New-York tribune., 1916-06-13
Democrats Ready to De-
fend "WatChful Wait
ing" Policy.
STAND FOR PEACE
TO BE EMPHASIZED
Leaders Also Talk of Plank
Condemning Candidates Who
Leave Bench.
lrrom star Correspondent o, Tn. rr,suD. ,

Jude to the Mexican situation is the
one big problem confronting the Dem
ocratlc platform trainers or, rather.
the Democratic platform framer, for
II Is suspected that there will be no
framing outside of the White House.
strong emphasis will be placed on
the recent peace activities of Presi-
dent Wilson. This is regarded as
molasses TO catch the pacifst and the
herman vote. The Democrats are a
little worried about the German vote
because of the nomination of Hughes.
They realize perfectly the soundness
OF his declaration on Americanism, but
they also realize that desperate meas
ures must be resorted to if they hone
for a considerable block of German
votes for Mr.. Wilson.
Following is the text of the tentative
draft of the planks for the Democratic
platform, touching on the international
relations and Mexico:
Woodrow Wilson became the Presi-
dent on March 4, 1918, with a support
ing Democratic Congress. During the
first year of this administration, the
President and the Congress cooperat-
ing, administered themselves to the
great task Of constructive work, admin
istrative and legislative, to which they
were pledged, with the object of carry
ing out the policies of the Democratic
party and rendering a beneficent ser
vice TO the American people. Little
more than one year after the inaugura-
tion of President Wilson and the begin
ming OF this great national constructive
work, the European war broke with ap-
palling suddenness, with all it's psralyz-
ing consequences on the world, involv-
ing every first class power Of the globe,
except the United States, together with
many powers of lesser rank. Since
then the world has been in tumult.
Outlives Three Policies.
"As a result of this world disaster, it
can be truthfully affirmed that Presi-
dent Wilson has been compelled to
meet more worldwide problems-diffi-
cult, delicate, dangerous problems
than any of his predecessors. Lament
ing. as he did in common with all his
countrymen, the horrors of this waste
full and bloody war, the President set
his mind and heart to the purpose of
holding the American government and
people to the policy:
"1-Of honorable neutrality as be-
tween the belligerents, with all OF
whom this nation was at peace and
with all of whom this nation has many
binding ties of friendship.
"2-Of maintaining and insisting es-
pecially upon the observance by bellig-
erents of the rights of the government
of the United States and its people,
incidentally of the rights of all neu-
trail nations, as founded upon treaty
obligations and the recognized princi-
plies of international law.
"3-Of standing solicitously ready
at all times to offer a sincere and
friendly service in any acceptable
way TO the nations at war. to bring
about peace among them and restore
normal world conditions.
"To the accomplishment of these
ends we submit that the President has
discharged his duty with great wisdom
and fidelity, and in the discharge of
that duty has performed an incom-
parable service TO his country, TO the
integrity of international relations. to
the cause Of peace and TO humanity.
Without claiming that no mistakes have
been made, we submit to the candid
/ judgment of the people that so far
the President has steered our ship of
state through troubled waters with a
remarkable clearness of vision and
I'steadiness of hand.
Commends Course in Mexico.
"Mexico-To the perplexities Of the
European war have been added the bur
dcns insident TO the almost chaotic con-
ditions in Mexico, inherited by Presi-
dent Wilson from preceding Republi-
cans.
Realizing the high ideals Of the re-
lationship to be observed between the
I l.
pressing all American states with our
national aspiration TO maintain in COM
mon with them a policy of mutual
friendiness, the President has dill
gently and patiently sought TO avoid
any violent intrusion upon or conflict
with Mexico. His wish has been to
contribute, so far as possible, TO the
establishment Of a stable and truly
representative democratic government
in Mexico and through the agency of
such a government 70 restore order,
stability and industrial prosperity TO
our neighboring republic
"The difficulties of this arduous task
have been are are apparent. In his
brave effort TO aid Mexico in solving
this difficult problem, having always in
view the promotion of American ideals
of true democracy, he has been COM
PEELED 10 face just and well founded
complaints of grevious wrongs, made to
this government by well meaning men
representing religious and individual
interests. That indefensible wrongs
against all these interests have been
committed is indisputable. But like
wrongs have been committed not only
in Mexico, but in Europe wrongs Of
war committed in foreign lands beyond
our Jurisdiction. None has felt this
more keenly nor suffered more because
Of it than the President.
What the President has wished and
still wishes to do is clear. He wishes
peace. order and stability in Mexico,
accomplished by MeXicans themselves
If possible. leaving actual outside in
tervention as a last resort.
"This convention approves the policy
Of the President. But also We approve
as expressive of American sentiment
the action of the President in sending
American troops into Mexico and IN
keeping them there as long as neces-
sary TO punish outrages on the Ameri-
can border and 20 protect American
citizens against lswless aggression.
1--WE declare IL as the judgment OF
this convention that the time has come
when the welfare OF the American con-
tinent and the world demand that peace
and order. giving assurance OF relig-
ious. industrial and individual freedom
and Justice, as well as due observations
| of international rights, shall be re-
/ stored in Mexico. especially that out
RACES against the rights OF citizens of
tbe United States should cease.
Weak Point in Hughes Armor.
wide difference Of opinion exists
among the leaders as 70 the advis-
abiIitv Of a plank advocating so chang
;ro. The Constitution that a justice OF
- Sv,rer,e Court would By merely