the terrible test of war; the pre-
paredness of self-defence. that prepared
ness which creates a spirit unalterably
opposed to militarism, and the ultimate
object of which is universal peace; but a
national spirit and soul which views the
doctrine of peace at any price as futile,
cowardly and unrighteous, and which
will unhesitatingly make any needed sac
riflce to uphold American standards Of
| humanity and Justice. Only that spirit
will put this nation where it can move
effectively for the world peace which we
desire.
Wilson's Reputation
1.-THE Wilson administration has repudi-
ated the faith Of our forefather which
made the American flag the sufficient
protection of an American citizen around
the world. fIIe has suffered American
men, women and children to be slaugh-
tered in Mexico and on the high seas,
American property to be destroyed and
American liberty to travel and trade to
be subject to the arbitrary and lawless
coercion of European belligerents. 1t has
stood by while the law of nations disap-
Feared from the earth without adequate
protest or effective resistance 1t first
among American administrations has
shown, the spirit which consequence Is
the contempt of the world.
"Our people are becoming impatient Of
leaders who hold that comfort and pros
perity and welfare are above honor. SELF
sacrifice and patriotism. We need a re-
| awakening of older Americanism of our
belief in those things that our country
and our flag stand for. Our people are
seeking leadership-leadership of the
highest'order. and most courageous char
acter; leadership that will draft to itself
for the country's benefit. the unselfish
and patriotic services Of it's ablest citi-
zens. They are demanding that princi-
pies and policies shall be proclaimed and
| carried out by American who has the
wisdom to formulate them and the man.
hood to fight for them.
At Same Time as Republicans
"Keenly alive to this, we call the Ma
tional convention of the Progressive
party to assemble in Chicago at the
same time the National convention of
the Republican party is to assemble
there. We take this action, believing
that the surest way to secure for our
country the required leadership will
be by having, if possible, both the
Progressive and Republican parties
choose the same standard bearer and.
the same principles. We are confident
| that the rank and file OF. the Renuhli.