Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1916-06-10
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.

The platform adopted by the re-
publican convention Mt Chicago on
Thursday is u triumph of Indefinite
ness---t masterpiece OF evasion. inc
impartial reader who can tell, after a.
perusal OF its various planks, Just
shat the party does stand for in this
campaign has powers OF dscernment
out OF the ordinary.
Passing over the opening allusion
So the creation OF the party IN 1861,
from which republican leaders seem
never % be able to get away In any
declaration Of party doctrine, we
come to the first plank, which calls
for the protection OF American rights
at home and abroad. 10y land and
sea-" but is conspicuously silent ny TO
the specific measures to be taken to
secure that protection. Regarding
foreign relations. we nre told That
the present administration has de-
siroyed our Influence abroad and hui
inflated as in our own eyes and
lft1A Allt f'HNfflfAhi H'fhN ffNf'''
that firm, consistent and courage
Gus foreign policy always maintained
by republican presidents In accord
ance with American traditions Is the
best, as II Is the only true, way 10
preserve our peace and restore us to
our rightful place among the nations,
Fine phrases. but whut do they mean
Apparently. that II the foreign policy
OF the nation il formulated by a re-
publican, administration 1t Is right
If by a democratic administration, III
Is wrong.
The platform almost bursts lnso
tears over the Mexican policy of Pros
idcnt Wilson and pictures q condition
Of affairs calculated TO stir the blood
to fever heat; but here again there Is
failure to proclaim what repub-
lean president would have done un-
der similar circumstances and a COM
plete omission OF any reference to
conditions that existed under the ad-
ministration OF President Taft.
Whether Huerta should have been
recognized and whether armed inter- |
yention In Mexico Is the remedy for
present evils are matters upon which !
the position of the party is left to
conjecture.
or course, 1t is always safe TO re-
affirm belief In the Monroe doctrine |
and 10 favor closer relations with the /
Latin American republics. These .
planks may be passed over without .
comment The condemnation OF the I
administrations Philippine policy was
about what was to have oeen oxpec,-
cd, but even that IL lacking In the /
definiteness OF detail as to policy that /
the public had a right to expect
The declaration for a protective
tariff and the condemnation of the
Underwood law follow along tradi-
tlonal republican lines and deal with
q subject that is not at the present
time vital To the American people.
The full effect Of the Underwood tar
III Will not be determined until sew
raj years OF peace abroad have given
IN opportunity 10 test It's actual merit
under normal conditions The plank
Rllng for the re-estahhshment of the
american merchant marine Is a reaf-
firnatian Of the republican theory OF
hip subsidies, and In view OF the op-
position from republican sources 20
no administration shipping bill
Nhoh would speedily have secured the
creation of merchant marine al a
inc when It was most sorely needed,
lacking In the ring Of sincerity
The remainder of the platform Is
devoted 10 issues relatively nnimpor- .
ant, As a whole, the document Is
lacking IN appeal TO the common ,
sense Of the American people The s
nominated must be much 7
itronscr than his platform TO stand
my chance OF election next Noyem- ;
Ier