Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-02-13
The Presidents Platform.


day address in New York utilized the
text prompted by the occasion to lay
down, in effect, his political platform
of the campaign, first for the nomina-
ton, and then, if nominated, for the
presidency. His tribute to Lincoln was
adequate and eloquent. though not. as
the circumstances then required. ex-
clusively devoted to that subject as
his executive proclamation as Gov
ernor of Massachusetts five years ago.
His references to Lincoln led him by
natural progression to clear state
ment of his policies, by which he will
stand or fall before the people Of the
country.
The topics that the President par
ticularly stresses are farm relief, tax
reduction and the bonus. He makes it
plain that he regards a betterment of
the agricultural interests as Of the
most vital importance to the national
welfare, and he sets forth again in
outline the measures which he deems
wise for this purpose. He pleads to
the people for support for the tax
reduction plan which has been pro-
posed to, Congress, and which is now
before the House, with counter pro-
pesals offered as political counters.
Only through the demand Of the peo-
pie, expressed to Congress, can this
legislation be secured.
question and the bonus. which is re.
lated to 1t, Is one Of the strongest that
has been made since this question was
preached last autumn. He is particu-
larry happy in his illustration of the
need of a reduction Of the surtaxes
when he Ekens the increased imposi.
lions upon capital to a progressive tax
on the wages Of successive days OF the
week. Taken altogether" he says,
Il wish to include in the program a
reduction in the high surtax rates, not
that small incomes may be required
to pay more. and large incomes be re-
ouired to pay less, but that more
revenue may be secured from large
may be reduced; not because I wish
10 relieve the wealthy, but because I
wish to relieve the country
Making clear his position on world
peace and on Mexico the President
proceeds in the last portion OF his
address to treat Of the oil scandals.
This speech, coming Immediately after
his declaration regarding the Senate's
demand for the resignation OF the
Secretary Of the Navy, is -particu-
larly significant and important. Mr..
Coolidge last night stated his position
in this matter independent Of the
question of ,usurpation Of authority
As a republican he says he cannot on
that account shield any one because
he is a republican. and likewise as a
republican he cannot on that account
prosecute any one because he Is a
democrat.
In one paragraph of his speech the
President states the case in a way to
appeal to the public sense Of Justice:
want no hue and cry, no mingling
Of innocent and guilty in unthinking
condemnation, no confusion of mere
questions of law with questions Of
fraud and corruption. It Is at such a
time that the quality Of our citizenry
is .-teSted--unreienting toward evil,
fair-minded and intent upon the re-
Guirements Of due process, the shield
Of the innocent and the safeguard OF
society itself. I ask the support. OF
our people, as Chief Magistrate, in
tent on the enforcement Of our laws
without fear or favor, no matter who
is hurt or what the consequences.
This address Of the President, dis.
aributed, first by radio and then by
print to the entire country, gives the
people food for thought. It is a
utterance, a strong, clear
statement. Of the Presidents position.
a gripping message Of appeal for pub.
lie approval and Endorsement.