Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-04-05

State and all nominations 1OT puouS
positions as well as for delegates 70
party conventions.
Prohibition
IT regret that the plank on prohiDi-
ton was not more Outspoken. Inc
people Of Maine believe in the Eign1
tenth Amendment and the Volstea(
Act and L wanted, the Republican
Party to say SO and come out square,
ly on this issue. The plank endorses
strict and impartial enforcement OF
all laws Every decent citizen be-
lieves in law enforcement, even those
who want the laws repealed. 1t wouio
have been well to have let the coun-
try know just where the Pioneer Pro-
hibition State stands on this issue. A
platform for law enforcement Is
somewhat platitudinous.
Water Power
ION the water power question De-
cided step in advance was taken. Foe
the first time the Republican Party
recognizes that the people OF the
State have some interest In 1oca-
tons susceptible Of (water powerl
development. Only a short step for.
ward was taken but 1t Is significant
that at last the party recognizes a
public interest in our natural re-
sources. This is especially interest,"
. ing in view of the statement OF the
Maine State Grange Executive Com
mittee recently made public, to the
effect that the State owned no water
power rights. I am hopeful of the
future. OF course personally should
have liked a stronger plank on this
question. but one must not expect too
much. Maine nom transmission ana
electricity law Is reaff1rmed and that
ought to put an end to any further
discussion for the time being, and
the Republican Party has rendered
a service to the State in taking an
unequivocal position on this point.
Public Schools
"As to sectarian appropriations.
I am convinced that the people Of
the State will demand and will car
ry through a constitutional amend
ment against public funds being
used for sectarian schools. The
platform does not come out as
squarely on this issue as it might
but. as in the case of water power,
one can read between the lines and
have no doubt but that the next
legislature will see to 1t that the nom
sectarian amendment is submitted to
the people.
AoaSAUAkSO
1.-THE plank on citizenship suggest
ed by the State committee would
have shown Just where Maine peo-
pie stand. I believe in this case 1t
would have been wise to have spok-
en- frankly and to have placed the
Republican party squarely against
any attempt on the part of secret
organizations to dominate govern
ments and control parties.
The Convention
"Once again the platform was
left until the closing moments of
the convention. The time will come
when the Republicans of Maine will
insist that their party platforms are
presented earlier In the session and
not. delayed until one-half the audi
ence has left the convention hall. A
platform adopted in the closing mo-
ments does not necessarily represent
the will of the convention. should
like to see a wholesome discussion
of party planks in open convention.
This would show what the delegates
were made Of and would 9 have q
helpful influence In stimulating clear
thinking. A convention should not
be afraid Of difference of opinion
and there is such a thing as having
matters run altogether too smooth
ly.
"As to taxation. believe 1t would
have been wise to have stated OPEN
ly that the Republican party will
not stand for any increased or new
taxes in the State. and that tho
States affairs must be carried on
economically with the means now
! at Its command.
On the whole the platform of the
| convention is encouraging and I am
pleased with it.
Congressional Delegation 8.
ut was unusual to have present
both senators and all four congress-
men. They made a special effort to
come and some special attention
should have been shown to them.
They are the ones to whom the peo-
pie of Maine look to protect their
interests in Washington and, If I
| recall correctly. they were entirely
| overlooked in the platform and In
the remarks of any of the speakers
from the State. Usually special at
! tention is accorded to them and they
are entitled to 1t.
Senator Pepper
Zone other feature of the conven-
ton disturbed me. 1t was not cour-
teous for the convention to invite
| distinguished senator. like Senator
Pepper. to come all the way from
Washington. to devote three days of
his valuable time, and then ask him
| to speak when the convention was
worn out, when hundreds had left
the hall, and when he must have felt
| under pressure to shorten his re-
! marks. I would have enjoyed hear
ing Senator Pepper for another hour
or even longer. 1t means a good
| deal for a man like him to come
Pto Maine and help us. and in my
opinion he was not given a proper
opportunity to finish his address. We
| were fortunate in having Mrs. Wells
and Senator Pepper. In the future,
however, believe that, with the ad-
dress Of the presiding officer, there
is really only time for one other
main speaker. / make this sugges-