The Washington herald., 1916-06-17
The Democratic Platform.

The platform adopted at St. Louis is good
for those who believe in it; it will be pleasing
to Democrats, but it is not easy to discover any
thing in it which may be counted upon to make
converts. If the student of it can dismiss from
his mind the platform Of 1912, with its pledges
that have not been fulfilled, he may regard the
new strong presentation and look hope
fully to the future. With all respectful regard
for the adroitness displayed in the plank on
Americanism frankness compes the assertion that
the most impressive portion of the document is
that devoted to the record of what the admin
istration actually has achieved.
The tariff plank which includes the party's
program for dealing with the grave industrial
situation which inevitably will confront our coun-
try when the European war ends, is disappointing
1t Involves the lamentable confession that UP to
the present step toward preparedness in this
direction has been taken, since legislation provid-
ing for nonpartisan tariff commission-what-
ever that may mean and whatever it may be
worth-has not yet been enacted.
The plank dealing with Americanism gives the
impression of having been skillfully drawn with
the all-controling idea of damaging the prospects
Of the Republican ticket without doing outright
violence to the feelings Of the hyphenated 1t
his Flag Day address in this city; in fact it says
no more on the subject OF Americansm than
Mr. Hughes has said since his nomination, though
a great many more words consumed. 1t is
rather too obvious political trick be effective
where intelligent voters are concerned.
The course prescribed for our international
relations is idealistc; every American sub
scribe to it, though realizing that no matter which
artV iS in NJ he tic
tunity for achievement will be limited. The Mexi-
can situation is very skillfully handled. No more
effective plea could have been made to a standing
indictment. Intervention is dccred, in utter dis
regard of the fact that the Administrators act
in sending army. into Mexico in defiance OF
the de facto government, disclosed in the
diplomatic correspondence TO the surprise OF most
Americans, fell but very little short OF actual
Intervention, and at the very moment seems
destined to be interpreted and recognized as in
tervention.
There is a plank devoted to the protection
Of American citizens, which the country cannot
be expected take seriously 1t is almost con-
ceivable that some practical joker placed in the
Democratic platform the asseveration: The
American government should protect American
citizens in their rights, not only at home but
abroad, and any country having government
should be held to strict accountability for any
wrongs done them, either to person or property"
Surely "strict accountability" is not phrase for
which place should be provided in the platform
with mature deliberation." The brief woman
suffrage clause win the party nothing; i,
will lose it some electoral votes if the crusaders
are able to make good their claims of control
in the States where women vote. The strong
declaration of intentions to safeguard the welfare
Of the governments employees is not without ap-
peal, especially since under the present admins
tration a desire to do justice to these employees
has been manifest.
As the declaration Of a party, with three
years record which includes failure as we'll as
achievement, now facing vigorous challenger
TOR the confidence OF the people at a critical
period in the country's history, the St Louis
platform is a praiseworthy effort though it can
rot be said that it is powerful document calcu-
lated to arouse enthusiasm outside of the well
defined party lines.