Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-09-28
The Democratic Platform.

The platform adopted by the delegates
representing the Democratic party of Mary
land in convention at Baltimore on Thurs
day Of last week breathes spirit of frank
ness, justice and patriotism which all
voters can proudly support. The platform,
in full. follows
We, the representatives OF the Demo-
cratic party of Maryland, in convention
assembled, reaffirm our adherence to those
principles Of free government established
in this land. always extended and upheld
by the Democratic party, and now recog-
nized by the wisest patriots Of all nations
as the only sure hope and foundation for
the lasting peace of the world.
In this hour Of worldwide strife and in
the face OF this Unprecedented war, fore
ing upon us, a peaceful nation, all the
burdens and responsibilities of bellieerent
nation, we pledge our help, our faith and
hope to that greatest leader of modern
thought and action. Woodrow Wilson.
We renew our faith in the present ma
most support to the President in his efforts,
that know no party, no race, no creed, to
crown our army with success, to protect
our people from suppression and to insure
peace to the earth.
We pledge our party to the most sound
and rigid economy in the administration
Of the affairs Of the State, and to the pas
sage Of such legislation as may be neces-
sary to prevent the boarding Of food, and
to punish any oppressive and unwauanted
increase in the price of the ordinary COM
modities of life and to cooperate with
the Federal Government and its agents in
every practical and legal way to increase
the products Of the State and to conserve
the nations economic power upon winning
the war
We indorse and commend the present
Democratic administration of State affairs
and the ability and earnestness Of the
Governor and the Board of Public Works
in so successfully meeting and disposing
Of the great problems and responsibilities
imposed upon the State by the war.
We commend with especial pride the
splendid public record of Hon. Hugh A.
McMullen as Comptroller of Maryland. He
has administered the duties of his Office
with rare diligence. fidelity and business
ability, under the guidance always Of high
and unselfish ideals, and with sole regard
to the best interests Of the State and III
people. His loyal public service, his capa.
BILE and economical management Of thu
State finances. should rightfully entitl'
him to the support Of the people regardless
Of party.
We call attention Of the people witt
pride to the magnificent achievements il
real constructive legislation of the Genera
Assembly Of 1916 in enacting laws
To reoreanize the State College of Aeri
culture.
To extend the good roads system.
To revise the Motor Vehicle laws.
To establish the Conservation Commits
sion.
To establish the Board Of Prison Contro
To amend the Primary Election laws b
abolishine the Envelope System.
To establish the Budget System.
To establish the State Law Department
and abolish private counsel to Publ
Boards.
To further perfect, develop and exten
the public school system.
To reduce legislative expenses.
In the light Of the great public necessit
we commend his excellency Governor Hal
rington for converting the General Assem-
bly, in extra session to consider and pas
upon the necessary war measures.
While we deplore the failure to pass tn
bill TO enable soldiers and sailors abser
on military duty TO vote, and pledge on
party 10 the enactment of such bill
nevertheless. the work of the extra session
in passing the Council of Defense act, tn
appropriation of the million dollars f
war and emergency purposes, the militi
bill. the bills protecting the registration Q
voters when absent on military duty, IN
conservation bills, demonstrate the patriot
and intelligent interest of the majority {
that body and establish a record second {
none.
We believe that the people should b
spared, in so far as is reasonable. the bur
den of taxation for additional internal i'm
provements so long as the present wal
time conditions exist; and that every re
source and energy Of the State and on
people should be devoted to increasing an
preserving the food supply, caring for thosl
disabled financially or physically as a re
suit Of the war. and to winning the war
The budget system proposed by the Gen
eral Assembly of 1916 and adopted by tn,
people in the form of a constitutions
amendment initiates radical and, If prop
erly handled. decidedly beneficial reform
in the States financial affairs. In orde
that this system may be entirely success
full and merit the confidence of the people
and that they may acquire the fulles
knowledge Of its operation. il is the sense
Of this convention that the Governor give
public hearings to applicants for appropri.
atoms and employ such expert or other as.
sistance as he may deem necessary in the
preparation Of the first budget
We approve Of the efforts Of the city OF
Baltimore to include within its limits con-
tiguOus territory in Baltimore and Anne
Arundel counties, including such Of its