Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1916-10-11

IN MtAlCO. we SuUiliu meet Gu5m
now, acting, not for territory, not for
conquest or for ourselves alone, but
for and with all the nations of North
and South America.
The Democratic party has blunder-
ed and four years ago the Republican
party evaded and passed on the pro-
blem it now seeks the opportunity to
solve.
THE PHILIPPINES
The abandonment of the Philippines
at this time would be an injustice to
| them and violation of our plain
duty. AS soon as they are prepared
for self-government, by education and
training, they should be granted their
| independence on terms just to them
selves and 20 US.
TARIFF AND RECIPROCITY
The countries at war are preparing
| for fierce industrial struggle to fol-
| low the cessation OF hostilities. AS a
matter of commercial economy, inter
national friendliness, business effici-
ency and as help to peace, we de-
mand reciprocal trade treaties be ne
gotiated WITH all nations with which
we have trade relations.
A commission of specialists, free
from the control of any party, should
be appointed, with power to gather
full information on all phases OF the
questions of tariff and reciprocity aud
to recommend such legislation as It.
deems necessary for the welfare Of
American business and labor.
MERCHANT MARINE
The necessity of legislation to en-
| able American ship-builders or own
ers to meet foreign competition on
the most favorable terms is obvious,
Materials for construction should
be admitted free of duty.
The purchase of ships abroad, when
low prices invite, should be allowed,
and shiIs so purchased should be adj
mitted TO American registry.
Harbor rules and charges and nayi-
cation laws should not be onerous but
favorable to the highest degree.
Liberal payment should be made by
the government for carrying mails
and for transport service.
All shipping from the United States
| to any OF our possessions should be re-
served TO ships of American registry.
The people should not overlook the
| fact that the effect OF nationwide
Prohibition on labor and industry gem
orally will be such as to lower the cost
of ship-building per unit and, at the
same time, permit the payment of
higher wages. The increased volume
of trade and commerce, which viii re-
suit when the. w astage of the liquor
traffic is stopped, will quicken our
iShipping on every sea and send our
| flag on peaceful missions into every
port. This is urged as an Incidental
aff IT. hal li.tans
| tion hut is none the less TO be desired
aud viii aid in the solution Of the
problem of our merchant marine.
CIVIL SERVICE
In order that the public service
may be of the highest standard, the
government should be model employ
/ er Ia al, respects. To enforce the civ
II service law, in spirit as well as in
letter, all promotions should be nom
political, based only upon proven fit
ness; all recommendation for demo-
tions or removals from the service
should be subjected to the review of
non-partisan board or commission.
/ The merit system should be extend
ed TO cover al postmasters, collectors
| Of revenue, marshais and other such
public officials whose duties are pure
ly administrative.
/ We reaihrm our allegiance to the
principle Of secure tenure of office,
during good behavior and capable ef-
fort, as means of obtaining expert
service. We declare for the enact
ment of an equitable retirement law
for disabled and superanuated employ
ees, 10 return for faithful service rem
dered. in order TO maintain a high de-
gree of efficiency in public Office,
LABOR AND CAPITAL
Differences between capital and la
Dor should be settled through arbitra-
tion, by which the rights of the pub
lie are conserved, as well as those of
the disputants. We declare for the
prohibition Of child labor in factories,
mines and workshops; an eight-hour
maximum day, with one day Of rest
in seven; more rigid sanitary require
ments and such working conditions as
shall foster the physical and moral
weil-being of the unborn: the protec-
ton of all who toll, by the extension
Of employers liability acts; the adop-
! ton of safety appliances for The pro-
lection of labor and for laws that will
promote the just division Of the wealth
which labor and capital Jointly pro-
4 I
those who suffer industrial accidents
and occupational diseases
SOCIAL JUSTICE
We stand for justice TO humanity
and for its rights, safety and develop
ment. we believe in the equality OF
all before the law: in old-age pensions
aud insurance against unemployment
and in the help of the needy mothers.
all of which could be provided from
what is now wasted for drink.
AGRICULTURE
While it is admitted that grain and
cotton are fundamental t,."t"rs ia our
national life, ii cannot be den ed that
proper assistance and protection are
not given these commodities at ter
minal markets in the course OF inter-
state commerce.
We favor and pledge our efforts TO
obtain grain elevators at necessary
terminal markets. such elevators to
be owned by tho federal government;
also to secure federal grain inspection
under a system Of civil service and to
abolish any Board of Trade, Chamber
Of Commerce. or other place OF gamo-
ling in grain or trading ia "optious"
or futures or "short selling" or
any other form OF so-called specula-
ton. wherein products are not receiv-
ed or delivered. bat wherein so-called
contracts are settled by the payment
kof margins" or differences through
I clearing houses or otherwise.
This party stands committed TO Tree