The June 27, 1908 NYT reports on what is expected to be in the Democratic Party's platform, to be introduced by William Jennings Bryan, the party's nominee that year.

It is fascinating that the next 100 years, during much of which the Democrats were in control of Congress (and occasionally the White House), the party platform has changed very little, suggesting that they haven't been very successful in implementing their goals. Whether this is an indictment of Democratic leadership or of their opposition, I am not sure.

Here is a paraphrased list of what the paper suggests will be in the Democratic party's agenda:

"A few general declarations in which the Republican Party is arraigned for having subordinated the Government to the favor-seeking corporations."

Insisting on a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people."

The establishment of equal rights, and the abolition of special privileges.

Laws prohibiting the pass and rebate [in railroads]

Making it unlawful for corporations to contribute to campaign funds

Requiring publicity of contributions before election, "of all individual contributions above a reasonable minimum."

Centralization of power through judicial concentration is opposed.

Constitutional authority of the General Government to prevent monopoly must be exercised via the Interstate commerce clause.

Laws to compel foreign corporations to submit their legal disputes to the courts of the States in which they do business.

The election of U.S. Senators by direct vote of the people.

Private monopoly must be made impossible.

Enforce the laws against trusts and trust magnates.

Immediate reduction of trade duties

Articles competing with trust-made articles should be duty free.

Constitutional amendment authorizing a tax upon individual and corporate incomes.

A national inheritance tax to reach the "swollen fortunes."

Immediate declaration of intent to recognize the independence of Philippine Islands "as soon as a stable Government can be established."

Powers of the National and State Railway Commissions should be expanded to protect people against discrimination and extortion.

Railroads should be forbidden to engage in any business that will compete with their shippers.

Railroad rates should be reduced until they reach a point that will leave only a "reasonable return on the present value of the roads."

Postal savings banks are favored as are rules protecting bank deposits.

An employer's liability law and an eight-hour day.

"The admission of Asiatic immigrants who cannot be amalgamated with our population is opposed."

A stricter enforcement is demanded of immigration laws. <\blockquote>

Certain planks have moved from one part to the other, but as far as populist agenda items go the current Democratic party might have be very similar.

Posted by Craig Depken at 02:35 PM in Politics