Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1908 — US AND THEM. [ARTICLE]

US AND THEM.

Those are illuminative differences between the parties given at the close of oar national platform. Note them: Beyond* all platform declarations there are fundamental differences between the Republican party and its chief opponent which make the one worthy and the other unworthy of public trust. ——- . Democracy and Republicanism is that the one stood for debased currency, the other for honest currency; the one for free silver, the other for sound money; the one for free • trade, the other for protection; the one for the contraction of American influence, the other for its expansion; the one has been forced to abandon every position taken on the great Issues before the people, the other has held and vindicated all. In experience the difference between Democracy and Republlcansim is that one means adversity, while the other means prosperity; one means low wages, the other means high; the one means doubt and debt, the other means confidence and thrift. In principle, the difference between Democracy and Republicanism is tbat one stands for vacillation and timidity In government, the other for strength and purpose; one stands for obstruction, the other for construction; one promises, the other performs; one finds fault, the other finds work. The present tendencies of (he two parties are even more marked by Inherent differences. The trend of Democracy is tdward socialism, while the Republican party stands for a wise and regulated individualism. Socialism would destroy wealth. Republicanism would prevent its abuse; socialism would give to each an equal right to take; Republicanism would give to each an equal right to earn. Socialism would offer an equality of possession which would soon leave no one anything to possess; Republicanism would give equality of opportunity which would assure to each his share of a oonstantly increasing sum of possessions. In line with this tendency, the Democratic party of today believes in government ownership, while the Republican party believes in government regulation. Ultimately, Democracy would have the nation own the people, while Republicanism would have the people own the nation. 'Upon this platform of principles and purposes, reaffirming our adherence to every Republican doctrine proclaimed since the birth of the party, we go beftne the country asking the support noioniy of those who Rasa acted with

a* heretofore, but ot #ll our fellow cifcteens, who, regardless of past political differences, unite in the desire to maintote the policies, perfcetnate the Messtegs and make secure the achieve* meats of a greater America.