Evening star., 1924-06-11

Continued from First I-age.)
no specific reference to the oil or
other recent congressional investiga-
tions, but includes in substance these
assertions:
The party reaffirms its devotion to
| orderly government and insists that
persons who degrade the public serv-
| be prosecuted.
The sale of official influence should
be condemned by the people and pro-
hibited by law.
wrongdoers should be prosecuted
without regard to their political affil-
iationS.
The majority of government en-
ployes are honest and faithful to their
trust, and 1t is grave wrong to
strive indiscriminately" to besmirch
their names, especially for partisan
purposes.
The Republican administration al
ready is in charge of the prosecution
of the cases of official dereliction and
will continue the work of discovery
and punishment" but viii not con-
fuse the innocent with the guilty nor
prosecute for partisan advantage.
No Discussion of Plank.
This plank had apparently been
practically agreed upon before the
subcommittee went into session. for
entation.
Such was not the case. however.
when the Klan and agricultural
planks were reached. Shouts and ar
guments, which could be heard plain
ly in the hall outside the committee
room, enSued.
Senator Norbeck of South Dakota
did not mince words in discussing the
condition of the farmer and the pos
sible effects it might have on the Re-
publican party if a strong agricul-
tural plank were not written. AL
though not a member of the subcom-
mittee, he was called in, and came
armed with charts and figures. He
told the platform drafters plainly
the high cost of living and the low
cost of farm products. Since the
northwest was not to be represented
on the ticket, he is understood to have
argued, it should be expressed in the
platform.
Controversy about the Klan plank
resolved itself into discussion of
whether anything should be said.
urged adption of the plank re- rm-
ing the constitutional guarantees of
liberties, which finally was incorpo-
rated. but others opposed 1t.
Denouncement Voted Down.
A vigorous announcement OF the
Klan was voted down
Senator Gooding of Idaho spoke for
committee when the agricultural
plank was under consideration, urg-
ing a definite program not unlike that
outlined in the McNary Haugen bill.
The declaration tentatively accepted
was understood by members of the
subcommittee to have been viewed
by Senator Gooding as unsatisfactory
to at least two senators from north
western states.
Senator Norbeck. however, is under
stood to have approved the utterance
other declarations contained in the
platform include:
The administration has reduced
taxation and the public debt, Installed
budget system and brought ordinary
expenses pe down to a pre.war Pre- G level 1 IN
unsurpassed in the history of public
finance"
Tax Commission Proposed.
Progressive tax reduction should
be accomplished through tax reform
and not be confined to the 4,O00,o0o
persons who pay direct taxes. but
should be enjoyed by the entire
population. President Coolidge's pro-
posal for conference of nationa3,
federal and state officials to develop
ways to Tighten taxes should , be car ar
commission to study all tax systems
should be appointed.
The party believes in the protective
tariff 1t should be adjusted, how
ever, as provided in the 1922 tarIn
law. as new conditions arise.
The party favors constructor OF
the most feasible waterways" from
the Great Lakes to the Gulf as we'll
as the Improvement of inland water
ways, and a survey of conditions
under which the food waters OF the
Colorado River may be controlled.
High tribute is paid to the memory
OF the late President Harding in the
opening plank. He is referred to as
a man whose human qualities
gripped the affection of the Ameri-
can people," He also is praised for
calling the Washington arms con-
ference.
In praising President Coolidge, the