The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-23
Refers To Bryan's Work.

At some time in the future we are promised covenants for, outlawing az gressive war by any practical means. Surely the maker of this suggestion had overlooked the fact that under the sec retaryship of MT. Brayn we negotiated and put in force exactly such cove nants with not less than thirty nations, 1naking-so far as treaties and cove rants may do-aggressive war between them and ourselves no longer possible. There is no great merit in offering to repeat what already has been done. But war when it comes does not wait on adiectives and there is no instance In recorded history when any civilized na- tion has admitted that it was engaged in war for any purpose but selt-de- fense. The only way finally to ban ish war from the world is to set up some permanent plan of conference, consultation and adjustment to take It's place as arbiter among the nations. "Some of the points in which the re publican and the democratic parties dlf- fer are already clear. They will be- come pIainer still as this campaign pro- ceeds. For instance, we know now that some republicans hold that If 8 pOlitl- cal party has placed and kept corrupt men in office it's responsibility Is over when a prosecution is begun. We insist that unless political parties are held to political responsibility, party gov ernment will become 8 farce and a failure.
 "They think that when the public resources have been squandered and bar tered away a lawsuit to recover them if illegally acquired is sufficient amends. We would rather keep the public domain than sue for it's recovery.
 Points Out Differences
 "They outwardly deplore special priv ilege, except in the sacred guise of a protective tariff. We oppose it in this and every other form.
 'They believe that the Fordney- Me Cumber act is beyond reproach. We say it is an. outrageous imposition on the consuming public.
 "They believe or profess to believe that exhausted Europe waits to over whelm us with an avalanche of mer- chandise. We are at a loss to know how Europe is to pay its debts or buy our produce if some one does not take its goods. ,. ,. ,,.os0.. .o h.,;ovo
 
 that agriculture must be on an eco- homie basis with other industries. They have no plans to this end but the ap- pointment of a committee to investi- gate and advise that the farmer pro- vide himself with leaders not interested in politics. We think that the first step to economic equality is to deprive others of their unjust advantages.
 'They are content to conduct, the foreign affairs of the United States through private citizens, unofficially observing. We think America is great enough to speak in her own name.
 ''They propose now after nearly four years of absolute inaction to enroll the United States as member of the court of international justice. We promise t6 do 50 as soon as power is in our
 Democrats In Harmony
 "They present a party made up of a president facing in one direction, Congress in another and the rank and file scattered in between. We have a harmonious army, officers and pri- yates, marching to a common end.
 'In view of the record of the last three years they pray not without req son for a government of common sense. We stand for one of common honesty.
 What is honesty in government? Honesty in the handling of the public funds and the public property? But it is something else, it is candor and fair dealing and impartiality and the transaction of the public business in the open broad daylight without dis guise or pretense or evasion. It is the playing of no favorites, whether in making public contracts or in writing public laws. It is the treating of all classes and all sections of the country on an equal basis. It is the avoidance of secrecy and whispering and sharp practice in the management of public affairs. Men love darkness rather than light OrIy when their deeds are evil. Whether in Washington or out of it we will have no invisible advisors in our party councils, no alliance with those who work in secret for secret ends."