The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1916-06-27
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PLATFORM PLANKS-
BROKEN PROMISES
Commercial Tribune)

The platform constructed at the re-
cent Democratic love feast contains 4
number of pledges and declarations
which bear the ear-marks of the adept
in the use of striking phraseology but
the American people are more inter-
ested in faithful performance than in
glittering promises.
That wise and patriotic American,
Patrick Henry, said: 81 have but one
lamp by which my feet are guided and
that is the lamp of experience / know
o; no way of Judging the future but by
the past"
This is as true today as when first
uttered, many years ago. Judging by
our experience with the Democratic
platform of 1912, would the American
people not be foolish to place any re-
lance on the new declaration of prin-
ciples now offered to them by that
party?
In the light Of past experience,
would not the American people be
justified in believing that Democratic
promises are made but to be broken?
The platform on which Wilson stood
before the people in 1912 contained two
very important planks. both of which
We're repudiated The one was
pledge to- the people that the Demo-
cratic party stood unalterably in favor
OF single term for the Presidency.
The second was that America would
reap proper recOmpense for her eX-
penditures in the construction of the
Panama Canal by exemption from
tolls for its cOatwise shipping.
The first plank has just been made
ridiculous by the action of the St
Louis convention in renominating Will
son. Reputation of the second plank
was one of the first decisive acts of
the Wilson administration, despite
strong protests from all parts of the
country, even from the Presidents
own advisers, and it is generally be-
lieved that this surrender of Americas
rights was at the dictation of Great
Britain.
The Democratic tariff was forced
upon the country by the Wilson ad-
ministratiOn under the plea that i'll
would reduce the cost of living, but
every householder knows to his sor-
row that the necessities of life are
higher in price now than ever before
The nation has been aroused to the
necessity of preparedness wholly by
the strenuous efforts of Republican
leaders for several years, ana the
declaration of the Republican conyen- T,
ton merely crystallizes these views
and efforts, while the profession of the
Democratic convention for "Ameri-
oanism" and preparedness" is q mere
"clumbing into the bandwagon."
A very short time ago Mr. Wilson
was stating that preparedness" was
an academic question. He was even
too proud TO fight" If the election
was to be held several years hence in
stead of this year he would very like
ly still be an advocate of his old policy
Of "watchful waiting"
Mr. Wilson, however, being an as
tute politician, has sensed the over
public sentiment and has
become converted" to Americanism
and preparedness.
Is this conversion merely matter
Of political expediency for the pur-
pose Of re-electing himself in spite Of
his pledge TO the nation four years ago
hat he was opposed to two terms for
a President?
However, the people have lost faith
and his efforts TO fool them again are
90 transparent 20 succeed