The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-17

prison; the setting apart of the net
wages of the prisoner to be paid TO
his dependent family or to be re-
served for his own use upon his re-
lease; the liberal extension of the prin-
ciples 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 convicted OF serious crimes.
Pensions.
We renew the declarations OF recent
Democratic platforms relating to gem
erous pensions for soldiers and their
widows, and call attention to our rec
ord of performance in this particular.
Waterways and Flood Control.
We renew the declaration in our last
two platforms relating to the develop
ment OF our waterways. The recent
devastations of the lower Mississippi
Valley and several other sections by
floods accentuates the movement for
the regulation OF river flow by addi-
tional bank and levee protection below
and diversion, storage and control of
the flood waters above, and their utili-
cation for beneficial purposes In the
reclamation of arid and swamp lands
and development of water power. in
stead of permitting the foods to con-
tinue. as heretofore, agents OF 'destruc-
ton. We hold that the control OF the
Mississippi River 10 a national problem.
The preservation of the depth OF its
waters for purposes of navigation. the
building OF levees and works of bank
protection to maintain the integrity OF
It's channel and prevent the overflow of
it's valley, resulting In the Interrupt
ton OF interstate commerce. the dis
organization of tho mail service and
the enormous loss of life and property.
impose an obligation which alone, can
be discharged by the national govern
ment.
We favor the adoption for a liberal
and comprehensive plan for the de-
velopment and Improvement of our
harbors and inland waterways with
economy and efficiency. so as to per-
init their navigation by vessels of
standard draft
Alaska.
It has been and will be the policy
of the Democratic party TO enact all
laws necessary for the speedy devel-
opment of Alaska and it's great natural
resources.
Territories.
We favor granting to the people OF
Alaska, Hawaii and Porto Rico the
traditional territorial government &C
corded to all territories OF the United
States since the beginning Of our gov
eminent. and we believe the officials
appointed to administer the govern
ment of those several territories should
be qualified by previous bona fide resi-
dencc,
Candidates.
We unreseryedly indorse our Presf-
WI
son OF New Jersey, and Thomas Riley
Marshall. OF Indiana. who have per-
formed the functions of their great
office faithfully and impartially and
with distinguished ability.
In particular, we commend to the
American people the splendid diplo-
matte victories OF our great Presi-
dent, who has preserved the vital In
terests of our government and its cit
liens, and kept LIZ out OF war.
woodrow Wilson stands today the
greatest American OF his generation,
Conclusion.
This Is a critical hour in the his
tory OF America. critical hour In
the history OF the world. Upon the
record above set forth. which shows
great constructive achievement in fol-
lowing out a consistent policy for our
domestic and internal development;
upon the record of the Democratic ad-
ministration, which has maintained the
honor. the dignity and the interests OF
the United States. and at the same time
retained the respect and friendship of
the nations OF the world. and upon
the great policies for the future
strengthening of the life OF our coun-
try. the enlargement of our national
vision and the ennobling of our inter-
national relations ms set forth above.
we appeal with confidence to the vot-
ers OF the country.