Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 June 1912 — DEFENDSTHECOURTS [ARTICLE]

DEFENDSTHECOURTS

REPUBLICAN PLATFORM DEMANDS “UNTRAMMELED AND INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY.* RECALL IS NOT NECESSARY Platform, However, Provides for Action to Simplify Removal of Derelict Judges—Taft Universal Peace Idea Indorsed—Changes in AntiTrust Law Favored. The platform adopted by the Republican convention opens with a preamble reaffirming allegiance to the party's ‘principles and declares Its undying, unchanging faith in government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” It expresses in strong language a demand for the continuance of an “unLrammeled and independent judiciary.” It declares for a continuation of the constitution of the United States as it stands today. It promises to continue to be a party of ‘advance and constructive statesmanship.” The platform promises to strive, not only in the nation, but in the several states, to enact legislation to safeguard the public health, limit effectively the labor of women and children, and to protect wageearners engaged in dangerous occupations and to enact workmen’s compensation laws. Uphold Court’s Integrity. The platform reaffirms its intention to uphold at all times the authority and integrity of the courts, both state and federal, and demands that the power of the coarts to protect life, liberty and property, shall be held inviolate.

The platform favors legislation which will bring more hasty decisions bv the courts in both civil and criminal cases, and less tedious and costly apeals. While announcing that the party regards the of judges as unnecessary, the platform declares for such action as may simplify the removal from office of any judge who may be found derelict in his duty. It indorses the Taft peace idea and the settlement of international disputes peaceably and the reference of all justifiable controversies between nations to an international court cf justice. > Anti-Trust Laws. It declares against special privilege"' and monopoly and recommends amendments to the present anti-trust laws, defining criminal offenses against the law, and providing for the punishment of the Violators. It recommends the creation of a federal trade commission for the ad- • ministration and enforcement of federal laws governing interstate commerce and enterprises. Thq platform reaffirms Republican, belief in a protective tariff. It denounces the tariff for revenue only idea, as destructive to many industries. It recommends the reduction of some of the present import duties. The Democratic party is condemned for failure -to provide funds sos the continuance of the tariff board. The Democratic tariff bills, passed by the present house of represents.; tives, are condemned as sectional, injurious to public credit and destructive of business enterprise. Promises to Lower “High Cost.” There is a cost of living plank. It i recommends a scientific inquiry into | the causes, which are operative both in the United States and elsewhere, to increase the cost of living. When the exact facts are known the party pledges itself to enact legislation to remove these causes.

A more elastic currency law is demanded. The platform also asks for legislation which will give the farmers better facilities for borrowing money easily and cheaply. It urges on authoritative investigation of agricultural credit societies and corporations in other countries and the passage of state and federal laws for the supervision of organizations having for their purpose the loaning of money to farmers. The platform urges the passage of a law enabling the ( president to extend civil service as “far as practicable.” Prohibition of campaign contributions by corporations is urged. The publication of campaign contributions is endorsed. Favors Conservation. The platform favors a continuation of’ the conservation policy. It favors the establishment of a parcels post, postal rates to be graduated under a zone system in proportion to length of carriage. It declares for the existence of ah adequate navy and condemns the Democratic house of representatives for refusing to authorize the construction of additional battleships. It urges a revival of the merchant marine. " It urges the federal government to assume a part of the burden of controlling the flood waters of the Mississippi river.