Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-06-29
ST. Louis, Mo-,

ST. Louis. Mo-, , Following
Is q copy Of the democratic platform:
The democratic party, in national
convention assembled, adopts the fol-
lowing declaration to the end that the
people of the United States may both
realize the achievements wrought by
four years of democratic administra-
ton and be apprised Of the policies to
which the party is committed for the
further conduct of national affairs.
We indorse the administration of
1t is the best exhibition of sound DEM
ocratic policy at home and abroad.
W. challenge comparison of our rec
ord, our keeping of pledges and u
constructive legislation with those of
any party at any time.
Federal Reserve Law.
We found u country hampered by
special privileges, a vicious tariff, OBJ
selete banking laws and IN inelastic
currency. Our foreign affairs were
dominated by commercial interests for
their selfish ends. The republican
party, despite repeated pledges, was
impotent to correct abuses which 1t
had fostared. Under our administra-
ton, under a leadership which has
never faltered, these abuses have been
corrected n our people have been
freed therefrom.
Our archaic banking and currency
system, prolific of panic and disaster
under republican administrations
lsag the refuge of the money trust
has been supplanted by the federal re-
Serve act. q true democracy OF credit
uaader government control, already
proved a financial bulwark i'll a world
crisis, mobilizing our resources. plac-
ias abundant credit at the disposal Of
legitimate industry and making a cur
renpE panic impossible.
We have created a federal trade
csAMission to accommodate the per-
p1e1as questions arising under the
antitrust laws so that monopoly may
be. strsnslcd at it's birth and legitimate
n1astfy encouraged. Fair competition
IN business is now assured.
Tariff Adjustment.
we have effected an adjustment of
the tariff, adequate for revenue unaer
peace conditions and fair to the con-
sxAaer and to the producer. We have
adjusted the burdens of taxation so
hut swollen incomes bear their equita-
bfe share. Our revenues have been
sufficient in times Of world stress and
Will largely exceed the expenditures
fer the current fiscal year.
1--WE have lifted human labor from the
category Of commodities and have Sc
cured to the ~workingman the right of
voluntary association for his protection
and welfare. We have protected the
rights of the laborer against the un-
warranted issue of writs of injunction,
and have guaranteed to him the right
of trial by jury in alleged contempt
cases committed outside the presence
of the court.
w have advanced the parcel post to
genuine efficiency, enlarged the postal
savings system, added 10000 rural de-
livery routes and extensions, thus
reaching 2,500, 900 additional people,
improved the postal service in every
branch and for the first time in our
history placed the postoffice system on
q self supporting basis, With actual
surplus in 1913, 1914 and 1916.
Economic Freedom.
The reforms which were most OBJ
viously needed to clear away privi-
lege, prevent unfair discrimination ana
release the energies of men of all ranks
and Advantages. have been effected by
recent legislation. We must now re-
move, so far as possible, every remain
ing element of unrest and uncertainty
from the path of the business men. Of
America and secure for them a coIfs
tinued period of quiet, assured and
confident prosperity.
reaffirln our belief in the doct-
rine of a tariff for the purpose Of pro-
viding sufficient revenue for operation
Of the government, economically admin
istered and unreservedly indorse the
Underwood tariff law as truly kemp
lifying that doctrine. We recognize that
tariff rates are necessarily subject, to
change to meet changing conditions in
the worlds production and trade. The
events of the last two years have
brought about many momentous
changes. In some respects their effects
are yet conjectural and wait to be dis
closed, particularly in regard to our
foreign trade.
Two years Of a war which has d.
rectly involved most Of the chief in
dustrial nations Of the world, and
which has Indirectly affected the life
and industry Of all nations are bring
tag about economic changes more var
Ted and far reaching thar the world
has ever before experienced. In order to
ascertain Just what these changes may
be the democratic congress Is provid-
ing for a ncnpartiSan tariff commission
to make impartial and thorough study
Of every economic fact that may throw
light either upon our past or upon u
future fiscal policy with regard to the
imposition of taxes IN imports or with
regard to the changed and changing
conditions under which u trade is
carried on. We cordially indorse this
tifae1y proposal and declare ourselves
in sympathy with the principle and
purpose Of shaping legislation within
established facts rather than in ac-
cordance with the demands Of selfish
interests OF upon information provided
largely, If not exclusively by them.
H!ere is inserted the plank on Arneri-
cantSm quoted In column s, page !, OF this
issue of The Tribune).
Preparedness.
Along with the proof Of u char
acter as a nation, must go the proof
of our power to play the part that le-