The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-09-14
(Official City, State and County
Newspaper)
Foreign Representatives
SMALL, SPENCER, BREWER
Incorporated)
CHICAGO NEW YORK BOSTON
What, the Democrats Offer

In TWO previous euICUTldIS, LIE
Tribune has sought to explain ano
clarity what the various political
factions stand for in this state and
just what commitments have been
made in the quest for votes. In this
editorial we are completing the dis
cussion. These have been written
not with the intention of swaying
our readers one way or the other. 1t
is not the function of newspaper
to tell its readers how to vote. Such
action would be presumptuous and
meddlesome. 1t is, however, the duty
of newspaper to present all the
facts in its possession for the guild
ance of its readers. This has been
the intent of the editorials devoted
to the various party platforms.
Now for the attitude OF the Demo-
cratic party. Here, on the surface
at least, harmony seems to reign SUI
preme. There are no complications
on the head of the ticket. The DEM
ocrats are for Franklin D. Roosevelt
and all their state nominees and are
working for them as hard as their
campaign means will permit.
Major planks in the Democratic
platform cover both state and ma
tlonal issues.
Agriculture is placed first in I'M
portance by the Democrats. They
charge the Republicans with having
bungled the lob of farm relief and
with having failed to make good on
their 1928 campaign promises. Other
commitments are:
First:-Growth of federal bureau
cracy is roundly denounced and en-
dorsement given to strict economy at
Washington through elimination Of
unnecessary functions of govern
ment.
Second: - dorseS Roosevelt's
plans for rehabilitation OF agricul-
ture through refinancing of farm in
debtedness.
Third:-Reduction of the functions
Of state government to an absolute
minimum. Elimination Of activities
costly in operation which are not
properly concerned with government.
Fourth:-Restoration of home rule
to municipalities and cities, eliminate
ing many present state functions
which conflict with local govern
ment.
Fifth.-Revision of state laws to
correct antiquities and inconsistent
Cies.
Observation-Disclosures OF the bur-
den of taxation is favored and the
Democrats advocate that the legisla-
ture study the entire structure of
school taxation.
th:-Disapproval of the
wholesale initiation of hodgepodge
of laws upon which it is impossible
to enlighten and educate the voters
to secure intelligent balloting.
Neutrality-suspicious. should study
laws tending to help and foster ag-
riculture in North Dakota.
This. in brief, summarizes what
the Democrats believe are the reme-
dies for the present economic prob
lens. Most Of them have high hopes
of carrying the state for Roosevelt
and believe that some state offices
can be captured also. They point
with confidence to the March pri-
maries where the issue was drawn
between President Hoover and Frank
lin D. Roosevelt. In that primary
the Democratic vote reached nearly
$4,000. Normally the Democratic vote
is between $4,000 and and 10000 votes
In this state.
Some idea Of how the Democrats
would attempt to carry out their
platform pledges was contained in
the speech Of H. G. DePuy. suberna-
torial candidate, at Red Willow Lake
last Sunday. AS an oratorical effort
It probably offers room for improve
ment, but because Of its evident sin
cerity OF purpose and clear grasp Of
the problems facing the psople ol
this state It u worth careful study.
TO members OF the /. v. A. faction
holding forth the olive branch o.
their support, 1t LETT something to be
desired. At the same time 1t gave
them 1t least little cause for com-
1cgt.
r Va chiefly marked ~ a evi-