Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-06-22
TEXT OF REPUBLICAN 1916 PLATFORM

Coliseum, Chicago, Follow
committee:
In 1851 the republican party stood
for the union. AS is stood for the union
Of states, it now stands for a
united people, true to American ideals,
loyal to American traditions. knowing
no allegiance except to the constitu-
ton, the government and flag Of the
United States. We believe in Ameri-
can policies at home and abroad.
Protection of U. S. Rights.
w declare that we believe in and
will enforce the protection of every
American citizen in all the rights Sc
cured to him by the constitution, treat..>
les and the law OF nations, at home and
abroad. by land n sea These rights,
which, in violation Of the specific
promise Of their party made at Balti-
more in 1912, the democratic president
and the democratic congress have
failed to defend, we will unflinchingly
maintain.
We desire peace the peace Of JUS
Ice n right, n believe in maintain
ing a straight and honest neutrality
between the belligerents in the murder
war in Europe. We must perform all
our duties and insist upon all our rights
as neutrals without fear n without
favor. We believe the peace and nell
trality as we'll as the dignity and in
fluence of the United States cannot be
preserved by phrase making, by per-
formances in language or by attitudes
ever changing in an effort to secure
groups of voters. The present admin
lstrat.on has destroyed our influence
abroad and Inundated US in our own
eyes. The republican party believes
That a firm, consistent and courageous
foreign policy always maintained by
republican principles in accordance
with American traditions is the best,
as 1T Is the only true way to preserve
our peace and restore us to our right
1ul place among the nations. We be-
leVe in the pacific settlement of in
ternational disputes and favor the es-
adjustment Of a world court for that
'urpose.
In Mexico.
I'VE deeply sympathize with the 49,
100000 people of Mexico who for three
Years have seen their country devas-
tated, their homes destroyed, their fell
low citizens murdered and their women
outraged by armed bands Of despera-
does led by self seeking, constituencies
agltators who when temporarily sue
cessful in any locality have never
sought nor been able to restore order
or establish and maintain peace.
I'VE express our horror and indigna-
ton at the outrages which have been
n are being perpetrated by these
bandits upon American men and wom-
en- VINO We're or are in Mexico by invl-
tation of the laws and of the govern
ment OF that country, and whose rights
TO security OF person and property are
guaranteed by solemn treaty obliga-
TONS. We d%enounce the indefensible
methods of interference employed by
this administration in the internal af-
fairs of Mexico and refer with shame
to it's failure to discharge the duty of
this country as next friend to Mexico,
Its duty TO other powers who have re-
He'd upon us as such friend and its
duty TO our citizens in Mexico in per-
mlttlng the continuance of such con-
ditions, Cd by failure to act promptly
and firmly, and CD by lending its in
fluence to the continuation of such
conditions through recognition of one
of the factions responsible for the out
rages.
We pledge our aid in restoring or
der and maintaining peace in Mexico
we promise to our citizens on and
near our border and TO those in Mexico
wherever they may be found ADEQUATE
and absolute protection in their lives
liberty and property.
Monroe Doctrine.
I'VE reaffirm u approval of the
Monroe doctrine and declare its main
tenance to be q policy of this country
essential to it's present and future peace
and safety n to the achievement Of
manifest DESTINY.
we favor tho continuance of ropubli-