CHICAGO, June 8, 1916 (UP) - The republican platform to be adopted by the national convention today, in addition to taking a strong stand for out and out "Americanism," will declare for a navy which will fear no other power in the world.
It will call for a standing army of sufficient size to form the nucleus of an effective force in case of war.
The question of woman suffrage had not been disposed of early today. This plank is to be laid before the entire resolutions committee before final decision is made.
No prohibition plank will be included in the platform.
A new proposal for the federal government to take over complete regulation of transportation, thereby supplanting the numerous state railway and service commissions in their control over railroads, is recommended by the subcommittee, over which Chairman Lodge presided, and may be adopted.
The United Press learned on highest authority today that the plans of the platform are substantially as follows:
The platform declared for both military and industrial preparedness.
A larger navy that will be able to protect America's interests anywhere.
A standing army sufficiently large, not only to protect our borders, but, in case of war, to form a strong nucleus for national defense.
The state militia is to be encouraged in the training of a citizen soldiery.
No federalization of militia.
No mention of compulsory military service.
Closer co-operation between the government and American industries, so they can be used in the nation's defense in time of war.
The republican party in 1861 stood against secession: it now stands for a united people true to ideals, "one in thought, one in action, one in loyalty, one in aspiration. Everybody true to one flag and to one faith in America."
Criticizes the present administration's handling of the Mexican situation characterizing it as weak and wobbling, and declares for a policy that will protect American life and property at all times. The plank does not indicate that the republican party stands for intervention in Mexico.
American industries should be protected by tariff duties that are "reasonable in amount" which is defined to mean that the duty should equalize the differences between the wages in Europe and wages in America, at the same time preventing "undue exaction by monopolies and powerful industrial combinations," but sufficient to put American industries in a position that they would be a real aid in national defense.
The tariff plank characterizes the Underwood law as a complete failure, which has not reduced the cost of living, but which has forced the government to resort to "odious war taxes while the nation is at peace." Its repeal is demanded in strong terms. The party goes on record again in favor of a tariff commission.
