The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-09-08

the restraint and suppression of
trusts and monopolies, and the pro-
visions OF which have frequently been
invoked for the protection of the
people.
The BaltimoreS -platform promised
revision of the tariff to the end
that the cost of living to American
consumers might be reduced, and
special privilege driven from it's en-
trenchments. To this end was passed
the Underwood Simmons tariff act
under the terms of-which the prohib-
tory rates of the Payne-Aldrich act
were repealed, and all of the actual
necessities of life placed on the free
list, not forgetting the sound princi-
pie that the Injuries should be heav-
lily taxed for revenue purposes. That
tariff act in practice. not only re-
lieved the people of unjust exactfons,
but stimulated both import and ex-
port trade by legitimate competition
and brought to the country the great
est era of prosperity In its history.
Income FAX
In the field of direct taxation, the
activities of the Wilson administra-
tion were most praiseworthy and
effective. The federal income tax
law was made possible by the initia-
ton and submission of the constitu-
tional amendment making the levy of
such tax legal, and after its ratiftca-
tion the income tax law was written
into the statutes. No wiser or more
equitable measure of taxation was
ever devised because 1t places the
burden of heaviest taxes upon the
mora fortunate citizens who are best
able to bear it, and without the benz
efits of which it would now be prac-
ftra1lU fr,anneSfh1a for 10 srnxJ ant
to function. A well regulated inher-
ltance tax as we'll as the war time
excess profits TAX were provided to
meet fairly the extraordinary bur-
dens Of the was.
Agriculture
The democratic party. has to its
everlasting credit peculiar and en-
during anxiety and solicited for the
welfare of that greatest of all basic
agriculture. In the do
main of its activities in that regard
allow me to catalogue its practical
achievements: Zone of the greatest
difficulties the farmers of the coun-
try have had to overcome has been
the lack of adequate credit system
with which to finance their absolute
necessities.
The business men has from tins
immemorial had the benefits of a
system of banking to meet his diff
culties, and moreover his rate of in
terest was fairly tolerahle. Not so
with the farmer. Up until a short
time ago he had no refuge in the
hour of calamity to which he could
apply for succor, when he could
borrow his rate of interest was usur-
ious and oppressive and the period OF
his loan too short to be of advantage.
Our party realizing this almost bru-
tai discrimination against the farm
ers OF Alabama which had grown up
In the evolution of our financial sys-
tenn originated, framed, passed and
put into operation the federal farm
loan act-a measure which has been
of inca1culable and always increasing
value"
Highways
I now wish to refer to what may
be regarded as a piece of legislation
of the most supreme Importance. not
only to the country people but to all
citizens everywhere. which was
sponsored by the democratic party
and led to victory (permit me to say
with pride and tanderness1 by DEM
ocratic senator from Alabama, the act
providing for federal aid to high
ways. No single act of Congress In
modern times Is contributing so much
y
this No legislation proposed for
the future shares with 1t the general
commendation of our people.
Labor
In It's consistent effort to serve all
the people. in the proRnotion of their
legitimate interests, the democratic
party has not been unmindful of the
claims of labor. 1t has recognized
the fact that in its last analysis it is
the man in overalls who makes the
wheels of industry turn. and his just
aspirations to better his conditions
has not only had the sanction but
the assistance of its eomradeship. The
creation of the department of labor,
with it's head as member of the
Presidents cabinet, has dignified as
never before the status of the mil
liens of American toilers.
In its desire in times of industrial
stagnation to bring together the idle
man and the vacant job, 1t created
the federal labor employment bu-
reau. The national workmen's law,
the establishment of the woman's
bureau. child labor legislation, the
seamans act, and other Humanitarian
legislation justify II they do not de-
mand. the loyal adherence of that
great host of our fellow citizens who
earn their bread in the sweat of their
brows.
Election of Senator's
True to it's fundamental conception
that all just powers of government
are inherent in the people, and TO
yindicate that philosophy. we sub
mitted the constitutional amendmen.
for the direct election of United
States senators by vote of the
people.
stat. Ts~uo.
Under our system of primaries the
successful candidate for governor
blazes. the way for legislative action.
Our nominee for governor promul-
gated his platform and reinforced
the planks in the many speeches
made by him throughout the state.
His views were approved by an over
whelming majority of the voters. We
have a mandate from the people and
should write into our platform he
principles for which he stands
Prohibition
Tho social, moral and economic
value of prohibition is so fully proven
that no one who hopes to be trusted
with power would dare propose any
relaxation of our laws relating to
the sale of Intoxicating drinks. We
do need a more vigorous enforce
ment of those laws. The people usual
ly elect good officers but the officers
must have the aid and active sup
port of all who want the laws en-
forced. When officers are dere;ict
in the performance of their duties
good citizenship should assert itself
in soma appropriate and efficient
way. God speed the day when the
indicator and bootlegger will be
| driven from Alabama.
| Taxation and Educatfou
| The laying OF taxes is always a
delicate and vexatious subject. There