Republican Platform

The Republican platform for 1924 was something Democrats looked forward to with avidity. Said they, not only to themselves, but aloud in the public ear: "Coolidge and Congress have been at war. If the platform endorses Coolidge, it must repudiate Congress and vice versa--either way it will be meat for us."

The question was--would it 'be a Coolidge platform or a Congress platform? William M. Butler saw that it was a Coolidge platform. Charles B. Warren, Ambassador to Mexico, staunch friend of Coolidge, was placed in charge of the drafting. From his Committee of some 50 members, 16 were chosen to do the actual construction. First brief public hearings were held. Then the Subcommittee drafted the document. Then the entire Commitee considered and approved it, with minor amendments. Then the Republican Delegates, in convention assembled, formally approved.

The difFerences between the President and the Republican Congressional group were, of course, ignored. As far as possible, they were concealed. In one case, that of the soldier bonus, the difference was compromised by entire refusal to touch on the subject. But on the question of tax reduction--the Mellon plan on which the President took his stand--Mr. Coolidge's position was approved in general terms and the substitute law, which was passed, mildly disapproved. On the question of U. S. entry into the World Court, the platform sanctioned Mr. Coolidge's recommendation for entrance.

In the following summary of the platform wherever possible words and phrases are taken verbatim from the text; assertions are printed in ordinary roman type, promises in italics:

Harding. Devotion to the memory of Warren G. Harding because of his human qualities, unswerving devotion to duty, staunch Republicanism, true patriotism, achievement in the Limitation of Arms Conference.

Coolidge. Thanksgiving that Calvin Coolidge is a fully-equipped successor, justifies faith and confidence, places public welfare above personal considerations, has integrity, vision, single-minded devotion to the public needs.

Situation in 1921. 4,500,000 unemployed; industry and commerce stagnant ; agriculture prostrate; business depressed; Government bonds below par; peace delayed; misunderstanding in foreign relations.

Situation in 1924. Industry and commerce active; public and private credits sound; peace made; disarmament and world friendship advanced; foreign policy defined; tasks completed; some ills still enduring from the Democratic Administration.

Economy. Since 1921, Republican Administration reduced expenditures $2,000,000,000 per annum; reduced public debt $2,500,000,000; reduced Federal employes by more than 100,000; made possible reduction of taxes of $1,250,000,000 per annum; established the budget system.

Rigid economy in government.

Taxation. Prosperity of the nation depends on wise and scientific manner of taxation. Tax reduction should be tax reform. Tax reduction should not be confined to the 4,000,000 people who pay direct taxes, but be spread to the 100,000,000 who pay taxes in the form of living expenses.

Progressive reduction of taxes, as rapidly as possible, and in a sound manner, to a peacetime basis. A conference of Federal and state officers next November for lightening taxes. A Federal Commission to make a scientific study of taxation, with a view to a more equitable adjustment.

Reorganization of Executive Branch. Reorganisation of executive departments in general conformity with a report recently made by a joint committee of Congress.

Civil Service. The civil service has been improved by law and by executive action.

Inclusion within the merit system of first, second, third class post offices, and prohibition-enforcement unit.

Foreign Relations. The wisdom of the Republican policy of aiding world peace without political affiliations is demonstrated by the beneficent work of the Dawes Commission, by the Limitation of Arms Conference, by peace treaties with Germany and Austria, by 50 other treaties and agreements for the purposes of peace and good will, by better relations with Latin America, by U.S. aid in settling the Chile-Peru dispute of long standing, by adjustment of relations with Mexico.

Entrance into the World Court, as proposed by President Coolidge. Refusal to enter the League of Nations. A conference, when conditions in Europe are favorable, to limit land forces, submarines, poison gas.

Foreign Debts. The Republican Administration arranged for the payment of the British debt to the U. S., amounting to $4,600,000,000 and has 35% of our foreign debts in process of liquidation.

No cancellation of debts. Arrangements with other countries for repayment on similar terms to those accorded Great Britain.

Tariff. Protective tariffs in the history of the nation have made for business confidence, industrial activity, employment, increased prosperity, high standard of living. The tariff acts of 1921 and 1922 have been of great benefit.

A protective tariff for all sections, for agriculture, for industry and for occupations. Continuation of the elastic provision whereby the President may adjust rates.

Agriculture. The farm situation is a fundamental national problem affecting the prosperity of the entire Nation. The Democratic Party destroyed the balance between Agriculture, Industry and Labor. The Republican Administration gave the situation more serious consideration than it has ever received. Laws have been passed to help. The President secured the formation of a private corporation, with $100,000,000, to assist the Northwest. The revival of the War Finance Corporation, which loaned over $300,000,000, saved agriculture from complete collapse. Intermediate credit banks were established; capitalization of Farm Loan system increased ; emergency loans made to drought-stricken areas; cooperative marketing begun; grain futures and packer-control laws were enacted; farmers given representation on the Federal Reserve Board; foreign marketing service was strengthened.

Whatever steps may be necessary to restore balance. Efforts to reduce taxes, give steady employment and stabilise business, lower freight rates, secure sounder and more economical marketing to bring the prices of what the farmer buys nearer to the prices of what he sells. A protective tariff on farm products. Establishment of a Federal system of cooperative marketing without putting the Government into business.

Mining. The mining industry has been distressed. The Administration has given some aid.

Continued efforts.

Highways. The Federal Aid Road Act of 1921 has been of great value in aiding states in roadbuilding.

Continuation of this policy. Construction of roads and trails in national forests.

Labor. Protection of Labor from undue exactions. Ratification by States of the Child Labor Amendment to the Constitution. Protection of women in industry. Continued efforts to eliminate the twelve-hour day, seven-day week. Continuation of the Federal Board for Vocational Education to rehabilitate workers. A better system of education, more adequate Federal free employment agencies, and aid to the movements of seasonal and migratory labor.

Railroads. The lowest rates consistent with good service. A scientific readjustment of rail rates to encourage agriculture and basic industries. Amendment of present railway laws and of the Railway Labor Board Law when experience shows the necessity. Consolidation of roads. Collective bargaining, mediation and voluntary arbitration. No involuntary settlements of labor disputes. An impartial tribunal to investigate and publish facts of disputes.

Socialism. Opposition to putting the Government in business, to nationalisation of public utilities. Governmental regulation and control of public utilities.

Coal. The Government has no Constitutional power to regulate prices.

In case of labor disputes, the President should have power to appoint a mediating commission, control distribution, prevent profiteering.

Merchant Marine. A strong merchant marine, built, owned and manned by Americans. Improved Government management of its merchant ships until they can be sold to Americans.

Waters. Great Lakes-Atlantic and Great Lakes-Gulf waterways. Surveys for flood control and irrigation on the Colorado River. Continuation of the Federal Water Power Act.

Disabled Veterans. Republicans reaffirm admiration and gratitude and increasing solicitude for soldiers and sailors. No country, no Administration, has been more generous to the disabled. Inefficiency and maladministration in the Veterans' Bureau have been cured. All disabled veterans have been granted admission to Federal hospitals; $50,000,000 appropriated for hospital construction. The Republican Congress appropriated over $110,000,000 for the disabled.

Future liberality for the wounded and disabled.

Conservation. Theodore Roosevelt originated the conservation policy.

Development of oil, timber, coal and waterpower resources only when the need is positively known, and with safeguards against waste, speculation and monopoly.

Education. Federal advice to the states in education. Coordination of Federal activities. A Cabinet post of Education and Relief.

War Time. Drafting in time of war, not only of citizens, but of all needed material resources.

Immigration. The new immigration law is designed to protect American citizens and resident aliens from the competition of unrestricted immigration. Its administrative features aid in eliminating hardships to immigrants.

Americanization of aliens. Improvement of naturalization laws.

Hawaii. Continuance of Federal aid in harbor improvements. Settlement of public lands by the Hawaiian race.

Alaska. Continuance of constructive development.

Philippines. Independence for the Islands, not now, but at any time when it becomes evident that independence will benefit the Filipinos.

Reclamation. The Department of the Interior has made a study of Federal reclamation of arid and semi-arid lands in the West. New policies have been adopted. Completion of this reorganization should bring great benefits.

Aviation. Federal encouragement of commercial aviation.

Army. No weakening. Continued military training for citizens.

Navy. Maintenance of the Navy at full strength under the Limitation of Armaments treaties.

Negroes. Enactment of a Federal anti-lynching law.

Corruption. Congressional investigations have exposed men in both parties in public office who are willing to sell official favors, and men out of office willing to buy them by money or influence. Most Government officials are honest. The Administration has undertaken prosecution of the guilty and will do so impartially.

Speedy prosecution of all dishonest public servants. A law against the selling or perversion of influence for private gain.

Prohibition. The full strength of the Government employed for the enforcement of the Constitution and all laws.

Women. Welcome to women, not as assistants, but as co-partners, in politics and Government.

Ku Klux Klan. "Unyielding devotion to the Constitution and to the guarantees of civil, political and religious liberty therein contained."

Party Responsibility. Parties are essential to Democratic Government. The Government functions best when the Chief Executive is supported by a solid majority of his party in Congress. The people should elect a Congress which will support the President and fulfill the Party's pledges.