The Daily Alaska empire., 1928-01-27
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

The Democrats of Alaska have adopted democratic platform It stands unequvoeally for government by the people in both Alaska and the Nation at large IL takes the unassailable ground that the way to have self government is to bring the government close to the people that they might observe it's processes and act with knowl- edge and discrimination In other words. it stands for full Territorial form of government in Alaska and for State Rights in the Nation
 Not only does the Democratic platform urge the complete utilization of all the authority that is granted to the Legislature by the Territory but it asks for authority and for the author ization to organize counties wherever the people might want them, that more of the powers Of government might be brought close to the people that they might inselligently govern themselves.
 If the Democratic platform could be trans lated into law the people would be able to rule while at home No longer would the policies of government and the selection of public servants be rewards for those who might develop the strongest pull at Washington.
 The Democratic idea is to give Alaska real home rule And that is the only way to dispose of the autocracy of bureaucratic control As long as Alaska has the limited form of government that it is operating under the personnel or the public service is a matter of small amount Give the people the power to govern and public servants will have to answer to them for their stewardship instead or reporting to oistdi. eieis It would make the people sovereign rather than Washington-made officials.
 The situation in Alaska is only an exaggerated case of the mschieyious centralization of author ity in Washington that has been in progress throughout the country for more than a quarter of century and the Democratic platform not only stands for home rule in the Territory but for State Rights in the Nation.
 The endorsement of Gov. Smith for the Presi- dential nomination is in exact accord with the attitude of Alaska Democrats toward govern ment. The platform truly characterizes Gov. Smith as a "stawart champion of State Rights and virile tribune of fundamental Democracy and authentic Democratic traditions" And it pro ; ceeds just truly:
 Gov. Smiths remarkable career
 Chief Executive of the Empire State, his
 transcendant ability, unfailing courage
 and rugged honesty have been proved
 through long public service and fine
 Democratic leadership. They have mark
 ed him the outstanding public char
 acter in the Nation and made of his
 inspiration to all patriotic and
 progressive Americans
 Constructiyely, the Democratic platform is thoroughly progressive. Hedging square deal to both labor and capital employed in the Ter ritory, it bids welcome and cooperation to those that might come here for development purposes and it urges continued development of the public service It advocates aid to prospeetors. more money for schools continuation of road building improved mail service, the use by the Government of Alaska products, the operation and extension of the Alaska Railroad, improvement of harbors and waterways encouragement of airplane serv- ice, agriculture, fur farming etc.
 It is forward-looking, sound and consistent platform.