New-York tribune., 1920-06-29


ton:
"At this high hour, when the desti-
nies not only of political parties but of
peoples are, at stake, when social un-
rest is everywhere apparent, when ex-
listing forms of government are being
challenged and their very foundations
disturbed or swept away. it is we'll for
US, here in America. to pause for a
period of solemn deliberation.
I'VE. who assemble in this great con-
vention, counsel together, not merely
as members OF q party, but as chill
dren of the Republic. Love of country
and devotion to human service should
purge our hearts of all unworthy or
misleading motives. Let US fervently
pray for Divine blessing upon all that
we do undertake. Let US pledge our
selves anew to equality Of opportunity;
the unity of our country above the in
terests of groups or classes; and the
maintenance of the high honor Of
America in her dealings with other ma
tions.
"Tne people will shortly determine
which political instrumentallty IS best
suited to their purposes, most respon-
sive to their needs. They will have be-
fore them many platforms and many
promises. In what direction will they
turn? There is no better way of judg-
ask, therefore, that the people turn
from the passions and the prejudices
of the day to the consideration Of a
record as clear as it is enduring.
Scores Republican Party
"The Republican party was unsuc
cessful in the elections of 1912 because
it had persistently served special in
terests and had lost touch with the
spirit of the time. Those who con-
trolled its destiny derived their politi-
cal inspiration from the good old days
of Mark Hanna and neither desired a
a new day when it had dawned To
each pressing problem they sought
merely to reapply the processes of
antiquity.
"There were elements in the Repub-
lican party which were intolerant of
its mental sloth and moral irresponsi-
bility. These influences sought to gain
party control in 1912 and again in
1915. They renewed the hopeless
struggle at the convention recently
held at Chicago.
despite these efforts, the leaders
who have manipulated the party
mechanism for more than a genera
ton are still in undisputed control.
"The Republican platform, reaction
ary and provincial, is the very apotheo-
sis of political expediency. Filled with
premeditated ISLANDERS and vague prom
ises, it will be searched in vain for one
constructive suggestion for the refor-
nation OF the conditions which it
peoples of the earth will look to. il
in vain. 1t contains no message ot
hope for Ireland, no word of mercy
for Armenia, and it conceals a sword
for Mexico. 1t is the work of men
concerned more with material things
than with human rights. 1t contains
no thought, nc purpose which can give
impulse or thrill to those who love
liberty and hope to make the world
average man.
"The Democratic party is an unen
tangled party-a free party-owing nt
allegiance to any class or group o,
special interest. We were able to tak'
up and carry through to success th'
great progressive program outlined IL
our platform of 1912. During tn
months which intervened betweel
March a, 1918, and the outbreak Of tn
World War we placed upon the statut,
books of our country more effective
constructive and remedial Legislation
than the Republican party had place
there in generation.
Tells of Party's Achievements
"The income tax was made a perma
nent part of the revenue producin
agencies of the country, thereby relic,
ing our law of the reproach of ben
unjustly burdensome to the poor. TIL
extravagances and ineouities of tn
tariff system were removed and a nor
partisan tariff commission was estat
lished so that future revisions migi
be made in the light of accurate info,
nation. scientifically and impartial
couraged; and the bread thus cast upo
the international waters came back I
US many fold. The great reaches {
Alaska were opened up to commert
and development Dollar Diplomat
was destroyed. A corrupt lobby ws
driven from the national capitol.
effective seaman's act was adopted. tt
Federal Trade Commi ission was create
Child labor legislation was enacte
The parcel post and the rural free d
livery were developed. A good roat
bill and Il rural credits act were passe
A Secretary of Labor was given a Sc
In the Cabinet of the President Fig
hour laws were adopted. The Claytc
amendment to the Sherman anti-tru
act was passed, freeing American lab
and taking it from the category of col
improvement Of agricultural condition
was enacted. A corrupt practice a
was adopted. A we'll considered war
house act was passed. Federal emplo
ment bureaus were created. Farm 10,
banks, postal savings banks and IL
Federal Reserve System were esta
These enactments, and many 9th
provisions of a remedial character, h,
q cleansing and quickening effect up,
the economic life Of our country. r.
farmer was free from the deadeni,
effects of usurious financial contr,
Labor was given it's Magma Charta
liberty. Business and finance were r
leased from the thraldom Of uncertain
and hazard. The economic life
America was refreshed by the vitali
ing breath Of economic freedom.
This extraordinary narration SCUM
ike platform OF promises. The sob
fact is that IL is an inadequate recit
of actual performance. 1t constitut
Ucmocracy's rcsponsc to the deman
OF social justice. 1t is our answer
the antiquated slander tha. the Dem
cratic party is unable 70 understal
the great affairs Of the country.
"if the Democratic party mad q
complished nothing more than the pa
sage of the Federal Reserve act,
would be entitled 10 the enduring graz
tudc OF the nation. This act supple
the country with an elastic curren