Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1916-08-10

our shipping on every sea and scl1e
our flag on peaceful missions into ev-
cry port This is urged as an incl
dental effect of wise action on the
liquor question, but is none the less
ton of the problem of our merchant
marine.
Mexico and the Monroe Doctrine
Mexico needs not conqueror, but
a good Samaritan. We are opposed
to the violation of the sovereignty of
the Mexican people, and we will coun-
tenance no war of aggression against
them. We pledge the help of this
country in the suppression of lawless
bands of marauders and murderers,
who have taken the lives of American
citizens, on both sides of the border,
as well as Mexicans in their own coun-
try.
The lives and property of our citi-
zens, when about their lawful pur-
suits, either in the United States or
in Mexico, must and will be protect
ed. In the event of a breakdown of
government across the border, we
would use, in the interests of civiliza-
ton, the force necessary for the es-
Enlistment of law and order.
In this connection we affirm our
faith in the Monroe Doctrine, pro-
claimed in the early days of the ma
tons life and unswervingly main
tanned for nearly a hundred years.
We can claim the benefits of the
Doctrine and refuse to assume or dis
charge the responsibilities and the du-
ties which inhere therin and flow
therefrom
Those duties have long been unmet
in Mexico. We should meet them
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 Republi-
can party evaded and passed on the
problem it now asks 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-g government, by education and
training, they should be granted their
independence on terms just to them
selves and to US.
Conservation.
We reaffirm our declarations in
favor of conservation of forests, wat
er power and other natural resources.
Departmental Decisions.
Departmental decisions ought not
to be final, but the rights of the peo-
pie should be protected by provision
for court review.
The Civil Service.
In order that the public service
may be of the highest standard, the
government should be model en-
ployer in all respects. To enforce
the civil service law in spirit as well
as in letter, all promotions should be
non-political, based only upon proven
fitness; all recommendations for de-
motions or removals from the SER
vice should be subjected to the re-
view of non-partisan board or COM
mission.
The merit system should be extended
to cover al postmasters, collectors of
revenue, marshals and other such
public officials whose duties are pure
ly administrative.
We reaffirm our allegiance to the
principle of secure tenure of office,
during good behavior and capable eff
fort, as the means of obtaining ex-
pert service. We declare for the en-
actment Of an equitable retirement
law for disabled and superanuated
employees, in return for faithful SER
vice rendered, to maintain a high de-
gree of efficiency in public office.
Americanism.
We stand for Americanism. We
believe this country was created for
a great mission among the nations
of the earth. We rejoice in the fact
that it has offered asylum to the OPP
pressed of other lands, and for those,
more fortunately situated, who yet
wished to improve their conditions.
1t is the land Of all peoples, and be-
longs not to any one-it is the her
itage of all. II should come first in
the affections Of every citizen, and
he who loves another land more than
this is not fit for citizenship here.
but he is abetter citizen, who, loving
his country, has reverence for the
land of his fathers and gains from it's
history and traditions that which
inspires him to nobler service to the
one in which he lives
The federal government should in
terest itself in helping the newcomer
into that vocation and locality where
he shall NEST quickly become an
American. Those fitted by expert
ence and training for agricultural
pursuits should be encouraged to de-
velop the millions of acres of rich
and idle land.
Marriage ard Divorce Laws.
We favor uniform marriage and
divorce laws, the determination of
polygamy and the complete suppress
sion of the traffic in girls.
Capital and Labor.
Differences between capital and
labor should be settled through arbi-
tration, by which the rights of the
public are conserved as we'll as those
of the disputants. We declare for
the prohibition of child labor in fac
tories, mines and workshops;an eight
hour maximum day, with one day of
rest in seven; for more rigid santa
ry requirements and such working
conditions as shall foster the physi-
L i L n II