Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 July 1912 — DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM SUMMARIZED [ARTICLE]

DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM SUMMARIZED

jfe - Following is a summary of the more Important planks in the platform adopted by the Democratic national convention: Declares for a tariff for revenue only; denounces the high Republican tariff as the principal cause of the unequal distribution of wealth. Favors immediate downward revision of present duties, especially upon necessaries of life. Also favors gradual reduction so aa not to Interfere with or destroy legitimate industries. Takes issue with the Republican platform as to the high cost of living, contending it is largely due to high tariff laws. Favors vigorous enforcement of the criminal features of the antitrust law. Demands much additional legislation as may be necessary, to crush private monopoly. Urges people to support proposed constitutional amendments, providing for an income tax and election of United States senators by direct vote of the people. Declares for presidential preference primaries. Pledges party to enactment of law prohibiting campaign contributions by corporations and unreasonable campaign contributions by Individuals. Favors single presidential term and making president Ineligible to re-election. Favors efficient supervision and rate regulation of railroads, express companies, telegraph and telephone lines and a valuation of these companies by the Interstate commerce commission. In connection with a demand for such a revision of the banking laws as will give temporary relief in case of financial distress there is a denunciation of the Aldrich bill prepared by the monetary commlssion - „ Recommends Investigation of agricultural credit societies In Europe to ascertain whether a system of rural credits may be devised suitable to conditions In the United States; Pledges party to enactment of legislation to prevent devastation of lower Mississippi valley by floods. Favors national aid regarding post roads. Repeats party's declaration of the platform of 1908 as to rights of labor and pledges the party to an employes’ compensation law. Declares the unnecessary withdrawal of public lands tends to retard development and bring re-proach upon policy of conservation; declares for Immediate action to make available Alaskan coal lands. Favors encouragement of agriculture and legislation to suppress gambling In agricultural products. Believes In fostering growth of a merchant marine. Reaffirms previous declarations regarding pure food and publlo health. Favors reorganization of the civil service Recommends law reform legislation. Reaffirms position against “policy of Imperialism and colonial exploitation” in Philippines. Demands for Alaska full enjoyment of rights and privileges of territorial form of government. Favors parcels post and extension of rural delivery.