davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
INSULAR POSSESSIONS

The Filipino peoples have succeeded IN
maintaining stable government anu
have thus fulfilled the only condition iaio
down by congress as prerequisite 10 tne
granting OF Independence. we declare
that It is now our liberty and our duty
to keep our promise to these people py
granting them Immediately the indepenu-
ence which they so hoporably covet
The administration OF AFFAIRS IN
Alaska is a matter OF concern to all our
people.
Under the Republican administrator
development has ceased and the hshins
industry has been seriously impaired.
We pledge ourselves to correct the evhs
which have grown up in the administra-
ton of that rich domain.
An adequate form of local sei1-soV-
eminent for Alaska must be provided.
and to that end we favor the estap-
lishment of a full territorial form OF
government for that territory similar
to that enjoyed by all the territories
except Alaska during the last century
Of American history.
We believe in a policy for continuing
the improvements of the national PARKS,
the harbors and breakwaters. and the
federal roads of the territory OF Hawaii
We recommend legislation for the
welfare of the inhabitants OF the VIZ
gin islands.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
RECLAMATION

The Democratic party was foremost
In urging Immediate reclamation for
the arid and semi-arid lands OF the
West. The lands are located in the
public-land states. and. therefore. 1t Is
the duty of the government to utilize
their resources by reclamation. Home
stead entry men under reclamation
protects have suffered from the ex-
travagant inefficiencies and mistakes
of the federal government.
The reclamation act of 1924. recon-
mended by the fact-finding commission.
and added as an amendment to the Sec
ond deficiency appropriation bill at the
last session OF the congress, was elm
mated from that bill by the Repuoiican
conferees in the report they presented
to congress one hour before ADJOURN
ment.
The Democratic party pledges itself
actively. efficiently and economically TO
carry on the reclamation projects, ana
to make equitable adjustment for tho
mistakes the government has made.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23

To Offset these policies and their dis
astrous results. and to restore tho farm
err again to economic equality with
other industrialists We pledge our
selves:
(a) To adopt an international policy
of such cooperation by direct official.
Instead OF Indirect and evasive unofi-
cial, means as will re-establlsh the
farmers export market by restoring
the Industrial balance in Europe and
the normal flow of international trade
with the settlement OF Europe's eco
nomic problems.
OBJ To readjust and lower rail and
water rates, which will make our mar
kets both for the buyer and the seller.
national and international, instead OF
regional and local.
(d) To bring about the early compile
tional of Internal waterway systems for
transportation and to develop our wa
use on our farms.
(e) To stimulate by every proper
governmental activity the progress of
the cooperative marketing movement
and the establishment of an export
marketing corporation on commission,
in order that the exportable surplus
may not establish the price OF the
whole crop.
(f) To secure for the farmer credits
suitable for his needs.
(g) BY the establishment of these
policies and others naturally supple
mentary thereto, to reduce the margin
between what the producer receives
for his products and the consumer has
to pay for his supplies. to the end that
we secure an equality for agriculture.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
ISSUES ARE SET FORTH

The dominant issues of the campaign
are created by existing condtions
dishonesty. Discrimination. extrava-
gance and inefficiency exist In govern
meEt. The burdens of taxation have
become unbearable. Distress and bank
ruptcy In agriculture. the basic indus
try of our country. Is affecting the hap
piness and prosperity of the whole peo-
pie. The cost OF living is causing hard
ship and unrest. The slowing down
OF industry Is adding to the general
distress
The tariff. the destruction of our for
eign markets and the high cost of
of agriculture. mining and other raw
material industries. Large standing
armies and the cost OF preparing for
war still cast their burdens upon hui
manity. These conditions the existing
administration has proven
itself unwilling or unable to redress
The Democratic party pledges itself
to the following program: We pledge
the Democratic party to drive from
public places all which make barter
Of our national power. its resources or
the administration OF Its laws; to pun
Ssh those guilty Of these offenses.
To put none but the honest In public
office; to practice economy In the ex-
)enditure OF public money; to rever-
,nce and respect the rights OF all under
he Constitution.
To condemn and destroy government
~ the spy and the blackmailer. as by
his Republican administration was
10Th encouraged and practiced.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
CONSERVATION

We pledge recovery of the navy's oil
reserves, and all other parts of the public
domain which .have been fraudulently or
Illegally leased or otherwise wrongfully
transferred to the control of private in
terests: vigorous prosecution of all public
offcials, private citizens and corporations
that participated in these transactions:
revision of the water-power act, the gen.
eral leasing act. and all other legislation
relating to the public domain that may
be essential to its conservation and honest
and eficient use on behalf Of the people
OF the country.
We believe that the nation should retain
title to its water power and we favor tho
expeditions creation and development of
our water power. We favor strict public
control and conservation Of all the ma
tion's natural resources. such a. coal,
iron, oil and timber. and their use in such
manner as may be to the best interest of
our citizens.
The conservation of migratory birds.
the establishment of game preserves.
and the protection and conservation OF
wild life Is of Importance to agricul-
turists as well as sportsmen.
Our disappearing natural resources Of
timber calls for q national policy of re-
forestation.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
CAMPAIGN FUNDS

The nation now knows that the pred
atory interests have. by supplying Repup-
lican campaign funds. systematically
purchased legislative favors and admin
istrative immunity. The practice must
stop; our nation must return to honesty
and decency in politics.
Elections are public Affairs conducted
for the sole purpose of ascertaining the
will Of the sovereign voters. Therefore
we demand that national elections shall
hereafter be kept free from the poison OF
excessive private contributions. To this
end we favor reasonable means of pub
lIcity, at public expense, 80 that candi-
dates properly before the people for fed
eral offices, may present their claims at
a minimum of cost.
Such publicity should precede the
primary and the election. We favor
the prohibition OF individual contribu-
tons. direct and indirect. to the cam
paisn funds of congressman. senators
or Presidential candidates. beyond a
sum to be fixed In the law.
for both individual. contributions and
total expenditures. with requirements
for full publicity We advocate COM
plete revision of the corrupt practice
act to prevent Newberryism and the
election evils disclosed by recent inves-
legations.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
CIVIL SERVICE

We denounce the action of the Repub-
lican- administration in its violations OF
the principles of civil service by Its par
tisan removals and manipulation OF the
eligible lists in the Post Office depart
ment and other governmental depart
ments; by Its packing the civil service
commission so that that commission be-
came the servile instrument of the ad-
ministration in its wish to deny to the
ex-service men their preferential rights
under the law and the evasion of the
requirements of the law, with reference
to appointments In the department.
We pledge the Democratic party faith
fully to comply with the spirit as well as
tho regulation of civil service; to extend
its provisions to internal revenue officers
and to other employees of the govern
ment not in executive positions. and to Sc
euro to ex-service men preference In such
appointments,
We declare in favor Of adequate salaries
to provide decent living conditions for
postal employees.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
LEAGUE OF NATIONS

The Democratic party pledges all its
energies to the outlawing of the whole
| war system. We refuse to believe that
the wholesale slaughter of human beings
on the battlefield is any more necessary
to mans highest development than is kill
ing by individuals.
The only hope for world peace and for
economic recovery lies In the organized
efforts of sovereign nations cooperating
to remove the causes of war and to sub
stitute law and order for violence.
Under Democratic leadership prac-
teal plan was devised under which "a ma
lions are now operating and which has
for its fundamental purpose the free CO.
operation of all nations in the work Of
peace.
The government of the United States
for the last four years has had no for
eign policy, and consequently 1t has de-
layed the restoration OF the political and
economic agencies Of the world. 1t has
impaired our self-respect at home and In
jured our prestige abroad. 1t has cur
tailed our foreign markets and ruined our
agricultural prices.
1t is of supreme Importance to civiliza-
ton and to mankind that America be
placed and kept on the right side Of the
greatest moral question of all time, and
therefore the Democratic party renews
it's declaration of confidence in the ideal
of world peace. the League Of Nations
and the world court of justice as together
constituting the supreme effort of the
craftsmanship and religious conviction OF
our time to organize the world for peace.
Further. the Democratic party declared
that II will be the purpose of the next
administration to do all In its power to
secure for our country that moral leader
ship in the family OF nations which. in the
providence of God, has been so clearly
marked out for It.
There is no substitute for the League of
Nations as an agency working for peace:
therefore we believe that, in the interest
of permanent peace. and in the lifting OF
the great burdens of war from the backs
of the people. and In order to establish a
permanent foreign policy on these su-
preme questions. not subject to change
with changing of party administration, 1t
Is desirable, wise and necessary to lift
this question out OF the party politics and
to that end to take the sense OF the Amer
lean people at q referendum election, ad-
visory to the government. to be held off,
cially under act of congress. free from
all other questions and candidates. after
ample time for full consideration and dis
cussion throughout the country upon the
question. In substance. as follows
Shall the United States become a men, |
Der of the League of Nations upon such |
or amendments to the cove |
nant Of the league as the President and |
tho senate of the United States may |
agree upon?"
Immediately upon an affirmative vote |
We will carry out such mandate.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
TARIFF AND TAXATION

The Fordney- McCumber tariff act Is
the most unjust, unscientnc and dis
honest tariff tax measure ever enacted
In our history 1t is class legislation
which defrauds' all the people for the
benefit Of a few; 1t heavily increases
the cost of living. penalties agricul-
ture, corrupts the government. fosters
paternallsm and, in the long run. does
not benefit the very interests for which
1t was intended.
We denounce the Republican tariff
laws which are written in great part
in aid of monopolies and thus prevent
that reasonable exchange of commodi
ties which would enable foreign coun-
tries to buy our surplus agricultural
and manufactured products with re-
sultant benefit to the toilers and pro-
ducers of America. Trade interchange.
on the basis of reciprocal advantages
to. the countries participating Is a time
honored doctrine of democratic faith.
We declare our party's position to
be In favor of q tax on commodities
entering the customs house that will
promote effective competition, protect
against monopoly and at the same time
produce q fair revenue to support the
government.
The greatest contributing factor in
the Increase and unbalancing of prices
Increased taxation and the cost of living
by 81. 900. 000, 900. under the Fordney NC
Cumber tariff, all that the Republican
party could suggest in the way of re-
lief was a cut of 5000. 900. 900 In direct
taxes; and that was to be given prin-
cipally to those with the largest In
comes.
Although there was no evidence of
lack OF capital for investment to meet
q mi 20 NJ q
mate Industrial enterprises. and al
though the farmers and general con-
sumers were bearing the brunt of tariff
favors already granted to special inter-
ests, the administration was unable to
devise any plan except one to grant
further aid to the few.
Fortunately this plan of the admins
tration failed and under Democratic
aided by progressive Repub
leans, more equitable one was
adopted. which reduces direct taxes by |
,bout $3.50. 100000.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
COMPARISON OF PARTIES

We urge the American people to COM
pare the record OF eight unsullied years
of Democratic administration with that
of the Republican administration. In
the former there was no corruption.
Tho party pledges were faithfully full
nlled. and a Democratic congress en-
acted an extraordinary number of con-
structive and remedial laws. The eco
nomic life of the nation Quickened.
Tariff taxes were reduced. A federal
trade commission was created
A federal farm loan system was es-
tablished. Child labor legislation was
enacted. A good roads bill was passed.
Eight-hour laws were adopted. A sec
rotary of labor was given seat in the
cabinet OF the President. The Clayton
amendment to the Sherman antitrust
act was passed. freeing American labor.
BY the Smith Lever bill Improvement
of agricultural conditions was effected
A corrupt practice act was adopted.
we'll considered warehouse act was
passed. Federal employment bureaus
were created farm loan banks were
organized. and the federal reserve sys-
tenn was established. Privilege was
uprooted. A corrupt lobby was driven
from the national capital. higher
sense OF Individual and national duty
was aroused. America enjoyed an I'M
precedented period of social and mate
rial progress.
During the time which interviewed be-
tween the inauguration OF a Democratic
administration on March 4. 1913. and
our entrance into the World war, we
placed upon the statute books of our
country more effective, constructive
and remedial legislation than the Re-
publican party had placed there In a
generation.
During the great struggle which fol-
lowed we had a leadership that carried
America to greater heights OF honor
and power and glory than she had ever
known before In her entire history
Transition from this period of exalted
Democratic leadership to the sordid
record OF the last three and half
years make tho nation ashamed. 1t
marks the contrast between a high
of public service and an
avid purpose to distribute spells.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
REFERS TO MELLON PLAN

The issue between the President and
the Democratic party is not one of tax
reduction or of the conservation of cap
ital. 1t is an issue of relative burden
of taxation and of the distribution of
capital as affected by the taxation of
income. The President still stands on
the so-called Mellon plan. which his
party has just refused to indorse or
mention in Its platform.
The income tax was intended as a
tax upon wealth. 1t was not intended
to take from the poor any part of the
necessities of life. We hold that the
fairest tax with which to raise revenue
for the federal government Is the in
come tax.
We favor a graduated tax upon in
comes, so adjusted as to lay the bur-
dens of government on the taxpayers
in proportion to the benefits they enjoy
and their ability to pay. We oppose
the so-called nuisance taxes, sales
taxes and all other forms OF taxation
that unfairly shift to the consumer the
burdens of taxation.
We refer to the Democratic revenue
measure passed by the last congress
as distinguished from the Mellon tax
plan as an Illustration OF the policy
of the Democratic party.
We first made fiat reduction OF rs
per cent upon the tax of al incomes
payable this year and then we SO
changed the proposed Mellon plan as
to eliminate taxes upon the poor. re-
ducing them upon moderate Incomes
and in lesser degree. upon the in
comes OF multimlllionaires. We hold
that all taxes are unnecessarily high.
and pledge ourselves to further reduc-
lions.
We denounce the Mellon plan as a
device to relieve multimillionaires at
the expense of other taxpayers. and We
accept the Issue OF taxation rendered
by President Coolidge.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
CREDIT AND CURRENCY

We denounce the recent cruel and unjust
contraction of legitimate and necessary
credit and currency. which was directly
due to the so-called defiation policy Of
the Republican party as declared In its
national platform of June. 1920. and In the
speech OF acceptance Of its candidacy for
the Presidency.
Within eighteen months after tho cleo
ton of 1920 this policy resulted in with
drawing bank loans and discounts by over
five billions OF dollars and In contracting
our currency by over fifteen hundred mil
lions OF dollars.
This contraction bankrupted hundreds
Of thousands OF farmers and stock grow
ers In America and resulted In widespread
Industrial depression and unemployment.
We demand that the federal reserve sys-
TEN be so administered as to give stability
to industry. commerce and finance, as was
Intended by the Democratic party. which
gave the federal reserve system to the
nation.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23

prompt co-ordinated surveys by the
United States to determine the possi-
blIitles of general navigation improve
ments and water power developments
on navigable streams and their tribu-
taries, to secure reliable information as
to the most economical navigation i'm
proyemeni. IN combination with tho
most effic bar I'd complete development
OF water power.
We favor suspension OF the granting OF
federal water power licenses by the fed
eral water power commission until con-
gress has received reports from the water
power commission with regard to appiica-
tons for such licenses.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
PRIVATE MONOPOLY

The federal trade commission has SUBJ
mitted to the Republican administration
numerous reports showing the existence
of monopoles and combinations in re-
straint of trade. and has recommended
proceedings against these violators of the
law The few prosecutions which have re-
suited from this abundant evidence fur
nished by this agency created by the
Democratic party. while proving the In
difference of the administration to the
violations Of law by trusts and monopo-
lies and its friendship for them. neverthe-
less demonstrate the value OF the federal
trade commission.
We declare that a private monopoly In
indefensble and intolerable. and pledge
the Democratic party to vigorous enforce
ment of existing laws against monopoly
and Illegal combinations. and to the en-
actment of such further measures as may
be necessary.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
WAR AND DEFENSE


War is a relic of barbarism and 1t Is
justifiable only as a measure of defense.
In the event Of war in which the man
power of the nation is drafted. all other
resources should likewise be drafted. rms
will tend to discourage war by deprNing
it of Its profits.
We demand a strict and sweeping re-
duction of ornaments by land and sea-
so that there shall be no competitive mill
tary program or naval building. Untii
international agreements to this end nave
been made, we advocate an army and
navy adequate for our national safety.
Our government should secure joint
agreement with all nations for world
disarmament and also for referendum
of war, except in case OF actual OF
threatened attack.
Those who must furnish the blood and
bear the burdens imposed by war should.
whenever possible. be consulted before
this supreme sacrifice is required OF them.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
THE KHAN PLANK
FREEDOM OF RELIGION.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
FREEDOM OF PRESS.

Tho Democratic party affirms Its ad-
herence and devotion to those cardinal
principles contained In the ConstItu-
Ion and tho preoepts upon which our
government 10 founded, that congress
shall make no laws respecting the e.
Establishment Of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof, or abrldoIns
the freedom Of speech or Of the prsss,
or the right Of the people peaeeabIy
to assemble and to petition the gov
eminent for a redress Of grievances,
that the church and state shall be
and remain separate, and that no re-
ligious test shall ever be required az
qualification to any office Of public
trust under the United States.
These principles we pledge our
selves ever to defend and maintain.
We insist at all times upon obedience
to the orderly processes OF the law
and depIore and condemn any effort to
arouse religious or racial dissensIon.
Affirming our faith in these principles
we submit our cause to the Eeopl4
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
LABOR, CHILD WELFARE

Labor is not commodity. 1t is human.
We favor collective bargaining and laws
regulating hours of labor and conditions
under which labor is performed. We favor
the enactment of legislation providing
that the products of convict labor shipped
from one state to another shall be subject
to the laws Of the latter state exactly as
though they had been produced therein.
In order to mitigate unemployment at
tending business depression. we urge the
enactment of legislation authorizing the
construction and repair of public works
be initiated in periods of acute unemploy-
ment.
Without the votes Of Democratic
members of the congress the child Ia
Dor amendment would not have been
submitted for ratification.
The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-07-23
DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES

The Democratic .Ssrty believes in equal
rights to all and special privilege to
none. The Republican party holds that
special privileges are essential to ma
tional prosperity. 1t believes that ma
tionsl prosperity must originate with
the special interests and seep down
through the channels of trade to the
less favored Industries. to the wage
earners and small salaried employees.
1t has accordingly enthroned privilege
and nurtured selfshness. The Repub-
lican party is concerned chiefly with
material things; the Democratic party
Is concerned chiefly with human rights.
The masses. burdened by discriminat-
ing laws and unjust administration. are
demanding relief. The favored special
interests represented by the Repub-
lican party. contented with their unjust
privileges are demanding that no
change be made The Democratic party
stands for remedial legislation and
progress. The Republican party stands
still.