New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-06-15
Cover II in General Decla-
ration on Relations with
Other Countries.
EIGHT-HOUR DAY
LABOR CONCESSION
Suffrage Plank TO Resemble Re-
publican-Question One for
States to Decide.

ST. Louis, June 14.-Conferences
among leaders which have followed the
arrival OF Secretary Baker with first
hand words from President Wilson on
main features Of the declaration Of
principles brought the status Of the
Democratic platform tonight 20 point
where, aside from the all-important is
sue Of foreign affairs. it stood substan-
TALLY as follows:
No specific mention would be made
Of Mexico. and that subject woHld be
covered by implication in general dec
larations outlining relations Of the
United States with other governments.
This portion Of the platform would de-
clare uneouivocally for the right Of
every nation to regulate its own inter
nal affairs and would point out that
this government would be satisfied with
nothing less for itself.
Rights of American citizens would be
dealt with in a long plank declaring
for their protection az home ana
abroad. In a defence of American
neutrality as strict and honest, one OF
the provisions would make an appar-
ent although not a specific reference
10 charges Of Partially TO the Entente
Allies. and would point out that ques-
lions involving not life. but only prop
crty. can be settled by indemnity and
PREPARATION when the passions OF war
have subsidized.
Permanent Peace Tribunal.
A permanent peace tribunal would
be advocated in one of the platform
blanks as a court Of arbital justice TO
which all disputes between nations
should be referred. How far the plat
form may reflect the Presidents recent
declaration Of willingness 10 have the
United States join q world league 10
inforce peace by a common police force
is not yet determined.
While the platform would deal with
the peaceful settlement of disputes be-
tween nations. IL would be outspoken IN
its declarations that the navy should
be OF proportions and efficiency TO make
effective the Monroe Doctrine, and that
the standing army should be Of suf-
fcient strength to secure the country
against unexpected aggression.
The platform, in the same connec-
ton. would declare for a sufficient re-
serve force 10 secure the nation against
invasion and aggression at all times.
Coupled with this declaration for
strong army and navy would be g
straightforward announcement against
all wars Of ACKNOWLEDGMENT and against
violations of territorial aggression.
This would he intended as a declara-
ton 10 the world that the United
States as the foremost spokesman for
peace and judicial settlement OF dis
putes. makes its military preparations
not for aggression but for defence.
For Eight-Hour Workday.
Touching internal questions the plat
form would declare for an eight-hour
day for workingmen, and also civil
service pensions, with declaration
that the government should care for
those upon whom it depends TO man its
operating machinery
One plank would deal with child la
DOR, and another would advocate legis-
lation in the interest of labor in all
government institutions.
In several succeeding planks the
legislative record of the administra-
ton would be set forth. with refer
ences TO the Federal Reserve law, the
trade commission act, the shipping bill,
the tariff commission bill, rural credits
legislation and other measures passed
by Congress or now being pressed by
the administration.
Then the platform would contain
definite pronOuncement that when the
programme now under way is completed
there will be no more legislation which
the business world could regard as re-
straining, IN short, business would be
promised rest from Congressional in
reference.
Peace Keynote Plank.
The draft. as Secretary Baker brought
u from the White House, made no
claims for general approval Of the
Presidents course for "peace and pros
perity,' but President Wilson's friends
. here are determined that the platform
Il would not be complete without a strong
presentment on that point, and Senator
husting, OF Wisconsin, was assigned to
prepare plank, with the suggestion
that II be drafted in terms sufficiently
strong 70 make It one Of the keynotes
OF the campaign.
The enthusiastic manner in which
the convention to-day received Tempo
rary Chairman Glynn's speech Of justi-
hcatlon or the Presidents policies in
keeping the country at peace had lent
force 10 this plan.
plank on woman suffrage which
Was suggested by the President him
SELF probably will be redrafted. Some Of
The resolutions committeeman were Of
the opinion that IL might be regarded
as not sufficiently definite.
Indications tonight are that the
plank will be not unlike the Republ-
can plank, recognizing the right Of
suffrage for women. but holding to
the right Of the states to regulate
the ballot themselves President VIII
son has repeatedly stated his position
IN that way TO suffrage leaders, and
in the New Jersey elections last year
voted for the suffrage amendment,
which was beaten.
The platform committee organized
to-day by electing Senator Stone