The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1916-06-23

we reaf1rm our declarations for the |
| rigid enforcement of the civil service |
| laws.
Philippine Islands.
| We heartily indorse the provisions |
| of the bill recently passed by the /
house of representatives further pro- |
noting self-goyernment in the Philip |
pine islands as being in fulfiTlment of
the policy declared by the Democratic
party in its last national platform
and we reiterate our Endorsement OF
the purpose of ultimate independence
for the Philippine islands, expressed
in the preamble of that measure.
Woman Suffrage.
4 We recommend the extension Of
franchise to the women of the coun-
| try by the states upon the same terms
/ as 10 men.
Protection Of Citizens.
We again declare that policy that
the sacred rights of American citizen
ship must be preserved at home and
abroad, and that no treaty with any
other government shall receive the
sanction OF our government which
does not expressly recognize the abb
solute equality of all our citizens, ir-
respective of race, creed or previous
nationality, and which does not rec
ognize the right of expatriation. The
American government should protect
American citizens in their rights, not
only at home, but abroad, and any
country having government should
be held to strict accountability for
any wrongs done them, either to per-
son or property. At the earliest prac-
teal opportunity, our country should
strive earnestly for peace among the
warning nations of Europe and seek
to bring about the adoption OF the
fundamental principle of Justice and
humanity, that all men shall enjoy
equality Of right and freedom from
discrimination in the lands wherein
they dwell
Prison Reform.
We demand that the modern prin,
ciples of prison reform be applied in
our federal penal system. We favor
such work for prisoners as shall give
them training in remunerative occu-
pations, so that they make an honest
living when released from prison; the
setting apart of the net wages of the
prisoner to be paid to his dependent
family or to be reserved for his own
use upon his release; the liberal ex-
tension of the principles of the federal
parole law, with due regard both to
the welfare of the prisoner and the
interests of society; the adoption OF
the probation system, especially in
the case Of first offenders not con,
yicted of serious crimes.
Pensions.
We renew the declarations of re,
cent Democratic platforms relating to
I can
their widows, and call attention to our
record of performances in this par
ticular.
Waterways and Flood Control.
We renew the declaration in our
last two platforms relating to the de-
: velopment of our waterways. The re-
: cent devastation Of the lower Missis-
sippi valley and several other sec
: lions by floods accentuates the move
ment for the regulation of river flow
by additional bank and levee protec-
, tion below and diversion, storage and
control of the flood waters above, and
their utilization for beneficial pur-
poses in the reclamation of arid and
swamp lands, and development of wa
ter power, instead Of permitting the
floods to continue as heretofore.
[ the control of the Mississippi river
/ is a national problem. The preserva-
! ton of the depth Of its waters for
t purposes of navigation, the building
of levees and works of bank protec-
) ton to maintain the integrity of its
| channel and prevent the overflow OF
t its valley resulting in the interruption
! of interstate commerce, the disorgani-
) cation of the mail service and the
enormous loss of life and property
impose an obligation which alone can
be discharged by the national gov
eminent.
! We favor the adoption of a liberal
and comprehensive plan for the devel.
? opment and improvement of our
. harbors and inland waterways with
economy and efficiency 81 as to per.
NIT their navigation by vessels of
! standard draft.
Z Alaska.
: It has been and will be the policy
| of the Democratic party to enact all
! laws for the speedy development of
Alaska and its great natural re,
: sources.
: Territories.
We favor the granting to the peo-
= PIC VI <AAdShe.s AA1 " GIL anu " LNlCO
: the traditional territorial government
: accorded to all territories of the
2 United States since the beginning of
our government, and we believe the
: officials appointed TO administer the
government of those several territor-
, les should be qualified by previous
bona fide residence.
Candidates.
We unreservedly indorse our presi-
, dent and vice-president, Woodrow
Wilson Of New Jersey and Thomas
Riley Marshall of Indiana. who have
performed the functions of their great
: Offices faithfully and impartially and
: with distinguished ability.
5 In particular, we commend to the
i American people the splendid diplo-
! matte victories of our great presi-
!. dent, who has preserved the vital in