L I E) R.A R.Y 
 
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 Of ILLINOIS 
 
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 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 Illinois Major Party Platforms: 
 
 1900-1964 
 
 Compiled by 
 James D. Nowlan 
 
 THE INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT^ '^ 
 
 and PUBLIC AFFAIRS 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PUTFORMSi 
 1900-1964 
 
 Compiled by 
 James D. Kowlan 
 
 Institute of Government and Public Affairs 
 
 University of Illinois 
 
 Urbana, Illinois 
 
 July 1966 
 
ADDEiroUM 
 
 In 1952, Governor Adlai E. Stevenson vas renominated in the 
 April primary. The Democratic Party Platfonn was adopted on May 8, 
 1952. Subsequently the Democratic National Convention nominated 
 Governor Stevenson for the Presidency. By action of the Democratic 
 State Central Committee his vacancy on the state ticket was filled 
 by the then Lieutenant Governor, Sherwood Dixon. 
 
■.^ilVt 8-i3^v 
 
FOREWORD 
 
 C<3 
 
 ^^. 
 
 In 1959, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs published 
 a compilation of Illinois election statistics, Illinois Votes, 1900-1958 . 
 The data were carried through 1962 in a supplement. Subsequently, the 
 Secretary of State adopted the format of Illinois Votes, in his 1964 
 Official Vote of the State of Illinois . 
 
 Election statistics alone only scratch the surface in telling about 
 a particular election. To help provide more information about Illinois 
 politics and election campaigns, the Institute of Government and Public 
 Affairs is now glad to make available to students of Illinois government 
 and politics, political leaders, and journalists this volume of major 
 political party platforms. As far as we know, this is the first time such 
 a volume has been collected for a state, although a similar^volume edited 
 by Kirk Porter and Donald Johnson has been published by the University of 
 Illinois Press. 
 
 Mr. James D. Nowlan was responsible for compiling this volume under 
 guidance from Professor Samuel K. Gove. Mr. Nowlan started the compilation 
 while a research assistant in the Institute and concluded the work while 
 a graduate student in the Department of Political Science. 
 
 The Institute wishes to thank all those who have helped in making 
 the publication of this volume possible. 
 
 Gilbert Y. Steiner 
 Director 
 
 Institute of Government 
 and Public Affairs 
 
 
 ill 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Political platforms have long been made the laughingstock of American 
 politics. Humorists have depicted the platforms as embodying all sorts of 
 architectural faults. Yet, for all the bombast, repetition and evasion of 
 these documents, platform-making is solidly ingrained in the constitution of 
 American political party tradition. And with good reason. Kirk H. Porter and 
 Donald B. Johnson would hold, for the platforms are--weaknesses granted-^ 
 still the principal official statements of party principles and policies 
 that exist. As seen in a compiled volume, platforms reflect political trends, 
 absorption of minor party demands, and, of course, they attack weaknesses in 
 the programs and activities of the opposition party, in effect previewing 
 issues which may become significant in ensuing years. 
 
 Generality and ambiguity for the sake of consensus is the popular 
 reflection upon the party platform, emphasizing platform-making as part 
 and parcel of American politics, not a function isolated from it: 
 
 Most importantly, the platforms usually assert certain party 
 principles and objectives which, stated generally, serve as a 
 catalyst for the factions within the party and the voters repre- 
 sented by these factions. TViis is the overriding purpose of the 
 platforms which has been implicit in all. , .criticisms and explanations. 
 The platforms are instruments of parties attempting to gain control 
 of the government. In a democracy where majority votes are necessary 
 to achieve control, a degree of consensus is demanded. The platforms 
 represent an endeavor to unite the party and amalgamate as many 
 interest groups as possible to obtain a vporkable consensus. 
 
 The American party system is highly decentralized, possibly a collec= 
 tion of fifty state party systems rather than a national party system. Yet, 
 most statements regarding platfomis are references to '-itional platforms. 
 We believe this is the first attempt to compile a state's party platforms. 
 Are there basic differences between the two levels of platform-making? It 
 does not appear so, for the same forces of consensus politics are at work 
 within a state as within the \*iole of the country. 
 
 Proposals were made regarding national and state platforms by the 
 Committee on Political Parties of the American Political Science Association 
 in its 1950 report, "Toward a More Responsible Two-Party System, "3 Not only 
 should platforms be formulated at least every two years in order to relate 
 to current issues, but national platforms should emphasize national issues 
 and state platforms, state issues. Other proposals were that platform drafts 
 should be prepared well in advance of the conventions and local party meetings 
 should be held often for purposes of discussing platform proposals. 
 
 1 
 Kirk H. Porter and Donald Bruce Johnson, National Party Platforms , 
 
 1840-1956 (Urbana; University of Illinois Press, 1956), vi-vii. 
 
 ^Ibid., vii. 
 
 toward a More Responsible Two-Party System," A Report of the Com- 
 mittee on Political Parties of the American Political Science Association 
 (New York: Rinehart & Company, Inc., 1950). 
 
 4 
 Ibid. , p. 56. 
 
Illinois statute calls for biennial party conventions and thus 
 biennial platforms are adopted, but to achere to the principle of always 
 emphasizing state issues is too great a sacrifice to ask of state platform 
 writers, as can be seen by looking at the content analyses of the platforms 
 in this volume. For one things a state party's fortune is inextricably tied 
 to national issues, and state and national candidates appear on the same 
 ballot. Also, a state party might be trying in its platform to impress a 
 particular and possibly sectional attitude or philosophy upon its national 
 party. National platform drafters can't easily discuss local issues, of 
 concern only to a part of their electorate, but state platform writers 
 often find national problems more visible and thus more meaningful to their 
 electorate than state issues. This allows a flexibility for purposes of pro- 
 viding ^at seems to be a full platform ^ile at ths same time avoiding 
 politically painful issues. For example, a Republican state administration 
 might devote most of its state platform attention to attacking the weaknesses 
 of a Democratic national administration rather than dwelling upon state 
 problems it hasn't solved. 
 
 Often in recent years Illinois state platforms have not been prepared 
 well in advance of adopsioa, but instead have been drafted by small committees 
 and okayed by party leaders only momentarily before presentation and adoption 
 by convention delegates. Actually, the press of time forces compromise and 
 possibly great ambiguity, and at the same time precludes much reflection upon 
 what has been said in a platform, reflection which in turn might cause breaches 
 in party harmony. In such instances, local party meetings for the purpose of 
 advance consideration of platform drafts are impossible. In lieu of gaining 
 rank-and-=file party thoughts in this manner, there is the accepted practice 
 in recent years of holding platform hearings prior to the drafting. Both 
 Democrats and Republicans held public and well=publicized hearings in 1964, 
 Executive directors of taxpayer ^ farm, civic, church organizations as well 
 as representatives of ad hoc groups favoring or opposing specific issues, 
 such as housing legislation, presented their cases, often before both party 
 groups , 
 
 Whether, or to what extent, the above organizational representatives 
 influenced platform planks can't easily be said but the interaction between 
 groups and parties tends "to establish mutual relationships of commitment 
 when their platform proposals are accepted, '"^ Final decision or at least 
 veto power on platform planks lies with whatever party leaders have similar 
 power regarding legislative policies and such things as selection of at-large 
 delegates to national conventions. Sometimes there is little doubt as to 
 where the ultimate decision resides, as noted in a 1954 Chicago Tribune lead; 
 "A Ericker amendment plank will not be in the Republican state platform. Gov. 
 [William G,] Stratton told reporters, altho a pre^convention committee today 
 received demands for this and other strong planks."^ Two days later the same 
 newspaper reported; ""The Republican state convention today adopted a platform 
 that was startling for its omission of references to the Bricker amendment. 
 Sen, McCarchy's investigation of communism, and the Indo-China issue,"' 
 
 y 
 
 Paul T, David, Ralph M, Goldman and Richard C, Bain, The Politics of 
 
 National Party Conventions (Washington, D„ C, s Brookings Institution, 1960), 
 
 p, 497. 
 
 6 
 George Tagge, Chicago Tribune . June 11, 1954, p. 13. 
 
 7 
 
 "Ibid,, June 13, 1954, p, 1, 
 
 Vi 
 
If the Tribune didn't approve Stratton's omissions in the 1954 
 platforms the Governor at least avoided the possibility of a sharp floor fight 
 and its consequences,^ Vo 0, Key noted the 1948 fight at the Democratic 
 National Convention over a civil rights plank as an example of the dire 
 results of platform conflict. Southern and northern factions were unable to 
 agree on a national civil rights plank. The resolutions committee report on 
 this plank was not acceptable to either side. Thus both presented their own 
 planks on the convention floor. Triumph of the northern liberals and rejec- 
 tion of the southern plank greatly contributed to the party split in 1948. 
 "The entire incident demonstrated, at least negatively, the uses of platform 
 ambiguity in holding together party groups of divergent views. "9 
 
 All this is not to glorify obfuscation, but merely to suggest 
 that the platform is conditioned by the political system as a whole... 
 No simpler way exists to destroy an electoral coalition than for its 
 majority to insist on precise, forthright, and advanced policy positions 
 unacceptable to other elements of the coalition, ^0 
 
 Political factionalism has not been lacking in Illinois politics, the 
 Governor Horner vs. Kelly-Nash split within Democratic ranks in the 1930 's 
 and the lingering Percy-Scott dichotomy in the present-day Republican Party 
 serving as prime examples. Seldom, however, have there been major convention 
 floor fights over the platforms. The importance of presenting to the public 
 the face of party harmony has been strongly imbued in party leaders. The 
 fiallowing 1938 newspaper story excerpt epitomizes frequent similar statements 
 this writer came across in searching newspaper files for platform texts; 
 
 Political observers noted that in the tentative platform, care 
 was taken to deal in general terms with subjects which in the past 
 have fanned the flames of factionalism. This is interpreted as a 
 concrete expression of the new harmony in the party. No mention is 
 made of the controversial state school board or of taxation on oil 
 properties .^^ 
 
 Platform-making at both state and national levels may be called 
 strictly ritualistic by some, but if so even the rites can be important to 
 party leaders who want to know and test the attitudes and areas of sensitivity 
 of other leaders. For an historian, possibly it is more important to be aware 
 of what a specific platform avoided than to accept the document as a bald 
 
 8 
 
 Illinois State Journal , Springfield, June 12, 1954, p, 2. 
 9 
 V. 0. Key, Jr., Politics, Parties and Pressure Groups (New York: 
 Thomas Y, Crowell, 1964), p. 420, 
 10 
 
 Ibid., p. 421. 
 11 
 
 Illinois State Register , Springfield, September 9, 1938, p.l. 
 
 Vll 
 
statement of party policy, for it seems the platform ritual is in great part 
 a device for measuring how far a platform might go and still be supported by 
 all elements within the party. For example, as noted above, Gov. William G. 
 Stratton's 1954 avoidance of mention in the GOP platform of the Bricker 
 amendment. Senator McCarthy's investigations and Indo-China points out there 
 were party members with strong opinions standing on both sides of those 
 issues. Mention might easily have alienated one group or the other. 
 
 Even with these practical limits upon forthrightness and precision, 
 one can still find clashes between the statements of the Illinois Republican 
 and Democratic platforms. The 1964 platforms argue over the Fair Employment 
 Practices Act, Democrats calling for expanded coverage. Republicans opposing. 
 Republicans flatly oppose open occupancy legislation, while Democrats signif- 
 icantly avoid a direct statement and broadly pledge "to secure equal oppor- 
 tunities in, . .housing and public accommodations." Republicans reject the 
 principle of one man - one vote decisions; Democrats applaud the decisions. 
 
 State party platforms in Illinois, whatever the forces acting upon 
 their formulation, are about the only official statements of party policy 
 adopted in convention. They are part and parcel of the American political 
 tradition. This volume, we hope, will be useful as a reference source to 
 historians, journalists, politicians, and political scientists. 
 
 ******** 
 
 When Professor Samuel K. Gove suggested to me in 1964 that a 
 volume cf state platform texts would complement his compilation, Illinois 
 Votes , neither of us imagined then that we had tackled such a difficult 
 and frustrating problem. Even two years later we have found it impossible 
 to find complete texts for a very few platforms. (For six platforms we have 
 been unable to find the complete texts. We have supplied the most complete 
 newspaper summaries available for these six platforms: Republican--1936 , 
 1938, 1946 and 1948; Democratic-=i938 and 1950.) 
 
 We turned first to the parties' state committee headquarters. Although 
 the cooperation of state Democratic chairman James Ronan and then executive 
 secretary of the Republican state committee, Al Bernardi, was excellent, 
 each office had records of platform texts going back only to the early 1950 's. 
 Professor Clarence A. Berdahl provided a valuable cache of platform texts 
 dating from about 1900 to 1918. The Illinois Blue Book , official biennial 
 publication of the Secretary of State, published the party platforms only 
 in its 1903-04, 1905-06, 1909-10, and 1917-18 volumes. From that point it 
 was strictly hunt and dig. 
 
 Every conceivable source was checked; libraries, political headquarters, 
 party leaders, historical groups, reference volumes. Here and there an indi- 
 vidual platform would turn up. Finally it was necessary to begin combing the 
 newspaper files. Here the value of assistance from William C. Marten and others 
 at the Illinois Historical Society in Springfield has been inestimable. The 
 Society's microfilm newspaper library in Springfield is complete and very easy 
 to use. 
 
 Vlll 
 
Fortunately during the '20's and '30's the Illinois State Journal and 
 the Illinois State Register , both in Springfield, made it a general policy 
 to publish complete platform texts. Other texts would pop up from time to 
 time in other daily newspapers, (For our purposes, a platform taken from 
 a newspaper is considered complete only if the paper states "the following 
 is the complete text" or in other words states the same just as specifically,) 
 
 In 1912 and 1914 we include the platforms of the Progressive Party 
 for in those elections that party was indeed major as far as both national and 
 s^tajte candidates were concerned. In no other years did we feel a party other 
 than the Republican and Democratic qualified as major in the sense of being 
 state parties. 
 
 The page preceding each set of biennial platforms is self-explanatory. 
 The top national and top state elections were taken from Samuel K„ Gove°s 
 Illinois Votes, 1900-1964 (Urbana: Institute of Government and Public Affairs, 
 University of Illinois, 1964), 
 
 Mrs, Jane Tuffcrd of the Institute carefully read each platform, 
 weighing each sentence to determine to which of three categories it belonged, 
 so that we can see clearly the extent to which state platforms deal with 
 state issues. Her criteria were defined as follows; 
 
 State Issues ; All references to problems of concern to Illinois 
 or a section within the state; all references to action or lack of action 
 by the Illinois General Assembly. References to state candidates only when 
 related to their handling or proposed handling of state issues; this does 
 not include straight campaign praise for state candidates. 
 
 As we are attempting to determine the extent to vftiich a state party 
 platform does or does not deal with state issues, whenever a platform state- 
 ment was equally applicable to both state and national affairs, the statement 
 was placed arbitrarily in the state issues category. 
 
 National Issues ; All references to problems of concern to the whole 
 country or a section of the country; all references to action or lack of 
 action by the U, S, Congress, References to national candidates only when 
 related to their handling or proposed handling of national and international 
 issues; this does not include straight campaign praise for national candidates. 
 
 Other; Tliis section includes everything which does not fit into either 
 of the other two categories, e„g,, praise for candidates unrelated to issues, 
 symbolic campaign oratory regarding patriotism, democracy, etc, when it is 
 not related to concrete proposals that could be enacted by either the U, S. 
 Congress or the Illinois General Assembly or by constitutional amendment. 
 
 Republicans and Democrats each adopted two platforms in 1908, one 
 before the presidential nominating convention and one after. For purposes 
 of the content analysis, each pair is considered as one statement. 
 
 Highlights of state activities give us only too brief reviews of state 
 problems for each biennium, but hopefully they can jog and refresh our memories 
 to the issues of other days. Most of this material comes from yearbook annuals. 
 
 IX 
 
of v^ich the following were used prominently: The New International Year 
 Book . American Year Book , Britannica Book of the Year , Collier's Year Book , 
 and The Americana Annual . 
 
 Assistance on this project came from all quarters but special accord 
 must be given Professor Gove, who was unrelenting in his prodding, and the 
 diligent Miss Loretta Ward, who typed and typed. 
 
 Any errors should be heaped upon me alone, although please remember 
 we bring the platforms to you in exactly the form we found them, except 
 in a few cases where typographical errors have been found in the spelling 
 of common words. If anyone out there could aid us in finding complete 
 platform texts for those few as yet unfound, please contact the Institute 
 of Government and Public Affairs, Urbana, Illinois. 
 
 James D. Nowlan 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1900 
 
 Summary of 1900 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, People's, Socialist Labor, Social Democrat, United Christian, and Uriou 
 Reform parties.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 William McKinley 
 William J. Bryan 
 
 597,985 
 503,061 
 
 203,760 
 186,193 
 
 394,225 
 316,868 
 
 60 
 42 
 
 Governor 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 Richard Yates 
 Samuel Alschuler 
 
 580,199 
 518,966 
 
 190,622 
 198,195 
 
 389,577 
 320,771 
 
 62 
 40 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 i<e publican 
 Democratic 
 
 13.8% 
 
 41.47o 
 
 73 
 50 
 
 ,87, 
 .87. 
 
 12,57o 
 7.87. 
 
 800 
 1220 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1899-1900 
 
 An estimated thirteen Whites and fifteen Negroes were killed in 1899 in 
 combined race and labor feuds in Southern Illinois. Troops who for months had 
 been on guard to preserve the peace between union strikers and non-union Negroes 
 at the coal mines at Pana were removed March 25, 1899. In April, however, further 
 riots broke out. About the same time the importation of non-union Negro miners to 
 take the places of union Whites at Carterville made it necessary to call out the 
 state militia. 
 
 The Building Trades Lockout of 1900 in Chicago involved 50,000 men and brought 
 construction to a standstill. After the strike had been in effect four months, the 
 employers submitted new terms to the Carpenters' Union agreeing to grant the carpen- 
 ters' demand for an increase in wages from 42 cents to 50 cents per hour on the 
 condition the carpenters withdraw from the Building Trades Council. The carpenters 
 rejected, saying they were willing to work for 42 cents but unwilling to break their 
 affiliation with the Council. The strike was in force at the end of the year. 
 
 Legislation was passed in 1899 in an effort to avoid future repetition of the 
 year's labor troubles. A state mining board to supervise the mines was created and 
 seven mines inspectors were to be appointed by the governor. Free employment offices 
 were established by the state in every city over 50,000. It was declared a felony 
 to hire persons to guard with arms or deadly weapons other persons or property. 
 
 The Ailing Street Railway Bill restricted the length of street car line 
 franchises and removed the five cent fare minimum. The Chicago Drainage Canal was 
 completed in 1900 and channeled sewage down to the Illinois River rather than into 
 Lake Michigan as was previously done. 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1900 
 (Adopted May 9, 1900) 
 
 Ringing Declaration of Principles Adopted by the Convention. 
 
 The Republicans of Illinois in convention assembled re-affirra the 
 principles of the platfom; adopted by the Republican national convention in 
 1896, and with pride call attention to the fact that every pledge contained 
 in the platform has bean faithfully kept. Tne present happy and prosperous 
 condition of the American people is the result of the wise administration 
 of the Republican party and the enactment into law of the more important 
 principles of the platform of 1895. 
 
 Four years of democratic rule had paralyzed the industries of the 
 country, rendered farming unrenunerativej impoverished labor, unsettled all 
 monetary values and practically bankrupted the United States treasury. In 
 a time of profound peace a democratic administration was forced to sell 
 government bonds to pay the necessary and current expenses of the govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Under the wise, businesslike and patriotic administration of President 
 McKinley these conditions have all been changed. All branches of industry 
 remain active and successful: agricultural interests are more prosperous and 
 labor is more generally and continuously employed and better paid than at any 
 previous time, Vonetsury values have been fixed and settled and in the treasury 
 of the United States, instead of a deficit, one of the marked features of a 
 democratic administracion, we find a revenue adequate to meet all the demands 
 of the government . 
 
 Our foreign commerce, which under a democratic administration, was 
 much crippled by the repeal of the reciprocity section of the McKinley law 
 and the substitution of free trade principles for the protection given to 
 American industries and labor under Republican legislation, has been rehabil- 
 itated under the present Republican administration, and a ready market is now 
 found for the surplus productions of our farms and factories in foreign ports 
 and our export trade is the largest now in our history. 
 
 We congratulate the people of the country upon the enactment into 
 law of the currency bill, vAiich provides the gold standard as the monetary 
 unit of value. Financial discussions no longer disturb the business con- 
 ditions of our people, and all business transactions have been placed on a 
 basis that insures protection to capital and encouragement to the employment 
 of labor. 
 
 The cry of the oppressed Cubans for a larger liberty and a higher 
 civilization than had been accorded them under Spanish rule called forth the 
 sympathy of all the people of the United States. In obedience to the demands 
 of humanity, and in accordance with the sentiment of the people of this 
 country, irrespective of political party, the present Republican administra- 
 tion put an end to the evils of Spanish misrule in the western hemisphere. 
 
 -2- 
 
Republican Platform of 1900 
 
 The Spanish -American war was declared in obedience to the universal 
 demands of the people. It was conducted under a Republican administration 
 and the splendid achievements of our soldiers and sailors in that war form 
 some of the brightest pages in American history. Cuba has been made free 
 from Spanish misrule and a stable government established there. Porto Rico 
 and the Philippine islands have become the possession of the United States 
 as the inevitable and unavoidable results of that war. 
 
 The brilliant achievements of our army and navy in the Spanish-American 
 war, which brought us these possessions, have entailed upon the Republican 
 party grave responsibilities, which we are happy to state have been met in 
 a true spirit of patriotism. Legislation has been enacted respecting them 
 which, while it will improve the social, political and material conditions 
 of the people in those islands, will not impose additional burdens upon the 
 people of the United States. 
 
 We fully indorse the action of congress and the president in the admin- 
 istration of the affairs of these islands and all legislation respecting the 
 same; and we pledge our alliance to the nation's policy relating to them or 
 formulated and carried out by the present administration. In indorsing and 
 approving the policy and course of the administration and the legislation of 
 congress thus far relating to our new possessions, we express our confidence 
 in the ability of a Republican administration to deal with the complicated 
 and important questions involved in any legislation for those islands which 
 may arise hereafter. 
 
 We favor such legislation as will destroy all unlawful combinations 
 of capital formed for the purpose of limiting production or increasing the 
 price of manufactured products. All aggregations of capital formed for this 
 purpose are detrimental to the best interests of trade and hostile to the 
 laboring people. 
 
 We heartily endorse the conservative and businesslike administration 
 of Governor John R. Tanner. The state institutions under his administration 
 have been managed in a manner that calls forth praise from all good citizens 
 irrespective of political affiliation, and we commend him for his faithful 
 adherence to the duties and obligations of his high office. 
 
 We express our most hearty approval of the public career of our dis- 
 tinguished senior Senator, Shelby M, Cullom, and declare it to be our desire 
 that he shall be returned to the senate of the United States. 
 
 We also recognize and cordially commend the distinguished services 
 of the Republican representatives in congress from Illinois during the past 
 few years, embracing as they "nave the period of a foreign war and the 
 perplexing questions arising therefrom. 
 
 -3- 
 
Republican Platform of 1900 
 
 We fully support and heartily endorse the splendid administration of 
 President McKinley. His wisdom, his moderation and statesmanlike qualities 
 have been conspicuous in both peace and war; and we hereby instruct the 
 delegates at large to the Republican national convention to vote for his 
 re-nomination as president of the United States. 
 
 SOURCE: Champaign County News . May 12, 1900. 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1900 
 (Adopted June 28, 1900) 
 
 Declaration of Principles Promulgated by the Democracy in Convention Assembled, 
 The Grandest Document Issued Since the Declaration of Independence. 
 
 Tne Democracy of Illinois, in convention assembled do hereby reaffirm 
 and indorse, in whole and in all its parts, in letter and in Spirit, the 
 platform adopted by the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago in 
 1896. 
 
 We denounce the administration of William McKinley as the weakest in 
 the history of the nation, and especially condemn the cowering attitude of 
 the President and his advisers in refusing consolation and sympathy to the 
 heroic Boers in their struggle for the independence of the Transvaal and 
 Orange republics, and we invoke public condemnation of an administrative 
 policy which denies to Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines Islands the 
 principle of home rule and self-government, and seeks the subjugation of a 
 free and enlightened people for the glory of an imperial policy, revolting 
 to our traditions and a defiance to the principles of our federal constitu- 
 tion. 
 
 AGAINST CURRENCY LAWS 
 
 We denounce the currency law passed by the present Congress, which 
 proposes to permanently establish the gold standard in this country in place 
 of the bimetallic standard of the constitution, and which transfers to the 
 national banks the entire control of paper currency, thus laying the founda- 
 tion for a money trust which will have power to control the prices of all 
 property and to stimulate or strangle business. 
 
 IMPERIALISM DENOUNCED 
 
 The failure of the Republican leaders, who four years ago expressed 
 sympathy for Cuban patriots, to feel an interest in the struggle of the Dutch 
 in South Africa, shows the paralyzing influence of the imperial policy to 
 which the administration is now endeavoring to commit the country. 
 
 We express horror at the attempt of England to reduce the South African 
 republics to subjugation, as crown colonies, and we declare our heartfelt 
 sympathy with the Boers in their heroic struggle for independence. 
 
 The declaration of independence, the flag and the constitution must 
 everywhere stand together as emblems of human liberty and equal rights for 
 all, and where one goes, all go. We, therefore, denounce imperialism under 
 any pretense as necessarily leading to militarism and as wholly foreign to 
 our system of governrrent, and declare that neither Congress nor the President 
 
Deciocratic Platform of 1900 
 
 can exerciss any power whatsosver not derived froni the constitution. We, 
 therefore, denounce the Porto Rico tariff bill as a palpable violation of 
 the doctrines of the fathers and of the fundarventai principles of our govern- 
 ment, TJhich is based upon equal rights to all. 
 
 IIP FOlvEIGN ALLL^KCS S 
 
 We believe, with Jefferson, in peace, ccinmerce and honest friendship 
 -rith all nations and entangling alliances with none, and we regard with 
 apprehension the doctrines advocated by the Republican adcinistration that 
 this nation should in its dealings or diplomacy show partiality towards or 
 enter into entangling alliances 'ijith any European nations. 
 
 TPJfJSTS ARE COKDEM53ED 
 
 Trusts and Eonopolias, formed for the purpose of arbitrarily controlling 
 products and prices in the interests solely of combined capital, if allowed 
 to go on, can result only in industrial serfdom for the mass of the people. 
 We, therefore, oppose such combinations, and demand that not only shall 
 existing laws against combinat?lons in rescraint of trade ba rightly enforced, 
 but believing that protective !:ariff3 and railway discriminations have been 
 and still are, the chief supporters of monopolies, ws favor the removal of 
 all duties from imports monopolized by trusts, and also deroand the enactment 
 and enforcer.ent of such legislation as will prevent every species of discrim- 
 ination, and believing that the courageous and honest application of the Demo- 
 cratic ma-xim of equal rights to all and special privileges to none ^rill be 
 effective to destroy, and thereafter prevent any trust or combination of capital 
 that is prejudicial to general welfare, we demand the repeal of all such laws 
 giving special privileges to any person, class, locality or interest. 
 
 EQUALS RI(5J.TS FOR ALL 
 
 We declare for the greatest liberty to individuals and our earnest 
 opposition to all sumptuary laws; and we believe in the rigid restoration of 
 govfi-cnment, both state and national, to the legitimate domain of political 
 power, by excluding therefrom all executive and legislative intermeddling 
 vjith the affairs of society wSvereby monopolies are fostered, privileged 
 classes aggrandized, and individual freedom unnecessarily and oppressively 
 restrained. 
 
 We aze in favor of the immediate construction, operation, fortification 
 and defense of an American Inter-Ocean Canal by the United States. 
 
 W>. favor the right of trial by jury in contempt cases in federal courts 
 for contempts committed out of the presence of the court, and declare our 
 opposition to government by injunction. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1900 
 
 OPPOSED TO MILITARISM 
 
 We are unalterably opposed to militarism as exercised in the United 
 States arsenals by the comandants towards the employes from civil life. 
 
 We reaffirm our devotion to the Monroe Doctrine, and declare that 
 this continent shall never become a field for aggrandizement by any European 
 government. 
 
 We demand the protection of life and property of American citizens at 
 home and abroad, regardless of race, color or previous condition. 
 
 We favor the establishment of postal savings banks by act of Congress. 
 
 WANT REVENUE REVISION 
 
 The taxation of corporations through the state board of equalization 
 is unsatisfactory to our people, and we favor such modification of existing 
 laws as will tax corporate franchises and wealth upon the same ratio of value 
 as is applied to private individuals. 
 
 We renew our demand for a state revenue law, which, in its operation, 
 shall result in an equal distribution of the burden of government, and we 
 especially condemn the measure passed by the last Republican General Assembly 
 under the guise of reform, which has proven a shelter for the wealthy tax 
 dodgers and corporations of the State of Illinois. 
 
 PROBLEM OF FRANCHISE 
 
 The problem of franchises as affecting public utilities is of grave 
 importance to all citizens of the State of Illinois; and, with the object 
 lesson before us of corrupt Republican legislation directed against the 
 interests of the people of the State for the benefit of the few, and rec- 
 ognizing the evils that grow out of private ownership of public utilities, 
 we demand early municipal ownership and the control of all public franchises, 
 and all other natural monopolies which of right belong to the people. We 
 declare that, in all cities of this State not already robbed of their birth- 
 right under the operations of the iniquitous Tanner legislation, no street 
 railway franchises shall be extended v^ich do not involve the five cardinal 
 principles of Compensation, based upon percentage of gross receipts; reduc- 
 tion of fares during the crowded hours of the day; better accommodations 
 for the public, municipal acquirement of the lines at the expiration of 
 the grant, and the submission to the public of all ordinances granting 
 extension of franchises before they shall become operative. And we condemn 
 the cowardly equivocation of the recent Republican State Convention in with- 
 holding a public declaration on these franchise issues, now of such great 
 importance to the citizens of the State of Illinois. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1900 
 
 We favor the general principle of the initiative and referendum as 
 conducive to securing an expression and enforcement of the people's will. 
 
 THH DRAINAGE CAML 
 
 We rejoice with the citiiiens of Chicago in the completion of the great 
 drainage canal from Lake Michigan to Lockport, and invite attention to the 
 conspicuous part which Democratic trustees have taken in the consummation 
 of the greatest engineering triumph of the age. We are in favor of congres- 
 sional legislation to extend this canal until it shall become a great nav- 
 igable waterway connecting the lakes of the north with the Mississippi river 
 and the Gulf of Mexico on the south. 
 
 TANIISR ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We denounce the Republican administration of Governor John R. Tanner 
 as the most corrupt in the history of the State of Illinois. We condemn its 
 extravagance and its legislation favoring monopolies and corporate greed and 
 striking down the rights of the people. The management of the North and West 
 Park systems of Chicago by the administration of Governor Tanner are a scandal 
 to a Republican form of government; and we favor such legislation as will 
 secure their consideration under the government of one board untainted by 
 political control. 
 
 We favor the election of United States Senators by direct vote of 
 the people. 
 
 We express our unqualified admiration for, and our devotion to, the 
 man who for years has battled against the trusts, monopolies and other evil 
 influences x^iiich are eating like a cancer into the heart of the republic; 
 a man who has succeeded in riveting the public gaze upon their evil designs; 
 a man t>Aio, by his patriotism and great ability has won the respect of even 
 his enemies; who received six and one-half millions unbought votes for the 
 highest office in the gift of the American people, and who will in November 
 next be placed in the office of which he was robbed in 1896 by a shameful 
 systevn of corruption and debauchery; the foremost and most beloved American 
 of today, William J. Bryan, and we pledge to him our loyal and miswerving 
 support, and the delegates from the State of Illinois to the Democratic 
 National Convention are hereby instructed to vote as a unit for his re- 
 nomination. 
 
 SOURCE: Alton Weekly Sentinel-Democrat . July 5, 1900. 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1902 
 
 Summary of 1902 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tiotij Socialists Socialist Labor, and People's.) 
 
 Candidate 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican Fred A. Busse 
 Democratic George Duddlaston 
 
 Counties 
 Total Vote Cook County Dovmstate Carried 
 
 450^695 
 360,925 
 
 148,943 
 127,162 
 
 301,752 
 233,763 
 
 65 
 
 37 
 
 platform Content 
 
 State Issues 
 
 National Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No . Words 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 51 o 4% 
 38,9% 
 
 20,27, 
 31 » 87c 
 
 28.4% 
 29.3% 
 
 545 
 785 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1901-1902 
 
 A considerable portion of the time of the 1901 legislature was devoted to 
 redistricting the state's congressional districts. It was believed that for normal 
 times the new map would provide for 18 Republican and seven Democratic districts. 
 A resolution for a constitutional amendment limiting Cook County's representation 
 in the legislature to one-third of the entire membership was adopted by the Senate, 
 but was defeated in the House by the aid of some of the rural members. 
 
 Labor legislation included an act ^ich provided that no person under the 
 age of 16 should be employed more than 60 hours per week; another labor act gave 
 the State Board of Arbitration power to investigate strikes and lockouts and the 
 authority to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses. 
 
 The movement to increase the assessments of public utility corporations 
 brought forth loud complaints of confiscation from the corporations. Often, however, 
 dividends on the stock of the constituent companies, ^ich appeared as fixed charges, 
 amounted to 30 or 35 per cent per annum. Members of the Coal Teamsters' Union were 
 ordered by their union in January, 1902, not to deliver coal to any building using 
 that fuel in cold weather only; those to vhom coal was to be delivered must be such 
 as to use it all year round. A number of firms were visited by the union and induced 
 to give up the use of fuel gas. 
 
 The voters in 1902 overwhelmingly favored-^by margins of about five to one in 
 each case--three advisory only referendum propositions, which were briefly: 1) whe the 
 the voters favored a referendum upon acts of the legislature whenever five per cent 
 of their number petitioned for it, and for a referendum upon proposed legislation 
 whenever eight per cent petitioned; 2) whether the voters favored a corresponding 
 referendum for measures adopted or proposed to city councils and other local govern- 
 ing bodies, and 3) whether the voters desired direct election of U. S. senators. 
 
 =9. 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATTORM OF 1902 
 (Adopted May 8, 1902) 
 
 As Republicans of Illinois, in State convention assembled, we reaffirm 
 the platform adopted by the National Republican convention at Philadelphia 
 Ln 1900, and pledge anew our loyal support to the principles therein contained. 
 
 We record the people's deep sense of loss in the tragic death of the 
 President, William McKinley. Soldier, patriot, statesman, he gave to the 
 nation services so eminent as to secure to him not only a place in history 
 Jmong the world's greatest leaders, but also a lasting place in the hearts 
 Df his countrymen. 
 
 We deplore the death of that unflinching exponent of Republican prin- 
 ciples, John R. Tanner. In him the State of Illinois lost a splendid admin- 
 
 Lstrator, the Republican party a peerless leader and honest men a true friend. 
 
 We fully indorse and commend the administration of the national govern- 
 nent by President Roosevelt. We bear witness to the many serious questions, 
 foreign and domestic which have been encountered by him and his chosen advisers, 
 ind express the highest appreciation of the ability, justice and wisdom with 
 »hL ch they have been met. 
 
 We unreservedly indorse the clean, honest and economical administration 
 3f State affairs under Governor Richard Yates, and we point to the solvency 
 3f the State treasury and the business-like conduct of the departments of the 
 State goverranent ,, as indisputable proof that the welfare of the great State 
 >f Illinois demands that the Republican party remain in control of its affairs. 
 
 Recognizing the ability, experience and fitness of the Hon. Albert J, 
 lopkins for the position of United States Senator from this State, we heartily 
 Indorse his candidacy for that position, and request the members of the 
 Forty-third General Assembly of Illinois to elect him to represent this State 
 Ln the Senate of the United States. 
 
 We indorse the record of our national Senators and Representatives for 
 their services in the present Congress. 
 
 We declare that a fair and just recognition of the services of the 
 federal soldiers and sailors of the late civil war and those of the recent 
 war with Spain requires that a liberal provision be made by pensions for the 
 disabled survivors and for the widows and orphans of those who fell for the 
 flag. 
 
 We commend the brilliant and patriotic services of our army and navy 
 In maintaining the dignity and honor of our flag on the seas, and in our 
 foreign possessions, and we condemn the malignant attacks now being made 
 lipon our soldiers and sailors. 
 
 We approve the Republican policy of protection under which our industries 
 !iave developed, agriculture has been benefited and labor has been given steady 
 employment at constantly increasing wages, and we approve of all organizations that 
 will benefit the condition of labor and result in the common good of the toiling 
 masses . 
 
 ■10- 
 
Republican Platform of 1902 
 
 We condemn all conspiracies and combinations to restrict business, to 
 create monopolies, to limit production or to control prices, and favor such 
 legislation as will effectually restrain and prevent all such abuses, protect 
 and promote competition, and secure the rights of producers, laborers and all 
 who are engaged in industry and commerce, and we approve and commend the 
 efforts of President Roosevelt to enforce the laws against illegal combina- 
 tions in restraint of trade, and pledge him our hearty support to all his 
 efforts to prevent the people from oppressive combinations of capital. 
 
 While we recognize that from a humanitarian and economic standpoint 
 those confined in our penal and reformatory institutions must be kept employed, 
 and should contribute to their own maintenance, yet we favor such legislation 
 as will reduce the competition between convict and free labor to the minimum. 
 We pledge our earnest and untiring efforts to the passage of such laws at 
 the next session of our Legislature as will bring about such results in 
 accordance with the constitution of the State of Illinois. 
 
 We recommend the extension of civil service rules in the charitable 
 institutions of the State. We approve the course of the present State admin- 
 istration in retaining fully four-fifths of the employes of these institutions, 
 and call for such legislation from the General Assembly as mil prevent unjust 
 removals upon change of administration or the party in power. 
 
 We favor a reciprocal trade treaty with Cuba. 
 
 SOURCE: The Illinois Blue Book, 1903-04. 
 
 -11- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1902 
 (Adopted June 17, 1902) 
 
 The Democrats of Illinois, represented in State convention, declare 
 their adherence to all the fundamental principles of the Democratic party 
 laid down in the Declaration of Independence and repeatedly affirmed by 
 past Democratic conventions, particularly noteworthy among which at this 
 time is the doctrine of equal rights for all and special privileges for 
 none; and do hereby appeal to their fellow citizens of every former politi- 
 cal connection to unite with them in the patriotic duty of giving this idea 
 living force and practical application in the affairs of the republic. 
 
 Private monopolies destroy competition and control prices of material, 
 labor and finished product, thus robbing both consumer and producer. We there- 
 fore insist upon a rigid enforcement of the present anti-trust laws and favor 
 such further legislation, both federal and State, as may be necessary to pre- 
 vent and suppress such combinations » 
 
 We denounce the Republican tariff as the prolific mother of trusts. 
 We demand a thorough revision of the tariff and the abolition of all special 
 privileges, and as the first and most obvious and most effective means of 
 eliminating special privileges from our laws and of restoring to American 
 citizenship the quality which is its birthright, that every product of a 
 tariff protected, competition destroying trusts be placed on the free list. 
 
 We are opposed to the British system of colonization, by means of which 
 powerful, selfish interests are enabled to employ the resources of the people 
 to enslave inferior races and to enrich themselves. We are in favor of true 
 American expansion, such as, under Democratic control, has been achieved in 
 the past, and by means of which vast territories have been dedicated forever 
 to equality and freedom. We therefore denounce the various measures adopted 
 by the Republicans for the government of the Philippine islands, as monop- 
 olistic and autocratic, and dangerous to liberty at home as well as abroad. 
 
 We believe that the American government should at once announce to 
 the Philippinos that it is not our policy to permanently retain their country, 
 but as soon as hostilities cease and a stable government has been established, 
 the United States will recognize the independence of the Philippine islands 
 as we have done in the case of Cuba, 
 
 We desire to express our great admiration for all our brave soldiers 
 and sailors, and our sincere sympathy for those who have suffered in the 
 service of their government. 
 
 We believe that under the constitution all property and property rights 
 should be assessed and taxed justly and proportionately, and we are in entire 
 sympathy with the movement which has for its object the compelling of all 
 persons and corporations to pay their just proportion of the taxes. 
 
 We favor the speedy enactment of constitutional amendments whereby the 
 numerous taxing and tax eating bodies of Cook county will be done away with, 
 and whereby the system of justice courts therein will be radically reorganized 
 and changed. 
 
 •13- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1902 
 
 Locsl self-government being a fundamental Democratic principle, we 
 favor the extension to municipalities and towns under proper safe guards of 
 the right of submitting to a vote of the people all important questions, 
 particularly those relating to the granting of franchises and the public 
 ownership and control of properties and enterprises used or enlisted in 
 the public service; and wa favor the enactment of such laws as will enable 
 municipalities to acquire, control and operate any or all of the public 
 utilities therein, in case they decide so to do. 
 
 Believing at all times in the most enlarged personal liberty consistent 
 with the greatest security for persons and property, we favor such modification 
 of the law as will prevent the affliction of punishment for contempt of court 
 committed out of its presence without trial by jury. 
 
 We demand the enactment of thorough and efficient civil service laws 
 applicable to ail public employments and to all State institutions, to the 
 end that merit and fitness alone shall control in the making of appointments; 
 that State employes shall be protected from partisan domination and political 
 assessments and that the State institutions shall not continue to be mere 
 party machines and spoils. 
 
 We demand the enforcement of the constitutional provision abolishing 
 convict labor in this State and we demand such legislation as will carry out 
 this constitutional provision, and will forever prevent convict labor from 
 coming into competition with free labor in this State. 
 
 We denounce the threatened assault upon the public treasury contemplated 
 in the ship subsidy bill passed by the Republican Senate, as one of the boldest 
 and most flagrant attempts lAiich has yet been made to grant public moneys in 
 aid of private business enterprises. 
 
 We favor liberal pensions for all deserving soldiers and sailors and 
 their dependent widows and orphans. 
 
 We are in favor of a constitutional amendment that provides for the 
 election of United States Senators by direct vote of the people. 
 
 We commend our Democratic Representatives from this State in the 
 present Congzess for their faithful services in the defense and support of 
 the fundamental principles of the Democratic party. 
 
 We extend our hearty congratulations to the newly established republic 
 of Cuba. 
 
 We express our horror and deep regret at the most monstrous crime 
 vAaich removed from the nation its much loved, mourned president, William 
 McKinley. The tenets of anarchy have no place in free American institutions. 
 Ours is a government of law, administered by the people's representatives 
 and we condemn all resort to violence for redress of grievances real or 
 fancied. 
 
 -Ml. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1902 
 
 We deplore the untimely death of the late John P. Altgeld. An exem- 
 plary citizen, a sterling Democrat, a great Governor, a firm friend of the 
 oppressed, an uncompromising foe of all shams and pretenses, and an unyielding 
 opponent of special privileges; he died as he lived, fighting for human 
 freedom and the liberty and uplifting of earth's races. 
 
 SOURCE: The Illinois Blue Book, 1903-04. 
 
 ■15- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1904 
 
 Summary of 1904 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist, Socialist Labor, People's, and Continental.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt 
 
 632,645 
 
 229,848 
 
 402,797 
 
 85 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Alton B. Parker 
 
 327,606 
 
 103,762 
 
 223,844 
 
 17 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Charles S. Deneen 
 
 634,119 
 
 236,797 
 
 397,322 
 
 84 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Lawrence B. Stringer 
 
 334,880 
 
 106,309 
 
 228,571 
 
 18 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 23.9% 
 
 70, 
 
 .3% 
 
 5.7% 
 
 1045 
 
 Democratic 
 
 38,3% 
 
 22 
 
 .9% 
 
 39.1% 
 
 1124 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1903-1904 
 
 A fire in Chicago's Iroquois Theater, the "newest and safest in Chicago," 
 on December 30, 1903, resulted in the death of 571 persons. The tragedy stimulated 
 discussion and passage of improved safety laws in states throughout the nation. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1903 passed an improved law for the regulation of 
 child labor in Illinois. Under the act's provisions, Illinois was the first state 
 to establish an eight-hour day and a 48-hour week for children. 
 
 Circuit Court of Illinois action in 1903 declared the "beef trust" of 
 Swift and Co. _et al guilty of combination in restraint of trade in their agreement 
 to refrain from bidding against each other. 
 
 Agreement in 1903 to submit a dispute to a board of arbitration settled a 
 strike of Chicago laundry workers. 
 
 The Republican National Convention held a June, 1904 meeting in Chicago 
 and nominated Theodore Roosevelt for President; the Populist or People's Party met 
 in Springfield in July and gave its presidential nomination to Thomas E. Watson, 
 of Georgia. 
 
 Chicago elections of 1904 saw the voters overwhelmingly endorse municipal 
 ownership of street railroads (120,000 to 50,000). Eighteen Republican, 16 Demo- 
 cratic and one Independent alderman were elected. Twenty-seven of the 35 elected 
 were previously endorsed by the Municipal Voters League. The League's secretary 
 stated, "This is a great victory for independent thinking and independent voting 
 in Chicago. Wherever the people have thought for themselves, and voted as they 
 thought, the forces cf good government have triumphed," The election produced 
 a city council in which 56 out of the total of 70 aldermen had been endorsed by 
 the Voter's League. 
 
 •17- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1904 
 (Adopted May 13, 1904) 
 
 REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES REAFFIRMED 
 
 The republicans of Illinois, in convention assembled, and in the 
 preserice of the great achievements of the party, as written in the progress 
 and prosperity of the nation under republican administration, pledge themselves 
 anew to the principles of the party as expressed in the national platform of 
 1909. 
 
 PARTY ACHIE-VEMENTS PRAISED 
 
 We view with satisfaction the fulfillment of Republican pledges and 
 the proofs of republican fidelity to its mission, as exemplified in the 
 maintenance of a protective tariff, under which American industries have 
 expanded so marvelously; in the establishment of measures calculated to prevent 
 encroachments on individual rights by trusts and monopolies; in the upholding 
 and strengthening of legislation in the interest of honesty and efficiency in 
 the public service; in the recognition of the equal rights of citizens; in 
 the promotion of domestic and foreign trade, and the advancement of the cause 
 of labor through the creation of the department of commerce and labor; in the 
 extension of the rural free delivery system; in the repeal of war taxes; in 
 the scrupulous observance of our obligations in withdrawing our authority 
 and troops from Cuba and securing to its people political independence under 
 a republican form of government; in the eminently satisfactory reciprocity 
 treaty with Cuba; in the sense of weighty obligation and in the broad minded 
 statesmanship attending the solution of the problem of the government of the 
 Philippine islands; in the nation's policy for the construction of an isthmian 
 canal and in the prompt recognition of the republic of Panama as a measure 
 of justice to the people of the new republic and as a means indispensable to 
 the success of the great project; in the wisdom and strength which have dis- 
 tinguished our foreign policy, with its signal triumphs for the "open door." 
 
 PROSPERITY IN FINANCIAL POLICY 
 
 We desire especially to give full credit to the money policy of our 
 national administration in contributing to our present unexampled prosperity; 
 and w£ again pledge the party to the maintenance of the gold standard and to 
 financial legislation that will secure equal justice to all. 
 
 TARIFF POLICY UPHELD 
 
 We reaffirm our loyalty to the protective tariff which has advanced 
 the United States to the position of the foremost industrial nation, aston- 
 ished the world with the wonderful development of our boundless resources, 
 
 • IR. 
 
Republican Platform of 1904 
 
 increased our foreign commerce ^ invited the investment of capital, and 
 enhanced the prosperity of the farmer and the laborer. The prospect of a 
 general revision of the tariff by the democratic party, whose leaders in 
 congress are free traders, as their records show, would close the factories 
 and workshops, throw labor out of employment, reduce the price of products 
 of the farm, bring on general distress, and paralyze the industries of the 
 nation. 
 
 GREATER NA'TY IS URGED 
 
 We favor such appropriations by congress as may be necessary to place 
 our navy in point of strength and efficiency in its proper position among the 
 navies of the world. 
 
 COLONIAL POLICY IS RIGHT 
 
 In the course of a war, righteously inaugurated and prosecuted, the 
 Philippine islands came into the possession of the United States. The Repub- 
 lican party assumed the responsibility of establishing law and order, fostering 
 education and all measures to advance the interests of inhabitants of these 
 islands, morally, intellectually, and financially, which policy we vri.ll steadily 
 pursue . 
 
 European nations have been trying for years to control the markets of 
 the orient. Our possession of these islands under the law of nations gives 
 us the right to a voice in the affairs of that part of the world. 
 
 Through the diplomatic correspondence conducted by the eminent statesman, 
 John Hay, secretary of state, by direction of President McKinley, a written 
 agreement ^yas obtained from all the leading countries of Europe to maintain 
 the open door policy of trade in the orient. We recognize this as the greatest 
 diplomatic achievement of modern times. Accordingly, we are in favor of the 
 retention of the Philippine islands and of maintaining the open door policy 
 of trade in eastern Asia. And we denounce the policy of the democratic party 
 in its desire to abandon the Philippine islands, and by so doing not only 
 destroy the liberty, order, progress, and protection which we have given to 
 the people of these islands but likewise destroy the benefits of the American 
 people in the future markets in that vast population. 
 
 AKTI-TRUST LAWS ENB^ORCED 
 
 The republican party is the pioneer of anti-trust legislation. It 
 enacted the Sherman law. It has from time to time amended it to meet new 
 conditions. It has established its validity. It has certainly enforced it. 
 We commend the attitude of congress and also that of President Roosevelt 
 for his courageous, and vigorous prosecution of violators of it; and we favor 
 such further legislation, state and national, as may be required. 
 
 -19- 
 
Republican Platform of 1904 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR ROOSEVELT 
 
 We corrnend the wise, able, and vigorous administration of President 
 Roosevelt, and hereby instruct the delegates from this convention to the 
 national republican convention to contribute by their influence and votes 
 to his nomination for president. 
 
 CONGRESSMEN ARE PRAISED 
 
 We appreciate and are grateful for the ability and ripe experience of 
 Senators Cullom and Hopkins and Speaker Cannon and the republican delegation 
 in congress. We value their service to the nation, the state, and to the 
 party, and we commend them for their patriotic and untiring devotion to 
 public duty. 
 
 R. R. HITT FOR VICE FRSSIDENT 
 
 We take pride in commending to the republicans of the nation soon 
 to be assembled in convention our distinguished fellow citizen, the Honorable 
 Robert Hitt, for the office of vice president of the United States, and we 
 hereby instruct our delegates to the national convention to vote for him and 
 to use all honorable means to secure his nomination. 
 
 MOURN DEATH OF KANKA 
 
 We moern the death of that stalwart republican leader, the distinguished 
 statesman, the genial and public spirited citizen, Marcus A. Hanna, late senator 
 from the state of Ohio. 
 
 W0RD3 OF P?AISE FOR YATES 
 
 We commend the record of Governor Yates and the various state officers 
 in the management of the official affairs of the state, which have been con- 
 ducted safely, system.atically, and economically, resulting in placing the 
 state in splendid financial condition. 
 
 CO::VIC.T LAW APPROVED 
 
 We commend the advance step taken by the enactment of the last repub- 
 lican legislature under which, after July 1 next, the products of convict 
 labor are to be withdrawn from competition with the free labor of the state. 
 
 .on. 
 
Republican Platform of 1904 
 
 NEW CHICAGO CHARTER URGED 
 
 At its last session the general assembly adopted a joint resolution 
 to submit to the people of Illinois an amendment to the state constitution 
 empowering the state legislature to grant a special charter to the city of 
 Chicago. The growth of Chicago has been impeded for years by charter 
 restrictions, which have burdened its taxpayers and prevented needed reforms 
 in its municipal government. The adoption of this amendment will require a 
 majority of all the votes cast in the state at the next general election. 
 We urge the adoption of this amendment and call upon the voters of Illinois 
 without regard of party to assist in its adoption. 
 
 NEW PRIMARY LAW NEEDED 
 
 We are in favor of a compulsory primary election law, simple in its 
 construction and capable of efficient and inexpensive operation, which shall 
 be uniform throughout the state, and that all the primaries of any political 
 party shall be held on the same day in all parts of the state. 
 
 HOW TO FILL VACANCIES 
 
 Resolved, That the republican state committee of Illinois be, and it 
 is accordingly hereby authorized and empowered to fill any vacancy or vacancies 
 that may occur in nominations made at this convention. 
 
 MAKE-UP OF STATE COMMITTEE 
 
 Resolved, That the membership of the state central committee shall 
 consist of one member from each congressional district to be selected by the 
 delegates from their district, and two at large to be selected by the state 
 convention. The committee is authorized in its discretion to select a chairman 
 outside of its members. 
 
 SOURCE; Chicago Daily Tribune . May 14, 1904. 
 
 ■21- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFOSM OF 1904 
 (Adopted June 14, 1904) 
 
 FLEDGE OF COOPERATION 
 
 We, the delegates of the democratic party of the state cf Illinois 
 in cor^vention assembled do hereby declare that the democratic party of the 
 state of Illinois will zealously cooperate with the democratic party of 
 the United States in its efforts to restore the national government to the 
 American people, freed from the spirit of greed with which it has been 
 defiled during the last eight years of republican riot cf corruption, ex- 
 travagance, favoritism and misrule. 
 
 RSFUBLia'^.N ERRORS 
 
 We point to the recent revelations of corruption in the post office 
 department of Washington: 
 
 To a depleted treasury, shown by the last treasury department statement 
 at Washington: 
 
 To the failure of the attorney general to prosecute illegal trusts and 
 combinacions , and the promoters thereof by criminal action: 
 
 To the refusal of congress to reduce the tariff tax on those articles 
 which enable the illegal trusts and conbinations to plunder the people; and, 
 
 To the fact that the attorney general left it to a private citizen, 
 at large expense, to uncover the coal trust as proving the truth of the 
 above charge against the republican party. 
 
 SELF GO-;SR.^!MEKT PR INCIPLES 
 
 We record our steadfast confidence in the perpetuity of popular self- 
 governirient » 
 
 We believe our just rights secured to us by our great constitution 
 to consists 
 
 Tn absolute acquiescence in the will of the majority — the vital 
 principle of republics; 
 
 In the supremacy of the civil over the military authority; 
 
 In the total separation of church and state for the sake alike of 
 civil and religious freedom; 
 
 In equality of all citizens before just laws of their own enactment; 
 
 •23- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1904 
 
 Iv. liberty of individual conduct, unvexed by sumptuary laws; 
 
 I:^ the faithful education of the rising generation in righteousness, 
 integrity, and purity of soul, that they may preserve, enjoy, and transmit 
 thess conditions of human happiness and hope. 
 
 But with the increase of wealth and population, these precious rights 
 can or.ly be preserved to a free people by their practicirig that eternal 
 vigilance wiich is the price of liberty. 
 
 ISSUES .IN TtLE STATE 
 
 Turning to our local affairs in Illinois, we declare in favor of, and 
 pledge the democratic party of Illinois to use all its power to enact: 
 
 FOR AXRIJ^RY LAW 
 
 First-=a direct primary election law for the whole state by vAiich all 
 candidates for public office and political committees of all political parties 
 shall be nominated and selected on the same day, by direct vote of the people, 
 without the intervention of delegates and conventions, under similar safeguards, 
 restriction?, and penalties as control regular elections; not, however, to 
 interfere with party conventions for the declaration of principles, by which 
 means the party "boss" will be eradicated from our politics in Illinois. 
 
 AUDITING ACCOUNTS 
 
 £econf<--a law regulating the keeping and annual auditing of public 
 accounts by all collectors and custodians of public moneys, under the direction 
 of the auditor of public accounts, in compliance with the constitution of 
 Illinois, that the public funds may no longer be lost nor misappropriated. 
 And we denounce the present republican governor of Illinois for having vetoed 
 such an act passed by the effort of the democratic representation in the 
 Forty-second general assembly. 
 
 LoyERii;;'; fees 
 
 Third--public offices of profit shall not be established or maintained, 
 but useless offices shall be abolished and fees and salaries be reduced so 
 that public offices shall seek men for faithful services, and not men the 
 offices for profit. 
 
 CUP3ING CORPORATIONS 
 
 Fourth— a revision of the corporation law of this state to the end that 
 all oorporations organized in chis state shall be capitalized or mortgaged 
 
 ■24- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1904 
 
 only for the amount of money, property, or value actually in them, dividends 
 in stocks and watered stock to be strictly prohibited. The kiting of the 
 industries of the state and the plundering of the public by this kind of 
 fraudulent financing will no longer be possible in Illinois. 
 
 FRANCHISE REGULATIONS 
 
 Fifth=-a law vesting the proper authorities with the power and duty 
 of justly and reasonably regulating the service and rate of change of all 
 street railroads, gas, electric lights, telephone, and mechanical companies 
 for the reason that unavoidably and preferably they have a monopoly of the 
 service rendered and must be subject to regulation in order to protect the 
 public from unjust exactions. 
 
 CIVIL SERVICE LAW 
 
 Sixth=-an effective state civil service law shall be enacted, applicable 
 to all appointed state officers and employes, to the end that the liberal 
 appropriations for penal, reformatory, and charitable institutions may be 
 devoted to the care and service of the irards of the state and not diverted 
 to create "slush funds" to squander in political campaigns, as is charged by 
 republican newspapers against the present republican state administration. 
 
 SUFFRAGE FOR WOMEN 
 
 Seventh--whereas, Illinois women are an important part of the citizen- 
 ship of the state, bearing and rearing its children, obeying its laws and paying 
 its taxes, we believe that not only these duties of citizenship but the priv- 
 ilege as well should be exercised by them, and recommend that our next legis- 
 lature extend to women further suffrage rights. 
 
 GRAIN INSPECTING EVILS 
 
 Eighth--whereas , by reason of the unfair and unjust methods employed 
 by the state grain inspector in the inspection of grains, the farmer and 
 grain dealer receive a lower price and consumer pays a higher price for all 
 grain produced in this state and the profit goes to the elevator man; therefore 
 be it resolved, that the representatives in the democratic party of the State 
 of Illinois in convention assembled pledge themselves to use every effort to 
 bring about the passage of an act of the legislature which will correct this 
 evil. 
 
 CHARTER FOR CHICAGO 
 
 We urge the people of Illinois to vote for the constitution amendment, 
 submitted at the coming election, designed to allow the general assembly to 
 
 -25- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1904 
 
 give the city of Chicago a charter vd.th power adequate for the government of 
 the inetropolis of the nation. 
 
 IN LABOR'S INTERES'J 
 
 This is the land of labor, labor of hands, labor of brains, where the 
 jouraeyman, if sober, industrious, and frugal, may become the master; the 
 factory boy may become the manufacturer; the newsboy on the railroad train 
 may become the president of the road; the fruit of labor must go to the 
 diligent and not as a favor to the slothful. 
 
 So far as government is concerned, and its laws and the enforcement 
 thereof, the right to labor must be protected as diligently as our life, 
 liberty, or property, for free labor is the basis of all these, and upon 
 their preservation depends the permanency of our free institutions. 
 
 The compensation of labor must be just and fair. So far as govern- 
 ment is concerned, and its law, and the enforcement thereof, they should 
 not enable anyone, either openly, or by subterfuge, or device, to keep, or 
 take, from the laborer, a just and fair wage. 
 
 All laws, whether state or national, that afford such opportunity, 
 or wronging some for the benefit of others, should be modified or repealed. 
 
 We denounce all teachings and forms of organizations which tend to 
 group the people in classes and castes as inimical to our civilization and 
 destructive to our free institutions. 
 
 CONSTITUTION FOLLOWS FLAG 
 
 We demand that all departments of government recognize and act upon 
 the doctrine that the constitution follows the flag in Porto Rico and the 
 Philippine Islands, or else that they are free and independent, so that the 
 true glory of our country shall not be tarnished by the exercise of the 
 despotic power of denying to a helpless people a republican form of govern- 
 ment. 
 
 PEOPLE TO ELECT SENATORS 
 
 We favor the election of United States senators by a direct vote of 
 the people. 
 
 THE TRUSTS 
 
 We point to the growth of trusts and monopolies as one of the evil 
 results of the ascendency of the republican party at Washington. 
 
 .9fi. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1904 
 
 By the present tariff law, and in numerous ways, special privileges 
 and undue favors have been extended by a republican congress and a republican 
 president to favored classes and huge corporations. The older trusts have 
 all been strengthened and new trusts, too numerous to mention, have been 
 created since the government passed into the hands of the republican party 
 in 1896, 
 
 These trusts devour the prosperity which appears in the land as a 
 result of the industry of the people, and, consequently, the masses have 
 had little taste of the fruit of their own labor. 
 
 If the people do not speedily nominate, regulate, and control these 
 trusts, the trust will permanently dominate and control the government, and 
 continue indefinitely to levy exactions upon the people. 
 
 We submit that the republican party, itself controlled by the trusts, 
 cannot safely be relied on to curb the trusts, and we demand that the govern- 
 ment be taken out of the hands of the friends of monopoly aid restored to 
 the untrammeled representatives of the people. 
 
 FOR UNIT RULE 
 
 The delegates chosen by this convention to the democratic national 
 convention are hereby instructed to vote as a unit on all questions, provided 
 that the unit rule may be suspended by a majorit vote of the delegates. 
 
 Resolved, that the democratic state central committee is given the 
 power to fill all vacancies that may occur on the state or electoral ticket. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune . June 15, 1904. 
 
 •27- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFOEMS. 1906 
 
 Summary of 1906 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Counties 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate Carried 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican John F. Smulski 417,544 156,048 261,496 64 
 Democratic Nicholas L.Piotrowski 271,984 83,772 188,212 33 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues 
 
 43.07, 
 30.57o 
 
 National Issues Other No . Words 
 
 18.07, 39.07, 1366 
 61.27, 8.27, 1396 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1905-1906 
 
 Labor strife took a big share of the news in 1905. A strike on April 6 by 
 71 Chicago teamsters in sympathy with 17 garment workers grew into a general 
 105-day strike of 5,000 teamsters in which 21 people were killed and 415 were 
 reported injured. Almost 6,000 police and special deputies were on strike duty 
 throughout. The teamsters' joint council voted unanimously on July 20 to end the 
 strike. The Chicago Tribune reported, "The result, after 105 days of struggle, is 
 an unconditional surrender, without any conference with the employers, without any 
 request from them, and with not a hair's breadth of promise or concession." It 
 was estimated more than half of the 5,000 strikers would be unable to regain their 
 old jobs. 
 
 Strikers at Zieglerin southern Illinois in November of 1905 fired on a train 
 bringing in Italian strike breakers. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1906 narrowly defeated a local option bill championed 
 by the Anti-Saloon League. The legislature passed laws providing for the appointment 
 of a state civil service commission and the placing of the state charitable institu- 
 tions of the state under civil service. The State Board of Health was authorized 
 to distribute diptheria anti-toxin. Under certain circumstances the distribution 
 was to be free of charge. 
 
 Anriour, Swift, Cudahy, and Nelson Morris packing companies in 1906 were found 
 guilty and fined $15,000 each for accepting rebates. The Chicago, Burlington and 
 Quincy Railroad was also found guilty and Standard Oil indicted for participation in 
 the rebate practices. 
 
 •29- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1906 
 (Adopted August 21, 1906) 
 
 The republican party of Illinois, steadfast in its purposes, proud of 
 the achievenents of the national republican party, gratified with the pros- 
 perity to the whole people resulting from its policies, proclaims anew its 
 cardinal principles. We renew our faith in and adherence to the principles 
 of the party as expressed in its national platform of 1994. 
 
 We regret that the democratic party has not yielded its opposition 
 to the protective policy of the republican party and accepted with patriotic 
 pride its beneficial results, so apparent everywhere in the affairs of the 
 people of the United States. We adhere without hesitation to the cardinal 
 doctrine of protection to American labor and American capital. 
 
 We do not hold that any particular schedule of tariff duties must be 
 of endless duration, but, on the contrary, when changing business and indus- 
 trial conditions shall he benefitted by a modification of any existing tariff 
 schedule, the republican party holds itself ready to make such needed changes. 
 But necessity for such change must not arise from any special interests but 
 must arise from a fair and candid consideration of all of the business and 
 industrial interests of the whole country. 
 
 We give full approval to the legislation of the last session of the 
 national congress. The enactment of the rate law, the pure food law, the 
 employers' liability law, the meat inspection law; the law making alcohol 
 free for the arts, manufactures, and all industrial purposes, and the final 
 legislation for the construction of the isthmian canal, together with many 
 other important laws, all of which must appeal to the sound judgment and 
 satisfaction of every patriotic citizen, constitutes a legislative record 
 unsurpassed, if indeed equaled, during the present generation. 
 
 Under the policy of the republican party the credit of our nation 
 stands higher than ever before. Bonds issued for the construction of the 
 isthmian canal, bearing the low rate of 2 per cent interest, have sold at 
 4 per cent above par. 
 
 Interest on money has depreciated while wages have advanced, thus 
 showing conclusively that in the race between the dollar and the man, the 
 man is the victor. 
 
 Believing as we do that the interests of the American people are best 
 safeguarded and protected by the policies of the republican party and believing 
 that a democratic house of representatives would block those policies and the 
 course of administration and that a republican congress is essential to the 
 continued successful national administration, we call upon the people of 
 Illinois to see to it that the republican delegation in congress from this 
 state shall not be lessened by a single member. 
 
 .^.n. 
 
Republican Platform of 1906 
 
 We commend the policy of the national administration, directed by the 
 unerring judgment of President Roosevelt. His dauntless courage in the 
 enforcement of the laws, his determination to see to it that, in so far as 
 the power of his great office will permit, every man shall have a square deal, 
 have characterized him as one of the bravest, most fearless and most just 
 men who have ever held the high office of the president of the United States. 
 
 Under his wise and energetic administration his influence for good has 
 not been confined to our own country, but the influence of the United States 
 among the nations of the earth, both in war and in peace--among the great 
 nations less than among the smaller states--has been a national factor in all 
 that works for the good of mankind. 
 
 We heartily endorse the course persued in congress by our senators, 
 S, M. Cullom and A. J, Hopkins, and by the republican representatives in 
 congress from Illinois. 
 
 We congratulate them in having satisfied constituencies, and in the 
 renomination of all the republican representatives in congress who desired 
 renominate on. 
 
 We are proud of the fact that from their number that splendid statesm,an, 
 Joseph G. Cannon, has twice been chosen speaker of the house of representatives, 
 
 Everywhere in Illinois the name of Senator Shelby M. Cullom is a 
 synonyiTi of personal honor and official integrity. His long political career 
 stands before the people of Illinois today without blemish. His splendid 
 ability and wise statesmanship are everywhere recognized. Illinois is justly 
 proud of him. 
 
 At the recent primary election in this state, the people expressed 
 unbounded confidence in him and chose him. to succeed himself. Therefore, 
 be it resolved, that we heartily endorse his candidacy for re-election to 
 the United States senate and we hereby declare him to be the candidate of 
 the republican party to succeed himself as senator of the United States 
 from Illinois. 
 
 Mindful of the great responsibilities of the office of president of 
 the United States, hoping for a continuation of the successful policies and 
 wise administration of the republican party, with full confidence in the 
 experience, ability, mental equipment, and lofty patriotism of Joseph G. 
 Cannon of Illinois for the discharge of these duties and great responsi- 
 bilities, Illinois most strongly favors and recommends to her sister states 
 and to the national republican convention to be held in 1908 the nomination 
 of Joseph G. Cannon of Illinois to the high office of president of the United 
 States, 
 
 We commend the Forty-Fourth general assembly of Illinois for its 
 excellent record and for the passage of all measures promised by the repub- 
 lican state platform of 1904, notably the primary election law, the civil 
 service law, and the Chicago charter amendment. 
 
 •31- 
 
Republican Platform of 1906 
 
 The primary election law is uniform and compulsory. All primaries are 
 held at the same time, and all county conventions on the same day. For state, 
 congressional, and senatorial offices a plurality vote of the delegate districts 
 is abiding instruction for at least one ballot. 
 
 The primary ballot of each political party is surrounded by all the 
 safeguards known to the law. Every delegate to every party convention is 
 elected by ballot voted in a booth and counted by regularly appointed judges. 
 
 The provision of the law regarding the nomination of county candidates 
 x/as made elastic to meet the different conditions obtaining in the sparsely 
 settled rural communities and in the thickly settled urban communities in the 
 state. 
 
 We favor an honest trial of this law, and if found defective, we favor 
 the passage of such amendments as will make it effective. 
 
 Under the civil service law the commission appointed by the governor 
 has received 3,202 applications, conducted 114 examinations, and made 882 
 appointments. Since November 1, 1905, qualification and merit have been the 
 only rests applied to applicants for positions in the state institutions. 
 We favor the expansion of the civil service law. 
 
 We endorse and commend the practical and businesslike administration 
 of Governor Deneen and the other state officials. In all departments of the 
 state government a high degree of efficiency and economy has prevailed. 
 
 The state tax levy has been reduced, but a generous support has been 
 accorded to all of our public institutions. 
 
 An equitable reduction of freight rates has been obtained. Illinois 
 furnishes the first instance in which such a reduction has been accomplished 
 without the intervention of the courts. 
 
 We cordially approve the business methods and practical judgment 
 manifested by Governor Deneen in the appointment of the various state com- 
 missions. In the management and supervision of the state institutions he 
 has enlisted the services of some of the ablest men in the state. 
 
 Hospitals for the insane have been modernized and pathological depart- 
 ments organized. Training schools for nurses have been established. Tuber- 
 cular patients have been segregated and the use of mechanical restraints in 
 the treatment of the insane abolished, 
 
 A manual training school has been established in the reformatory at 
 Pontiac, in which the instruction of 325 pupils is conducted by one of the 
 foremost instructors in manual training in the state. 
 
 The prisoners in the penal institutions at Joliet and Chester are now 
 employed in productive industries and useful occupations. Profits which under 
 
 ."5 0. 
 
Republican Platform of 1906 
 
 the old system went to prison contractors now go to the state, and this with 
 a minimum competition with free labor. 
 
 An efficient geological commission has been established for the develop- 
 ment of the mineral resources of the state. Under its management the depart- 
 ment has already obtained national prominence. 
 
 The office of institution audit clerk has been created and a uniform 
 system of bookkeeping established. 
 
 We approve the efforts of the state administration to procure through 
 its free employment agencies employment for the prisoners released from the 
 penal institutions. 
 
 We commend the record of the republican party in labor legislation. 
 
 We favor the reduction of the employment of child labor to the minimum, 
 and recommend the employment of additional food and factory inspectors. 
 
 The party stands ready to pass such legislation as experience demands 
 in the line of making employment sanitary, healthful and safe. 
 
 The republican party is the pioneer in labor legislation. Opposition 
 to slavery and all forms of oppression, and a desire to aid free labor to 
 the highest degree of education, efficiency, and happiness are first prin- 
 ciples of the party, which has shovm its faith by its works for the last 
 fifty years by enacting national and state laws by 'which the field of labor 
 has been immensely enlarged, wages greatly increased, per diem hours of labor 
 much decreased, and laborers made more secure from accidents. The republican 
 party pledges that it will work as faithfully for the interests of labor in 
 the future as it has in the past. 
 
 We favor legislation which shall compel the most vigorous and accurate 
 inspection of the state banks of this state so that losses to depositors shall 
 be reduced to the minimum and we also favor legislation for the severest 
 punishment of defaulting bank officers and employes possible under our consti- 
 tution. 
 
 We endorse the efforts of the Illinois congressional delegation to 
 secure an appropriation for the completion of a ship canal from the great 
 lakes to the gulf of Mexico, 
 
 We favor liberal appropriations by the federal government for the 
 improvement of the Ohio river, looking to the securing of a nine foot channel 
 from Pittsburg to Cairo, and we instruct our representatives in congress to 
 give their support to the same. 
 
 SOURCE: Qiicago Daily Tribune , August 22, 1906, 
 
 •33- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1906 
 (Adopted August 21, 1906) 
 
 This representative convention of the democratic party of Illinois 
 congratulates the democracy of the state and the whole country upon the bril- 
 liant prospects of victory in the coming congressional and presidential 
 elections „ 
 
 Accumulating evidence of republican extravagance, duplicity, and in- 
 efficiency produces the overthrow of that party in the state and nation; the 
 people are turning again to the party of Jefferson and of Jackson and of 
 Bryan for the relief from corruption that affects many branches of our govern- 
 ment and congressional evils that may be still worse in their consequence. 
 
 We believe the unfortunate inmates of state charitable institutions 
 deserve the kindness and most careful and most human treatment the state can 
 give them. During the last two months we have had revealed conditions in 
 our state institutions shocking to the best sense of our people„ Unfortunate 
 and defenseless wards of the state have been subjected to treatment of the 
 most shameful character, and these occurrences have not been isolated. They 
 have risen before under republican officials and in many institutions. 
 
 The republican administration has given us a civil service law that 
 is a merest shadow of pretense, applicable wholly to a part of the state 
 service and to only a part of the employes therein, and the governor who 
 pretended to advocate it as a friend of the merit system sat up until midnight 
 of the day before it became a law to block its purpose by filling every possible 
 place of appointees to hold their places without examination. 
 
 The republican administration of sham reform caused to expend $65,000 
 of the people's money to pass and more to put in effect its so called primary 
 election law, and such a travesty it is. 
 
 By a majority of more than 500,000 the people of Illinois voted two 
 years ago for a direct primary law which would enable citizens to vote 
 directly for the nomination of candidates whom he wished nominated by his 
 party. In the face of this direct and overwhelming expression of the people's 
 will and in defiance of their own pacific promise, made it their state platform 
 of 1904, to give the people a direct primary law, the republicans shirked their 
 duty in the regular session of the general assembly and passed a coward make- 
 shift that was declared unconstitutional. 
 
 Then after putting the people to the expense of a special session and 
 bringing forth such a mockery of a primary law, that it was on its passage 
 denounced even by the republican lieutenant governor of the state as a "double 
 headed disaster" that puts "a premium on gerrymanders and deadlocks," results 
 have approved it. It is a law to put the control of nominations in the hands 
 of the political machines and compels the voter to disclose his politics and 
 thereby destroys the secrecy of the ballot and vholly disfranchises the inde- 
 .pendent voters in nominating conventions. 
 
 ■35- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1906 
 
 State examination and supervision of state banks, under the republican 
 administration, have become a farce. Without restraint, and apparently without 
 fear of it, plausible adventurers prey upon the confidence and squander the 
 savings of the thrifty poor, and bring upon old communities disaster, suffering, 
 and desperation, and suicide. 
 
 We pledged the democrat members of the next general assembly, in 
 earnest effort. 
 
 To make the state civil service law a fact as well as a name, a law 
 applicable to all branches of the state government, and all employes thereof; 
 
 To the enactment of a law that will honestly extend the merit system 
 to cover all employes of ali offices Oi- Cook county and aii. branches of the 
 county service; 
 
 To the enactment of a direct primary law that will be an exact, direct 
 primary law, and not a "double headed disaster." To an enactment that will 
 correct and prevent the abuses that prevail in our state institutions under 
 the republican administration if such abuses possibly can be reached by law; 
 
 To the enactment of a state banking law that will provide sufficient 
 supervision of, and will prevent the looting of the funds accumulated by the 
 thrifty. 
 
 We believe that American citizens are entitled to the best fruits of 
 American enterprise and we condemn in unmeasured terms the present republican 
 system of exhorting tributes from the people at home by means of unjust tariff 
 laws, so that foreigners may enjoy American products at a cheaper price than 
 our own people. 
 
 To the end of this system which fosters the iniquities trusts and 
 combinations that are controlling legislation through the republican party 
 we demand a careful and businesslike revision of existing tariff rates by 
 the friends of the people, and not by the friends of the system, to a point 
 where the revenues will meet the expenses of the government honestly and 
 economically administered. 
 
 We denounce as humiliating and disgraceful to the American people and 
 dangerous to the American institutions the practice of great corporations 
 and contribution of large sums of money exhorted from the people by means of 
 legislation enacted in their favor for the purpose of corruption and debauching 
 the electorate and thus attempting to buy executive, legislative, and judicial 
 favor from the party that benefits by such corruption. And we further denounce 
 those great corporations organized for their positive embezzlement of the 
 funds of those beneficiaries to buy the election of a republican president 
 and a republican congress, and we remind the people that a republican congress 
 refused a law to prohibit such contributions. 
 
 -•^fi. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1906 
 
 It should be remembered that the democratic party was first to re- 
 organize and denounce in its platform those various trusts and combinations 
 formed for the purpose of enabling greedy corporations to obtain more than 
 a fair share of the products of capital and labor, and secure exorbitant and 
 unreasonable prices from the consumer, and we renew our solemn pledge to favor 
 the enactment and enforcement of such legislation as will ultimately suppress 
 such criminal combinations and make way for a fair and healthy competition 
 in all classes of business. 
 
 We congratulate our party that a republican president has at last 
 discovered that there are such things as bad trusts in this country and has 
 proceeded in a half hearted way at last to prosecute a few of them, and we 
 rejoice that some of the great principles of reform heretofore advocated by 
 Mr. Bryan and other distinguished democrats have been recognized as sound 
 by a republican president and that he has made some effort to secure from an 
 unfriendly republican congress some legislation in accord \d.th such principles. 
 
 We denounce the republican congress for its shameful surrender to the 
 railroads, the Standard Oil octopus, and the meat trust in its boasted legis- 
 lation designated to regulate the great, merciless corporations. 
 
 We denounce the proposed ship subsidy legislation now pending in the 
 national congress and we declare that a scheme to take money out of the national 
 treasury and pay it to a few favored ship owners as undemocratic, un-American, 
 and unjust to the masses of the people. 
 
 We are opposed to large standing armies in time of peace, but we regard 
 that volunteer soldiers, v^o are ready to take up arms, not as a profession, 
 but as protectors of home and country, as a real guardian of our country, and 
 we favor liberal pensions to those who gave their services to their country. 
 
 We believe in liberal wages, reasonable hours, and the best possible 
 condition of employment for the men and women who toil in the mines and shops, 
 and the factories, and on the railroads of our state and country, and we 
 furthermore believe that their inalienable right to petition the representa- 
 tives of the people in Congress and in the legislature should be zealously 
 guarded and eternally preserved and that they should be protected against 
 insolence and insults when engaged in the exercise of this sacred right, and 
 that in its last analysis this right includes the right to ask questions on 
 problems affecting the welfare of candidates for public office and offering 
 instructions and exacting pledges regarding the same. 
 
 Hunanity demands that there should be a rigid child labor legislation 
 and that such laws should be consistently enforced. The restricted measures 
 which organized labor has demanded against disastrous and fatal competition 
 of Chinese coolie and the cheap south European emigrant labor are both 
 reasonable and just and deserve to be made statutory and carried out to the 
 letter for the maintenance of the highest standard of life of our own labor 
 and the preservation of the dignity and glory of our country. 
 
 ■37- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1905 
 
 To secure safe and sanitary conditions for the workers a system of 
 strict factory and mine inspection should be faithfully adhered to. Just and 
 profitable 'conditions of labor are recognized by us as a foundation and 
 essential principle of enduring and substantial prosperity for the business 
 man and in fact all of the people. 
 
 We favor the early establishment by the United States of the postal 
 savings bank systesn. 
 
 We favor a thorough inquiry by congressional commission into the 
 early acquisition arid operation by the federal governn-.ent of the telegraph 
 and telephone systems. 
 
 We favor the passage by Congress of the eight hour law and anti-injunction 
 asked for by the American Federation of Labor. 
 
 We favor the election of the United States senators by direct vote of 
 the people, and as a move in that direction we ask the passage of a law 
 permitting the people to express their preference for senator by direct vote 
 at the polls. 
 
 We favor a liberal appropriation by the legislature for the establish- 
 ment of a state institution for the treatment and suppression of tuberculosis. 
 
 We believe in the enactment of a railroad rate bill that adequately 
 protects the producer and shipper alike, and we commend the democratic senators 
 ivfrio stood ready to cooperate with President Roosevelt in the passage of such 
 a bill and regret that opposition from leading and controlling senators forced 
 the president to accept a bill that is full of pitfalls and productive of delays 
 v,'hich will practically defeat the beneficial purposes of the legislature. 
 
 For the president of the United States in 1908, the democrats of 
 Illinois first and last have but one choice and that man is William Jennings 
 Sryai-i. In this period of official hypocrisy, political corruption, and 
 cowardly surrender of principles wherever republicanism held sway, William 
 Jennings Bryan towers above all itoericans as fittest to lead in the fight to 
 rescue our government from the hands of special interests and restore it to 
 the people. 
 
 The democracy of Illinois eagerly looks forward to 1908 for the oppor- 
 tunity to join with sister states in nominating and triumphly electing him 
 president of the United States. The times call for a president of Bryan's 
 honesty and charity and political philosophy. 
 
 SOURCE: Cnicago Daily Tribune . August 22, 1906, 
 
 TR_ 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1908 
 
 Summary of 1908 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist, Socialist Labor, Independence, United Christian and People's.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 William H. Taft 
 
 629,932 
 
 230,400 
 
 
 399,532 
 
 69 
 
 Democratic 
 
 William J. Bryan 
 
 450,810 
 
 152,990 
 
 
 297,820 
 
 33 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Charles S. Deneen 
 
 550,076 
 
 192,937 
 
 
 357,139 
 
 53 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Adlai E. Stevenson 
 
 526,912 
 
 192,891 
 
 
 334,021 
 
 49 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 42.87, 
 
 35, 
 
 .3% 
 
 21 
 
 .97, 
 
 2848 
 
 Democratic 
 
 26.8% 
 
 18, 
 
 .67, 
 
 54 
 
 .57, 
 
 1958 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1907-1908 
 
 Under the local new option law an election was held on November 5, 1907, 
 and of the 137 districts in the state voting, 131 voted against the licensing of 
 of saloons. In the following year the state supreme court upheld the local option 
 law and 1,500 saloons were forced to go out of business. 
 
 After a primary law was invalidated by the courts in 1907, the legislature 
 passed a direct primary election law in 1908. 
 
 In the 1907 Chicago mayoral race E. F. Dunne, first elected in 1906 on a 
 platform of municipal ownership of street railways, was defeated by Chicago post- 
 master F. A. Busse. Mr. Dunne had the active support of W, R, Hearst and it was the 
 opinion of many this turned the tide against hirfl. Busse advocated ordinances pro- 
 viding for twenty-year franchises for street railways with the right guaranteed to 
 the city to purchase a franchise at a price specified by the city. 
 
 The 1907 legislature enacted a new charter for the city of Chicago which 
 
 contained the grant of some home rule powers, but Chicagoans rejected the charter by 
 
 a vote of two to one. Many taxpayers feared the possibilities of increased taxes 
 under the new limit provided. 
 
 The U. S„ Supreme Court sustained in 1908 the convictions of Armour, Swift, 
 Morris and Cudahy packing companies for accepting rebates on packing hous products, 
 and of the Burlington Railroad for granting them. In the same year, the Illinois 
 Supreme Court declared that a labor union's "unfair list" was, in effect, a boycott 
 and therefore illegal. The court also declared "picketing" unlawful. 
 
 -39- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1908 
 (Adopted March 26, 1908) 
 
 The republican party of Illinois, in convention assembled on this 
 26th day of March, 1908, would remind the republicans of this state and the 
 nation that fifty-two years ago our great party was founded on principles 
 chat are as eternal and as necessary in republican government as our axioms 
 in na thema tics. 
 
 TVje republican party, now composed largely of sturdy men who have come 
 to manhood since the war of the '60s, most of thac great host of patriots 
 having pitched their tents on fame's eternal camping ground ^ pledge that we 
 will ever salute the dead patriot hosts of all our wars and will continue to 
 remember, in the most substantial manner, the soldiers and sailors of all 
 our wars who are yet living and also their widows and orphans, knowing that 
 we can never repay their services to the country. 
 
 PARTY PRINCIPLES ARE VITAL 
 
 Republican principles are as vital in 1908 as they have been in previous 
 years. They must guide us in the future as in the past, solving the questions 
 now pending and those which may arise. 
 
 We, therefore, again announce our faith in republican principles and 
 policies and pledge ourselves to do all in our power to elect the presidential 
 nominee and all our state republican nominees on next November 3. 
 
 Believing in republican principles of the past, in protection of 
 American labor and American industry, in sound money, in the power of congress 
 to improve the nation's natural highways of commerce, and the equality of all 
 citizens before the law, we do not resort to the democratic expedient of making 
 new or novel declarations to attract temporary support to continue republican 
 administration. 
 
 We indorse the administration of President Roosevelt for its energy 
 and success, for recommending to congress many measures of the greatest 
 benefit to the general welfare, and for vigorously enforcing the law on the 
 statute books and striving to bring about that ideal condition of the nation 
 wherein each citizen shall be equal before the law and give equal obedience 
 to the law. His administration will stand as one of the greatest in American 
 history. 
 
 PRESENT TARIFF PRAISED 
 
 The present tariff law, which was passed at the special session of the 
 Fifty-fifth congress, convened by President McKinley, and which was signed 
 July 24, 1897, by that illustrious protectionist, has amply justified all the 
 promises and hopes of its advocates and supporters. 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 It has proven the most scientifically adjusted and therefore the best 
 tariff that was ever placed on the statute books. 
 
 Under its beneficent influence abundant revenues have flown into the 
 national treasury; our domestic commerce has expanded beyond all expectations, 
 the volume of our export trade has constantly increased until within the last 
 six months it has reached the high water mark; the ratio of our manufactured 
 exports has steadily advanced; our farmers have received the highest prices 
 and our mechanics and other workmen the highest ^^ages that have ever been paid, 
 and our citizens of all classes have enjoyed a greater degree of prosperity 
 than has ever prevailed during a like period in any other country. 
 
 TIME FOR REVISION 
 
 The broadening of the home market and the increased foreign demand for 
 our products have stimulated competition and "his competition has brought out 
 manifold new discoveries and inventions which have materially altered the cost 
 of production both at home and abroad of almost every article of commerce. 
 
 The long continuance of the benefits conferred by the present tariff 
 has produced an industrial situation that suggests the possibility of securing, 
 by the revision of the tariff, additional benefits for the people of the United 
 States through a wise continuance of the policy of protection. 
 
 It is now apparent that in order to maintain the scientific accuracy 
 of the tariff, remove inequalities, and prevent injustice some new schedules 
 must be added to the law, some of the present rates must be lowered, while 
 some must be repealed altogether. 
 
 The success of the present tariff demonstrates the wisdom of revising 
 it to conform to the improved conditions which it has produced. 
 
 PROTECTIVE FEATURE TO REMAPI 
 
 We believe that the people of the United States will profit by a new 
 tariff, but it must be a republican tariff, a protective tariff, a tariff 
 which recognizes in all its parts the difference between American and foreign 
 wages, the difference between the high scale of living imposed by insufficient 
 wages upon foreign workmen. 
 
 We therefore recommend to our delegates to the republican national con- 
 vention that they urge upon the convention the wisdom of declaring for a 
 revision of the tariff to be made at the next session of r-ongress or at a 
 special session of the Sixty-first congress, to be convened immediately after 
 the inauguration of the next president, March 4, 1909. 
 
 We believe that our tariff should contain a provision for minimum and 
 maximum rates--the minimum rates giving full protection, the maximum rates 
 to be invoked for retaliating upon foreign countries that discriminate against 
 American products. 
 
 ■41- 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 WHAT TARIFF SHOULD DO 
 
 We believe that two main ideas should pervade all the provisions of 
 the tariff: 
 
 First: That the protective principle so prevail in all the schedules 
 that American farmers, workmen, and producers shall be given the first call 
 on the hoire market, and. 
 
 Secondly: That no illegal or unjust combination, trust or monopoly 
 shall find encouragement or shelter in any of its provisions. 
 
 To the end that the revision of the tariff may be accomplished with 
 the greatest possible gain and the least possible loss we suggest to our 
 senators and representatives in congress that they seek to secure at once 
 the passage in their respective houses of resolutions directing the proper 
 corm-nit tees to proceed immediately to collect the preliminary information 
 necessary for a revision of the tariff, that when the work is entered upon 
 all parties in interest may be heard and the law formed, discussed, and passed 
 without delay and without any disturbance of the financial and industrial 
 interests of the country. 
 
 FEIANCIAL LEGISLATION URGED 
 
 We favor such financial legislation as will give the country districts 
 the same protection as to the central reserve cities and prevent the recurrence 
 of financial disturbance, and we have confidence in our chosen leaders in 
 congress that proper financial law will be enacted. 
 
 Wa approve the vigorous enforcement of the interstate laws against all 
 combinations, monopolies, and trusts, and will support the enforcement of such 
 laws until justice prevails. 
 
 We urge that if the laws now on the statute books are not sufficient 
 to reach every case of discrimination, additional laws be enacted by congress 
 until no guilty combination or trust escapes. 
 
 We indorse the republican members of both branches of congress who have 
 stood firmly by the president and have enacted into law so many measures 
 reco:nmended by him for the common good, and also have enacted into law many 
 other excellent measures originating in congress. 
 
 We heartily indorse our senior senator, the Hon, Shelby M, Cullom, 
 for his long, able, and spotless public life, and wish him many years of 
 health and peace. 
 
 We also indorse the record of our junior senator, Albert J. Hopkins, 
 TA-ho has given all matters pertaining to the interest of the whole country, 
 and especially to Illinois, quick and effective attention, and has shown 
 himself one of the ablest senators Illinois has sent to the upper house of 
 congress. 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 STATE AMINISTRATION INDORSED 
 
 We commend the excellent administration of the state officers, all of 
 whom are republicans, and the present state administration, for the clean, 
 businesslike, honest, and efficient manner in which it has conducted the 
 executive business of the state, as shown by the present excellent condition 
 of the state finances, the state institutions, and the various departments 
 of the state government; and for the splendid manner in which it, assisted 
 by a republican general assembly, has redeemed the pledges of the party 
 platform in the passage of; 
 
 The primary election law,, 
 
 The civil service law. 
 
 The law requiring state treasurer to turn into the state treasury 
 interest on the public funds. 
 
 The legislation revising and improving the state insurance law. 
 
 The laws fixing a 2 cent passenger rate and securing a substantial 
 reduction of freight rates in this state. 
 
 The laws concerning the constitution of a deep waterway, the laws 
 creating the internal improvement commission, the state highway commission, 
 the geological survey commission, and other important legislative measures. 
 
 WATERWAY IS FAVORED 
 
 We heartily indorse the "Lakes of the Gulf" deep waterway project and 
 ask our members in the United States senate and house of representatives to 
 use every possible means to secure the necessary appropriation and its speedy 
 construction under the continuing contract system,, 
 
 We commend the action of the Illinois general assembly in submitting 
 to the people a constitutional amendment authorizing the $20,000,000 bond issue 
 to aid in the construction of the deep waterway from Lockport to LaSalle and 
 to conserve and take over the water power for the purpose of creating electri- 
 cal energy along the Desplaines river and Illinois valley, the proceeds of 
 which shall be paid into the treasury of the state of Illinois, and pledge 
 the party support for its adoption. 
 
 We favor liberal appropriations for the improvement of the Ohio river 
 and we heartily indorse the scheme for a nine foot channel from Pittsburg to 
 Cairo. 
 
 We favor the enactment of all laws which give to every citizen the 
 greatest measure of personal liberty. 
 
 •43- 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 ROOSEVELT MESSAGE APPROVED 
 
 We heartily approve the recent utterance of President Roosevelt 
 regarding the issuance of injunctions in labor disputes and recommend to our 
 members of congress speedy legislation in accordance with those views and 
 in harmony with the constitution of the United States and the constitution 
 of our own state. 
 
 We stand for those ideals of government which mean justice, equality, 
 and fair dealing among men, the civil and political rights of the American 
 negro in every state. 
 
 Believing as we do that his marvelous progress in intelligence, 
 industry, and good citizeiship has earned the respect and encouragement of 
 the nation, and that those legislative enactments that have for their real 
 aim his disfranchisement for reasons of color alone are unfair, un-American, 
 and repugnant to the supreme law of the land, we favor the reduction of 
 representation in congress and the electoral college in all the states of 
 this union vhere white and colored citizens are disfranchised to the end 
 that the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States be 
 not enforced according to this letter and spirit. 
 
 CANNON IS INDORSED 
 
 The loyal and able services of Speaker Joseph G, Cannon are well known, 
 also his efforts for good government, for safe business, and better conditions 
 of labor; and his loyal support of President Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, 
 Harrison, McKinley and Roosevelt are matters of history. 
 
 He has advocated, voted for, and put his impress upon all the laws for 
 public welfare written upon the statute books of the United States for over 
 a third of a century. 
 
 President Roosevelt himself tells the country how faithfully and effi- 
 ciently Speaker Cannon has stood by him in his great work, and no one is more 
 disposed to carry forward those great reforms, are better prepared to do so 
 than Speaker Cannon, who always faces to the front and moves forward. 
 
 And believing that Speaker Cannon is eminently fitted in every way 
 to be the party's national standard hearer in the campaign of 1908, therefore, 
 we unequivocally instruct our delegates and alternates to the national con- 
 vention to convene at Chicago next June 16 to cast their votes for the Hon. 
 Joseph G, Cannon, and to use every honorable means to secure his nomination, 
 and we earnestly request our district-delegates to use their united influence 
 in support of his candidacy. 
 
 SOURCE; Chicago Daily Tribune , March 27, 1908. 
 
 _/./._ 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1908 
 (Adopted April 23, 1908) 
 
 We, the representatives of the democracy of Illinois, in convention 
 assembled, congratulate the party in both state and nation on the splendid 
 prospect of victory at the coming election in November, 
 
 To take advantage of the opportunity now presented to us is a duty 
 ^ich the democratic party owes to all the people. Conditions now, as 
 seldom in our history, call for strict applications of the fundamental prin- 
 ciples of democracy as the only corrective of the evil tendencies of repub- 
 lican administration in Illinois and in the United States, which, if allowed 
 to go unchecked, will lead to certain disaster to our form of government. 
 
 Our state administration for nearly four years has been a compound of 
 extravagance, favoritism to special interests and individuals, indifference 
 to the public good, and heartlessness unspeakable to the defenseless wards 
 of the people housed in our state institutions. 
 
 Our state government must be brought back to a stricter accounting 
 to the people. We believe in home rule and honest rule, and in equal justice 
 to all citizens without fear or favor. 
 
 Every man who owes the state of Illinois a dollar as taxes, as service, 
 or as a debt should be compelled to pay. The shameless tax dodging of great 
 corporations, the looting of public funds for the benefit of favored contractors, 
 the fraud of state employes ^o do not work, must be stopped. 
 
 The public money pocketed by former state officers must be returned 
 to the state treasury. One successful suit on the bond of a former state 
 treasurer points the way to this end. Failure to prosecute similar suits 
 against others is highly suspicious, 
 
 "PERSONAL LIBERTY" INDORSED 
 
 We believe that orderly customs and habits long pursued should not 
 be disturbed by intolerance, and we hereby declare in favor of that funda- 
 mental doctrine of democracy and free government which gives to the individual 
 the largest measure of personal liberty so long as he does not infringe on 
 the personal rights of others. We are opposed to all sumptuary laws. 
 
 The imperialistic administration of our national government in repub- 
 lican hands has brought the nation to a point where the form of our govern- 
 ment is threatened. 
 
 The fathers of our country, vrith a foresight unparalleled in history, 
 formed for us a government of three branches--executive, legislative, and 
 judicial--with powers nicely balanced and admirably coordinated; a government 
 under which the regulation of local affairs was specifically reserved to the 
 sovereign states. 
 
 .45- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1908 
 
 For nearly a century and a half this form of government has endured, 
 and has been adequate to every demand made upon it by changing conditions, 
 political, economic, or industrial, and under it we have grown from a few 
 scattered settlements to one of the great powers of the earth. 
 
 Kow this form of government is threatened by usurpation of legis- 
 lative functions on the part of the executive, and by encroachment upon the 
 powers of the states by the central authority at Washington. 
 
 REPUBLICANISM CALLED MENACE 
 
 This usurpation and these encroachments, if permitted to go on, tend 
 toward the dissolution of the republic and of free government. 
 
 It is the verdict of history that the progress of democracy throughout 
 the world has been always measured by a greater and still greater degree of 
 self-government granted to each community. 
 
 The utter incapacity of a republican administration, dominated by a 
 plutocracy and imperialistically directed, to legislate for the people is 
 marked by the failure of the party in power at Washington to check exploita- 
 tion of the masses for the benefit of the few. There has been noisy de- 
 nunciation and sporadic prosecution of a few selected victims to direct 
 attention from the main question, but in the face of practically unanimous 
 demand of press and people, not one effective step has been taken toward 
 destruction of that fruitful mother of trusts, the high protective tariff. 
 
 We commend these thoughts to the attention of our delegates to the 
 national convention of the democratic party, to be held in Denver, Colorado, 
 on July 7, 1908, and we call upon them to do all in their power to bring 
 forth from that convention results that will appeal alike to the common 
 sense and to the patriotism of the whole people as a prelude to a sweeping 
 democratic victory in November. 
 
 WATERWAY PLAM ADOPTED 
 
 It is with pride that we point to the efforts of the democratic 
 mem.bers of the Forty-fifth general assembly in the promotion of the Lakes- 
 to-the-Gulf ship canal. 
 
 Recognizing the incalculable benefits that would accrue to this 
 great state as well as to the entire nation from the accomplishing of this 
 project it remained for the leadership of a democratic member of the legiS" 
 lature to bring about such legislation as will eventually result in the 
 construction of this great waterway. 
 
 We therefore pledge ourselves as being in favor of the constitu- 
 tional amendment providing for a bond issue for the construction of the 
 
Democratic Platform of 1908 
 
 Lakes-to-the-Gulf ship canal and pledge the democratic members of the general 
 assembly to vote for such additional legislation as may be necessary to make 
 the same an accomplished fact. 
 
 The democratic state convention, in conformity with the fundamental 
 principles of Jeffersonian democracy, commends the demands of organized 
 labor upon Congress for the enactment of immediate legislation preservatory 
 of the rights of the toiler as an American citizen. 
 
 BANK DEPOSIT GUARANTEE URGED 
 
 We favor the enactment into law in the state of Illinois and by the 
 Congress of the United States of the democratic idea for the protection of 
 depositors in all banks by a law similar to the one enforced in the great 
 democratic state of Oklahoma. Whereby the depositor is insured against the 
 loss of his deposit by failure to the bank or otherwise. 
 
 We believe that the widows mite and the small depositors' savings as 
 well as the bank accounts of the more affluent shall not be lost by man's 
 dishonesty or the uncertainty of business enterprises. 
 
 To the end that the working man shall not be left entirely destitute 
 by accident incurred in behalf of society and without fault on his part, we 
 believe that Illinois should speedily enact an adequate employers' liability 
 law to supplement the federal law on that subject. 
 
 We commend the actions of the Democratic minority of the Forty-fifth 
 general assembly in their heroic and, to a great extent, successful fight 
 against republican misrule. 
 
 By their bold stand and magnificent strategy they forced the passage 
 of the primary act, the pure food act, and the 2 cent fare act from an unwilling 
 majority, and they stood rabidly against the republican policy of extravagance 
 and against all the bad legislation fathered by the republican party. 
 
 WAR ON WHITE PLAGUE 
 
 The democratic party, believing that the great white plague, tuberculosis, 
 should be checked by legislation, favors a liberal appropriation for a state 
 sanatorium for those afflicted with tuberculosis and advocates the measure 
 enabling cities and village to establish and maintain public tuberculosis sani- 
 tariums. 
 
 It also advocates the passage of such bills at the forthcoming election 
 in the various cities and villages in which the question is submitted. 
 
 -47- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1908 
 
 We recommend that a plank be inserted in the national platform asking 
 congress to enact a statute prohibiting the transportation of the products 
 of convict labor from one state of the union to another, and hereby instruct 
 our delegates to the national convention to use their influence to that end. 
 
 Resolved, That the terms of the members of the present state central 
 conraittee of the democratic party of Illinois be and are hereby continued 
 until their successors shall be chosen at the primary election to be held 
 August 8, IS 08, 
 
 Resolved, That the state central committee of the democracic party 
 of Illinois is hereby authorized to fill all vacancies among the delegates 
 to the national convention, among the candidates for presidential electors 
 nominated by the convention, which may be caused by death, resignation, or 
 otherwise. 
 
 BRYAN'S HOPE ACHIEVED 
 
 Recognizing the broad statesm.anshi p, matchless eloquence, and untiring 
 efforts of our great leader, William Jennings Bryan, in the cause of humanity, 
 ve, the democrats of Illinois, honoring a native son and taking pride in his 
 distinguished leadership, instruct the delegates to the national convention 
 of our party at Denver, from this state, to support his candidacy for the 
 nomination for the presidency, and to use all honorable means in his behalf. 
 
 We further instruct the Illinois delegation to the Denver convention 
 to act as a unit en all propositions. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune , April 24, 1908. 
 
REP^JBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1908 
 (Adopted September 9, 1908) 
 
 The republicans of Illinois, in convention assembled, renew their 
 pledges of loyalty to the principles and traditions which have guided the 
 party in the past, and unreservedly indorse the policies announced in the 
 platform of the party adopted at the national republican convention held 
 June 18, 1908, in the city of Chicago, for guidance in the future. 
 
 We join with the republicans throughout the country in commending 
 the administration of President Roosevelt, and in support of the policies 
 affecting both our domestic and foreign relations v;hich the name of Roosevelt 
 will be forever identified. 
 
 We heartily concur in the just praise bestowed by the national platform 
 of the party upon the splendid record of the last republican congress in 
 dealing with many legislative questions submitted to the national legislative 
 body during the Roosevelt administration. And we further commend the official 
 conduct and discharge of duty of Joseph G. Cannon, speaker of the house of 
 representatives, and the Illinois delegation in congress, which has been one 
 of the most effective in legislation from any state in the union. 
 
 PLEDGE AID TO TAFT TICKET 
 
 We congratulate the party upon the nomination of William Howard Taft, 
 who has been so clearly identified with all that has made the Roosevelt admin- 
 istration illustrious with its tariff and financial policies, with its Panama 
 canal undertaking, with its administration of American affairs in the Philippine 
 islands, with the maintenance of republican government in Cuba, and with the 
 various other new relations which our country has assumed in many parts of 
 the world. And we cordially approve the republican nomination of president 
 and vice president, and pledge ourselves to use all honorable means to bring 
 about the election next November of William Howard Taft and James S. Sherman, 
 
 We sincerely and earnestly indorse and approve the administration of 
 Governor Charles S, Deneen as one of the most progressive in the history of 
 this state. The excellent record of his administration furnishes the soundest 
 basis for an appeal to the continued confidence of the voters of the party, 
 by reason of its redemption of the pledges of the party platform in the passage 
 of promised legislation and the decisive businesslike, honest and efficient 
 manner in which as governor he has conducted the executive business of the 
 state. 
 
 The administration of the state finances by him has lowered the rate 
 of taxation, placed in the state treasury at the beginning of the last legis- 
 lative fiscal year, July 1, 1907, a net balance of $4,342,750.20, and, not- 
 withstanding increased and extraordinary necessary appropriations of $3,773,037, 
 will leave in the state treasury at the beginning of its next fiscal year a 
 balance of not less than $1,900,000. 
 
 •49- 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 STATS ASYLUM WORK LALDED 
 
 The work undertaken for the rehabilitation of the state charitable 
 institutions, which has required extraordinary appropriations of $1,438,782 
 and the complete removal of those institutions from politics by the passage 
 and faithful enforcement of a state civil service law, should meet with the 
 entire approval of the people of this state. 
 
 In this work Governor Deneen has raised the standard of administration 
 in our public institutions and removed them from injurious political influence 
 not only by the securing of the legislation which has placed the employes of 
 such, institutions under civil service, but by the recognition of merit as the 
 chief recommendation for appointment to public service. 
 
 The carrying out of the policies adopted by his administration for 
 the management of the state institutions we maintain will bring them up to 
 the highest level of efficiency held by similar institutions in the most 
 advanced states or in foreign countries. 
 
 We most heartily endorse the establishment of psychopathic hospitals 
 in our state institutions for the treatment of the insane. We congratulate 
 the present state administration upon the excellent showing made by these 
 institutions during the recent legislative investigation of certain events 
 occuring therein. 
 
 SAYS II^7ESTIG.*TI0N SHOWED GOOD 
 
 We declare it conclusive evidence of the standing maintained in and 
 sound condition of our charitable institutions that an investigation extending 
 over many months and covering several years of hospital administration makes 
 report upon only five serious accidents, three of which are deemed by the 
 investigators to have been unavoidable in their nature and the remaining two 
 to have been due to the negligence of attendants, who had been promptly dis- 
 charged as soon as the accidents were discovered and their responsibility 
 therefore ascertained. 
 
 We condemn the attempt of the democratic party to make political 
 capital of the negligence of four attendants out of 2,267 employes as a 
 malicious and unwarranted attack upon public charities which bear successful 
 and favorable comparisons with similar ones in other states. 
 
 We further commend the present state administration for the effective 
 manner in vAiich it has protected the interests of the people through the 
 introduction of needed reforms in the business administration of the state 
 departments and institutions, for the thorough investigation it has undertaken 
 of the accounts between the Illinois Central railroad company and the state, 
 and for the securing of legislation requiring the payment of interest upon 
 the public funds into the state treasury. 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 WORK FOR PRIMARY LAW LAUDED 
 
 We commend the administration for its vigorous and steadfast efforts to 
 secure the enactment of a primary election law, which has enlarged the control 
 of the people over the entrances of public life, and we steadily commend 
 Governor Deneen for his unwavering advocacy of legislation of that character. 
 The republican party will preserve the law, and can be depended on to amend 
 and perfect it as experience may from time to time determine as necessary to 
 that endo 
 
 And still further to guarantee the people's control of party nominations 
 and elections, we recommend to the next general assembly and pledge the repub- 
 lican party to support the passage of a corrupt practices act limiting the 
 amount which may be expended by candidates for campaign contributions and 
 expenditures,, 
 
 We commend the administration for the protection it has afforded the 
 Illinois workmen through the passage of legislation revising and amending the 
 factory inspection laws of the state and for their thorough enforcement through 
 the state factory inspection department. It has greatly improved the condi- 
 tions surrounding employment in Illinois manufacturing establishments, and 
 has led to a reduction in the employment of children in this state, making 
 the percentage of such employment in Illinois lower than in any other state. 
 The enactment and enforcement of legislation creating the office of inspector 
 of safety appliances, with the duty of enforcing the provisions of the law 
 requiring the use of such devices has afforded increased protection to the 
 employes of railroads and the traveling public. 
 
 LIFE OF MINERS PROTECTED 
 
 Similar m.easures have had rigid enforcement under the present administra- 
 tion through the state mining board are the laws designed to protect persons 
 engaged in the coal mining industry, with the result of a continuous and 
 decided reduction in the dangers incident to such employment as shown by a 
 marked and constant decrease in loss of life in this industry. 
 
 The present administration is to be commended also for the work it has 
 accomplished in the conservation of the natural resources of the state through 
 the agency of the state geological survey commission and the internal improve- 
 ment commission, both of which were created under legislation passed during 
 the present administration. And we cordially approve of the steps taken by 
 the executive and legal departments of the state government to ascertain and 
 protect through the courts the rights of the people in the navigable waters 
 of the state and the water power therein created.-* 
 
 We commend the administration for the securing of legislation revising 
 and amending the pure food laws of the state along the lines of the national 
 pure food laws, rendering both state and national pure food laws through the 
 uniformity thus secured more easy of administration and of enforcement. 
 
 •51- 
 
Republican Platform of 1908 
 
 We commend the administration for the encouragement it has given to 
 our educational institutions through the liberal appropriations provided 
 for additional buildings at the state university and the state normal schools 
 and by the appointment of an educational commission to revise and codify the 
 multifarious and often conflicting school laws. 
 
 INSURANCE LAWS AR£ PRAISED 
 
 We commend the work of the present administration in securing a needed 
 revision of the insurance laws of the state. We commend the administration 
 for the action of the railroad and warehouse commission, so beneficial to the 
 shippers and other business interests of the state in securing a 20 per cent 
 reduction on certain classes of freight and a reduction graduating from 10 
 per cent to the old rates on other classes. 
 
 We also commend the enactment during the present administration of the 
 law fixing a 2 cent passenger rate for railroads in this state. 
 
 We commend the effort of the present administration to secure revision 
 of the revenue laws of the state through the appointment of a commission to 
 investigate the subject of taxation for state and local purposes and to report 
 their findings to the governor and general assembly with a view to correction 
 of the admitted inequalities and defects of the present revenue system; and 
 we pledge the party to a renewal of the efforts for a correction of these 
 defects at the coming session of the general assembly. 
 
 We heartily commend Governor Deneen for the vigorous and effective 
 measures taken by him in connection with the recent outbreak of mob violence 
 in our capital city. To his promptness in calling the state militia to the 
 aid of the civil authorities of Springfield and the firmness with which he 
 afterwards dealt with a critical situation are due the swift suppression of 
 the rioting and the restoration of order. 
 
 We indorse the movement to construct and maintain a deep waterway 
 from the great lakes to the gulf. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune, September 10, 1908, 
 
 ■52- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1908 
 (Adopted September 9, 1908) 
 
 l-Jhereas, since the holding of the Illinois State Democratic convention 
 at Springfield on April 23 the National Democratic convention met at Denver 
 and adopted a national platform and nominated candidates for president and 
 vice president, and the democratic candidates for state officers in Illinois 
 have been nominated; therefore be it 
 
 Resolved; by the Democracy of Illinois now again in convention assembled, 
 that we heartily indorse the national platform of the Democratic party as adopted 
 at said national convention at Denver as a complete and correct declaration of 
 sound and salutary democratic principles and policies and that we commend said 
 platform to the people of the state of Illinois regardless of past party affil- 
 iations , 
 
 HIGH TRIBUTE PAID TO BRYAN 
 
 We recognize in the nominee of the convention for president William 
 Jennings Bryan, a man of clear vision, who is absolutely right on all of the 
 great and vital public issues of the day, a man of broad statesmanship, who 
 is a profound student of economic and social problems, an orator of matchless 
 eloquence, who holds the respect and admiration of the people at home and 
 abroad; a man of high purpose viho has labored untiringly in the cause of 
 human liberty, justice and humanity, a patriot whose private life is clean 
 and above reproach, and who has always been in the forefront in battling 
 bravely for the rights of the people. 
 
 We recognize in his nomination a special honor to our own state of 
 Illinois, which gave him birth and in which he grew to vigorous manhood, 
 and to the great and rapidly developing western country, with all hopes and 
 aspirations of which he is in perfect sympathy and accord. 
 
 KERN FITTED FOR HIGH OFFICE 
 
 We also recognize in the nominee of the Denver convention for vice 
 president, John Worth Kern, a man in every way fitted and qualified to perform 
 the duties and fill the requirements of that exalted place. Mr. Kern is a 
 man of unassailable integrity, whose heart throbs on the sympathetic side of 
 the plain people and who is not tied up in entangling alliance with corporate 
 interests or monopolies; a man of great ability and untiring energy who is 
 a credit to the ticket and in every way an honor to the convention that 
 nominated him. 
 
 This national ticket is one to be proud of, and its intrinsic worth 
 alone should arouse enthusiasm in every hamlet, in every voting precinct, in 
 every city, and every state of the national domain. We have confidence in 
 the fidelity of the nominees to hold sacred and inviolate every platform pledge 
 and if elected to carry into execution the patriotic and statesmanlike declara- 
 tions of the epoch making Denver convention. 
 
 •53- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1908 
 
 S^fcLlNOIS TI3ED CF MISMANAGEMENT ' 
 
 The people of Illinois are tired of mismanagement, inefficiency, and 
 corruption in the adtnir.istration of the affairs of the state. The splendid 
 work of the national convention at Denver as represented by the platform 
 adopted and the candidates nominated there has been supplemented and completed 
 by the wise action of the democratic party of Illinois in nominacing candidates 
 for the state offices who coircnand honor and respect and ought, therefore, with 
 the natior.al ticket j to receive the support of all patriotic citizens. 
 
 In Adlai E. Stevenson the democracy presents to the people of Illinois 
 a candidate for governor who meets the loftiest conception of qualifications 
 for that high office. He has served his countrymen ably and patriotically 
 in the national Congress, Ke has held the second highest office on earth, 
 that of vice president of the United States, He has stood for years on the 
 heights of American public life, in the fierce light of publicity, where 
 the shafts of criticism fly, without restraint, and stands blameless in 
 reputation and spotless in character. 
 
 STE\^NSON PORTRAYED AS PATRIOT 
 
 Now in the afternoon of his career, crowned with honors such as come 
 to few men, and happy in the sincerity of private life, he has been called 
 by his fellow citizens to lead once more the fight for good government in 
 Illinois, and like a patriot he has responded. The election of Adlai E, 
 Stevenson would mark a return to the better methods of choosing the executive 
 for high character, ability, and executive leadership, and not for an aptness 
 at playing the game of politics. 
 
 He represents in this contest the principles and policies that should 
 lie close to the heart of every patriot Illinoisan, and the good citizens of 
 all parties, as well as those who yield adherence to no party, can unite in 
 support of his candidacy. 
 
 The government of this great state and the institutions it maintains 
 for the care of the unfortunate wards of all classes of the people must be 
 rescued from the hands that have for the last four years made the public 
 institutions a mere political asset of the administration. 
 
 A DIM A FLATFOPM IN HIMSELF 
 
 On this issue-=the issue of prime importance involved in the coming 
 election of state off icer3=-Adlai E. Stevenson is a platform in himself. 
 His experience, his public services, his life and character, all guarantee 
 that he will give this state an administration as governor characterized by 
 ability in the exercise of all executive functions, efficiency and honesty in 
 the administration of every branch and department of the state government, 
 and humanity in the care of the unfortunate wards of the state. His public 
 utterances have already indicated the lines he will follow in bringing about 
 these reforms. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1908 
 
 We give our loyal and enthusiastic support to Mr. Stevenson's repeated 
 declaration, that "Whatever difference may exist upon other questions, there 
 is absolute concensus of opinion that our charitable institutions should be 
 conducted on the highest possible plane--wholly disconnected from partisan 
 politics. The great cause of humanity will be best subserved by having no 
 test but character and efficiency in appointments for their management." 
 
 COMMEND STATE TICKET TO VOTERS 
 
 And we commend also his emphatic declaration "That all the expendi- 
 tures of the state should be made with strict business prudence, and that, 
 if elected, I will undertake to apply to them the same thoughtful restraint 
 that I would to the expenditures of my own household or any private enterprise 
 placed in ray hands as a trustee." 
 
 This seasoned statesman, this useful citizen, often tried and always 
 true, weighed in the balance and found not wanting, by the grace of the demo- 
 cratic voters of Illinois now at the head of the state ticket, together with 
 his able and deserving associates on the same ticket, we earnestly commend 
 to the voters of our beloved state in the full faith that their election 
 will give to Illinois an administration in all departments commensurate xd-th 
 her needs and with the honor and dignity of her people. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune . September 10, 1908. 
 
 -55- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1910 
 
 Summary of 1910 Elections (Minor parties (jn the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 Candidate 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican Edward E. Mitchell 
 Democratic Alphaus K,. Hartley 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downstate Carried 
 
 436,484 
 
 144,679 
 
 291,805 
 
 66 
 
 376,046 
 
 157,607 
 
 218,439 
 
 36 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 33, 
 
 .17. 
 
 11.37, 
 
 2429 
 
 44, 
 
 .7% 
 
 17,87. 
 
 1384 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues 
 
 55o67. 
 37o57, 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1909-1910 
 
 In June of 1909, the state supreme court for the third time declared the 
 Illinois primary law invalid because of defects in the provision relating to the 
 qualifications of voters and because of its lack of provisions for cumulative 
 voting for the nomination of candidates to the General Assembly. With Governor 
 Deneen calling for a new lawj the legislature passed another primary law in 1910. 
 In that year the legislature also passed the federal income tax amendment and an 
 act to allow any city or village except Chicago to establish a commission form of 
 government o A commission was appointed to investigate the subject of employers' 
 liability and workmen's compensation lawso 
 
 The state in 1909 made substantial changes in the administration of the 
 17 state charitable institutions. The new charities administration law created 
 one board to supervise all such institutions. Some of the names of the institu- 
 tions were changed to eliminate the words "insane , " "feeble-minded," and "asylum." 
 
 Over 400 miners were fatally entombed by fire in the 1909 Cherry mine 
 disaster; the legislature the following year enacted legislation setting up mine 
 rescue stations and providing for mine safety equipment. 
 
 In the biennium's most sensational political events Congressman William 
 Lorimer was elected by the legislature after a four-month deadlock to succeed 
 Albert J, Hopkins, a candidate for re-election, in the U, S, Senate, In April 
 of 1910 a report of alleged bribery in Lorimer "s election was published in the 
 Chicago Tribune , A U. S, Senate sub-committee, with two dissents, exonerated 
 Lorimer from any complicity in the bribery. 
 
 In connection with the investigation of the alleged Lorimer bribery a legis- 
 lative general corruption fund was brought to light, from which certain legislators 
 reportedly received "shares" at the end of each session. 
 
 ■57- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1910 
 (Adopted September 23, 1910) 
 
 The republicans of Illinois, through their chosen delegates of the 
 state convention assembled, making the following declarations of their 
 views upon public affairs s 
 
 We coffxaend President William H. Taft and the Congress who, as agents 
 of the people, have carried forward another step the principles and policies 
 which have dominated and controlled the government of the United States for 
 the most progressive half century of civilization. The great historic organ- 
 ization that destroyed slavery, preserved the Union, restored credit, extended 
 the national domain^ established a sound financial system and developed the 
 industries and resources of the country has never been a negative force but 
 has met all problems with courage and wisdom. The spirit of enlightened 
 progress has never been more manifest in its performance than in the national 
 administration and legislation of the last two years. 
 
 The first problem with which the administration of President Taft was 
 called upon to deal was the revision of the tariff. The republican national 
 platform of 1908,, 
 
 (a) Pledged the party to a revision of the tariff at a special session 
 of Congress immediately following the inauguration of the President; 
 
 (b) Commended the steps already taken by the Ways and Means Committee 
 of the House of Finance Coram.ittee of the Senate to conduct an investigation 
 covering the operation and effect of the then existing schedules; 
 
 (c) Favored the establishment of maximum and minimum rates to be 
 administered by the President under the limitations fixed in the law, and 
 
 (d) Favored the free interchange of products between the United States 
 and the Philippine Islands with such limitations as to sugar and tobacco as 
 would afford adequate protection to domestic interests. 
 
 TARIFF REVISED IN RECORD TIME 
 
 In accordance with the pledge of the national platform, a proclamation 
 was issued by the President within forty-eight hours after his inauguration, 
 convening Congress in extra session for the purpose of revising the tariff. 
 In less time than was consumed by any previous Congress in a general revision 
 of the tariff and with fuller investigation through the committee named and 
 freer consideration by Congress, the present tariff bill was enacted and 
 signed by the President August 5, 1909. 
 
 The law has given the government the needed revenues to change a 
 deficit of $58,000,000 in the ordinary expenditures of the government to a 
 surplus of $26,000,000 during the first twelve months of its operation. 
 
 The confidence manifested in all lines of legitimate business under 
 this law demonstrated its substantial merit and the sound basis upon which 
 our commercial, industrial and agricultural interests are founded and their 
 continued welfare assured through the operation of the republican policy 
 protection. 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 The Illinois republican convention having suggested the plan of a 
 maximum and minimum tariff, which was embodied in the national republican 
 platform and in the law, we are gratified with the success of the President 
 in using it to secure from all foreign nations the application of their 
 minimum tariff to American exports » 
 
 The free interchange of products between the United States and the 
 Philippine Islands has been established under this law to the advantage of 
 both. 
 
 NEED OF PERMANENT COMMISSION CITED 
 
 Notwithstanding the general and manifest advantages of the present 
 tariff laws, criticism has been made regarding particular schedules. This 
 vas unavoidable and inevitable under present conditions and has been our 
 experience vn.th every general revision of the tariff. The President himself 
 has criticized the present tariff measure. The difficulty in framing an 
 entirely satisfactory law lies in the lack of accurate and comprehensive 
 information in regard to the comparative cost of production at home and abroad 
 and the advantage which special interests may take to such a situation. Presi- 
 dent Taft wisely met this difficulty by taking the initiative and requesting 
 Congress to create a tariff commission for the purpose of studying the dif- 
 ference in costs of production at home and abroad to furnish an intelligent 
 basis for tariff revision in the future and create an enlightened public 
 opinion in reference thereto. Should the investigations of the commission 
 show the need of further revision of particular schedules, we favor such 
 revision, schedule by schedule, and the adoption of a joint rule by the 
 Senate and House of Representatives which will permit such mode of revision. 
 
 We favor the creation of a permanent tariff commission to study the 
 changing conditions of business at home and abroad, and the difference in 
 the cost of living and of production which prevail in this country and else- 
 where, to furnish to Congress a guide in any revision to particular schedule 
 of the tariff which such changes may make necessary in the future. Revisions 
 should be made schedule by schedule as changes occur, so as to avoid the 
 harmful consequences of business unrest and uncertainty which always accompany 
 a general revision of the tariff. 
 
 We congratulate the country upon the unparalled legislative accomplish- 
 ment of the Sixty-first Congress in enacting into law practically all of the 
 pledges of the last Republican national platform; The Amendment to the Inter- 
 state Commerce Act, creating a Court of Commerce and extending the jurisdiction 
 of the Interstate Commerce Commission; the law authorizing the President to 
 withdraw public lands for the protection of water power sites and the conserva- 
 tion of our natural resources; the creation of a Bureau of Mines; the postal 
 savings bank law; the amendment to the employers' liability law; the amendment 
 to the act requiring the use of safety appliances on railroads; the law com- 
 pelling publicity of contributions for campaign purposes; the enabling act 
 for the admission of New Mexico and Arizona and many other acts promised in 
 the republican national platform. 
 
 -59- 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 ILLINOIS CONGP.ESSMSN ARE COMMENDED 
 
 Wa £rd'>rse and commend the republican members of Congress from Illinois 
 for their loyal cooperation with the President in the work of carrying forward 
 tha policies of the republican party and in the redemption of the pledges 
 given by it to the people. 
 
 We commend President Taft for his impartial and fearless administration 
 of the federal laws « He has brought to the bar of justice those implicated 
 in sugar frauds against the government, recovering millions of revenue due; 
 successfully intervened to prevent arbitrary increases in freight rates; 
 impartially enforced the anti^trust law and enforced a policy of economy in 
 governmental expenditures without crippling the public service. 
 
 We commend President Taft for the steps he has taken to advance the 
 cause of conservation and to conserve for the public benefit our great wealth 
 and natural resources. We favor conservation and development of the natural 
 resources of the State and Nation. We favor the coordination of the various 
 agencies engaged in conservation work in our State, so that their labors may 
 be conducted with efficiency and economy and with the best advantage to every 
 branch of conservation work. We deem it important that the State should at 
 once take steps to conserve for the public benefit the water power v/hich is 
 susceptible of development in its streams, and more particularly between 
 Lockport and Utica on the proposed Lakes-to-the-Gulf Deep Waterway. This 
 water power rightfully belongs to the state. Private corporations and persons 
 are takir.g advantage of the neglect of the State to conserve this water power 
 for the public benefit and are endeavoring to acquire vested rights inimical 
 to the public interests. These rights the State will later be required to 
 con.demn and to purchase the very water power which it has created at a vast 
 outlay of public money. Thiis should be prevented by the early passage of 
 legislation which will transfer to the State the ownership of the water power 
 sites. 
 
 WATERWAY MUST NOT BE PREMATURE 
 
 The federal congress has authorized the President to create a commission, 
 which has recently been appointed, to study the question of cooperation between 
 the federal governiT.ent and the State of Illinois, and our State should have 
 a commission authorized to confer with the federal commission regarding the 
 waterway through our State and to cooperate with the federal government if 
 it is found that the work will require more funds than are authorized by the 
 constitutional amendment. The power of Illinois commission should be so 
 limited by the general assembly that it could not undertake the work of 
 waterway construction and water power development until all matters necessary 
 for the creation of the vjater power and the construction of the waterways have 
 been determined favorably to the State, and that the cost of the construction 
 of the \raterway and the development of the water power shall not exceed 
 $20,000,000 and that the water power in the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers 
 shall be sufficient to provide a revenue which will retire all waterway bonds 
 as they mature. 
 
 -60- 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 Misleading statements have been persistently circulated throughout 
 the State to the effect that the counties would be obliged to assume a certain 
 proportion of waterway indebtedness and would be callf^d upon to pay it. The 
 amendment to the constitution was passed upon the assuTiption that the water 
 power revenue would retire the bonds as they matured. It was not the purpose 
 to have any obligation whatsoever assumed by the counties or by the State, 
 except to pay interest on the bonds issued from the State revenues until the 
 power plants begin to earn a revenue to meet this obligation. After the 
 bonds shall have been retired by the revenue from water power, the State will 
 have a large and perpetual revenue from that source relieving the tax-payer 
 in every county in the State of a corresponding burden to taxation. The public 
 mind should not be confused regarding this. Immediate legislative action means 
 the taking over of the great wealth of water power for the State, while delay 
 means its abandonment by the State and its seizure by private persons and 
 corporations . 
 
 DENEEN ADMINISTRATION IS ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse and approve the administration of Governor Charles S. Deneen 
 as one of the most progressive in the history of the State. It has been clean, 
 business-like, honest and efficient. 
 
 We commend it for the fidelity with which it has administered the public 
 business and labored to bring our laws and their administration up to the highest 
 standards. Governor Deneen has been a fearless and persistent advocate of laws 
 which would afford to the people a greater measure of control over the entrances 
 to public life and in the administration of public affairs. He has stood for 
 raising the standards of service in every department of the public business 
 by administration and legislation, and the advancement vAiich has been made 
 in each department is the best commendation of his administration. 
 
 The republican party of Illinois hereby declares in favor of the fol- 
 lowing measures and instructs the republican members of the legislature to 
 support and vote for them in the gereral assembly: 
 
 1. We favor a direct primary law and such amendment of the present 
 law as experience may show to be necessarv. 
 
 2. We favor the amendment of the election laws so that registered 
 voters may be identified and that means may be afforded effectually to prevent 
 fraudulent voting of frauds in the recording and counting of votes. 
 
 3. We favor a comprehensive State-wide civil service law. 
 
 4. We favor the enactment of an effective corrupt practices act. 
 
 5. We favor the enactment of an anti-pass law governing steam and 
 electric railroads and of an anti-frank law governing telegraph, telephone 
 and express companies, and of a law prohibiting gas and electric companies 
 from furnishing service without charge to public officials. 
 
 6. We favor the revision of the law reliting to fire insurance along 
 such progressive lines as have governed the recent revision of life insurance 
 laws in this State. 
 
 7. We favor the revision oE the law regulating the practice and pro- 
 cedure in courts of record. 
 
 -61- 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 8« We commend the appointment of a revenue commission and favor the 
 revision of the revenue laws so tha t the burdens of taxation may be more 
 equitably distributed. 
 
 EMPLOYER'S LIABILITY LAW NECESSARY 
 
 9. We regret the failure of the employer's liability commission to 
 agree upon a definite recommendation of legislation and urge the general 
 assembly to take such steps as will lead to the enactment of laws governing 
 the relations of employers and employees, which shall be fair alike to all 
 parties in interest. 
 
 The republican party invites a consideration of its record in the matter 
 of legislation directly in the interests of the wage-workers. During the six 
 years of the administration of Governor Deneen, more laws of this character 
 have bean enacted than in any similar period of the past. Briefly summarized 
 these acts provide for: 
 
 Detailed report to the Bureau of Labor of all serious accidents; the 
 establishment of a department of factory inspection; the protection of working 
 men engaged in the construction of buildings and other structures; the appoint- 
 ment of an occupational diseases commission; the substitution of non-competitive 
 for competitive work in penal and reformatory institutions; the licensing and 
 regulating of the business of barbers, plumbers and private employment agencies; 
 the health, safety and comfort of employes in factories; mercantile establish- 
 ments, mills and workshops; a ten-hour day for women in certain industries; 
 a coal mining commission; a commission to revise the railroad laws of the 
 State; an employers' liability commission; the protection of coal miners; the 
 establishment of three mine rescue stations at convenient centers of the coal 
 fields of the State. 
 
 These recent specific statutes are cited as evidencing the general 
 attitude of our party toward the working men of the State and may safely be 
 accepted as indicating its intention to employ in every legitimate manner 
 the law making power still further to promote and protect the interests of 
 our wealth producers. 
 
 10. We favor the revision and modernization of our railway, and the 
 enlargement of the powers of the State and in the control and regulation of 
 the rates and service of public service corporation in the interest of the 
 people, 
 
 11. We favor an amendment to the constitution abolishing the system 
 of minority representation. 
 
 12. We favor an amendment to the constitution providing for the 
 initiative and referendum. 
 
 MINORITY REPRESENTATION SHOULD GO 
 
 13. We favor the amendment of the commission form of government act 
 in reference to the number of electors required to sign petitions for a 
 
 ■62- 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 recall and to make it in harmony with similar provisions in the enactments 
 of other states. 
 
 14. We favor an amendment to the federal constitution to enable electors 
 to vote directly for United States senators and request our representatives 
 
 in Congress to do all within their power to bring about such constitutional 
 amendment . 
 
 15. We denounce the corruption that has been exposed in the last general 
 assembly and demand the most rigid investigation thereof by grand juries and 
 courts; we favor the exhaustive investigation of the charges which have been 
 made and punishment where guilt is proven. 
 
 16. We denounce the bi-partisan combination of sixty democrats and 
 twenty-four republicans which control the legislative machinery of the House 
 of Representatives in the last general assembly and disavow any party respon- 
 sibility therefor. We demand that all republicans members of the general 
 assembly shall enter the regular caucuses of the republican party for their 
 respective branches of the general assembly and be bound by the action of the 
 majority thereof in reference to party matters; and we define party matters 
 
 to be, the election of a Speaker of the House of Representatives, the creation 
 of the legislative machinery in each branch of the general assembly, the elec- 
 tion of a United States Senator, the congressional and senatorial apportionments, 
 and the enactment of laws to which the party stands pledged by its platform. 
 
 LEGISLATIVE MACHINERY TO BE REBUILT 
 
 17. We favor such amendment of the rules governing both branches of 
 the general assembly as will take from the presiding officers thereof the 
 power to control the course of legislation and prevent the discussion of bills 
 and a vote thereon. There is an insistent and increasing demand in our state 
 for the enactment of laws which will prevent the few who are not content with 
 fair dealing from securing undue advantages either through the violation of 
 laws or the enactment of legislation giving them special privileges and undue 
 advantages, or by the defeat of the passage of wholesome legislation, through 
 the corruption of public servants. Every legitimate business interest and 
 the public welfare demand that the corrupt relations between those who seek 
 privileges and to avoid equal burdens through corrupt alliances with public 
 officials should cease. 
 
 18. We commend the efficiency with which the various branches of the 
 public business have been administered by the State officers elected by the 
 people. The public business has been transacted promptly and efficiently 
 and to the satisfaction of those who have had to deal with the various State 
 departments . 
 
 19. We favor liberal appropriations for the promotion of the study 
 of agriculture, to the end that the fertility of the soil with which our 
 State is blessed may not be diminished or exhausted as in other States or 
 countries. 
 
 20. We favor liberal appropriations for those commissions and depart- 
 ments of the State University which have to do with the study of problems 
 connected with our agriculture, mining and other productive industries. We 
 favor the strengthening of the graduate school of the University of Illinois 
 
 ■ 53- 
 
 ^•J f. .».* ■ ..L - ^ PP«'^ 
 
 ^^ r^A.fK'KA.A.^j/r tr\^ 
 
 riT^» #. - - ' 
 
 . •» • %• 
 
 '*'•'«% • • 
 
Republican Platform of 1910 
 
 as the scund, scientific basis of all these and other departments to the 
 end that the University may become still more fully the scientific arm of the 
 State government. Illinois has taken an advanced position in this movement 
 ar.i shcsild maintian its leadership in this regard. 
 
 21, We demand that while the creation of normal corporations should be 
 left to the States s we are in favor of empowering the general government by 
 
 a constitutional provision, to prevent and suppress monopolies by appropriate 
 legislation. 
 
 22. We commend the movement looking to the formation of republican 
 clirbs throughout the nation as outlined by the national league of republicans 
 clubs. 
 
 The republican party has always stood for liberal pension to the soldiers 
 and sailors of the nation. We therefore commend a promt amendment to the age- 
 ssrvice rer^sioa law for soldiers and sailors by the enactment of the bill known 
 as "Xba National Tribune Bill" which among other things, provides that at the 
 agfi of 62 the rate shall be $15 per month; at the age of 65, $20 per month; 
 at the. aga of 70, $30 per month; and at the age of 75 and over, $40 per month. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . September 24, 1910. 
 
 ■64- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1910 
 (Adopted September 23, 1910) 
 
 We, the representatives of the democratic party of the State of Illinois, 
 in convention assembled congratulate the party upon the splendid prospects of 
 victory at the coming elections in the state and nation. 
 
 We reaffirm our allegiance to the time-honored principles of our party, 
 and especially do we ratify the platform adopted in Denver in 1908, and we 
 declare that the principles of Democracy as are therein set forth are still 
 the basic principles of our faith. 
 
 We hold that it is time to call a halt to the profligate expenditures 
 of the national government. Two-billion congresses are not only a scandal 
 throughout the nation, but a menace to the well being of the producing classes. 
 That example is catching, and profligacy on the part of the national govern- 
 ment begets profligacy and waste all along down the line through state, county, 
 and municipal governments, so that the aggregate of our taxation has become 
 an extremely heavy burden for the people to bear. 
 
 It is said that two-billion of taxes are levied upon this country each 
 year, and under Republican rule the burden is growing larger year by year. 
 These enormous sums go to the non-producers, and they are a frightful burden 
 upon the producers of the country. The roll of tax consumers is being increased 
 year by year. Reform is necessary in the levying and the spending of taxes. 
 
 All trusts and combinations formed in restraint of trade and to stifle 
 competition are wrong in principle and contrary to law. 
 
 NEW TRUST LAWS FAVORED 
 
 We favor an honest and vigorous enforcement of all existing laws 
 against unlawful trusts and combinations; and we favor the passage of new laws 
 from time to time which may become, necessary to dissolve all such existing 
 trusts and combinations as well as to prevent the formation of new ones. To 
 the end that these gigantic tiusts and combinations may be overthrown we are 
 in favor of placing upon the free list all articles produced or controlled 
 by them. 
 
 Railroads have aided materially in the progress and prosperity of our 
 country. They are entitled to a fair return upon the money actually invested 
 in them; but they are not entitled to receive extortionate prices for services 
 rendered in order to pay interest and fixed charges upon watered stock .and 
 inflated bond issues. We are opposed to the confiscation of private property, 
 but we believe in proper and just regulation and control of common carriers. 
 We believe that the actual valuation of the property of such carriers shall 
 be made, and that transportation rates should be fixed by some lawfully con- 
 stituted federal authority, based upon such actual valuation. 
 
 -65- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1910 
 
 The democratic party, always the staunch friend of the laboring man, 
 favors the passage of proper legislation, condusive to his prosperity, his 
 happiness and his safety. We favor the passage by congress and the general 
 assembly of this state of adequate and just workingmen's compensation acts. 
 We favor a federal and state employers' liability act, as well as the safety 
 appliance legislation calculated to protect the lives and persons of those 
 who toil. We believe that laboring men have a legal and a moral right to form 
 trades unions for the purpose of peaceably securing concerted action in behalf 
 of those things to which they are entitled, and which, without organization, 
 individuals cannot obtain. We therefore favor an amendment to the Sherman 
 Anti-trust law, providing that labor organizations and trade unions shall 
 not come within the purview and provisions of that law. We advocate and 
 defend the right of workers in every branch of activity to organize for 
 the purpose of securing shorter hours of labor and increased wages, and we 
 favor such a state and federal legislation as will enable them to secure 
 complete industrial and economic freedom. 
 
 INCOME TAX IS LEGAL 
 
 We favor an income tax to the end that the very rich shall be required 
 to bear their just share of the expenses of government. The burden of taxa- 
 tion should in justice be laid upon the ability of the individual to pay. 
 
 We favor the abolition of all unnecessary offices to the end that the 
 enormous burden of taxation may be lightened. 
 
 We pledge our support to the educational institutions of the state 
 wisely and economically administered; and we favor a policy that will remove 
 them from partisan influence. 
 
 We favor the enactment of a law by the next general assembly of Illinois 
 for the establishment of a cheaper school and text book law, which will mean 
 cheaper text books. 
 
 We favor a reform in our state charitable institutions which will 
 require a more strict accounting to those in charge of them. Boss rule is 
 as intolerable in a charitable institution as it is elsewhere. 
 
 The democratic party is unalterably opposed to the giving or the taking 
 of bribes by those seeking legislative favors, and in this connection we wish 
 to affirm that we favor the election of United States senators by the direct 
 vote of the people. 
 
 As to the first step toward the restoration of representative govern- 
 ment in Illinois, we favor the submission and adoption of an amendment to our 
 state constitution, providing for direct legislation by means of the initiative 
 and referendum. The enactment of such legislation will abolish the jackpot 
 system, and boodlers and grafters will be put down and out. 
 
 -66- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1910 
 
 TIMID ABOUT BI-PARTISANISM 
 
 In the democratic form of government there is no place for boodlers 
 and grafters, and we expressly condemn all such characters, whether they be 
 republicans or democrats. 
 
 We regard the spoils system, by which is meant the appointment of the 
 servitors of political bosses to offices of trust and responsibility, as a 
 reward for political services, regardless of character or fitness to serve, 
 as a fruitful source of graft and corruption in the politics of our state. 
 It has demoralized the public service and entailed a needless annual expendi- 
 ture of large sums of the tax payer's money. Therefore, as a means of erad- 
 icating the system from purety, honesty and efficiency in the public service, 
 we favor a proper regulated and efficient civil service system, under the 
 politics of our state and promoting which merit, intelligence and character 
 shall be the best test in determining qualification for office. 
 
 We charge the republican party, and Governor Charles S. Deneen specif- 
 ically, with a failure to enact a comprehensive civil service law. Biennially 
 since 1896 the republ ican party in convention has pledged the people of Illinois 
 that they will enact a comprehensive civil service law. These promises the 
 party has done nothing to fulfill. 
 
 ANTICORRUPT PRACTICES ACT 
 
 We favor clean and upright politics and the abolition of the use of 
 money in campaigns except for legitimate purposes of the same; and to this 
 end we favor the passage by the next general assembly of Illinois of an anti- 
 corrupt practices act, limiting the amount a candidate may spend in seeking 
 office, showing expenditures so made, for what purpose made and from what 
 source received--thus preventing the corrupt uses of money at elections. We 
 favor the publication of such accounts both before and after the election. 
 
 We are in favor of the largest measure of personal liberty to the 
 individual which does not infringe upon the personal rights and liberties 
 of others, and which is not inconsistent with good government and good order. 
 
 We are in favor of the conservation of the nation's natural resources. 
 We are opposed to the gobbling up of the mines, the forests, the oil fields 
 and the water power sites of the country by the greedy representatives of 
 big business. The bounties of the earth belong to the people thereof. 
 
 We are opposed to the building of the proposed Lake-to-the-Gulf deep 
 waterway within the state of Illinois without the aid and cooperation of the 
 national government, and we are opposed to the issue of any bonds under the 
 amendment to the constitution until such cooperation is secured. We favor 
 the building of the extension of the Chicago ship canal jointly by the national 
 government and the state of Illinois to the Illinois river upon these terms 
 only. That the money contributed for that purpose by ':he state of Illinois 
 shall be obtained from an issue of bonds, the principal and interest of which 
 shall be paid wholly out of revenue derived from the sale of water power 
 
 -67- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1910 
 
 derived by such extension as has been advocated and explained by Congressman 
 Henry T, Rainey of Illinois in his speeches throughout the state. 
 
 ROAD LAWS RECOMMENDED 
 
 We favcr the enactment of efficient and progressive road laws vAiich 
 will divide the burden of expenses of the county road construction and 
 maintenance transferring from the township a part of this cost to the state 
 and counties, in the interest of justice to the farmers and to insure for 
 our state at some time in the future an adequate system of good roads. 
 
 The product of convict labor should not be brought in competition 
 with free labor to lower standards of living. The convicts should be 
 employed in the production of material for permanent roads and bridges con- 
 struction, for the building of roads and bridges which would be left unimproved 
 if not supplied from this unfair source. 
 
 We congratulate the people of the state and the nation upon the awakening 
 of the public conscience as it has been exemplified in Iowa, Kansas, Maine, 
 New Hampshire, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and Washington. 
 
 We denounce the republican party for its failure to revise the tariff 
 dcwTiward in accordance with the pledges contained in its platform as explained 
 by President Taft in the last national campaign. 
 
 TARIFF FOR REVENUE FAVORED 
 
 We believe in a tariff for revenue, a tariff which in a period of 
 risir.g prices will make the burden of the administration of the government 
 fall lightest upon those who are consumers principally of the necessities 
 of life. 
 
 We denounce the Payne-Aldrich tariff bill as the principal cause of 
 increasing and perpetuating the high cost of living. 
 
 The high protective tariff enacted by the republican party has made 
 possible the existence of those predatory trusts v;hich oppress the people, 
 and the failure of the republican party to revise the tariff downward enables 
 those great combinations to continue in the future, as in the past, those 
 oppressive policies against which the people cry out in vain at the present 
 time , and on account of which the people are now turning to the democratic 
 party for relief. 
 
 This nation cannot be made truly great and influential by means of a 
 great standing army and a big navy, for a big nation to play the bullies with 
 weakling nations is not greatness. This nation can be made truly great only 
 by doing the acts of justice, only by being just and considerate to its 
 national neighbors throughout the world. No nation is going to attack this 
 great republic except under extreme provocation, and that provocation this 
 nation should not furnish. 
 
 -68- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1910 
 
 It is folly for this country to pattern after the monarchies of the 
 old world in regard to their armies and their navies and to maintain here 
 in times of peace a large military establishment on land and on sea — an 
 establishment the enormous expense of which is a wholly unnecessary burden 
 upon the producing classes of the nation. 
 
 SOURCE ; 
 
 Illinois State Journal , September 25, 1910, 
 
 •69- 
 
 iSJ J. P P ■ .L . 
 
 tM ' MmM » » ■ J. P . I .I < W > Vl-J A mVrjf V ^ - . 
 
 '*'••«* ' 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1912 
 
 Summary of 1912 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist, and Socialist Labor,) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 William H. Taft 
 
 253,593 
 
 74,851 
 
 
 178,742 
 
 10 
 
 Democracic 
 
 Woodrow Wilson 
 
 405.048 
 
 130,702 
 
 
 274,346 
 
 64 
 
 Progressive 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt 
 
 386,478 
 
 166,061 
 
 
 220,417 
 
 28 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Charles S, Deneen 
 
 318,469 
 
 108,578 
 
 
 209,891 
 
 14 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Edward F. Dunne 
 
 443,120 
 
 168,488 
 
 
 274,632 
 
 67 
 
 Progressive 
 
 Frank H. Funk 
 
 303,401 
 
 113,357 
 
 
 190,044 
 
 21 
 
 Platform Conte 
 
 rst State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No, Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 58,67o 
 
 29 
 
 .5% 
 
 11 
 
 ,8% 
 
 2660 
 
 Democratic 
 
 85.27o 
 
 8, 
 
 .9% 
 
 5 
 
 .9% 
 
 1034 
 
 Progressive 
 
 SUSZ 
 
 14, 
 
 >9% 
 
 3 
 
 .2% 
 
 1881 
 
 Highli^cs cf State Activities, 1911-1912 
 
 Charges of corruption in state and local govermment dominated the state's 
 political activities. Elected by the Illinois General Assembly in 1909 to the 
 U„ S„ Senate, William Lortmer was still under fire for alleged bribery connected 
 with his election^ On March 1, 1911, the He S^ Senate refused to unseat Lorimer 
 by a vote of 46 to 40» In the meantime, however^, a state senate investigation into 
 reports of a $100,000 corruption fund raised by businessmen for the purpose of 
 electing Lorimer kept the controversy in the i7.ews . The Illinois Senate committee 
 formally reported that the election of Senator Lorimer could not have been accom'- 
 plished without bribery and corruptiono Tte U. So Senate investigation was re- 
 opened and on July 13, 1912, it voted 55 to 28 to declare Lorimer's election 
 invalid, 
 
 A number of indictments were made in Menard and Venrdlion counties regarding 
 charges of selling and buying votes o A 1911 investigation of the Chicago police 
 force resulted in the discovery of a honeycc'mb of graft and corruption » 
 
 Democrat Carter H. Harrison defeated non-organization Republican Charles H„ 
 Merriam in the 1911 Chicago mayoral race^ Merriam, a professor of political science 
 at the University of Chicago, defeated two candidates supported by different elements 
 in the Republican organization at the first primary held for nominations for mayor 
 of Chicago. 
 
 Legislative proposals providing for initiative and referendum caused a long 
 fight but were defeated; also defeated in the 1911 session were efforts to have a 
 constitutional convention authorized. The pure food law of the state was amended 
 regarding the storing, packing, and distribution of foodj provisions were made at 
 the legislative session for the health and safety of coal miners. 
 
 ii ' fii ■ ■ » tj f . w jk w >' iH- J i M vrj r . 
 
 Ut 
 
 TS^^^.f. 
 
 '•'••»\ ' • 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1912 
 (Adopted April 19, 1912) 
 
 We heartily endorse the administration of President William H. Taft, 
 both for its judicious progressiveness and for its remarkable record of 
 achievements. In his own way he has carried out the policies of William 
 McKinlay and Theodore Roosevelt, adding to them his own and those measures 
 in favor of which the party has declared in its platforms. With unwearying 
 patience and temper he has succeeded in securing the enactment into law of 
 a large number of measures of vital importance to the welfare of the country 
 and promoting the progressive character of the rule of the people. 
 
 He has promoted good relations with foreign powers by his endeavors 
 to secure treaties of arbitration and has made our country the leader of the 
 nations for disarmament and the abolition of war. Through efficient aids 
 he has carried far toward a successful completion the greatest engineering 
 work in history in the Panama Canal. He has promoted legislation for the 
 development of our internal waterways systems, and in the interest of the 
 people prevented an increase of railway freight rates. 
 
 He has declared himself in favor of amendments of judicial procedure 
 which will secure the more prompt and effective punishment of crime, and 
 has carried through successful suits against violators of the Sherman and 
 other federal acts. He has fulfilled all the promises of the party platform 
 so far as conditions have made it possible to do so. 
 
 We are in thorough accord with the administration of President Taft 
 in his great policy for the promotion of better relations and larger trade 
 between our own country and our neighbors in Central and South America, and 
 especially for his promotion of that policy through the opening of the 
 Panama Canal and the Panama-Pacific Exposition. We pledge the aid of the 
 State of Illinois to the success of that exposition and reconirnend to our 
 legislature the passage of a sufficient appropriation to enable the state to 
 take a dignified part in that exposition. 
 
 We heartily approve the great work done by ex-President Theodore 
 Roosevelt in arousing the public conscience and mind to the necessity for 
 higher standards of public duty, greater sense of public responsibility on 
 the part of the servants of the people and the necessity for protecting the 
 people against the predatory business interest. We are heartily in accord 
 with his great work in bringing the government of the people back into the 
 hands of the people, thereby restoring the true ideal of democratic government, 
 
 The record of Theodore Roosevelt as president is brilliant, courageous 
 and honest. Taking up the duties of his high office, so suddenly laid down 
 by that martyred servant dear to the hearts of the American people, William 
 McKinley, Pra?,ident Roosevelt carried out with a spirit of high devotion to 
 the public weal and with high ideals of public service the great principles 
 for which his predecessor and the party have always stood. As President he 
 was President of all the people and then, as since, has been tireless in his 
 
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Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 efforts to serve his countrymen by insisting upon a wise, just and fearless 
 administration of the law. 
 
 Later, when chosen by the people on the record of his character and 
 achievements of his first, he inaugurated policies of his ovci. for the 
 restoration of government to the hands of the people and in all his acts 
 and policies set the standard of a square deal and for the maintenance of 
 the rights of the poorest and humblest citizen on an equality with those 
 of the most powerful. 
 
 We are particularly zealous and successful in fightiiag the eacrouch- 
 mants of trusts and combinations of capital upon the welfare and liberties 
 of the whole people. The gigantic trusts which in the past have menaced 
 the prosperity of the country felt, under the leadership, the heavy hand 
 of the law of the land and learned for the first time that that law was 
 strong enough to compel them to give to all the people the square deal for 
 which their President so strongly and so successfully stood. 
 
 During his administration and under his leadership our party in 
 congress did more substantial work for the good of the people at large than 
 had been accomplished in an equal length of time for more than a generation. 
 The record of his administrations may be favorably compared with those of 
 any previous period in our history ^ not alone in the wisdom of i±ieir con- 
 gressional and executive achievements, but in the disinterested highmindedness 
 and desire to serve the whole people which characterized their actions. 
 
 During the period of his administrations, congress passed laws 
 fixing railway rates by the enlarged interstate commerce commission, 
 penalizing rebates and other discriminations, prohibiting railway passes 
 and making sleeping cars, express companies and pipe lines amenable to the 
 law of common carriers. 
 
 Of even higher value than much of the legislatioii enacted under his 
 guidance was the inestimable service he rendered to the people in settle- 
 ment of the great anthracite coal strike in 1902 in v^.ich by his firm but 
 beneficient interference he prevented untold suffering to thousands of 
 people, not only those employed in the industry, but to innocent consumers 
 x^o were in no way responsible for the controversy and who but for him 
 \rould have been among the chief sufferers. 
 
 Among the greatest achievements of President Roosevelt's adminis- 
 tration was the inauguration of that policy of conservation of our 
 natural resources which has agitated the public mind since he first made 
 it a feature of his presidential policy and the necessity for which has 
 appealed to the people of the country at large as a matter of vital im- 
 portance to our continued prosperity. In the words of President Roosevelt 
 in an address delivered at Jamestown in June 1907, "Thie conservation of 
 our natural resources and their proper use constitute the fundamental 
 problem which underlies almost every other problem of our national life." 
 
 -7''- 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 With such a record to endear him to his countrymen it is not 
 surprising that there has arisen from so large a proportion of our citizens 
 a spontaneous demand that he be honored once more by election to the 
 highest office in the gift of the people. 
 
 And, whereas, the republicans of Illinois by a large majority have 
 expressed their preference for Colonel Roosevelt as the nominee of the 
 republican party to be president, we therefore pledge and instruct our 
 delegates at large and those from the congressional districts which expressed 
 a preference for his nomination, to vote in harmony with the preference thus 
 expressed and do all within their power to secure his nomination at the 
 republican national convention in Chicago next June. 
 
 The state=wide advisory primary vote on the republican candidates 
 for United States senator is hereby recognized as a fit and proper way to 
 decide who shall be the nominee of the party. We therefore do hereby 
 declare as the will of the convention that Lawrence Y. Sherman, who 
 received a plurality of the republican votes at such primary is, as such 
 nominee, entitled to the support of all members of the legislature for 
 election to the office of United States senator, and we hereby request and 
 direct that such members vote for and support him as such candidate and 
 use all honorable means to secure his election in accordance with the vote 
 expressed at s'irb primary. 
 
 The republican party of Illinois redeemed its pledges to the people 
 of the state by the enactment of a comprehensive civil service law 
 applying to 4,700 employes as eighty percent of the state service. 
 
 We are opposed to any legislation that will in any way weaken or 
 restrict the present state law which, under Governor Denesn, has been 
 honestly and efficiently administered. We favor the further extension 
 of the law to include clerks, watchmen and all other positions routine in 
 the character of their work and in which efficiency and quality of 
 service are dependent on security of office. 
 
 We commend the general assembly and the state administration for 
 their promptness in complying with the will of the people by the passage 
 in special session of a presidential preference primary law. 
 
 We commend with special emphasis the policy of the state adminis- 
 tration of securing the enactment of legislation safeguarding the 
 comfort, health and lives of the great laboring population of the state. 
 
 Moreover, few states can point to so admirable a body of laws as 
 Illinois possesses in the acts governing the granting of certificates 
 for mine managers; the shot firers law; the miners qualification act; 
 the act establishing miners and mechanics institutes to train men engaged 
 in the coal mining industry; the act regulating the use of black blasting 
 powder; the act of relation to oil and gas wells; the act providing for 
 keeping a permanent record of all mining investigations; the law creating 
 the state mine rescue commissions, under which the mine rescue stations have 
 recently been erected; the act increasing the indemnity for loss of life 
 
 -74- 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 in mine accidents, and other acts specifically bearing upon the same 
 subject, as well as the recent revision of the mining laws of the state 
 prepared by the state mining investigation commission and enacted by the 
 general assembly at the 1911 session. 
 
 We commend the state administration for the great efficierxy and 
 economy which have characterized the maaigement of the state departments 
 and institutions and for the scrupulous cara and honesty with which the 
 appropriations provided for their maintenaittce have been expen Jed , securing 
 a high standard of public service at a miniaiazi of cost to the tax^payers. 
 
 An increase in state expenditures corresponding to the natural 
 growth of the state is unavoidable. The average annual net increase of 
 patients in our state hospitals for the insane is 420. The average cost 
 of maintenance of each patient is $145 per year, and the cost of providing 
 additional buildings and equipments $400 per patient, giving as the natural 
 and necessary net increase in the cost of providing for the insane for 
 four years, the period of one administration $1,281,000. 
 
 The assumption of such new functions by the state accounts for 
 practically all of the additional expsnditureiS during the administrations 
 of Governor Deneen. 
 
 It is a matter of pride to the people of our state that a comparison 
 of the par capita disbursements for stats purposes of all states shows 
 that Illinois disbursements are much lower than those of seventy per cent 
 of the other states. 
 
 We commend the administration for the creation of the special tax 
 commission to investigate the subject of state and local taxation, and we 
 favor the enactment of legislation to improve our revenue system and secure 
 a more equitable distribution of the burdens of taxation. 
 
 We deplore the existence of certain corporate abuses but recognize 
 that these have grown up as much from public indifference as from the evil 
 disposition of corporate interests. 
 
 We deplore the defrauding of uninformed people by the sale of 
 stocks and bonds of bogus and mere stock gambling companies and pledge 
 ourselves to the enactment of legislation which will protect the people 
 against the sale of worthless and illegitimate securities. 
 
 We heartily endorse the policy of our state administration for the 
 promotion of an efficient geological survey, the establishment of which 
 was recommended in Governor Deneen 's first inaugural message. 
 
 We commend the administration of Governor Deneen for its consistent 
 and cordial promotion of the educational interests of the state. 
 
 The importance of uniformity of legislation in relation to certain 
 great matters of business and public welfare cannot be overestimated. 
 We therefore commend the general assembly and the present executive for 
 
 ^wmmmw999 !.•.■.■«■■ utfj i.wjv.j ^ 4^*.* *. - ^^^^^^^^ «• ' '«'>-«« « 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 securing uniformity of legislation in the passage of a negotiable 
 instruments act and a warehouse receipts act, and recommend early action 
 in securing such uniformity in other equally important matters. 
 
 We are in hearty accord with the demand for increased efficiency in 
 the discharge of public business, national, state and local. 
 
 In further promotion of the better conduct and discharge of public 
 business, we recommend the establishment of a state bureau of public 
 efficiency s for the purpose of co=ordinating existing boards whose duties 
 overlap or are similar as to permit unification and reduction in numbers 
 while at the same time improving their methods and economy of administration. 
 
 We endorse the policy of the administration in its efforts to secure 
 from the Illinois Central Railroad company the proper and just pajmient of 
 its obligation to the state under its charter, to turn into the state 
 treasury 7 per cent of the gross annual receipts of its charter lines. 
 
 We commend the administration also for the strong support it has 
 accorded to all efforts for the conservation of the state's natural 
 resources and for its steadfast adherence to the policy of preserving such 
 resources, wherever possible, for the public benefit. And we favor the 
 enactment of legislation authorizing the purchase of the water power sites 
 necessary to preserve for the public benefit the water power to be 
 developed in connection with the construction of the deep waterways 
 provided for in the constitutional amendment adopted by the voters of 
 Illinois on November 3, 1908. And for this purpose we favor the creation 
 of a commission to conduct negotiations and confer with the federal 
 government with regard to federal cooperation in the construction of said 
 waterway and the guaranteeing of any sum in addition to the $20,000,000 
 provided by the constitutional amendment which may be necessary to 
 complete it. 
 
 The administration is to be commended also for the passage of 
 legislation amending and revising the state insurance laws, making Illinois 
 insurance legislation a model for that of other states, and for the 
 creation of the office of state fire marshal to investigate the subject 
 of Illinois fire losses, suggest means for their diminution and reduce the 
 costs of fire insurance to Illinois citizens. 
 
 We express our commendation of the efficient and painstaking work 
 of the secretary of state, the attorney general, the auditor of public 
 accounts and the state treasurer, and commend them for the high state of 
 efficiency to which their public spirited offices have brought the affairs 
 of their departments and for the excellent service which they are giving 
 to the public. The public business has been transacted promptly, 
 efficiently, and economically and to the satisfaction of those who have 
 had to deal with the various departments of the state government. 
 
 We are heartily in favor of legislation for the maintenance of a 
 tariff commission with power and appropriations sufficient to ascertain 
 
 -76- 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 differences in the cost of production at home and abroad and as rapidly 
 as possible to revise the tariff in accordance with the information thus 
 obtained, and we urge the senators and representatives from Illinois to 
 support legislation for this purpose. 
 
 We endorse the principle of the system of maximum and minimum 
 tariff rates, whereby congress fixes two scales of rates, the lower to be 
 in force with these countries which grant us equivalent concessions in 
 duties and the higher to be in force against those countries which grant 
 us no reductions or equivalent favors on our efforts to them. 
 
 While favoring the strictest enforcement of the existing anti-trust 
 and all other laws, and believing that the violators of such laws should be 
 adequately punished, we urge upon congress the necessity of further 
 legislation that will make existing laws more definite and easily understood 
 so that honest business interests will not be jeopardized by unwitting 
 violations of the law. 
 
 We favor the enactment of legislation by congress to secure the 
 submission to the people of a constitutional amendment providing for the 
 direct election of United States senators by the people. 
 
 We favor an amendment of the state constitution authorizing the 
 general assembly to propose the amendment of not more than three articles 
 of the constitution at the same session. 
 
 We favor an amendment of the general election laws enlarging the 
 powers of the courts and boards of election commissioners over the 
 appointment of judges and clerks of election with a view to making their 
 services compulsory and permitting their appointment, where such may be 
 deemed necessary, by the county court, to act in precincts in which they 
 do not reside. 
 
 We favor an amendment of the primary election law authorizing the 
 appointment of persons to act as challengers at primary elections under 
 provisions similar to those contained in section fifteen of the general 
 election law providing for such challengers at general elections. 
 
 We favor enactment of an effective corrupt practice act. 
 
 We favor the enactment of an anti-pass law governing steam and 
 electric railroads and of an anti-frank law governing telegraph, 
 telephone, and express companies, and a law prohibiting gas and electric 
 companies from furnishing service without charge to public officials. 
 
 We favor the policy of the conservation of all natural resources, 
 both of the state and nation, and pledge our legislature to the enactment 
 of laws which will conserve and increase the fertility of our soil and 
 obtain for the use and benefit of the people the natural resources of 
 our state. 
 
 -77- 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 In view of recent decisions of the supreme court on the unconsti- 
 tutionality of certain acts of the legislature because of technical 
 defects in the passage of the acts in question, we urge the necessity 
 of greater care in framing legislation and the desirability of the 
 establishment of an agency or bureau at the University of Illinois to 
 furnish information upon request to the legislature and aid in the 
 preparation, drafting and scrutiny of bills before their final passage. 
 
 We favor the enactment of public utilities legislation that will 
 place all railroad, telegraph, telephone, electric light and power compa- 
 nies, street railways, distributors of gas, express companies and common 
 carriers of all kinds under the control of a commission or commissions 
 having authority over the issuance of stocks and bonds, the fixing of 
 valuation of plants of these corporations and regulation of their rates 
 and services so as to treat fairly the interests of investors and of the 
 public. 
 
 Wa favor the amendment of the state insurance laws so as to permit 
 the organization by employers of labor engaged in any industries coming 
 within the provisions of the workmen's compensation act of insurance 
 companies for their mutual insurance against liabilities incurred under 
 the provisions of said act. 
 
 We favor such amendment of the rules governing both branches of the 
 general assembly as will take from the presiding officers thereof the 
 power to control the course of legislation and prevent the discussion of 
 bills and a vote thereon. Every legitimate business interest and the 
 public welfare alike demand that corrupt relations between those who 
 seek privileges and to avoid equal burdens through corrupt alliances with 
 public officials should cease. 
 
 We recognize as the necessary condition of party usefulness the 
 preservation of party integrity and we denounce any action which imperils 
 that integrity; lowers the sense of party loyalty and party responsi- 
 bility, refuses to be bound by the action of the party majority and 
 destroys the power of the party to redeem its pledges. 
 
 We denounce the bi-partisan combination of sixty democrats and 
 twenty-four republicans which controlled the legislative machinery of the 
 house of representatives in the Forty-fifth general assembly and disavow 
 any party responsibility therefor. We demand that all republicans 
 members of the general assembly shall enter the regular caucuses of the 
 republican party for their respective branches of the general assembly 
 and be bound by the action of the majority thereof in reference to party 
 matters. And we define party matters to be the election of a speaker of 
 the house of representatives, the creation of the legislative machinery in 
 each branch of the general assembly, the election of a United States 
 senator; the congressional and senatorial appointments; and the enactment 
 of laws to which the party has been pledged by its platform. 
 
 We commend the present executive for the effort he has put forth 
 to maintain party regularity and efficiency and to thwart the purposes 
 
 ■78- 
 
Republican Platform of 1912 
 
 and oppose the action of the bi-partisan combination to the full extent 
 of the power lodged in him as governor of the state. The exposures of the 
 legislative corruption which has brought disgrace upon our state indicate 
 to what extent these evils would have been carried had there been a chief 
 executive in sympathy or alliance with bi-partisanship or in harmony with 
 its purposes. 
 
 SOURCE: Springfield Evening News , April 19, 1912, 
 
 «M 
 
 » ■ ■ j. w -«-i M m ^ Jrn ^vwj> . k w j .#. 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1912 
 (Adopted April 19, 1912) 
 
 The democratic party of the state of Illinois, in convention assembled, 
 hereby declares: Our conviction that an outraged people whose demands for 
 relief from unjust and intolerable exactions have been answered for sixteen 
 years past by continuing concessions to privilege are ready to throw off the 
 yoke olE republican domination and place their reliance in the eternal prin- 
 ciples of democracy. We affirm the principles of the democratic party as 
 announced in the national platform adopted in Denver in 1903. We approve 
 the measures passed in the lower house of Congress in 1911 and 1912, 
 
 We denounce the oppressions of the Payne-Aldrich tariff tax bill and 
 condemn the violation by the republican administration of the solemn promises 
 of relief made to the people by President Taft and Republican officials in 
 the campaign of 1908. 
 
 EXTRAVAGANCE CONDEMNED 
 
 We condemn the extravagances and profligate expenditures of the last 
 two Republican state administrations of Illinois. We invite the attention 
 of the people to the fact that there is now being expended in the operation 
 of institutions of the state a sum of money approximating $15,000,000 per 
 annum, and under the administration of Governor Deneen, while under the 
 democratic administration of Governor Altgeld approximately only $5,000,000 
 were expended. 
 
 This wasteful expenditure on the part of the administration of Governor 
 Deneen, having for its object the providing of bounties for favorites in 
 political offices and providing in other respects for the enrichment of 
 chosen contractors and special supply agencies by administration of the insti- 
 tutions of the state, as condemned by the citizens of the state as lacking 
 in economy and efficiency. 
 
 HYPOCRISY LAID TO DENEEN 
 
 We denounce the hypocrisy and double-dealing of Governor Deneen in 
 the matter of the election of Senator Lorimer and the tricking of people 
 through the manipulation of the legislature, which has resulted in bringing 
 upon the state of Illinois the bipartisan cabal which has made the expressions 
 "bipartisanship" and "jack-potism" the unique and newly coined disgrace of 
 the splendid commonwealth of Illinois. 
 
 We denounce the bipartisanship, corruption and jack-pot conspiracies 
 which under the supervision and acquiescence of Governor Deneen have disgraced 
 Illinois. 
 
 We protest against the scandalous favoritism in taxation extended to 
 certain powerful interests of the state of Illinois by the state board of 
 equalization. 
 
 -81- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1912 
 
 We denounce the practice permitted and encouraged by the present 
 primary and general election laws--the expenditure of enormous amounts of 
 money by candidates to secure nomination and election to office. 
 
 FRDTES?_ A eAI!gT TAXATION 
 
 We protest against the outrageous and increasing taxation upon all 
 the cities as the result of the extravagances of the public officials of 
 the state of Illinois. 
 
 We protest against the defiance of public sentiment eaehibited by the 
 governor a„-id the republican legislature in defeating the will of the people 
 and refusing to follow their direction in the enactment of the initiative 
 ar.d referendum. 
 
 We demand the abolishment of that instrument of injustice in matters 
 of taxation designated the state board of equalization. In its stead we 
 demand the creation of a a tax court or tribunal, composed of nonpartisan 
 meinbers properly advised in taxation and assessment matters, who shall be 
 appointed by the governor, with the approval of the senate. We propose that 
 this body shall sit as a court and record its findings from day to day after 
 allowing all parties in interest to be heard in open court in all cases where 
 excessive or inadequate assessments are charged. 
 
 We demand the passage of a corrupt practices act raegulating the expendi- 
 ture of moneys at primaries and general elections and requiring publicity of 
 the same before and after election. 
 
 SEISjAIORS. BY PCPIIAR VOTE 
 
 We demand that steps be taken to secure the election of United States 
 senators and presidential electors by popular vote. 
 
 We demand legislation which will provide for an amendment to the 
 state constitution permitting the enactment of laws for the establishment 
 of the initiative and referendum as the only effective remedy for jack 
 potism and corruption in public life. 
 
 We demand the amendment of the article of the state constitution 
 relating to amendments so as to permit the constitution to be amended from 
 time to time to keep pace with modem progress and the demands of the people. 
 The present article of the constitution relating to amendments is archaic 
 and unreasonable and mates the constitution almost unamendable. 
 
 We demand a thorough reform of the present revenue law, the consolidating 
 of the three park beards of Chicago into one body and the passage of laws v^ich 
 will reduce the nuraber of elective offices and the size of the elective ballot. 
 The constant and frequent recurrence of elections tends to keep the public 
 mind in a state of agitation and ferment and inflicts onerous and unnecessary 
 expense upon the public. 
 
 -82- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1912 
 
 WOULD REDUCE ELECTIONS 
 
 We therefore favor the passage of laws reducing the number of elective 
 offices and the number of elections. 
 
 We favor electing all judicial officers at a time when no other officers 
 are chosen and when no county, state or national issues are involved. 
 
 We favor retrenchment in public expenses and legislation at all times 
 responsive to the public will when legally and deliberately expressed at the 
 polls . 
 
 The will of the people as expressed at the polls for presidential and 
 other nominees is binding morally and legally, and morally if not legally upon 
 all delegates to all conventions and should be obeyed by them. Pursuant to 
 this resolution the delegates to the national convention selected by this 
 convention are instructed to vote for and use all honorable means to secure 
 the nomination of Champ Clark of Missouri for President. 
 
 We protest against the expenditure of money belonging to the people 
 of the state for the construction of water ways until such a time as full 
 co-operation, financial and otherwise, by the federal government has been 
 assured by an act of Congress and then only with the provision that all 
 power sites which may hereafter be created by water ways construction shall, 
 before the work is commenced, become the property of the state and shall not 
 be sold, bargained or given away, but shall be held in ownership by the state. 
 
 FOR PUBLIC SERVICE CONTROL 
 
 We demand the enactment of legislation creating a commission that will 
 consolidate supervision and control over public service and public utilities 
 corporations and thereby bring all enterprises that are operating under fran- 
 chises granted by the state into such relations with the people that unjust 
 and intolerable practices shall cease. 
 
 We demand the elimination of pernicious political activities among 
 public servants and the honest enforcement of a state-wide civil service law. 
 
 We hereby express our profound sympathy for the victims of the Titanic 
 disaster, and recommend a vigorous inspection by the federal and state author- 
 ities of the life saving appliances upon all water crafts sailing upon the 
 lakes and navigable waters within and adjoining the state of Illinois, so as 
 to prevent the recurrence of such disasters in the future. 
 
 URGE CHANGE IN HOUSE RULES 
 
 The change in the rules of the representative branch of the national 
 congress that provides for the selection of all committees by a special com- 
 mittee elected from the body of the membership of the House has done away 
 with the charges of "gag rule" and "one-man power." Such a change in the 
 
 ) 
 
 -83- 
 
 t* J #■ * ■ ' ^ii . J P ■ 1 ■ ll ' i ' M 9 mm J J. 1 .1 f ■ f Vl i . > yi » J^ V 4! P J.i 
 
Democratic Platform of 1912 
 
 method of selecting the committees of the Illinois house of representatives 
 
 woald ba equally effective in doing away with "gavel rule," and wt^uld avoid 
 much of the just complaint and all evils growing therefrom. 
 
 We pledge the democratic party to favor such a reform in the rules 
 
 of the Illinois house. 
 
 We favor reasonable laws for the better protection of those working 
 
 in the mines of the state. 
 
 We favor the enactment of legislation that will -promote the building 
 
 of gco'd roads throughout our state^ and that will fairly and equitably apportic; 
 the burden thereof. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Record-Herald , April 20, 1912. 
 
 •84- 
 
PROGRESSIVE PARTY PLATFORM OF 1912 
 (Adopted August; 7, 1912) 
 
 The Progressive Party is the expression of the determination of the 
 people to take back their government into their own hands. No close observer 
 of industrial, social and political conditions in Illinois can doubt the 
 impelling necessity for the formation in this state of such a party. 
 
 For many years the will of the people of Illinois has been treated 
 with contempt by the Republican and Democratic parties. They have preferred 
 to be the tools of public utility and other corporations rather than to con- 
 trol them in the interests of the people. Republican and Democratic political 
 bosses have employed the taxing machinery for personal and political ends. 
 They have used public positions to build up political machines rather than 
 to serve the people. They have disregarded the people with respect to the 
 Initiative, Referendum and Recall; the direct election of Senators; a Corrupt 
 Practice Act; an anti-pass law, and many progressive measures of the same 
 nature and purpose. They have encouraged and have pxofited by a system of 
 criminal politics and organized plunder in our city. They invented and 
 operated the infamous jackpot system for the sale of legislation and privi- 
 leges in our state legislature until a scandal of National proportions brought 
 disgrace upon the State of Illinois. 
 
 Both old parties are so hopelessly corrupted and weakened by political 
 bosses and special interests back of these bosses that permanent progress 
 cannot be made through them. 
 
 We pledge the support of the Progressive Party and its candidates to 
 the Initiative, Referendum and Recall. We denounce the Republican and Demo- 
 cratic machines for their disregard of the popular vote in favor of the Ini- 
 tiative and Referendum in 1902 and again in 1910, and for their failure to 
 carry out their explicit platform pledges of 1910. 
 
 "Justice delayed is Justice denied." We, therefore, advocate such 
 reform in the judicial procedure of this state as shall prevent long and 
 unnecessary delays, and insure the speedy administration of justice. We, 
 therefore, demand the amendment of our Constitution to give to the people 
 instead of the courts the final decision of what is for the public welfare 
 under the police power in constitutional decisions. 
 
 We demand a short ballot as a means of effective control by the people 
 over public officials, and to increase the responsibility of elective officers. 
 
 DIRECT ELECTION OF U. S. SENATORS 
 
 We demand the ratification by the Illinois Legislature of the Consti- 
 tutional Amendment providing for the direct election of United States Senators, 
 and we demand, pending the adoption of this Amendment by the necessary number 
 
 -85- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1912 
 
 of states, the passage of a law by the next General Assembly providing for 
 popular vote upon candidates for the United States Senate, binding upon 
 members of the legislature in accordance with the Oregon plan. 
 
 We demand the passing of a thorough-going Corrupt Practice Act, 
 securing complete publicity of campaign receipts and expenditures, both 
 before and after primaries and elections, and necessary restrictions in the 
 use of campaign funds. 
 
 We denounce the corrupting use of appointive positions as political 
 patronage by the Republican and Democratic machines and demand comprehensive 
 and adequate civil service legislation and honest enforcement of the same. 
 We denounce the abuse of the power of temporary appointments, favoritism 
 in examination, and political interference with the administration of the 
 civil service law. 
 
 We pledge ourselves to secure an anti-pass law, habitually promised 
 by both old parties before and ignored after elections. We demand an anti- 
 frank law applicable to telegraph, telephone, express, gas, electric light 
 and other public utility corporations. 
 
 It is imperatively necessary that the Constitution of Illinois should 
 be made more easily amendable, in order to keep pace with changing social and 
 industrial conditions. We demand such changes as will make necessary amend- 
 ments possible. We denounce the makeshift plan of limiting the number of 
 proposed amendments to three. 
 
 REVISION OF PRIMARY LAW 
 
 Experience has shown that the Primary Laws of Illinois are faulty and 
 incomplete. The proved value of the Australian Ballot demands that a voter 
 in a primary, as well as in a regular election, shall not be required to 
 disclose his party affiliation and thereby subject himself to pressure from 
 employers or political bosses. To this end we pledge our candidates so to 
 amend the law that a voter may cast his ballot for the candidates of any 
 one party without disclosing his party affiliation. 
 
 In order to shorten the length of campaigns and to decrease the expense 
 incurred therein, we demand the holding of State Primaries in September. 
 
 Under the Illinois law, candidates for important offices have been 
 nominated by small pluralities. We demand the adoption of the Minnesota and 
 Wisconsin method, under which the voter in a primary may express his first 
 and second choice for candidates, and providing that if a candidate be not 
 nominated by a majority of the votes cast for first choice, the nominee shall 
 be chosen by the first and second choice votes combined. 
 
 -86- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1912 
 
 The faults of Illinois primary legislation have never been more clearly 
 shown than in the recent Republican Convention where delegates elected from 
 districts overwhelmingly carried by Theodore Roosevelt voted repeatedly for 
 the Taft machine. We demand such revision of the Presidential primary as 
 will provide for the direct election by the people of delegates to National 
 Conventions and will forever prevent the recurrence of such treacherous and 
 disgraceful actions. 
 
 Effective regulation of public service corporations in Illinois has 
 been made impossible by the conspicuous and influential representatives of 
 these interests in the Republican and Democratic parties. We demand the 
 enactment of legislation providing for full public control over all public 
 utility corporations as to rates, service, physical valuations, publicity 
 and other essential features. 
 
 A complete revision and simplification of the revenue law is desirable, 
 but immediate improvement in administration should be made by eliminating 
 political parasites and agents of special privilege from our taxing bodies. 
 The State Board of Equalization should be abolished and a State Tax Commission 
 substituted. 
 
 CONTROL OF BANKS 
 
 We demand that all banks and trust companies in the state not under 
 federal organization be brought under state supervision and that the sale of 
 bonds, stocks and securities in this state be supervised to such extent that 
 the people may not be robbed through the sale of "wildcat" and worthless 
 securities, and that further legislation shall be had with reference to 
 protection of the public against "loan sharks." 
 
 We demand a thorough revision of the road and bridge laws of the 
 state and advocate the building of improved highways by an equitable system 
 of local state and federal co-operation. 
 
 STATE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION 
 
 We demand the establishment of a State Industrial Commission with 
 authority and resources to investigate and report with recommendations upon 
 wages, hours and working conditions in the industries of this state; to 
 codify existing labor, employment, factory inspection and fire protection 
 legislation; to establish reasonable standards of safety and sanitation for 
 all workers and all places of industry; to establish museums of safety devices 
 in order that both workers and employers shall be informed for mutual protection 
 to investigate and determine minimum wage standards for working-women, and to 
 recommend legislation for the establishment of such minimum wage standards by 
 law. Such commission should also have full power of inspection and regulation 
 of labor camps and casual labor undertakings. 
 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1912 
 
 EIGHT-HOUR LAW 
 
 We demand a compulsory eight-hour law in all continuous twenty-four- 
 hour-day industries. 
 
 We condemn the convict contract labor system, and we demand the 
 extension of the system of prison production for governmental consumption 
 only, and hold that the prisoners' labor should yield support for the 
 dependent family. 
 
 We demand the establishment of continuation schools for industrial 
 education, under public control, and the encouragement of agricultural educa- 
 tion and demonstration in rural schools. 
 
 LEGISLATION FOR FARMERS 
 
 We demand needed legislation for the promotion of rural organization 
 for agricultural betterment, the development of rural credit organizations, 
 the increase of agricultural experiment stations and prize contests, the 
 establishment of university extension methods, the organization of a corps 
 of traveling agricultural instructors so that agriculture may be encouraged 
 and rural living conditions bettered. We demand increased state aid for 
 rural schools. We favor the adoption of such legislation as will insure 
 to the patrons of the public schools of Illinois text books throughout the 
 state at reasonable prices such as now obtain in adjoining states. 
 
 We demand the extension of the powers of the Board of Administration 
 to inspection and standardization of the service in all institutions for 
 dependent children. 
 
 We demand a state farm for confirmed inebriates and other similar 
 delinquents, and a state colony for epileptics to ^ich all such patients 
 now in state hospitals and county poorhouses should be removed. 
 
 REORGANIZATION OF HEALTH DEPARTMENT 
 
 The life and health of the people should not be subjected further to 
 danger from political patronage and inefficiency. Therefore, we demand the 
 reorganization of the State Department of Health, and the vigorous and im-- 
 partial enforcement of all sanitary and inspection laws. 
 
 The community welfare demands for every family a safe and sanitary 
 home, and we, therefore, demand an adequate State Housing Law, 
 
 We favor the passage, under constitutional revision, wtiere necessary, 
 of a city planning act, giving cities legal and financial powers to carry 
 out needed improvements in their existing street plans, to exercise the 
 
 •88- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1912 
 
 power of excess condemnation in making public improvements, to determine, 
 regulate and from time to time modify the areas to be used for industrial, 
 residential and other purposes, to establish needed building line restric- 
 tions, and so lay out unbuilt areas with a view to the best lines of com- 
 munication of public and semi-public buildings and of industrial and 
 residential areas. 
 
 For the protection of railroad employes and the public, we demand 
 legislation which will insure adequate crews for all railroad trains. 
 
 FULL ENFRANCHISEMENT OF WOMEN 
 
 For the protection of childhood and the home under modern social 
 and economic conditions and as the best means to abolish the vAiite slave 
 traffic, we demand the full enfranchisement of women. 
 
 The consolidation of the separate park boards in Chicago is demanded 
 by consideration of economy, efficiency and popular control. 
 
 We demand the abolishment of the iniquitous system of cumulative 
 voting on legislative candidates. 
 
 We demand the reform of the vicious rules of the Illinois House of 
 Representatives to conform with the rules of the Progressive State Senate, 
 insuring majority rule at all stages of legislation and removing the disgrace' 
 of gravel rule of the Speaker and gag rules of procedure v*iich have disgraced 
 the state and become an aid to "jackpot" legislation. 
 
 We demand complete publicity of legislative committee proceedings and 
 a public record of all votes taken upon all measures acted upon by such com- 
 mittees . 
 
 In order to improve the clearness and strength of our laws and better 
 the efficiency of law making, we demand the establishment of a non-partisan 
 legislative reference and bill drafting bureau, such as exists in New York 
 and Wisconsin. 
 
 The steadily increasing expenses of the State Government occasioned 
 in part by padded payrolls and unnecessary political appointees require an 
 overhauling of the administration of the various departments. We pledge 
 our candidates to secure the creation by the legislature of a competent 
 efficiency commission thoroughly to overhaul all departments, to end flagrant 
 waste and to bring about an economical reorganization of the various branches 
 of the government. 
 
 We demand immediate legislative and judicial procedure to restore and 
 safeguard to the people of the state the undeveloped water power of the 
 Desplaines Valley and elsewhere created by nature or the taxpayer's money. 
 Such legislation would include the rescinding of the Twenty-Million-Dollar 
 Bond Issue. 
 
 -89" 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1912 
 
 NATIONAL ISSUES 
 
 We denounce the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Bill as robbery and fraud and 
 demand that measure of reduction which shall give to the average American 
 industry that degree of rational protection which is the sole alternative to 
 democratic free trade. We favor the creation of a permanent, expert, non- 
 partisan Tariff Commission, with adequate power to act, and we demand the 
 immediate reduction of the steel, woolen and textile schedules already 
 proven exorbitant to the average consumer. 
 
 The Sherman Act is no longer adequate to the regulation of modern 
 industry. Many corporations doing an interstate business have grown to 
 such gigantic size that they are not controllable by the states which gave 
 them legal existence. We demand National Legislation which will compel 
 firm but just control by a National Industrial Commission, and thus by the 
 institution of effective administrative machinery provide for the absolute 
 abolition of those discriminatory practices which have put the consumers as 
 well as the business men at the mercy of "big business;" in order also that 
 the great corporations be compelled to eliminate existing watered stock and 
 capitalize their properties for their real value. Provision must be made 
 also to prohibit unfair competition and anti-social and economic trade 
 practice. Thus the small investor will find security for his savings and 
 the savings of the people will fall naturally into the channels of trade 
 and the country enjoy that well-ordered prosperity v*iich is due the energy 
 and enterprise of the American people. 
 
 The Interstate Commerce Commission has proved its usefulness. We 
 favor the valuation of the physical property of railroads as the fundamental 
 and essential factor in future rate-making and capitalization to the end that 
 the stockholders and shippers equally may be protected in their property 
 rights. 
 
 We hold that the platform of a political party is a solemn covenant 
 with the people, and, therefore, we pledge our candidates to fulfill the 
 obligations of the Progressive Party as herein set forth as a contract 
 between them and the people of the State of Illinois. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Progressive Campaign Text Book. 
 
 -90- 
 
 I 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1914 
 
 Summary of 1914 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Prohibition and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Count ie 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Lawrence Y. Sherman 
 
 390,661 
 
 103,808 
 
 
 286,853 
 
 81 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Roger 
 
 C. Sullivan 
 
 373,403 
 
 159,372 
 
 
 214,031 
 
 18 
 
 Progressive 
 
 Raymond Robins 
 
 203,027 
 
 88,487 
 
 
 114,540 
 
 3 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Andrew Russel 
 
 418,336 
 
 128,528 
 
 
 289,808 
 
 66 
 
 Democratic 
 
 W. C. 
 
 Clifford 
 
 374,554 
 
 140,724 
 
 
 233,830 
 
 36 
 
 Progressive 
 
 Louis 
 
 G. Pavey 
 
 95,427 
 
 37,736 
 
 
 57,691 
 
 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 
 30.6% 
 
 55, 
 
 ,3% 
 
 14 
 
 .1% 
 
 1686 
 
 Democratic 
 
 
 69.1% 
 
 14, 
 
 .3% 
 
 16 
 
 .5% 
 
 1937 
 
 Progressive 
 
 
 55.1% 
 
 33, 
 
 ,1% 
 
 11 
 
 .7% 
 
 1210 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1913-1914 
 
 Progressives held a balance of power in the 1913 General Assembly. Election 
 of a House Speaker was deadlocked from January 1 until the last week of the month 
 when Democrat William McKinley was elected. Another legislative deadlock continued 
 until March 26 when Democrat J. Hamilton Lewis was elected to fill an expired U. S. 
 Senate term and Progressive Republican Lawrence Sherman was elected to fill the 
 unexpired term of William Lorimer who had been excluded from the U. S. Senate. 
 Sherman in 1914 defeated Chicago Democrat Roger Sullivan for a full term in the 
 first direct popular vote in Illinois for U. S. senator. 
 
 The legislature extended the suffrage to women for the offices of presidenti 
 electors, university trustees and various county, township and municipal officers. 
 Leaders of the suffragette movement immediately began efforts to bring about a 
 constitutional convention to allow women to vote for all officials elected by 
 Illinois. Measures were passed providing for mothers' pensions and the municipal 
 ownership of public utilities. A public utilities commission superceded the railro 
 and warehouse commissioners; a new workmen's compensation act was passed. 
 
 Women first used their new suffrage privileges in 1914 municipal elections. 
 In Chicago 30 per cent of the registered women voted compared with 34 per cent of 
 registered men. The Influence of women seemed to be used effectively in voting 
 against saloons. Sixteen more counties voted against license. As a result of 
 these elections, over 1,000 saloons went out of business. 
 
 -91- 
 
 uj m p w ^ ^L.j ■■■ ■ 
 
 wn 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1914 
 (Adopted September 18, 1914) 
 
 The Republican party in Illinois, assembled by their representatives 
 in State convention more than a half a century after its first great historic 
 victory inspired and led by Abraham Lincoln, appeals to the awakened intel- 
 ligence and experience of the people applied to the present Democratic admin- 
 istration, and in memory of the matchless achievements of the Republican 
 party and its present fitness and capacity rightly to meet and solve all 
 issues before the American people, asks the election of its candidates and 
 the approval of its policies. We send our greetings to the republicans of 
 every state and all others in accord with them, with the assurance that the 
 state of Lincoln, Grant and Logan will be redeemed from the Democratic party 
 and restored to the traditions and principles that have always made the Repub- 
 lican party the only safe, creative and Progressive party of the country 
 capable of successfully preserving, developing and applying such principles 
 as will restore prosperity, promote social justice and secure civil liberty 
 under the regulation of the wise and just laws. 
 
 The Republican party appeals to all who believe in its principles and 
 its ability properly and well to administer the government of the country, 
 to unite in its support and elect its candidates to the end that its govern- 
 mental principles may be substituted for the unquiet, sectional and destruc- 
 tive experiments and legislation of the Democratic party which elected its 
 president in 1912 by a minority lacking nearly one and one-half million votes 
 of a papular majority. The division of those opposed to the Democratic party 
 not only continues it in power, with its demonstrated incapacity and unfitness 
 to govern the country, but promotes control by such minorities as hinder and 
 weaken the rule of the people. 
 
 The record of the Democratic party since it assumed the powers of 
 government March 4, 1913, is one of broken promises and faith betrayed. Its 
 pledges have been kept neither when in office nor cart they be relied upon 
 during the campaign. 
 
 REPUBLICAN EXTRAVAGANCE 
 
 It denounced appropriations made by the Republican congress as a prof- 
 ligate waste of public funds, the cause of high taxes, and demanded a return 
 to simplicity and economy, which were claimed as a democratic virtue. In 
 power in both houses of congress and in the office of president, the most 
 Democratic party has been the most extravagant and wasteful in the history 
 of our country. New offices have been created as partisan spoils, needless 
 appropriations passed, and under the guise of internal improvements the most 
 lavish and useless river and harbor bill ever framed has passed the house, 
 the objects of v^cse expenditure in large part are grossly sectional and the 
 result of shameless bargaining for local interests having no relation to the 
 general welfare. We condemn it and the reprehensible practices that create 
 it, and demand that logrolling and pork barrel methods of looting the treasury 
 be permanently abandoned and such appropriations be based upon the systematic 
 needs of waterways and coast improvements and expended so as to be a public 
 benefit instead of a local favoritism. 
 
 ■92- 
 
Republican Platform of 1914 
 
 Instead of lowering taxes by simplicity and economy, the appropriations 
 of the Democratic party exceed by nearly one hundred million dollars those 
 of any preceding Republican congress. With government expenditures in excess 
 of revenue receipts by many millions. Democratic promises of economy are 
 broken and that party is now devising new tax laws to impose additional 
 burdens on the people, rather than a retrenchment in its profligate waste 
 of constantly dwindling revenue under existing laws. 
 
 HIGH COST OF LIVING 
 
 The Republican protective tariff was falsely charged with the high 
 cost of living and with burdening the American farmer and laboring man. 
 Under the free trade legislation of the Democratic party the farmer's 
 product has been cheapened in his hands and the American workman has seen 
 our pay-rolls diminished or destroyed so that the loss of employment has 
 crippled the purchasing power of his toil and the high cost of living has 
 become higher, with nothing lower except the ability of all to transact 
 business and earn a living. 
 
 FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 The Democratic party pledged itself honestly and rightly to enforce 
 the civil service laws of the United States. It has debased the service, 
 violated the letter and spirit of existing laws, refused to place offices 
 created under new laws under civil service and returned to the abandoned and 
 reactionary practice that to the victor belongs the spoils. 
 
 It denounced the Republican principle of protection to American labor 
 and industries as unconstitutional, and declared for free trade in most of 
 the articles, the like of which we have the ability to produce in our country 
 sufficient for our need, and for a tariff for revenue only on the remainder 
 of such articles. Its revision of the tariff in the Act of Oct. 3d, 1913, 
 is a sectional measure discriminating against the farmers' products of the 
 North and West and the products of the Pacific coast, and against the laboring 
 men and manufacturers of the entire country by removing the protective barriers 
 that gave them the just advantage of our markets and our wage scales and 
 equalized the difference in wages at home and abroad. It pledged itself to 
 destroy no legitimate industry. By freelisting sugar it has destroyed the 
 cane sugar and crippled the beet sugar industry so that neither can be 
 restored except by promptly returning to a Republican protective duty on sugar, 
 which alone gave us $50,000,000 of revenue annually and imposed no burden on 
 the people. As a source of revenue, the Democratic tariff act is a self- 
 confessed failure. From it a deficit would have resulted under ordinary 
 conditions; the war in Europe has only hastened the appearance of a deficit 
 which is a natural result of the Democratic party's tariff act, and a normal 
 symptom that invariably marks its attempts to govern the country. A treasury 
 deficit of more than $100,000,000 is now apparent. Instead of meeting it by 
 prudent economy and a wise reduction of appropriations, war taxes are proposed 
 when we are at peace, leading to additional burdens on the people. The 
 necessity for this tax is not created mainly by the European war. While the 
 decrease of revenue from duties is partly due to reduced imports, it is more 
 largely caused by a reduction in duties, by lowering rates on some or entirely 
 freelisting other articles. The Democratic party is not responsible for our 
 reduced imports since the war began, but the loss of revenue on imports since 
 
Republican Platform of 1914 
 
 the war is directly chargeable to that party. In view of this, we declare 
 that Republican protective tariff law is better than additional and excessive 
 
 taxation of the American people. 
 
 COLOMBIAN TREATY 
 
 The Democratic party has presented to the United States senate a 
 proposed treaty with Colombia that apologizes for and expresses regrets for 
 oar recognition of the independence of the Republic of Panama, our treaty 
 by which we acquired the Canal Zone from the new republic, and binds the 
 American people to pay Colombia $25,000,000 damages. Nothing but a concurring 
 vote of the United States senate is now lacking for this national humiliation. 
 We oppose the ratification of the proposed treaty, and arraign the Democratic 
 party for its betrayal c£ the honor and interests of the American people em- 
 bodied in the measure and declare against its ratification of such proposed 
 treaty. 
 
 THE TARIFF 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois declares its settled faith in an 
 allegiance to the principle of protection as absolutely essential to the 
 maintenance of living wages for the workingmen of our country and the founda- 
 tion of American agricultural and industrial independence'and prosperity. A 
 protective tariff taxes foreign products competitive with our own when imported, 
 It gives our markets to our producers and creates American payrolls with the 
 American standard of wages for our workingmen. It diffuses its benefits 
 throughout our entire country, so that our common strength arises from the 
 strength of each, and keeps control of prices in our hands at home, instead 
 of surrendering it to foreign countries. It is national and not section in 
 its benefits and not only develops and maintains our industries, but produces 
 the larger part of our public revenues by placing the burden on the foreign 
 producer as the price of selling his merchandise in our markets. We recall 
 with especial satisfaction at this time that no protective tariff of the 
 Republican party since the close of the Civil war has failed to produce 
 sufficient revenue to defray the expenses of the government. 
 
 The rates of custom duties is a practical matter to be governed from 
 time to time by conditions of production and markets; the undeviating prin- 
 ciple is the protection of American labor, agriculture and industries. To 
 that end we favor a tariff commission to gather correct information so 
 accurately to apply tariff rates to meet changing conditions and not to 
 base such legislation on the lack of knowledge and the loose conjecture 
 that guided the Democratic party in passing the Wilson-Underwood tariff act. 
 
 STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 The Democratic administration in this state came into power after a 
 campaign of charges against the Republican administration, every one of 
 which has been proven false, and upon pledges and promises, not one of which 
 has been proven false. 
 
 The charge was made that the tax rate of thirty-five cents fixed by 
 the last Republican administration was excessive. The first tax rate levied 
 
Republican Platform of 1914 
 
 for state purposes by the present Democratic administration was fixed at 
 seventy cents; double the highest rate ever raised and expended by the Repub- 
 lican administration. 
 
 The charge was made that Republican appropriations of $29,000,000 
 were extravagant. The first appropriations made for state purposes by the 
 Democratic administration aggregate $38,000,000 an increase of $9,000,000, 
 
 STATS CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 The charge was made that the Republican state civil service law and 
 its administration were a "fake." Since the inauguration of the Democratic 
 administration, this law has been assailed in the Illinois courts by the'-l 
 Democratic attorney general; it has been attacked by a Democratic legislature 
 through amendments weakening its force and diminishing its authority; and 
 its integrity has been violated and its administration perverted to political 
 and partisan purposes through the machinery of the dental Civil Service com- 
 mission itself, resulting in diminished efficiency and economy in the manage- 
 ment of all state institutions and departments of the state government. 
 
 The charge was made that Republican officials were incompetent to 
 discharge their duties. The record of the Democratic administration shows 
 an increased cost and a steady deterioration of service in every branch of 
 the state government. This fact has been so notorious and so firmly fixed 
 in the public mind that it is deemed unnecessary to point out specific 
 instances to add to the overwhelming evidence of the lack of qualification 
 of Democratic state officials, both elective and appointive, to meet the 
 responsibilities or perform the duties of the various departments of the 
 state government. 
 
 To bring to an end the wastefulness, extravagance and inefficiency 
 which have characterized the present Democratic administration; to give to 
 the people of Illinois an honest and effective administration of the state 
 government, and to restore to the conduct of public affairs the efficiency 
 and economy of Republican administration, we call upon the voters of Illinois 
 to rally to the support of the Republican candidates so that this great task, 
 of such vital interest to the people of Illinois, may be accomplished. 
 
 The Republican party pledges itself if restored to power, to work 
 for the following reforms, which it believes to be of paramount importance 
 in the legislative and administrative work of the states 
 
 The enactment of a comprehensive corrupt practices Act applicable 
 to all public offices. 
 
 The extension of civil service principles to all branches of the state 
 service, 
 
 A comprehensive reform of our state revenue system to the end that 
 the burdens of taxation may be justly and equitably distributed. 
 
 WOMAN SUFFRAGE 
 
 The granting of unlimited suffrage to women voters, 
 
 • Q'^- 
 
Republican Platform of 1914 
 
 STATE CONSTITUTION 
 
 The amendment or revision of the state constitution to the end that 
 much needed reforms which are prevented, hampered or delayed by the restric- 
 tive provision of the present state constitution may be obtained most easily, 
 most quickly and most completely. 
 
 We re-affirm the platform adopted by the Republican State convention 
 in 1910 and the platform of the Republican National convention of 1912 in 
 reference to trust and private monopolies. 
 
 The Illinois Farmers* institute has always been a non-partisan non- 
 political organization for the advancement of farm life and farming. 
 
 The Republican party views with regret any attempt to hamper its 
 work or lessen its usefulness and pledges to restore it to its former place 
 and to keep it unhampered and free from political domination or control. 
 
 SOURCE; Undocumented typewritten copy of complete text from the personal 
 collection of Professor Clarence A. Berdahl. 
 
 •96- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1914 
 (Adopted September 18, 1914) 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois, represented in its State Convention, 
 congratulates the nation upon the incomparable record achieved by Democracy 
 under the inspiring leadership of President Wilson. 
 
 Within the brief period of eighteen months, the Democratic national 
 administration has taken up and triumphantly dealt with a varied, complex 
 and portentous series of problems » situations and conditions without parallel 
 since the nation was born. 
 
 "Lest we forget" let us recall to mind a few of them: 
 
 1. A situation in Mexico inherited from a Republican predecessor, 
 inviting international complications, commercial and industrial disturbance, 
 and i»r. 
 
 2. Long-standing demand ignored by Republican administration, for 
 an income tax law. 
 
 3. Public need of, and public demand for, consistent tariff downward 
 revision, unheeded by Republican administrations. 
 
 4. Imperatively needed currency legislation, long promised but never 
 provided by Republican administrations. 
 
 5. An inextricable muddle of legislation and prosecution directed 
 against the evil practices of "big business," all made ineffective and in- 
 conclusive, but damaging to honest business, by Republican effort to placate 
 sentiment without hurting special interests. 
 
 6. Tremendous and unexpected problems, born of Europe's war confla- 
 gration, vAilch interrupted and unhinged industrial production, commerce, 
 finance, and ocean transportation throughout the world. 
 
 Mark the results, all achieved within less than half a presidential 
 
 term; 
 
 1. The Mexican situation dealt with in a spirit of firmness, with 
 justice, and without bluster, that has won the world's admiration, forestalled 
 war, conserved American blood and treasure, fended off international complica- 
 tions, and set the oppressed Mexican people well on the road to a new era of 
 peace, order and general welfare. 
 
 2. An equitable income tax law enacted and put into effect. 
 
 3. The tariff revised dovrciward for the benefit of all people, not 
 for a few favored special interests. 
 
 4. A currency law that meets with practically universal approval 
 enacted and now in process of being put into effect. 
 
 5. Anti-trust laws enforced with an eye single to ending bad 
 practices, not merely for the sham-battle purpose of "making a record," 
 and new legislation to correct obscurities and inconsistencies in old anti- 
 trust law, on the eve of enactment. 
 
 6. Dollar diplomacy abolished, and the doctrine of human rights 
 substituted therefor. 
 
 7. An insidious lobby driven out of Congress. 
 
 8. The Panama Canal completed, 
 
 9. Steps taken to open up the great natural treasure house of Alaska; 
 the Alaskan railway authorized and the survey thereof begun. 
 
 =97- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1914 
 
 10 „ Popular election of United States Senators made effective, 
 
 11, Two great railway strikes averted by arbitration, and the Colorado 
 coal strike settled, 
 
 12, Destruction of the telephone and telegraph trusts. 
 
 13, Parcels post service extended and made cheaper, 
 
 14, Reduction of express rates and charges. 
 
 15, The elimination of the postal service deficit. 
 
 16, Since obtaining control of the lower house of Congress three years 
 ago, the enactment by the Democratic party of more labor legislation, asked 
 
 for by men who work, than was enacted during all previous Republican administra- 
 t i oas . 
 
 17, Every problem, situation or condition arising from the European 
 war promptly, firmly and patriotically met; the country rescued from a finan- 
 cial crisis, and probably a crash, by quick executive and legislative action; 
 war insurance for American cargoes provided to open up foreign trade; legis- 
 lative action taken that makes the hope of an American merchant marine in 
 immediate realization. 
 
 Thanks to Presider.t Wilson, and to his loyal support by the Democratic 
 party, we are at peace with all the world while the nations of Europe are 
 engaged ir. destructive war; we have laid the foundation for bringing peace 
 to the warring nations; our industrial, commercial and financial structure is 
 sound; the opportunity to take first place in finance, in commercial and indus- 
 trial development, and in the trade of the whole world is at our feet. 
 
 What page in the history of the American presidency carries a record 
 
 comparable with this? 
 
 And the achieving of it has been marked by a breadth of vision, a 
 firmness of purpose and a personal dignity and simplicity that place the 
 name of Woodrow Wilson on the honor roll of American presidents, alongside 
 those of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. 
 
 In the light of this nation's need of further constructive legislation 
 and administration along the lines of the record already made, we believe 
 public interest demands that Woodrow Wilson be re-elected president of the 
 United States, and we now pledge to him the support of the Democratic party 
 of Illinois for renomination and re-election in 1916, 
 
 We commend the Democratic representatives of Illinois in the National 
 House and Senate for their unfaltering support of the president, and we 
 bespeak for them hearty approval at the polls in November, 
 
 To uphold the hands of the president by electing men to Congress 
 upon whom we can rely, is the first duty of patriotic citizens in these 
 trying times. We commend this thought to the consideration of all citizens 
 of Illinois, regardless of party affiliations. 
 
 To President Wilson (after March 4, next) we pledge without reservation 
 the support of another Senator from Illinois, Roger C. Sullivan, whose frank 
 and common sense appeal to the people has made him the Democratic nominee 
 for United States Senator. For his ability, for his breadth of mind, for 
 his ripe experience and strength of character, we offer him to the voters of 
 the state, regardless of party, as one in every way fitted to give Illinois 
 representation again in the United States Senate commensurate with her rank 
 in the sisterhood of states, 
 
 -98- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1914 
 
 As the simplest and most effective method of dealing adequately with 
 questions affected by state constitutional restrictions — woman suffrage, 
 revenue reform, the initiative and referendum, the "short ballot" remedy 
 for expensive and complex primary and general elections, multiplicity of 
 taxiing bodies and overlapping of governmental functions in Chicago and 
 Cook County, a larger measure of home rule for municipalities, minority 
 representation in the General Assembly, and many other questions--we favor 
 and recommend provision by the next General Assembly for a constitutional 
 conventionj or 
 
 The Democratic party advocates, and will endeavor to bring about, 
 an amendment to the present state constitution by striking from Section 2, 
 Article 14 of said constitution (known as the amending clause) the words: 
 "The General Assembly shall have no power to propose amendments to more 
 than one article of the constitution at the same session, nor to the same 
 article oftener than once in four years." 
 
 If said amendment be passed by the next Legislature it can be submitted 
 to the people for approval or disapproval by popular vote in November, 1916, 
 and if it can be approved by the people, as we are confident it will be, the 
 present constitution can be amended freely and quickly to meet all the demands 
 of modern progress. If a new constitutional convention be thereafter adopted, 
 (and it cannot be adopted under the provisions of the present constitution 
 until long after November, 1916,) this amendment to the present constitution 
 will probably be incorporated therein. If a new constitution is not adopted, 
 this amendment will enable the Legislature, from time to time, to propose any 
 and all amendments to the present constitution which may be demanded by the 
 people. 
 
 The so-called amending clause of the present constitution renders the 
 amendment of the constitution most difficult of attairanent. It has acted 
 as a rigid collar around the throat of the growing State of Illinois, and 
 prevented that constitution from responding to the demands of modern progress. 
 
 We reaffirm our belief that the constitution of this state should 
 provide for the initiation of legislation by the people themselves, and for 
 a popular vote by referendum upom legislation passed by the Legislature, 
 upon a demand therefore by a reasonable percentage of the people. We make 
 the reservation that in the enactment of a referendum amendment to the 
 constitution or initiative and referendum laws, no part of the state be 
 discriminated against. 
 
 We favor the abolition of the State Board of Equalization in the interests 
 of fair play in taxation and equity and justice and efficiency in the assessment 
 of taxable property, and we favor the substitution for the State Board of 
 Equalization, when defunct and out of existence, of a tax commission, clothed 
 with adequate power to properly classify the various forms of property and to 
 bring into the light property ^ich is now hidden and to assess all property 
 at a just and equitable valuation which now escapes taxation, the said com- 
 mas sion to be appointed by the Governor with the consent and approval of the 
 Senate, 
 
 We endorse the splendid State administration of the Democratic Governor, 
 Edward ?. Dunne, for its efficiency, its economy, its statesmanship, its 
 honesty, its steadfast adherence to sound and progressive principles, and 
 we congratulate Governor Dunne and the people of our State upon the great 
 
Democratic Platform of 1914 
 
 success he has achieved in the redemption of almost all of his platform 
 pledges J made previous to his triumphant election two years ago. 
 
 We are proud of the record made by the Democratic State adminis= 
 tration. 
 
 It has ratified the amendment to the federal constitution providing 
 for the election of United States Senators by the Direct vote of the people. 
 
 It has created a public utilities act under which a commission has 
 complete and absolute control of the great public utilities of the State, 
 and is enforcing rules and regulations for the thorough protection of the 
 people. 
 
 It has placed upon the statute books an act permitting every city 
 in the State of Illinois to own or operate or lease public utilities of 
 any and all descriptions. 
 
 It has authorized the employment of convicts in building public roads, 
 and pursuant to this act such convicts are now being generously utilized in 
 upbuilding the State highways. 
 
 It has authorized the founding of an epileptic colony for the care 
 of these unfortunates. 
 
 It has authorized the rotation of names upon the ballot for all State 
 officers. 
 
 It has created a Legislative Reference Bureau for the collection of 
 data on economic and sociological subjects for the purpose of furnishing 
 complete iaformation to the people and to members of the Legislature upon 
 all legislative topics. 
 
 It has created an Efficiency and Economy Committee that has been 
 assiduously engaged in devising methods for the consolidations of State 
 departments and commissions and procuring retrenchments of expenses. 
 
 It is building an entirely new State hospital to relieve the over- 
 crowded conditions of the other asylums or State hospitals with all possible 
 speed and desipatch. 
 
 It has placed upon the statute books the first practical road-making 
 law in the State of Illinois j and is vigorously engaged in the upbuilding 
 
 of the roads of the state. 
 
 It has enacted a law requiring the semi=monthly payment of wages and 
 salaries by all corporations in the state. 
 
 It has abolished the frauds and scandals in the fish and game depart- 
 ments, 3^d consolidated these departments so as to give sufficient fish and 
 game protection. 
 
 It has enacted an excellent workmen's compensation act, which provides 
 for definite reward to injured employees. 
 
 •100- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1914 
 
 It has amended the Mechanic's Lien law so as to give a subcontractor 
 a lien on a building for labor and material furnished. 
 
 It has enacted laws providing for greater safety in mining operations, 
 and has further developed the establishment of rescue stations to relieve 
 miners from the dangers incident to that great industry. 
 
 It has enacted a law permitting the organization of corporations for 
 loaning moriey by wage assignment and limiting the rate of interest or compen- 
 sation therefore. 
 
 It has placed upon the statute books a law which requires the owners 
 of coal mines, mills and foundries and other work-shops to maintain sanitary 
 washrooms, convenient to the place of employment, for the use of employees, 
 and passed many other laws in the interest of the whole people. 
 
 It has moreover changed the whole course of treatment for the wards 
 of the state. In the penal institutions, reform and not vengeance has been 
 the watchword. 
 
 Under the Democratic administration in the charitable institutions of 
 the state extensive building operations are now in progress, which will provide 
 adequate room for the patients and proper accommodations for the employees. 
 
 It has humanized and civilized the state institutions of Illinois by 
 abolishing corporal punishment in all those institutions having to do with 
 the care and training of children; by abolishing all mechanical restraint 
 and all brutality in the handling of the patients in the state hospitals, 
 and by adopting and instituting the eight hour system for the benefit of 
 the employees . 
 
 We demand of the next session of the General Assembly the reapportion- 
 ment of the state into Congressional, Senatorial and Judicial Districts that 
 will correct the inequalities and injustices of existing partisan Republican 
 apportionments . 
 
 It is a well established rule of common law that interest upon or 
 other accretions to a trust fund follow the trust. Public funds are trust 
 funds. Therefore all accretions and earnings or profits upon public funds, 
 whether in the form of interest on bank deposits or otherwise, belong by 
 right to the people for whom such public funds are held in trust, and every 
 resource of the law should be employed to compel all officers charged with 
 the care of public funds to account for and cover into the public treasury 
 all accretions to and earnings or profits on such funds. We demand immediate 
 legislation to facilitate enforcement of this simple rule of common law and 
 common honesty. 
 
 We favor immediate revision by the General Assembly of all civil 
 service laws now on the statute books to the end that the deficiencies, 
 ambiguities and absurdities of such laws be corrected; and we favor extension 
 of the revised civil service laws so as to make them applicable to the 
 employees of the Sanitary District of Chicago^ the clerk and bailiff of the 
 Municipal Court of Chicago and the Election Commission of Chicago. We favor 
 the extension of the civil service system and authority to all the offices 
 connected with the Municipal Courts and the county government of Cook County. 
 
 •101- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1914 
 
 We demand immediate legislation that will provide effective govern- 
 mental supervision and control of all persons, firms or corporations con- 
 ducting a bank or holding themselves out to the public as bankers, within 
 the State of Illinois. 
 
 We favor immediate legislation to provide for the election of all 
 judicial officers at a time when no other officers are to be elected. 
 
 We renew our demand for the passage of an adequate corrupt practices 
 
 act. 
 
 Establishment of a merchant marine, the restoration of the United 
 States to its rightfCil place among the maritime nations and the upbuilding 
 of our foreign trade go hand in hand. Our candidates for United States 
 Senator has taken an advanced position on these issues, and we hereby 
 heartily endorse his views and incorporate them as part of this platform. 
 
 Federal aid for the building of good roads has also been advocated 
 by our Senatorial candidate. We pledge him the support of the party in his 
 fight to obtain it. 
 
 SOURCE: Undocumented typewritten copy of complete text from the personal 
 collection of Professor Clarence A. Berdahl. 
 
 ■102- 
 
PROGRESSIVE PARTY PLATFORM OF 1914 
 (Adopted September 18, 1914) 
 
 The Progressive party of Illinois, again assembled in state convention 
 affirms anew the program of social justice, of economic progress and of fair 
 and "Permanent prosperity" which the party gave to the country in 1912. 
 
 We meet at a crucial moment. The "old parties" offer the state two 
 senatorial candidates smirched by franchise grabbing and the taint of legis- 
 lative conspiracy or corruption. The fact summons the citizenship of Illinois, 
 irrespective of party, to the support of Raymond Robins for United States 
 senator for the effective destruction of the political tradition that has 
 made Lorimerism a national disgrace. 
 
 Back of the standards of the reactionary leaders of the Republicans 
 and Democrats is a host of other candidates whose defeat the Progressives of 
 Illinois hereby pledge themselves to achieve. We enthusiastically pledge 
 our loyalty to the congressional, legislative and county nominees of the 
 Progressive party, asking in their behalf the support of all citizens who 
 wish to eradicate bossism and dishonesty from public office. 
 
 FACE VITAL ISSUES 
 
 In nation and state supreme issues confront us. 
 
 Nationally, the European war confronts us. Its disorganization of the 
 world's commerce, its revelation of our own lack of a merchant marine should 
 come as a summons to American commercial and agricultural enterprise and as 
 a vital proof of the need of sound economic legislation. 
 
 The Democratic party through extravagance in state and nation has made 
 it more difficult for us to meet this crisis. Nationally it has framed the 
 biggest appropriations that the country has known. The Democratic chairman 
 of the House appropriations committee has publicly accused his Democratic 
 colleagues of "piling up public expenditures until the Democratic party is 
 becoming the laughing stock of the country." In the Illinois legislature 
 the Democrats, through a Republican chairman of the House appropriations 
 committee, have surpassed all records for extravagance, despite their per- 
 sonal and platform pledges for economy, by doubling the rate of taxation. 
 
 ECONOMY DEMANDED 
 
 We demand a reduction in state appropriations. 
 
 We protest now against further consideration of the Democratic proposal 
 to pay $25,000,000 to Colombia to save the pride of a country which tried to 
 hold up the building of the world's water way known as the Panama Canal. 
 
 •103- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1914 
 
 Iventy years ago less than one-fourth of the breadwinners of this 
 country worked for a wage paid by others. Now, over one-half of the bread- 
 winners work for wages and 7,000,000 women and 2,000,000 children are enrolled 
 in the armies of industry. Half a million men hungered in our greatest 
 cities last winter. The whole condition proves that it is not enough for 
 the government to regulate relations between business enterprises; it must, 
 within wise limitations, not only control the strong but help the weak. 
 
 ASSEMBLY CRITICIZED 
 
 In the state the need for sound progress and sane reform is as great 
 as that need in Congress. The last general assembly of Illinois was controlled 
 by a reactionary bipartisan combine of Republicans and Democrats. Under this 
 leadership it killed the initiative and referendum bill, a measure overwhelmingly 
 demanded by vote of the people, it killed the resolution to submit to popular 
 vote the proposal for a constitutional convention; it killed the bill to permit 
 cities to have nonpartisan elections. 
 
 The same bipartisan combination, its Republican wing led by Senator 
 Lawrence Y. Sherman, elected to the all-powerful position of speaker of the 
 house a Sullivan Democrat. It killed the resolution to free the house from 
 secret domination of the speaker; it killed the bill to limit the hours of 
 women working in factories; it killed the bill for one day's rest in seven. 
 
 For all these reforms the Progressive members of the legislature fought, 
 just as they alone unitedly voted for woman suffrage, which was opposed by 
 Democratic and Republican reactionaries alike. 
 
 Finally, we emphasize the fact that the Progressive party program, in 
 both national and state legislatures, has been blocked and crippled by the 
 corrupt and shameless abuse of the systems of political machinery controlled 
 by the rings of the two old parties. 
 
 REFORMS ARE PLEDGED 
 
 In view of these conditions, be it therefore resolved, that the Pro- 
 gressives of Illinois declare the trust legislation of the Sixty-third 
 Congress inadequate, and pledge their candidates for the federal Senate 
 and House of Representatives to labor and to vote for the creation of a 
 comprehensive and powerful trade commission, as planned in the Murdock bills. 
 
 Resolved, that we also pledge these candidates to work and to vote 
 for the immediate creation of a permanent, expert, nonpartisan tariff com- 
 mission to advise Congress upon all tariff changes, especially those rendered 
 wise by the great economic consequences of the European war. 
 
 -104- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1914 
 
 CONGRESS HELD LAX 
 
 Resolved, that we pass vigorous criticism upon the Democratic majority 
 in the Sixty-third Congress for its refusal to legislate for the prohibition 
 of child labor, for the investigation of the need for social insurance and 
 for the creation of a federal employment bureau; and that our party hereby 
 pledges its candidates for the two houses of Congress to legislate to these 
 ends and for other legislation to meet the increasing needs and opportunities 
 of the farmer and. the wage worker. 
 
 Resolved, that we pledge these candidates to work for a powerful navy, 
 adequate to the strategic requirements of a seaboard protection and best 
 gained by a naval program of not less than three battleships a year until 
 such time as the great powers of the world can be federated into an inter- 
 national court with international police to preserve the principle of arbitra- 
 tion of disputes between nations; and that our members of congress be instructed 
 to aid international disarmament by every means in their power in the interests 
 of the larger well-being of mankind. 
 
 NEEDS OF ILLINOIS 
 
 In view of the conditions in Illinois, as set forth above, be it also 
 resolved, that a constitutional convention to revise the archaic state con- 
 stitution of 1870 is the greatest need of Illinois today. 
 
 Resolved, that the complete enfranchisement of women, the initiative, 
 referendum and recall, the short ballot and minority representation all cry 
 for a constitutional convention, and that we pledge all of our legislative 
 candidates to work for it. 
 
 Resolved, that we hereby especially and expressly pledge our nominees 
 to work for the initiative and referendum. 
 
 Resolved, that we pledge our state candidates to work and to vote for 
 such house rules as may limit the powers of the speaker exclusively to those 
 of presiding officer; to vote to elect the committee on rules from the floor 
 of the house, and to confer upon that committee the power either to select 
 or to nominate for confirmation by the house all standing committees. 
 
 Resolved, that we further pledge our members of the legislature to 
 require and provide for the prompt appraisal of the property values of the 
 statewide utility combinations, notably the McKinley traction system and the 
 so-called "Insull group," to show what difference there be, if any, between 
 capitalization and actual value. 
 
 Resolved, that we pledge the Progressive legislators to throw all 
 their strength to strengthen the merit system in the civil service against 
 the reactionary attacks made upon it by the Democrats in the last few years, 
 and to extend civil service to Cook County, the Chicago sanitary district 
 and the Chicago Municipal courts. 
 
 -105- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1914 
 
 CHICAGO HOME RULE 
 
 Resolved, that this convention recommend that the general assembly 
 give to the City of Chicago the power to regulate the public utility trust 
 within its borders, without prejudice, however, to what may prove to be the 
 sound policy for the control of similar utilities in the smaller cities. 
 
 Resolved, that we favor reform in the methods of legal procedure, so 
 that technical requirements shall not unreasonably delay the suitor's demand 
 for relief. 
 
 Resolved, we demand the passage of an entirely new drainage act, simple, 
 direct and concise in its provision and equally protective of the rights of 
 property owners and of those requiring organized drainage. 
 
 NONPARTISAN BENCH 
 
 Resolved, that we favor the enactment of a law, subject to the refer- 
 endum of the people, providing for the nonpartisan nomination and election 
 of all county, municipal and judicial officers. 
 
 Resolved, that in addition to the foregoing we pledge our party and 
 its representatives to bring into actual legislative effect these further 
 principles from our platform of 1912: 
 
 Rural credit for farmers. 
 
 Living wage standards for women to be established by wage boards. 
 
 Eight-hour day for women industrial workers. 
 
 Secret primaries. 
 
 Abolition of contract labor in prisons. 
 
 TO PROTECT WORKERS 
 
 Creation of standards for compensation for death and injury in industry. 
 
 A system of social insurance especially adapted to American conditions.. 
 
 Continuation schools for industrial education of youth. 
 
 State supervision of private banks. 
 
 "Blue sky" law to protect the public from fictitious stocks and bonds. 
 
 More experiment stations and agricultural contests. 
 
 Abolition of state board of equalization and creation of an appointive 
 tax commission. 
 
 •106- 
 
Progressive Party Platform of 1914 
 
 Finally, be it resolved, that the state committee be and hereby is 
 instructed immediately to require of all Progressive candidates for Congress 
 or the general assembly a signed pledge to support the measures introduced 
 in fulfillment of the program herein set forth, or to declare publicly and 
 in writing those which they propose to oppose. 
 
 SOURCE: Undocumented typewritten copy of complete text from the personal 
 collection of Professor Clarence A. Berdahl. 
 
 ■107- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1916 
 
 Summary of 1916 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Prohibition and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Charles E. Hughes 
 
 1,152,549 
 
 
 435,695 
 
 
 716,854 
 
 64 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Woo drew Wilson 
 
 950,229 
 
 
 379,438 
 
 
 570,791 
 
 38 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Frank 0. Lowden 
 
 696,535 
 
 
 258,051 
 
 
 438,484 
 
 79 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Edward F. Dunne 
 
 556,654 
 
 
 241 , 249 
 
 
 315,405 
 
 23 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 72.5% 
 
 
 2, 
 
 .3% 
 
 25 
 
 .2% 
 
 957 
 
 Democratic 
 
 64.27o 
 
 
 16, 
 
 .77. 
 
 19 
 
 .17o 
 
 2496 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1915-1916 
 
 The General Assembly of 1915 passed a measure providing a maximum hour and 
 minimum wage law for women. The legislature appropriated $5 million for the 
 University of Illinois and it was considered probably the largest sum ever appro- 
 priated in one year to a single institution of higher education in the country. 
 Other measures passed regulated lobbying, provided for the collection of vital 
 statistics, and revised the budget system. 
 
 Republican William Hale Thompson won the 1915 Chicago mayoral election by 
 a plurality of 139,000, the largest plurality ever polled by the successful candi- 
 date for mayor of Chicago. The Republicans also elected the remainder of the city 
 ticket, including city treasurer, city clerk and judge of the municipal court| 
 about one-half of the aldermen elected were Republicans or Progressives. 
 
 Forces headed by former Republican governor Charles Deneen, which had 
 dominated the state party since 1904, were overthrown by an alliance of Mayor 
 Thompson, Senator Sherman and Frank 0. Lowden. Thompson became national committee- 
 man and Lowden won the gubernatorial nomination easily. 
 
 Progressives and Republicans umited behind candidate Charles Evans Hughes 
 and Progressive strength in the legislature dropped to one senator and two repre- 
 sentatives. The Illinois congressional delegation stood at 21 Republicans and 6 
 Democrats, compared with 17 Republicans and 10 Democrats in the previous Congress. 
 
 In April, 1915, 16,000 union carpenters went on strike in Chicago, demanding 
 an increase in wages from 65«? to 70c per hour. More than 120,000 workers in the 
 building trades were idled. The state counted 75 strikes for the year, ranking it 
 fifth in the nation. 
 
 ■109- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1916 
 (Adopted September 19, 1916) 
 
 The republicans of Illinois , assembled in convention at Peoria, this 
 19th day of September, 1916, hereby declare their fealty to the principles 
 of the republican party. These principles are essential to orderly, econ- 
 omical government, and to the advancement, prosperity and contentment of 
 our people. 
 
 We welcome the evidence of the Maine election that there are joined 
 together not only republicans and progressives who parted company four years 
 ago, but other citizens who are determined to give to the country a govern- 
 ment which, respecting the rights of others, itself will compel respect. 
 
 We favor a further limitation of the legal hours of labor for women. 
 
 PARTY UNITED 
 
 The republicans of the nation present a solid front, unbroken by 
 internal dissention, as evidenced by the united vote of the republicans 
 and progressives of Maine. They are working to the er.d of giving the 
 country a government which respecting the rights of others, will itself 
 compel respect. 
 
 NATIONAL PLATFORM APPROVED 
 
 We approve the republican national platform adopted June 16, 1916, and 
 pledge our hearty and earnest support to Charles Evans Hughes and Charles 
 Warren Fairbanks. 
 
 DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION DENOUNCED 
 
 Four years ago Governor Dunne made two issues prominent in his 
 campaign. He charged that appropriations of $29,000,000 for the biennium 
 were extravagant, and that taxes under the republican administration were 
 extortionate, and promised to reduce both taxation and appropriations if 
 he were elected. 
 
 Under his administration, taxes have been fifty per cent higher 
 than under the preceding republican administration and the aggregate 
 appropriations for his term of office have been $37,000,000 more than for 
 the last four years of the last republican state administration. 
 
 To appreciate the significance of these figures, they must be 
 analyzed. They mean an increase in taxation for state purpose of $9,063,141 
 per year, $24,830 per day, or $1,000 per hour. 
 
 -110- 
 
Republican Platform of 1916 
 
 Governor Dunne, in 1912, also charged that the civil service law, 
 as administered, was a "fake." A democratic attorney general assailed the 
 law in the courts. Its integrity has been violated. It has been shame- 
 lessly perverted for political purposes, thereby disorganizing the public 
 service. 
 
 The present democratic state administration has caused losses of 
 hundreds of thousands of dollars to the livestock and agricultural 
 interests by the incompetent handling of the foot and mouth disease 
 epidemic. 
 
 It has demoralized the charitable, penal and reformatory institutions 
 by filling them with incompetent employes wasting the state's funds and 
 neglecting tte care of the state's wards. 
 
 CO MPARISONS WELCOMED 
 
 We welcome comparisons between the present democratic state admin- 
 istration and the last republican state administrations. The last republi- 
 can state administration was constructive in the advancement of the state's 
 interests and development of its resources, the protecting of the welfare 
 of its citizens in their various lines of industry, was efficient in its 
 administration of its state departments and institutions and businesslike 
 and economical in its management of the state's finances. 
 
 TAXATION. ECONOMY. EFFICIENCY 
 
 The question of administrative reorganization, the imposition of 
 taxes and the expenditure of the public funds are vital and important. To 
 check inefficiency and extravagance, and to create a more energetic and 
 responsible government, we favor: 
 
 1. The adoption of the constitutional amendment submitted by the 
 last general assembly providing for the classification of personal property 
 for the purposes of taxation. 
 
 2. The enactment of such legislation as will make the constitutional 
 amendment effective should it be adopted. 
 
 3. A complete revision of the revenue law, consolidating the various 
 independent confliction statutes into one act; 
 
 4. The creation of a financial and accounting system whereby a 
 rigorous and effective audit and account over financial expenditures may be 
 established; 
 
 5. The consolidation of the boards, institutions and different 
 departments, thereby eliminating useless and unnecessary offices and posi- 
 tions, avoiding overlapping functions and increasing efficiency; 
 
 6. The creation of an effective executive budget system. 
 
 -Ill- 
 
Republican Platform of 1916 
 
 We favor the reorganization of the state government along the line of 
 the general principles laid down in the report of the economy and efficiency 
 commission. 
 
 REVISION OF EI£CTION LAWS 
 
 We favor a revision and consolidation of the primary and election 
 law thereby reducing the number and frequency of elections and curtailing 
 the expense and cost thereof. We likewise favor the enactment of a cor- 
 rupt practices act and a law enabling those citizens to register and vote 
 whose occupation necessitates their absence from home on registration and 
 election days. 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 
 
 We favor prompt action by the general assembly to secure the calling 
 of a constitutional convention to revise the constitution of 1870, 
 
 PL3LIC L^ILITIES 
 
 We favor the law creating the state public utilities commission for 
 the purpose of authorizing and supervising all land and stock issues of 
 public utility corporations and the general regulation of public utilities. 
 We also favor local control of such utilities for the city of Chicago and 
 favor legislation to that end. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 Great as is Illinois industry, the agricultural and livestock interests 
 of the state are our largest resource. We favor gathering up the scattered 
 and unrelated agencies of the state government pertaining to agriculture, and 
 substituting in their place a department of agriculture with a competent and 
 trained man at its head. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The republican party has always been solicitous of the health, comfort 
 and safety of those engaged in industrial occupations. The true text of a 
 country's greatness is the lot in life of the average men and women--the men 
 and women of the ^op and factory and of the farm. These are they who carry 
 on the work of civilization, and a nation is strong in proportion to their 
 well-being. Whatever permanently improves their lot in life is best for all 
 and best for the state. Illinois must not lag behind other great industrial 
 states in legislation to secure the health and well-being of men and women 
 employed in industry or to secure the schooling and training of children. 
 
 -112- 
 
Republican Platform of 1916 
 
 CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 The principles of civil service is firmly established. The present 
 state law is inadequate. It should be strengthened and extended. We favor 
 a comprehensive civil service law for Cook county, for the sanitary district 
 of Chicago and for the municipal court of Chicago. 
 
 PRIVATE BANKS 
 
 We favor state supervision of private banks. 
 
 WOMAN SUFFRAGE 
 
 We favor extension of full suffrage to women. 
 
 CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS 
 
 The highest efficiency possible will be promoted and maintained in 
 our charitable institutions. Those institutions will be restored to the 
 high plane of efficiency and merit established by former republican admin- 
 istrations. 
 
 NOMINEES ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse and ratify the nominations of the republican party made 
 at the primaries on September 13, 1916. 
 
 APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE 
 
 To bring to an end the wastefulness, extravagance, and inefficiency 
 which have characterized the present democratic administration; to give to 
 the people of Illinois an efficient administration, and to restore the 
 efficiency and economy of republican administrations, we call upon the 
 voters of Illinois to rally to the support of the republican candidates, so 
 that this great task, of such vital interest to the people, may be accom- 
 plished. 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois State Register . September 20, 1916. 
 
 •113- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1916 
 (Adopted September 26, 1916) 
 
 The Democratic party of Illinois, represented in state convention at 
 Springfield this 26th day of September, felicitates the state and nation 
 upon the extraordinary progress of the last three and one-half years under 
 the leadership of our democratic president and governor. 
 
 Facing a campaign in which, more sharpley than ever before, is 
 drawn the old issues of the people against privilege, we review with pride 
 and confidence the things accomplished and give, on the security of past 
 faith well kept, our pledge for the future. 
 
 INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS 
 
 Under Woodrow Wilson the democratic national administration has 
 solved international problems as difficult and dangerous as we ever en- 
 countered, in the greatest crisis of our history. Alone among the great 
 nations of the world, we are at peace, thanks to which our wealth has 
 increased amazingly, our commerce has expanded beyond all previous bounds, 
 and our prestige among nations and influence in preserving precious prin- 
 ciples of hijimanity, threatened by the world war, are a source of pride and 
 thankfulness to all loyal Americans. 
 
 THE MEXICAN PARTY 
 
 In dealing with the republic of Mexico, resisting powerful demands 
 for a war of conquest, insisting upon extending to this unhappy people the 
 same right of self-government for which our fathers fought, Woodrow Wilson 
 has set an example to the world and proved that the United States of America, 
 \*iatever the temptations to easy plunder, stands firmly for the great prin- 
 ciples on which our nation was founded. "Liberty for all men, the weak as 
 well as the strong." 
 
 DOMESTIC ACHIEVEMENTS 
 
 Grave international crises have not distracted attention from domestic 
 affairs. The democratic national administration has put in effect a program 
 of financial, economic, social, political and military reform which has never 
 been equaled. We name only the chief measures which have been enacted by 
 this administration. 
 
 Financial -- The Federal Reserve law, abolishing panics and creating 
 a democracy in American finances. 
 
 The Rival Credits law, emancipating the farmer from loan slavery. 
 
 Political — -Direct election of United States senators--an epoch- 
 making advance in popular government. 
 
 Social -- The eight hour law, which averted a railroad strike that 
 threatened disaster to the whole country and recognized as justice to labor 
 this reasonable standard for a day's work. 
 
 -115- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1916 
 
 The Child Labor law, which destroys that indefensible evil. 
 
 The Clayton Bill, which removes human labor from the classification 
 
 of the. nere commodity. 
 
 EcoBsnic ->- Revision of the tariff downward, ending an intolerable 
 
 tax levied by special privilege oa the common people. 
 
 The Ir^come Tax, which places the burden of govermnent on those most 
 
 beaiefited. 
 
 The Trace Commissicsi, which has dispelled confusicrL in government 
 
 supervlgioiB cf business. 
 
 The Tariff Commission, to replace politics and favoritism with 
 scientific irivestigation in tariff adjustment. 
 
 Military preparedness on a sufficient scale for the protection of 
 oar coaatry against foreign aggression, by modernising and greatly increasing 
 our army, a-nd adopting a building program which will give us an invincible 
 
 mavjg all of which are cordially endorsed by this convention, 
 
 A I'LSDGE AND WAMZmG 
 
 In its legislative program, its diplomatic conquests and administrative 
 
 refosTOS, the present national administration has given overwhelming proof of 
 ability to safeguard the hoaor and increase the prestige of our country among 
 other nations, to advance the cause of social justice and economic reform 
 wtthiii our own borders, to increase the efficiency of government, to abstain 
 from ths temptation cf conquest, and to preserve, the most precious of all 
 booiis to a civilized community, peace with honor. 
 
 We therefore pledge to Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Riley Marshall the 
 unaainous aipport of the democratic party of Illinois for re-election in 
 1916 5 we invite independent voters and those of other parties who desire a 
 coatiniii£ffice of our present remarkable prosperity and progress, to join in 
 their support, and we solemnly warn our fellow citizens of the disasters that 
 loom ahead if the present wise policies are abandoned in favor of the false 
 ideals of militarism, conquest and the glorification of war. 
 
 SEMATORS AND CONGRESSMEN 
 
 We commend the record of the democratic senator of Illinois, James 
 Hamilton Lewis, and express pride in the loyal and able support he has given 
 to our national administration. We commend the democratic members of congress 
 from Illinois for their support of the president and his legislative and all 
 
 other programs. 
 
 THE STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We turn tc- the record of our democratic state officers with pride in 
 accomplishments not equalled by any administration in the state's history. 
 
 _i ^a.. 
 
Democratic Flatform of 1916 
 
 !^ 
 
 Under the leadership of Governor Edward t'^ Dunne, Illinois has made a greater 
 advance in three and one half years than in any like period in the state's 
 history. 
 
 We cordially endorse and ratify the nominations of the democratic party 
 made at the primaries September 13, 1916c 
 
 CONTROL OF APPROPRIATIONS 
 
 Due to an outrageous republican gerrymander, the democratic party 
 has been denied control of the state legislature in both sessions of this 
 administration. In exercising the only club he possessed, that of veto, 
 Governor Dunne has reduced excessive appropriations passed by the republicans 
 to the extent of his power. Thinking to deceive the voters the republican 
 party has sought to make an issue of increased appropriations, but the 
 fallacy of this attempt to evade their clear responsibility for all appro- 
 priations passed, is shown by the fact that the republican party was in con- 
 trol of both houses of the legislature which made the appropriations and 
 that the author of the plank denouncing the appropriations was the chairman 
 of the senate committee which absolutely controlled them. 
 
 We call on the people to resent this attempt at deceit and we demand 
 that the law be changed to give the responsible executive head of the state 
 government greater latitude to veto expenditures whick he deems unwise. 
 
 Governor Dunne has obtained an enactment of two-thirds of the program 
 recommended by him in his inaugural message. We call special attention to 
 accomplishments of this administration. 
 
 Public Utilities -~ Creation of a Commission which has abolished 
 railroad passes, reduced gas, telephone and electric rates to thousands, 
 established higher service standards, abolished watered stocks, revolu- 
 tionised conditions in the enormous public service monopolies, and estab= 
 lished just regulations in the interest of the whole people. 
 
 Good roads-- Enactment of a law and its enforcement so that the era 
 of impassable roads has been ended in Illinois and $2,000,000 already 
 expended in constructing, without suspicion of graft, and with the best 
 scientific supervision, a system of state-aid roads which will be of incal- 
 culable value to the state. 
 
 Political Reforms — Ratification of the direct election of senators; 
 amendments of primary law providing for the rotation of the names of candidates 
 upon the ballot. 
 
 Labor -- Creation of the industrial board to administer the workingmen's 
 compensation act, under which more than $4,000,000 has been awarded to injured 
 workingmen without delay or expense, reorganization of the free employment 
 agencies, with immediate and remarkable improvements in their efficiency; 
 enactment of numerous laws for safety in mines and factories, and establish- 
 ment of new mine rescue stations; enactment of a semi-monthly pay law. 
 
 Health -= Through strict enforcement of laws, everything possible 
 has been done to preserve and protect the health of the people of the state. 
 
 -117- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1916 
 
 Budget Reform -•=■ Creation of the legislative reference bureau, which 
 
 replaces partisan argumeEts with exact information on legislative matters 
 aad preseaited to the last legislature a budget, giving the first detailed 
 and coEE'iparative analysis of appropriations requests and estimated revenues 
 
 ever placed before the legislature. 
 
 Prisoiffl Reform =- Enactment of a law permitting convicts to work on 
 roads aad I'flitroduction to the honor system in the state prisons and reforma- 
 tory. Under Governor Dunne's administration the following reforms have 
 baen put in force; 
 
 State Charitable Institutions == Extensive physical rehabilitation, 
 irxluding the erection of two new institutions; introduction of the 8-hour 
 days, vacation and one day's rest in seven for attendents and nurses; 
 abolition of physical restraint for the insane; abolition of corporal 
 
 punishment in schools and juvenile homes. 
 
 Efficiency and Economy -= Consolidation of the inefficient and 
 wasteful fish and game departments in a single game and fish conservation 
 
 coEsmissionij and creation of state department of printing with huge saving 
 in noEiey; preparation by the efficiency and economy commission of a complete 
 program for reorganization of state departments $ v*iich was recommended by 
 thegtjvemor to the republican legislature but was rejected by the latter. 
 
 Equal Suffrage ■=•= Enactment of a law giving suffrage to iromen to the 
 
 largest extent possible without a constitutional amendment. 
 
 Tax Refoirm -- Submission of a constitutional amendment revising the 
 
 present system of taxation of personal property. 
 
 DEEP M».TERW^.I 
 
 Governor Dunne has recommended to the legislature and secured the 
 passage of a law universally demanded by the business interests of the 
 state which will open to commerce the sixteen hundred miles of waterway 
 betwesn Chicago and the Gulf of Mexico by canalizing to the same depth 
 as the Mississippi between Grafton and Cairo, the Illinois river between 
 Lockpart and Utica thus enabling the state of Illinois to avail itself 
 of the advantages offered to the Mississippi Valley by the construction 
 opening to commerce of the Panama Canal. 
 
 Civil Service -■= We indorse the honest enforcement of the state 
 
 civil service law, so much in contrast with the record of the republican 
 administration in Chicago; and we favor the extension of the state law and 
 the enactment of civil service statutes applying to the employes of Cook 
 coointy and the Chicago Sanitary district and the Municipal Court of Chicago, 
 
 APPRQPRBTIOi?S 
 
 We believe in democracy in public education and we believe in educa- 
 tion for damocracy. Under our most excellent form of government, where 
 every person is a voter and where every voter is a ruler, it is absolutely 
 necessary that all children be educated to have a broad general culture, 
 trained minds, and the ability to think for themselves, as well as some 
 
Democratic Platform of 1916 
 
 special training to fit them for their work in life. Therefore, we believe 
 that the public school system should be liberally supported in order that 
 all children may have equal opportunities to become educated for all the 
 duties of citizenship. The record of the present state administration as 
 related to the public school system is to be commended. Many constructive 
 laws have been enacted to adjust the school system to the rapidly changing 
 social, industrial and economic condition in the state, and the financial 
 support given to public education during the present administration has 
 been much more generous than in any preceding administration. For instance 
 in the last four years $8,000,000 to $16,000,000. We promise a continued 
 liberal attitude toward the public schools. During this administration 
 the total increases for educational purposes including the common schools, 
 the State University and the State normal schools was $13,000,000. In 
 addition to this increase it was necessary to appropriate $2,000,000 to 
 reimburse farmers for their losses occasioned by the foot and mouth diseases, 
 $500,000 for a new state hospital for the insane, $1,000,000 for an epileptic 
 colony, $1,000,000 a year for the construction of good roads, $500,000 for 
 flood sufferers, in Southern Illinois and to construct new levees, and 
 $1,360,000 more for armories than during the eight years of Governor Deneen's 
 administration. 
 
 PLEDGES FOR FUTURE 
 
 With these accomplishments as proof of good faith we pledge our 
 candidates to the support of the following measures; the initiative and 
 referendum, the shorter ballot and a larger measure of home rule for 
 municipalities; and particularly to home rule for Chicago, which has so 
 many problems peculiar to the great city. 
 
 WOMAN SUFFRAGE 
 
 "We, the delegates of the democratic party in convention assembled, 
 express our belief in the fundamental principles of equal rights to all. 
 Be it therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we favor the full suffrage of women," 
 
 We advocate legislation which will compel the sleeping car companies 
 operating in Illinois to pay their employes a sufficient wage to protect 
 the traveling public from the tribute levied under the present system. 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 
 
 We favor and demand provision by the next general assembly for a 
 constitutional convention and pending the adoption of a new constitution, 
 the democratic party advocates and will endeavor to bring about an amendment 
 to the present state constitution by striking from section 2, article 14 
 of said constitution (known as the amending clause) the words: "The 
 general assembly shall have no power to propose amendments to more than 
 one article of the constitution at the same session, nor to the same 
 article oftener than once in four years." 
 
 -119- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1916 
 
 If said ameEdment be passed by the next legislature it can be submitted 
 to the people for approval or disapproval by popular vote in November, 1918, 
 £n.d if it be approved by the people, feb*. present constitution can be amended 
 freely and quickly to meet all the demands of modern progress. If a new 
 
 constitution convention be therefore adopted;, this amendment to the present 
 cor.stitution will probably be incorporated therein. If a new constitution 
 is mot adopted, this amendment will enable the legislatures from time to 
 
 timej to propose any and all amendments to the present constitution which 
 may he. demaaded by the people. 
 
 TAX AMENME?fI 
 
 We favor the constitution amendment relating to the taxation of 
 persosial property and urge its adoption by the voters at the election on 
 November 7$ in order that our antiquated tax laws may be revised upon a 
 more modern and equitable basis, and the burdens of taxation more justly 
 distributed than is possible uiider existing constitutional restrictions. 
 
 INVISIBLE 'GOVERNMENT 
 
 We view with grave apprehension the efforts of the large corporate 
 interests to govern the affairs of the people of Illinois at the State 
 capitol. As evidence of this we would point to the enormous expenditure of 
 money in behalf of Col. Lowden, the successful republican candidate in the 
 late primary campaign. A sum prodigal beyond all reasoii and in violation 
 of the spirit and purpose of the Primary Law, which, was designed to give 
 the people a free hand in the choice of their candidates,, We ask from 
 whence came this great fund, many times in excess of the amount necessary to 
 place the candidates qualifications for high office before the people? 
 
 We invite a careful scrutiny of this candidate's relations to great 
 corporate interests, with which the public is directly concerned. 
 
 We call the attention of the people to the fact that the republican 
 candidate for governor is in intimate association with many corporate 
 interests Aich require the constant vigilance of the state authorities 
 to regulate and control in order to protect the people against oppression. 
 The men backing and directing his candidacy are admittedly at the head of 
 the institutions ^.ich control the meat packing, grain and railway inter- 
 ests of this state and practically of the country. 
 
 CORRUPT FMCTIGES 
 
 We renew our demand for the passage of an adequate corrupt practices 
 act. Without such a law the direct primary has become a rich man's game. 
 
 If the precedent set by the republican candidates for governor during 
 the recent primary is to be followed in the future it will be almost impossible 
 for any man other than a millionaire to conduct a campaign with any prospect 
 
 of success. 
 
 We demand the enactment of legislation limiting the expenditure of 
 money by candidates and requiring the publication of expenditures both before 
 and after the primary and election. 
 
 -120- 
 
Demecratic Platform of 1916 
 
 PRIVATE BANKS 
 
 We fav©r the enactment of laws placing private banks under the 
 supervisien of the state. 
 
 PDRLIC INTEREST 
 
 We favor immediate legislation to provide for the election of all 
 judicial officers by direct vote of the people and at a time when no other 
 officers are to be elected. 
 
 We enthusiastically commend the progressive laws enacted during the 
 present administration for the development of highways of the state and the 
 energetic enforcement of the la\7s by the state high\«iy commission and the 
 governor. 
 
 We demand the extension of the law relating to the rotation of names 
 upon the ballot to all elective offices. 
 
 We demand a reduction in the cost and frequency of registration and 
 election. TTie election laws of this state should be revised so as to bring 
 about this much needed reform and secure if possible the holding of only 
 one election anywhere each and every year. 
 
 The budget system put in effect for the first time in the history of 
 the state under the present democratic administration should be further 
 developed and scientifically perfected. 
 
 We favor the enactment of laws for the consolidating of the different 
 commissions of the state as recommended in the report of the efficiency and 
 ecoRomy commission. 
 
 We favor the construction of a new and additional asylum for the care 
 and custody of the feeble-minded and mental defectives, who constitute a 
 menace to society and are a source of danger to the community, said asylum 
 to be located in close proximity to the city of Chicago Lincoln School and 
 Colony to serve the rest of the state in this important particular. 
 
 We condemn the present system of selecting the members and perfecting 
 the organization of the state board of agriculture and denounce it as im- 
 practicable, undemocratic, and neither of, for or by the people. It should 
 be audited regularly in a business-like manner. Illinois is easily th« 
 first and leading state in the American union in agriculture and we favor 
 advanced methods in conserving the resources and promoting the efficiency 
 of the agricultural industry. Our state government is entitled to a depart- 
 ment of agriculture consolidating the different agricultural agencies of 
 the state which should be responsive to our agricultural needs, amenable 
 to the people and which will co-operate with the constituted authorities 
 to secure the best results. Members of the board of agriculture should 
 either be elected by the people or appointed by the governor with the 
 consent of the senate. 
 
 We favor legislation enabling members of the Illinois national guard 
 and other citizens whose occupations are of an itinerant character, to 
 
 -121- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1916 
 
 register and vote when unavoidably absent from their regular voting places, 
 on registration and election days. 
 
 In harmony with the spirit of democracy which has always endeavored 
 
 to secure for the laboring man and woman decent and safe surroundings, we 
 
 favor an eight hour day for all men and women engaged in industrial non- 
 agricultural enterprises as a legal day's work. 
 
 We recommend that the workmen's compensation act be made compulsory 
 upon all employers within the scope of the present act. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Register . September 27, 1916, 
 
 -122- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1918 
 
 Summary of 1918 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Prohibition and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Medill McCormick 
 
 480,367 
 
 158,883 
 
 
 321,484 
 
 82 
 
 Democratic James H. Lewis 
 
 427,843 
 
 201,219 
 
 
 226,624 
 
 20 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i -publican Fred E. Sterling 
 
 506,038 
 
 181,965 
 
 
 324,073 
 
 85 
 
 Democratic James J. Brady 
 
 364,235 
 
 162,880 
 
 
 201,355 
 
 17 
 
 Platforr.i (,■ '. ent State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No. Words 
 
 Republican 29.2% 
 
 35 
 
 .9% 
 
 34 
 
 .8% 
 
 2012 
 
 Democratic 21.1% 
 
 40, 
 
 .47, 
 
 38 
 
 .57, 
 
 1805 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1917-1918 
 
 State government reorganization was accomplished in 1917 when the legislature 
 adopted the Civil Administrative Code. Over a hundred boards and agencies were 
 abolished and in their place were to be nine code departments, directors of which 
 were to be appointed by the governor. 
 
 The 1917 General Assembly also passed the following legislation: The 
 question of whether a constitutional convention should be called was to be sub- 
 mitted to the voters at the next election. Penalties were provided for the 
 pollution or poisoning of the water supply of the state. The exhibition of books 
 and pictures exciting race or religious prejudices was forbidden. Election laws 
 were amended so that a candidate could not, in return for support, pledge himself 
 to support or oppose any particular measure; fine, imprisonment or forfeiture of 
 office were the penalties provided. A law was passed providing for the combination 
 of schools and school districts in such a way as to best serve the needs of the 
 communities affected. 
 
 A race riot broke out suddenly in East St. Louis on June 8, 1917, killing 
 29 persons. Reportedly precipitated by opposition to the emigration of many 
 Negroes from the South to work in war-stimulated industries in the St. Louis area, 
 indictments were brought against the East St. Louis mayor and 104 others. The 
 jury reported the riots were deliberately plotted and that police could have 
 prevented them. 
 
 The Supreme Court of the United States in 1918 handed down a decision in 
 a case that arose under the Dramshop Act of Illinois, declaring that saloon 
 keepers were responsible for liquor sold. 
 
 ■123- 
 
REPUBLICAN PIATFORM OF 1918 
 (Adopted September 20, 1918) 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois, assembled in convention at Springfield 
 this twentieth day c£ September, A.D. 1918, again renews its pledge of loyalty 
 and devotion to the country, for nearly sixty prosperioos years Republican 
 policies dominated the Nation. In every national peril its allegiance to the 
 ideals c£ the Republic has been unfaltering and its loyalty unquestioned. 
 
 THE WAR 
 
 We are engaged in the greatest war of all time--a war of the people, 
 of all the people and not a war of any party. We are fighting, on our side, 
 for democracy, for justice, and for righteousness, and, above all, we are 
 fighting for the very existence of our Nation and our institutions. The 
 supreme duty of every individual, of every political party, of every in- 
 strumentality is to help to win the war as speedily as possible. To this 
 end all our resources of men and materials are being marshaled. In this 
 undertaking there must be no divided counsels. Nor must we be misled or 
 blinded by any peace offensive conducted by the Central Powers. To be 
 inveigled into an inconclusive peace by an offer to surrender their con- 
 quests in the west, leaving them in possession of the territories they 
 have seized by force and fraud on their eastern front, is to be faithless to 
 the memory of every soldier who has given his life in this war for humanity. 
 We must resist all overtures for an inconclusive peace with as stern and 
 resolute courage as that with which our soldiers are opposing the armies of 
 the Central Empires on the battlefronts . There can be no peace, but only 
 a truce, until thepower of the military autocracy which rules the Central 
 Empires is broken forever. Any faltering by us now is to sacrifice our 
 children end their children to the remotest generation for a few years respite 
 for ourselves. The Republican party demands that the war be prosecuted un- 
 relentingly and with vigor until a complete and overwhelming defeat is admin- 
 istered to the arms of the Central Powers. The only peace that will satisfy 
 the country will be a peace dictated by ourselves and our allies. To this 
 end, the Republican party of Illinois pledges itself unqualifiedly. 
 
 WAR POWERS FOR WAR PURPOSES 
 
 In waging war it is a matter of military necessity to centralize 
 powers, autocratic if necessary, in the executive authority, subjecting the 
 citizens, his life, his liberty and his property to the will of the Govern- 
 ment, but such powers must be used for war purposes only; and any use of 
 such powers, directly or indirectly, in furtherance of partisan ends, or as 
 a means of economic propaganda, is a gross and unwarranted violation of 
 good faith, and an abuse of a sacred trust. 
 
 •124- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 FINANCING WAR 
 
 The people have subscribed billions of dollars for bonds and will 
 pay other billions under the largest tax bill in our history. The time has 
 come to demand that the immense sums loaned and exacted be expended wisely, 
 efficiently and economically, without waste or extravagance and to that 
 end we demand that a definite and concrete program be adopted to finance 
 the war. 
 
 REPUBLICANS SUPPORT OF WAR 
 
 We applaud our representatives in congress who have stood unflinchingly 
 by the government in the prosecution of this war. Ours is the only self- 
 governing nation among the allies which, during this war, has not been 
 governed by a coalition of all the parties. Notwithstanding that the Repub- 
 lican party has been denied any share in the conduct of our government it 
 has given frequent evidence of its superior patriotism and statesmanship by 
 supporting, in and out of congress, every measure which those in authority 
 have held necessary for the success of our cause. The outstanding achievement 
 of the government, in the prosecution of the war, is the enactment of the 
 Selective Service law, which was passed only with the aid and support of 
 Republican members of congress. 
 
 CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 
 
 In this supreme crisis of our Nation's life, the test of loyalty of 
 every Republican to his party is loyalty to the country. The Republican 
 party could not be true to its history and traditions with any other test of 
 Republicanism. But it does not follow that Republicans should refrain from 
 all criticism. The test of legitimate criticism in time of war is: Will 
 such criticism, by pointing out faults and mistakes, help, by the correction 
 of such faults and mistakes, to win the war? If such criticism will accomplish 
 this result, it is not only our right but it is our duty to make such criticism. 
 Any criticism, however, which will not stand this test should be held in abeyancf 
 while we are at war. 
 
 RECONSTRUCTION 
 
 We were unprepared for war. We must prepare for peace. The problems 
 of readjustment and reconstruction will be of a variety, extent, and complexity 
 such as the world has never known. Our foreign problems will be, primarily, 
 industrial, economic, and commercial, and will involve our relations v/ith the 
 Central Powers, with our allies, and with neutrals. The government, through 
 a unified agency of the highest standing, character, and ability, and not 
 through personal, unofficial missions, or through disjointed, independent 
 agencies as at present, should enter upon a thorough, systematic and compre- 
 hensive study of the world economic situation as affected by the war, and 
 
 •125- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 formulate plans whereby American and industry may secure their share in the 
 world markets of the future. The cordial relationship between ourselves 
 and oir allies, now a military one and dictated by common dangers, should be 
 extended to include economic, financial, commercial and industrial interests. 
 
 Our domestic problems will involve the fundamentals of Americanism. 
 Not only did the war find us unprepared in a military way, but it disclosed 
 elements in our population alien to the ideals of the Republic and hostile 
 to our institutions. Therefore, the better to prepare us for the maintenance 
 of peace, as well as to create a firm and intense Americanism and to combat 
 the scorge of Bolshevikism, universal military training of our youth should 
 be required. 
 
 For years the enlightened statesmen of the world have sought some 
 means by which differences between nations could be adjusted without a resort 
 to arms. When first the phrase "international law" was employed, a world- 
 forum was foreshadowed in \^ich international law could be administered. 
 The chief obstacle to the effects v^ich civilization was making for the 
 establishment of such a forum was the German Empire. For a court of justice 
 in which the nations of the world could have a hearing was directly contrary 
 to the principles of "Kultur." And when the exponent of Kulture shall be 
 broken, the time wL 11 be ripe for renewed efforts to create such august 
 tribunal. Our nation should take the lead in such a movement. No nation, 
 historically, is so well fitted to take the leadership. America became a 
 nation because of the insistence of our fathers upon their legal rights. 
 It may be too much to hope that such a court would end all wars. But that 
 the constant tendency would be to diminish in number and limit in extent 
 the future wars of the world we may safely assert. 
 
 The adoption of the principle of the executive budget is imperatively 
 demanded in order that the billions of dollars disbursed by the national 
 government shall be wisely, economically and efficiently expended, to the 
 end that extravagance be eliminated, dishonesty uncovered, and energy and 
 efficiency of administration promoted. 
 
 To create harmony, unity, efficiency, energy and economy of admin- 
 istration, it is necessary that the multitudinous boards, bureaus, commissions, 
 administratorships and directorships be unified and consolidated in accordance 
 with the sound governmental principles embodied in "The Civil Administrative 
 Code" of Illinois. 
 
 The protective tariff has been of the greatest benefit to the country 
 in developing our resources, diversifying our industries and protecting our 
 workingmen against competition with cheaper labor abroad. In the period 
 following the war there will be a greater need of this Republican policy 
 than ever before in our history in order to protect all our industries and 
 the American farmer and the American workingman alike. We reaffirm our 
 belief in the principles of the protective tariff. 
 
 •126- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 TRIBUTES 
 
 Illinois is celebrating her hundredth anniversary of statehood. Her 
 people have been recounting the glorious achievements of her past. There 
 is inspiration in the great names she has given the world and in the great 
 deeds which her sons have performed. As we celebrate the virtues of her 
 past heroes, so we gladly give full homage to her heroic sons now fighting 
 on the battlefronts of Europe. Each day brings new proof that the young 
 men of Illinois are altogether worthy of her illustrious past. Unsurpassed 
 as was Illinois' contribution to the winning of the Civil War, she already 
 in the present war has given more men than she contributed during the entire 
 period of the Civil War. Already many of them have fallen; more will fall, 
 but, mingled with our tears for our fallen heroes is a solemn pride and a 
 firm resolve that they shall not have died in vain. 
 
 The Republican party pledges itself to hold in grateful remembrance 
 forever the sons who have made or shall have made the supreme sacrifice for 
 their country, and that it will exert its full influence to the end that 
 the Nation shall tenderly care for their dependents. Those who shall escape 
 the perils of war and return to their homes, we shall welcome with love and 
 gratitude. The Republican party pledges itself to cherish and honor them 
 as vrtioleheartedly as has been its custom in all its past to honor the Nation's 
 defenders. 
 
 WOMAN SUFFRAGE 
 
 We reaffirm the declaration of the party for equal suffrage and urge 
 the passage of the Federal amendment by the United States senate and its 
 ratification by the State. 
 
 HOMESTEADS FOR SOLDIERS 
 
 Government lands available for homesteads should first be offered to 
 men who are or have been in the military or naval service. 
 
 LIBERTY LOANS 
 
 We earnestly urge upon all our citizens the patriotic duty of sub- 
 scribing to forthcoming Liberty Loans and thus to show in a substantial way 
 that we have the unalterable purpose to carry through this war until our aims 
 are achieved. We also earnestly recommend the purchase of War Savings and 
 Thrift stamps as a continuous expression of our support of the Government 
 and the men at the front. 
 
 •127- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 STATE AFFAIRS 
 
 The Republican State Administration was elected on a platform pleading 
 it, among other things, to economy and efficiency in government. Its platform 
 pledges have^'been kept. Under it a reorganization of governmental agencies 
 was effected. The Civil Administrative Code, in its practical operation, has 
 more than justified its wisdom. Under its provisions useless offices and 
 positions were abolished, unity and harmony attained, responsibility fixed, 
 efficiency enhanced, energy of administration created, economy effected and 
 extravagance checked. Under the budget being prepared for presentation to 
 the General Assembly, Illinois is now ready to take the next step forward in 
 administrative and financial reform and to have its appropriations made with 
 a knowledge of the needs of the State, and in a logical and systematic form. 
 
 PUBLIC POLICY QUESTIONS 
 
 Three propositions are before the people for adoption or rejection: 
 
 (a) The proposition to call a convention to revise the constitution 
 of 1870 is rendered well nigh imperative by the changes in times 
 and conditions incident to the years that have passed since its 
 adoption. 
 
 (b) The good roads bond issue should be authorized in order that 
 funds may be available immediately after the close of the war 
 
 to construct public improvements which are of first and pressing 
 importance to the development and prosperity of the State, and 
 the construction of which at that time will afford employment 
 for our returned soldiers. 
 
 (c) The act prohibiting private banking is demanded for the protec- 
 tion and welfare of our citizens. 
 
 We strongly urge upon all the voters the patriotic duty to vote for 
 the adoption of each of the above propositions. 
 
 REVISION OF LAWS 
 
 Experience has demonstrated that certain of our laws should be changed. 
 We therefore recommend revision or amendment of: 
 
 (a) The revenue laws, in order that the burdens of taxation may be 
 more equitably and equally distributed. 
 
 (b) The election and primary election laws, to the end that the number 
 and frequency of elections should be reduced and the cost and 
 expense thereof curtailed. 
 
 •128- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 (c) The corporation laws, in order that they may be brought into 
 
 harmony with modern ideas under adequate supervision and control 
 to exercised by the state. 
 
 SOLDIERS VOTING 
 
 We favor the enactment of laws, both Federal and State, whereby 
 those engaged in the military and naval service of the United States, and 
 otherwise entitled, whether in camp or in actual service, whether at home or 
 abroad, may have the privilege of voting. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Republican party is the friend of labor, for it made labor free. 
 Its insistence upon the principles of the protective tariff makes it possible 
 to declare that by reason thereof the most of our laborers under normal con- 
 ditions are the highest in the world. Continuance of this policy, together 
 with legislation designed to secure the health and well-being of the men, 
 women and children employed in industry, is essential to the existences of 
 organized society. In accordance with this latter principle, the last General 
 Assembly of Illinois passed a compulsory compensation law which able labor 
 leaders declare to be the most progressive piece of legislation enacted in 
 their time. 
 
 THE COURTS 
 
 Our judicial system has been much criticized. Some of this criticism 
 has been merited. The judges, however competent, are without power to remedy 
 conditions. The administrative machinery through which justice is administered 
 is inadequate. Our courts should be unified and co-ordinated as far as this 
 is possible under our present constitution. We favor the enactment of 
 measures whereby our courts may function more efficiently and expeditiously. 
 
 THE FARMER 
 
 We congratulate the farmer upon the establishment of the Department 
 of Agriculture. The concentration of many independent agencies and activities 
 of the State Government, dealing separately with specific phases of farming 
 interests, has been of incalculable benefit to the agricultural industry. 
 The department and other extension agencies working in co-operation and harmony 
 have advised, assisted, encouraged and promoted the development of all means 
 and instrumentalities to enhance the productivity of our soil and to increase 
 the value of our livestock. 
 
 ■129- 
 
Republican Platform of 1918 
 
 The department and these agencies have rendered invaluable aid in the 
 transportation, dl stribution and marketing of the products of the farm. The 
 policies which have proved so successful to our farming and livestock interests 
 will be continued and extended. 
 
 ENDORSEMENT OF OFFICIALS 
 
 The virile leadership of Governor Lowden has been an inspiration to 
 our citizens. Under his guidance Illinois has been true to its traditions 
 and ideals. His vigorous and unqualified support of the war and of all 
 essential steps taken in its prosecution has been of incalculable benefit to 
 the government. In State matters he has enforced honesty, fidelity, economy 
 and efficiency, and in national natters his uncompromising Americanism has 
 placed aim in the forefront of war governors. The reward that he values 
 highest — our appreciation--we give. 
 
 We congratulate to the State upon the election of a corps of splendid 
 men in the other offices of executive responsibility. We endorse and commend 
 them for the honest and efficient manner in which they have administered the 
 affairs of their respective offices. 
 
 NOMINEES ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse and ratify the nominations of the Republican party made 
 at the primaries on September 11, 1918. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Register . September 21, 1918. 
 
 ■130- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1918 
 (Adopted September 20, 1918) 
 
 We, the representatives of the Democratic party of Illinois, in con- 
 vention assembled, congratulate the nation upon the glorious record of our 
 splendid manhood as exemplified by the American army now sweeping forward 
 to victory on European battlefields under the flag of our country. No longer 
 is it a question of how near to Paris, but of how far to Berlin. And we glory 
 in the patriotism and self-sacrifice of American womanhood, braving the dangers 
 of the sea and of the battlefields to bring aid and comfort to our wounded 
 and dying heroes. 
 
 In a time of national strife it is the highest duty of every American 
 citizen to maintain and uphold, against all enemies, the policy of the United 
 States government. Animated by a common sentiment and aiming at a common 
 object, all loyal citizens will lay aside differences of political opinion 
 in devotion to the nation's cause. 
 
 At this time the policy of the nation is fixed; it has been determined 
 by national executive and congressional authority; it is supported by the 
 opinion of all loyal men and women in every state of the Union; it has been 
 adopted by every nation engaged with America against the brutal effort of 
 military autocracy to dominate the world. This policy is to prosecute the 
 war with utmost vigor until Prussian military autocracy quits in unconditional 
 surrender. 
 
 ADOPT NATIONAL POLICY 
 
 The national policy is the policy of the Democratic party of Illinois. 
 To its support we summon the people of the state. As it was phrased in the 
 platform on which Abraham Lincoln was re-elected to the presidency in 1864: 
 "We deem it essential to the general welfare," and national safety, "that 
 harmony should prevail in the national councils, and we regard as worthy of 
 public trust only those who endorse the principles proclaimed in these resolu- 
 tions." 
 
 And again, from the same platform: "We approve and applaud the practical 
 wisdom, the unselfish patriotism and the unswerving fidelity to the constitu- 
 tion and the principles of American liberty with which" Woodrow Wilson "has 
 discharged, under circumstances of unparalleled difficulty, the great duties 
 and responsibilities of the presidential office; we approve and endorse, as 
 demanded by the emergency, and essential to the preservation of the nation, 
 and as within the provisions of the constitution, the measures and acts which 
 he has adopted to defend the nation against its open and its secret foes"; 
 and we demand for election to public office — to the Congress and to state 
 and to county places of trust--those and those only who have whole-heartedly 
 upheld him in the performance of his task. 
 
 •131- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1918 
 
 RECORD OF PARTY 
 
 The government of the United States, under the presidency of Woodrow 
 Wilson, has written in deeds the record on which our party goes to the people. 
 
 It has challenged the brutal assault of military autocracy upon every 
 principle and practice that American citizens hold most dear, and has mobilized 
 the resources of the nation, as a unit, to make good its challenge. 
 
 It has assembled, trained and equipped military and naval forces, and 
 has put them into action across the seas, with a speed and effectiveness that 
 has amazed the world. 
 
 It has brought about complete harmony of purpose and action among the 
 Allies and has established the unified command of Allied armies that is so 
 essential to victory. 
 
 It has provided a navy so prepared that its first detachment was in 
 European waters within a few days after the declaration of war, with its 
 commander able to meet the question of when his ships could take the seas, 
 by the simple response: "We are ready now." 
 
 Without delay or loss of life it has sent an army of 2,000,000 through 
 U-boat infested waters to the battlefields of Europe--the largest army ever 
 transported across an ocean. 
 
 It has given to that army the training, leadership and morale which 
 imm.ortalized the names of Cantingy, Chateau Thierry and St. Mihiel; have 
 restored the spirit of our war-worn Allies, and have dealt the enemy his 
 heaviest blow. 
 
 CREATED GREAT SHIPYARDS 
 
 It has created the shipyards needed to provide transport for another 
 army of 2,000,000 this year, and is turning out the ships at a rate that 
 nullifies the U-boat menace to the world's shipping. 
 
 It has organized, co-ordinated and utilized the resources of our 
 country so that questions of food, clothing, arms, munitions, and transporta- 
 tion for cur Allies J as well as for our own fighting millions, are questions 
 no longer; they are answered. 
 
 It gave to the country, before the war came to us, the Federal Reserve 
 Act, which has abolished panics, banished regularly occurring periods of 
 financial depression, braced us to meet the shock and strain of war, without 
 a jar to the country's business machinery, and enabled us to finance, not 
 only our own country, but the world. 
 
 ■132- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1918 
 
 By well-considered but speedily enacted legislation, and by wise and 
 just executive administration since war came, it has so safeguarded the 
 interest of all the people that, in the midst of war shock and war strain, 
 the laborer, the farmer and the business man are better off than every before 
 in the history of the country. 
 
 It has achieved these tremendous results without question or taint of 
 "politics" in the army, in the navy, or among the civilian forces that are 
 consolidating and focusing the nation's resources upon the nation's war task. 
 
 On these facts, who dares to ask in war time that the President shall 
 be hampered in the management of our affairs by the election of an unfriendly 
 Congress? 
 
 PATRIOTISM NOT QUESTIONED 
 
 We express no doubt in the patriotism of the great majority of the 
 voters of the Republican party. They have demonstrated it on many occasions, 
 and no '■ citizen of Illinois has been more forward in support of the national 
 administration than has the Republican governor of our state, Frank 0. Lowden. 
 
 Unfortunately for itself and for the patriotic citizens who compose 
 the great bulk of its membership, the Republican party has not reflected, 
 in Illinois, or in the nation at large, leadership which can be trusted in 
 this critical time. 
 
 It has retained as vice chairman of its national committee and member 
 of its executive committee, one who was deemed unfit to be its national 
 chairman for the specific reason of questionable loyalty to the cause of the 
 United States in this war. 
 
 It has retained as its national leader and committeeman in Illinois 
 one whose record of disloyalty has been exploited by his own party associates. 
 
 It endorses without protest on its party ticket as Republican nominees 
 the presence of Congressmen Mason, Britten, Sterling, King, Wilson, Wheeler, 
 Tom Williams, Rodenberg, and others whose conduct in Congress has left their 
 wholeheartedness in the cause of the nation open to suspicion. 
 
 It has accepted as members of the Republican state committee an equal 
 number of men whose patriotism is equally shady, and has rejected at the 
 primaries Colonel Abel Davis and Captain Harry F. Hamlin, gallant soldiers 
 who aspired to party recognition. 
 
 It endures without protest the aggressively unpatriotic attitude of 
 its Republican United States senator, Lawrence Y. Sherman, who, at every 
 opportunity, shells war measures with poison gas from behind the entrenchment 
 of senatorial privilege. 
 
 •133- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1918 
 
 VIGOROUS MEASURES NECESSARY 
 
 War calls for vigorous measures. When gangrene appears it must be 
 cut out, and until the Republican party of Illinois cuts out the gangrene 
 of its representation in the national senate and the national house of 
 representatives, until it purifies its national and its state committees, 
 it has no right to ask the patriotic people of the state for further confi- 
 dence. 
 
 Under present conditions uhen the Republican party appeals for votes 
 in support of candidates on its ticket, whose patriotism is undoubted, it 
 is obliged to ask, at the same time, support for men whose patriotism is 
 suspected, or worse. Aid for one set of candidates necessarily means aid 
 for the other, and patriotic Republican candidates are forced to ask votes 
 for men whom they themselves declared to be disloyal, because they know they 
 can not hope to be elected without the aid of those so stigmatized. 
 
 We in this country know that the great majority of voters in both 
 Republican and Democratic parties are loyal in the same degree, and are 
 equally determined that the war for democracy, humanity and civilian be won, 
 so that peace shall bring the results President Wilson has said we are in 
 this conflict to obtain. To them and to the men in the trenches the victory 
 of a Republican congressman of tried loyalty over a Democrat of equal loyalty 
 will bring no doubts. 
 
 But there are others to be considered--our war-worn Allies, already 
 facing insidious offers of "non-binding" peace parleys. To them a Republican 
 victory will read as a repudiation of the President and what the President 
 stands for. And in Berlin and Vienna I There such a victory will be heralded 
 as a pronouncement by the American people against the war policy of the 
 American government. There it will be heralded broadcast that America is 
 discouraged and prepared to withdraw from the conflict, and that one more 
 effort will win the war for the Central Powers. Such an announcement would 
 undoubtedly tend to re-establish the shattered morale of our foes and encourage 
 them to a stronger resistance at the cost of hundreds, yes, thousands, of lives, 
 
 MUST FORGET PARTISANSHIP 
 
 Who can afford to pay such a high price for partisan victory? The 
 Republican father whose son is in France owes it to his boy to forget partisan- 
 ship and to help record an emphatic indorsement of the President of the United 
 States as a means of hastening the winning of the war. For all of us here 
 at home, a great part of our share in the nation's war task is to send to 
 our soldiers and sailors, to our Allies, and particularly to our enemies, 
 full assurance that the people of the United States are squarely and solidly 
 behind their commander-in-chief, Woodrow Wilson. 
 
 •134- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1918 
 
 In our own state of Illinois that message can be delivered only by 
 the re-election of Senator James Hamilton Lewis, who has shared in the 
 counsels of the President and has aided him in the accomplishment of his 
 great tasks. 
 
 Senator Lewis' record has been that of the Democratic party, already 
 recited. He has been one of the leaders in the shaping of policy and in the 
 enactment of legislation which has enabled us to win the triumphs which are 
 paving the road to Berlin. He has been the President's right-hand man in 
 the United States senate. 
 
 But above all else we are going to re-elect Senator Lewis because 
 the President has asked for him. We take pride in the fact that the Presi- 
 dent has chosen him as a candidate, and as a leader of the crusade. His 
 career in the senate should entitle him to re-election. His brilliancy in 
 debate, his eloquence as a speaker and his skill as a parliamentary leader 
 for those measures in which the administration was vitally interested, have 
 made him a great national figure. In unmistakable language the President 
 has indorsed his candidacy and requested his election. For us and for all 
 patriotic citizens of Illinois that is sufficient. 
 
 SHOn.D RETURN LEWIS 
 
 With Senator Lewis we ask for the return to Congress of all the Demo- 
 cratic members who have aided him in the support of the President's policies. 
 We are proud of the records they have made and we offer them as our candidates 
 without being forced to make a single excuse for their acts. 
 
 The great task of winning the war has brought woman more prominently 
 to the front. In every undertaking for the welfare of the men in our fighting 
 forces she has played an important part. In many industries she has taken 
 her place side by side with man and is performing the same tasks. 
 
 These conditions make it of more than ordinary importance that she 
 should possess equally with man all rights, privileges and opportunities for 
 protecting herself. Only by granting them to her can we be assured that 
 her entrance into many industrial fields will not tend to lower wages and 
 lead to conditions less favorable than man now enjoys. The worker without 
 a vote has never been able to obtain for himself what the worker with a 
 vote has been able to secure. This is only one of the many reasons why woman 
 should enter into the same political rights as man now enjoys. 
 
 The great Democratic organization of Cook county has been the pioneer 
 in granting full political recognition to women. On the central managing 
 committee of that organization, women now sit as committee members, with the 
 same authority and voting power as men. 
 
 The Democratic party of Illinois expresses its pride and satisfaction 
 that a portion of its organization has been the first to confer real political' 
 
 •135- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1918 
 
 rights upon women. It demands that legislation shall immediately be enacted 
 which vri.ll enable women to vote for and hold the same offices as men. It 
 asks for the immediate enactment of the constitutional amendment now before 
 the United States senate, and it pledges itself to throw its organization 
 strength behind the adoption of that amendment, when it is submitted for 
 ratification to the various states. 
 
 ENDORSE CONVENTION 
 
 The inadequacy of the present state constitution has been demonstrated 
 at nearly every session of the General Assembly. In order that the consti- 
 tution may be simplified and improved we indorse the resolution to be voted 
 upon in November authorizing the calling of a constitutional convention for 
 the revision of the basic law of the state. 
 
 We also recommend to Democratic voters support of the proposition for 
 the extension of state supervision over the private banks of the state. The 
 necessity for such legislation is too well known to need argument in support. 
 
 We also urge approval, at the November election, of the proposed 
 issuance of $60,000,000 in bonds for the construction of a state-wide system 
 of improved highways; said bonds and interest to be paid entirely from auto- 
 mobile license fees. It is understood that these bonds are not to be sold 
 nor the construction of the highways begun until after the close of the war. 
 
 We favor legislation that will permit a more systematic and better 
 organization of our courts in keeping with war-time efficiency and economy. 
 
 We endorse and approve with special emphasis President Wilson's recent 
 recognition of the national aspirations of the Czechoslovaks and his sympathetic 
 attitude toward the desire of the Jew for a home-land in Palestine in harmony 
 with his former expression of regard for freedom of Poland and other small 
 nations and oppressed peoples. 
 
 SOURCE: Daily Courier Company, Taylorville, Illinois. 
 
 -136- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1920 
 
 Summary of 1920 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Prohibition, Farmer-Labor, Single Tax, Socialist Labor, Harding-Coolidge Republi- 
 can, Co-operative Party of America and Liberal.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Warren G. Harding 
 
 1,420,657 
 
 
 635,374 
 
 785,283 
 
 99 
 
 Democratic 
 
 James M. Cox 
 
 535,579 
 
 
 198,683 
 
 336,896 
 
 3 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Len Small 
 
 1,243,514 
 
 
 506,222 
 
 737,292 
 
 98 
 
 Democratic 
 
 J. Hamilton Lewis 
 
 731,647 
 
 
 351,016 
 
 380,631 
 
 4 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Democratic 
 
 0.0% 
 
 
 67 
 
 .57. 
 
 32.5% 
 
 967 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1919-1920 
 
 The 1919 session of the General Assembly brought ratification by Illinois 
 of the 18th (prohibition) a^d 19th (women's suffrage) amendments to the federal 
 constitutiort. Also approved was the Illinois Waterway Bill, calling for the con- 
 struction of a deep waterway from Lockport to Utica. A $20 million bond issue was 
 authorized and construction began in November, 1920 at Bell's Island west of 
 Marseilles. 
 
 Governor Lowden's Administration, recognizing the growing importance of the 
 race question, also introduced a bill to create a commission to study the social, 
 ecoriomic and industrial aspects of the racial problem. The bill was defeated, in 
 part because of disputes between Negro members of the legislature. 
 
 Precipitated by a July 27, 1920 Chicago bathing beach clash between Whites 
 and Negroes, a race riot ensued in which over 30 were killed and over 300 injured. 
 Six thousand national guardsmen were called in to restore order and keep the races 
 separated. Separate mobs of Whites and Negroes roamed the South Side of the city 
 lynching and shooting at will. Governor Lowden ordered Negroes to stay away from 
 their jobs for several days to allow time for things to cool down. 
 
 Chicago street railway employees went back to work on August 1, 1919, after 
 a four-day strike which resulted in a wage increase which brought basic hourly 
 earnings from 48 cents up to 67 cents. 
 
 Illinois' constitutional convention was convened January 6, 1920, with 
 Republicans having a solid majority of the delegates. Consensus among the dele- 
 gates, said the Chicago Tribune , was for a "brief, constructive, and safe con- 
 stitution, without legislative details and isms." 
 
 -137- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1920 
 
 (The compiler could find no record of any Republican platform for 
 his year. The Republicans met in state convention on May 10, 1920, without 
 greeing upon a platform, then adjourned to September 21. Because of 
 utmoil in September over the legality of the 1920 primary and the undecided 
 ubematorial primary contest between Lt. Governor John G. Oglesby and Len 
 mall, it is believed adoption of a platform fell by the wayside. This is 
 he only instance between 1900 and 1964 of failure to adopt a state platform.) 
 
 -138- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1920 
 (Adopted May 11, 1920) 
 
 RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our confidence in the Democratic leader- 
 ship and the patriotic statesmanship of President Wilson and we commend to 
 all good citizens the record of achievement made under his leadership by 
 the Democratic party. 
 
 During his first term a Democratic congress enacted more constructive 
 legislation that was vital to public welfare than had been enacted by the 
 Repiilican party in all the years of its power since the war of the rebellion; 
 the federal reserve, the federal farm loan, the tariff commission, the income 
 tax, and many other laws. Forced to go to war in his second term, our country 
 was enabled by the work of his first term, to meet the shock and strain of 
 war without disaster and to finance our allies as well as ourselves. How 
 the resources of our country were marshalled for war with the readiness that 
 amazed the world, and how these resources were employed to hasten victory--aIl 
 that is history. 
 
 To the significance of this record our opponents indirectly bear witness 
 as follows: Since March 4, 1919, there has been a Republican majority in both 
 houses of congress, but in spite of their snarling criticism these Republican 
 majorities have neither altered a line of Democratic legislation nor enacted 
 a single statute to remedy or relief conditions created by the war. 
 
 Animated by purposes most narrowly and maliciously partisan, and pro- 
 ceeding by the combined tactics of the pettifogger, the scandal monger and 
 the character assassin, these Republican majorities in congress now seek to 
 belittle the heroic feats of the American army and navy, to discredit the 
 wartime achievements cf the American people and to repudiate the victory won 
 for civilization. 
 
 Time will remove this, the only blot upon the brilliant pages of 
 American history so recently written, but the record of its origin vrLll not 
 fail. 
 
 RESOLVED, That the social, political, industrial and commercial inter- 
 ests of the United States, as well as the need of speedy reconstruction in a 
 disrupted world demand the immediate ratification of the treaty of Versailles 
 including the covenant for a league of nations. A ratification may properly 
 be accompanied by so-called reservations deemed necessary to interpret certain 
 portions of the covenant, provided said reservations do not vitiate or impair 
 the purpose of the covenant. 
 
 The World war was fought to free civilizations from fear of ruthless 
 militarism. Without the international machinery contemplated by the covenant 
 for a league of nations Europe must again become an armed camp and our country 
 for self protection must also adopt a militaristic policy, with all the conse- 
 quences thereof in tax burdens, compulsory military service in time of peace, 
 and perversion of national character and ideals. Without the machinery, new 
 
 •139- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1920 
 
 states and liberated peoples will again fall under the power of militaristic 
 neighbors. Without that machinery to restrain, willful nations will resort 
 to war, as in 1914, and our part in the world war will be a failure, our 
 victories on land and sea fruitless, and the American blood shed on the 
 European battlefields shed in vain. 
 
 Under the leadership of Cabot Lodge, the conduct of those members 
 of the United States senate, who have prevented the ratification of the 
 treaty--two of them from Illinois--has been not only unpatriotic but dastardly 
 beyond words. Against the treaty itself they have employed every known form 
 of distortion and misrepresentation to corrupt or confuse public opinion. 
 Against President Wilson as the chief proponent of the treaty, and with un- 
 paralleled malignity, they have exhausted the foulest fighter's entire bag 
 of tricks. Even when the president was at the lowest point of physical 
 prostration they stopped at nothing in the whole range from sly innuendo 
 to do^mright falsehood, as if it v/as their purpose to harry him to his 
 grave. We call upon all good citizens everywhere to make a point of re- 
 membering this, particularly foul episode in the records of these senatorial 
 harpies when they seek re-election. 
 
 We condemn the record of a Republican congress in failing to enact 
 legislation to enable the department of justice to put a stop to profiteering 
 and relieve the public by reducing the high cost of living. 
 
 RESOLVED, That in the death of Roger C. Sullivan, the Democratic party 
 has lost a trusted leader and Illinois has lost one of its most distinguished 
 sons. For he was more than a citizen of Illinois, because of his character, 
 vision, wisdom and patriotism, his influence had long since become nationwide. 
 
 The career of Roger C. Sullivan exemplifies the opportunities that are 
 open to the youth of this land and the eminence that may be attained by energy 
 and enterprise when joined to high character. In his relations with men and 
 affairs, each day of his life was a demonstration that the depths of his 
 nature were unaffected by wealth and power and worldly success. To the end 
 he was the same Roger C. Sullivan; constant and loyal to his friends, fair 
 and considerate to his opponent and unfalteringly true to the principles of 
 conduct and right living which he had learned at his mother's knee. 
 
 The Dem.ocratic party of Illinois grieves for Roger C. Sullivan and 
 with profound sorrow adds his name to the roll of the illustrious dead. 
 
 Realizing that women id.ll soon be fully enfranchised and now have 
 considerable vote in this state, this convention declares itself in favor of 
 the fullest possible participation of women in our political affairs. 
 
 Be it further resolved that we declare ourselves in favor of amending 
 the statute in relation to the election of precinct committeemen so as to 
 call for the election of precinct commit teewomen at the same time. 
 
 •140- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1920 
 
 We believe that this is true democracy and we welcome the aid of 
 the women of our state „ 
 
 In view of the iriany years of distinguished service for and unselfish 
 devotion to the interests of the Democratic party by Charles Boeschenstein. 
 
 Be it resolved, that the delegates of this convention endorse him 
 for re-election as national committeeman and instruct the delegates to the 
 national convention at San Francisco to vote for his re-election. 
 
 Whereas Col. James Hamilton Lewis, former U, S, senator from Illinois, 
 did, during his term of incumbency as senator, demonstrate his fitness and 
 ability in and for the high position to which he was elected from this, our 
 state, and 
 
 Whereas, at all times, and under all circumstances even the most 
 trying and difficult Senator Lewis justified our confidence and belief in 
 him, his ability and integrity, and 
 
 Whereas, by his record in the senate of the U.S. Senator Lewris dem- 
 onstrated to his home people that he was a really great man in the councils 
 of the nation, and 
 
 Whereas, Senator Lewis, by his record, has endeared himself to the 
 people of the state and nation, therefore 
 
 Be it resolved by the Democrats of the State of Illinois that 
 Senator James Hamilton Lewis be, and he hereby is, unqualifiedly endorsed as 
 the candidate of the Democratic party for the office of vice-president of 
 the United States and that the delegates to the Democratic national convention 
 be and they are hereby instructed to vote and work for the selection and nom- 
 ination of Senator Lewis for the office of vice-president on said Democratic 
 ticket at the said Democratic national convention. 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Stace Registe r. Hay 12, 1920, 
 
 •141- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1922 
 
 Summary of 1922 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist 
 and Farmer Labor.) 
 
 counties 
 
 Candidate Total Vote Cook County 
 
 7 Downs tate 
 
 559,425 
 348,486 
 
 
 Carried 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican Oscar 
 Democratic Peter 
 
 Nelson 938,263 378,838 
 Bartzen 703,611 360,125 
 
 79 
 23 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues National Issues 
 
 0,07. 91.77. 
 65,17, 31.07. 
 
 Other 
 
 8.37. 
 3.97. 
 
 No 
 
 , Words 
 
 833 
 1027 
 
 Highlights of State A< 
 
 stivities, 1921=1922 
 
 
 
 
 The General Assembly irt 1921 passed au act providing that compensation for 
 veterans of World War I be paid out of the bond issue of $55 million, subject to 
 approval by the people. Aaotber law repealed the 1919 zoning law and substituted 
 a new act for itj, crovldiag that before enacting zoning oTdinances s the city should 
 appoint a zoning co'ssission to prepare the plan. Konen were given full equality with 
 men in voting and provisions were mads for their registration in the sair.e manner as 
 male voters. 
 
 Occupational therapy and hydrotherapy were introduced into the state hospitals 
 in an effort to reduce the mental and physical strains upon patients. Even with new 
 buildings being completed at Elgiaj Alton and Dixon, conditions would still be 
 crowded in the state hospital system. 
 
 The major political event of 1922 was the overwhelming rejection by the 
 voters of the proposed new constitution for Illinois. Tb.e constitutional conven- 
 tion had sat J with some interruptions, for about three years, and adopted a proposed 
 constitution which was a compromise of divergent interests. The principle of ini- 
 tiative and referendum was rejected | an income tax was permitted but the exemptions 
 that might be allowed were restricted and the highest rate under progression could 
 not be more than three times the lowest rate. 
 
 One of the most sharply discussed issues was th<Jt of representation in the 
 General Assembly. There was Downstate fear of domination by Chicago. The compro- 
 misa vas to use population as the criterion for drawing districts in the House and 
 to freeze the number of senators from Cook County to 19 out of 57. The executive 
 was to have the right to order reapportionment if the legislature failed, as it 
 had failed in 1911 and 1921. A degree of hoxe rule independence was to be granted 
 Cnicago, but this did not include financial independence. 
 
 -143- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1922 
 (Adopted April 21, 1922) 
 
 The Republicans of Illinois, in convention assembled, invite consider- 
 ation of the successful labors of the Republican national administration and 
 the Republican majority in congress to re-establish general prosperity on a 
 secure and enduring basis at a time \itien the other nations of the world are 
 still suffering from unrelieved economic depression, 
 
 A Republican administration has provided agricultural credits which 
 are restoring values to crops and to livestock; it has brought under control 
 the grain exchanges and the packing industry, and has relieved shippers from 
 oppressive rates upon transportation. 
 
 Under the policies adopted by President Wilson and a Democratic congress, 
 railroad rates were increased to the extent of placing unreasonable burdens 
 on the shippers in many cases destructive of the industry served; the present 
 Republican administration has initiated the first of those successive decreases 
 in railroad rates which promise that before long produce and passengers may be 
 carried at prices satisfactory to shippers, travelers and carriers. A Repub- 
 lican majority in congress, revising the internal revenue laws, has abolished 
 the "nuisance taxes;" has reduced half the income tax of the average citizen; 
 and has reduced the aggregate sum of federal taxation by about 25 per cent, 
 xAich amounts to a saving to the taxpayers of a billion dollars a year. 
 
 I'he appropriation of public moneys for the normal peace-time purposes 
 of the federal government during the ensuing year will have been restored 
 to the normal level of peace-time expenditures before the war. 
 
 We view with confidence the signs manifest on every hand of the 
 restoration of agricultural prices, the diminution of unemployment, the 
 increased activities in business, the restoration of the value of liberty 
 bonds, and other securities; all the happy results of the wise program of 
 domestic legislation, the natural result of the people's confidence in a 
 Republican adm.inistration. 
 
 MAKE BONUS PLEDGES 
 
 We pledge our support in securing the adoptation by the voters of the 
 "Soldiers Adjusted Compensation Bill," commonly called "Soldiers" Bonus Bill" 
 at the referendum in November. 
 
 We are assured that congress will also shortly provide a deserved 
 adjusted compensation for former service men and that a protective tariff is 
 shortly to be written upon the statute books which will result in adequate 
 remuneration to American labor and reasonable return to American industry, 
 when both are threatened by foreign competition because the markets of the 
 old world have been flooded with fiat paper currencies. 
 
 We congratulate the country upon the announced determination of a 
 Republican president that the bonds of the league of nations will not be laid 
 upon the American people. We express again our unalterable opposition to the 
 official participation of the United States in the labors of any commissions 
 created under the covenant of the league or of the treaty of Versailles. 
 
 ■144- 
 
Republican Platform of 1922 
 
 We. send the prasident of the United States the ej^ression of our 
 heartfelt congratulations upon the successful consummation of peace v^ich 
 
 he has done so much to establish. 
 
 The burder.s of taxation are restiag heavily upon the people. For 
 
 the purpose of reducing taxes to the minimur;! we favor the discontinuance of 
 any unnecessary public expenditure, and to the sair.e er.c we demand the 
 
 strictest econoTiy in the aoEinistration of all departments of the state 
 and nation. 
 
 We welcome women into full participation in the affairs c£ the 
 government and the activities of the Republican Party; and we are proud of 
 their willingness to assume the responsibilities of franchise which they 
 have received from the Republican legislators and officials in every state 
 in the union. 
 
 We, the Republicans of Illinois, favor the speedy construction of 
 the hard road system endorsed by the overwhelming vote of the people in 1918, 
 and we commend the economy of the state administration in the construction 
 of the state wide road system and invite consideration of the progress 
 
 already made. 
 
 SPECIAL mZERWiY RESOLUTION 
 
 Expert investigations have proved that the citizens of this state 
 ezr.gaged in agriculture and other industries are competing in the markets 
 of the world against a handicap of a rail transportation of an average one 
 thousand ciles longer haul than any nation with which we compete; this has 
 resulted in slowing down development of the resources and the industries 
 of the middle west. The opening of the water route froin the Great Lakes 
 to the sea through the St. Lawrence river in effect moves the seaport base 
 fifteen hundred miles inland; the governments of the United States and 
 Canada have referred to an international board of engineers for the physical 
 obstructions to be overcome in the St, Lawrence river to make the same navi- 
 gable from La.ke Ontario to Montreal, and have referred to the international 
 joint commission the question of the economic benefits to flow from such 
 an improvement; the international board has placed the cost of this improve- 
 ment in the two governments at $252,000,000, which sum includes the develop- 
 ment and production of 1,500,009 electric horsepower of energy, and the 
 commission after holding more than thirty hearings in sixteen states of 
 the United States have unanimously justified and strongly recommended that 
 this improvement be undertaken immediately by the two govermr.ents , They 
 have reported as their conclusion that the sale of electric power will be 
 sufficient to return to the governm.ent the entire capital outlay with in- 
 terest and maintenance within a period of less than fifty years, 
 
 '£he president of the United States has characterized this project as 
 
 a broad visioned enterprise. 
 
 Bringing ocean ships drawing twenty-five feet of water to Chicago, 
 Duluth and all lake ports will reduce the freight costs to Europe on grain 
 produced in the middle west ten cents per bushel, and will result in the 
 farmer securing ten cents more per bushel for his crop. 
 
 --145- 
 
Republican Platform of 1922 
 
 In view of all the foregoing; be it resolved that we strongly urge 
 and recommend to the president of the United States that this government 
 do at once open negotiations with the Dominion of Canada with the view 
 and purpose of entering into an agreement or convention for undertaking 
 pronptly and bringing to early completion a "Great Lakes-St. Lawrence 
 Ship Channel. " 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . April 22, 1922, 
 
 -146- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1922 
 (Adopted April 21, 1922) 
 
 Tne Democratic party of the state of Illinois, in convention 
 assembled, faces another general election with renewed strength and confidence. 
 Steadily the Democratic record of achievement in the recent past grows brighter 
 in contrast with increasing distrust of Republican promises and disgust of 
 Republican performances » 
 
 Evidence accumulates that the extreme reactionary elements in the 
 Republican party now are in control of its policies and program at the 
 national capital as at the capital of our state. From the day these Repub- 
 lican elements took over administration of the government in 1921 they have 
 never ceased adding to a record of incompetency, inefficiency and reckless 
 disregard of the public interests (to call it nothing worse) that has become 
 alarming. 
 
 They have inaugurated an orgy of waste and extravagance in both national 
 and state affairs. 
 
 They are little by little revealing a program of special interests 
 legislation that promises to dwarf the record made back yonder when the 
 arrogance of tariff-fed monopolies was a national scandal. 
 
 They are disclosing deliberate intentions to re-establish the spoils 
 system at its worst in all government offices. 
 
 ■jrhey have ignored solemn party pledges to make drastic cuts in the 
 cost of government and wipe out wartime taxes that are reflected in the cost 
 of living ar^ d bear so heavily upon all of the people. 
 
 They either have deliberately ignored or failed to grasp the obvious 
 facts that national isolation is impossible in a world equipped with railroads, 
 mails, fast steamship lines, transportation in the air, telegraph cables, 
 long distance telephones and wireless. 
 
 They have refused either throtigh willful ignorance or to serve special 
 interests to take one effective step toward restoring the economic stability 
 in Europe that is essential to making a market for American products and 
 without which we can have no substantial or enduring prosperity. 
 
 Tb.ey have shamelessly seated Newberry of Michigan in the United States 
 senate after an election so tainted with corruption that they dared not 
 refrain from denouncing the manner of Newberry's election in the same reso- 
 lution that gave him his seat. 
 
 With callous indifference they have failed to enact a long promised 
 bonus legislation for soldiers and sailors of the late war and have blocked 
 Democratic efforts in response to the unanimous sentiment of the Democratic 
 party that liberal bonus legislation be enacted without delay so that our 
 country may no longer be under the stigma of rewarding patriotism and sacri- 
 fices with neglect. 
 
 -147- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1922 
 
 On every hand, silent factories, labor unemployed, and stagnation 
 pervading commerce and industry testify that Republican rule as now exempli- 
 fied at Washington and Springfield must be checked in its reckless career 
 to avert disaster. The only effective way to do this at the moment is by 
 rejecting all candidates of this Republican party as a warning to the 
 elements that control it. 
 
 We have in our states a situation without parallel in the history of 
 the republico Our Republican governor is about to be tried for a crime--for 
 conspiring with others to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars that 
 belonged to the state. 
 
 We may not undertake to pass upon the question of Governor Small's 
 guilt. That is a function of the jury impaneled to sit upon his case. But 
 we feel that it is a duty which we owe to the entire state to express our 
 sense of the shame brought upon Illinois by the personal and official conduct 
 of this governor, from the day indictments against him were returned by the 
 grand jury of Sangamon county down to the present moment. 
 
 When Governor Small was indicted the whole state expected him to 
 walk into court at the earliest possible moment and demand immediate trial. 
 On the contrary, he has pursued exactly the opposite course throughout the 
 ten months of evasion and resort to all the tricks of the law. By his 
 invocation of the mildewed theory that "the king can do no wrong," by his 
 subsequent antics and maneuvers to overawe or evade the sheriff of Sangamon 
 county, and by his use of every twist and turn that his counsel could find 
 for him in the mazes of legal technicalities, he has heaped up the humili- 
 ating record until Illinois, by its governor, stands disgraced before the 
 world. 
 
 The character of the present Republican administration generally, as 
 represented by its indicted governor, is reflected in the management of 
 state affairs. As the creature of the noisom.e Lundin-Thompson regime in 
 Chicago, Small has introduced into state affairs the waste and extravagance 
 and reckless disregard of all decency that have made Chicago city hall a 
 reproach and a byword throughout the country. There is waste and extrava- 
 gance on every hand. Misuse of official power and authority appears to be 
 the rule and not the exception as exemplified in the prostitution of hard 
 road building. The governor is not the only state official under indictment 
 or reported to be on the way to that distinction. 
 
 Small's tax commission has spread upon the state the tax levy that 
 almost spells confiscation with the farmers of the state, and has brought 
 distress and disaster to the humble home owners and rentpayers in the centers 
 of population. These high taxes and consequent high rents are a direct result 
 of the waste and extravagance in every department of the state government. 
 
 Total expenses of the state government in the last two years of Governor 
 Dunne's Democratic administration were $46,349,326. In the first half of 
 Governor Small ^s term and in response to his demand on the general assembly. 
 
 •148- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1922 
 
 appropriations for maintenance of the state government rose to the enormous 
 sum of $82,739,375 or $46,349,326 m.ore than it cost to run the government 
 of this state under a Democratic governor only four years before. 
 
 This Republican addition to the cost of government in Illinois has 
 added to our tax bills an average of $6 for every man, woman and child in 
 
 the state of Illinois o We respectfully urge upon the horiest men and women 
 of Illinois that the only and obvious remedy for this present wild orgy of 
 extravagance in the cost of government, national and state, is a return to 
 the safe and sane government of the fathers when public office was regarded 
 as a public trust and not a private sinecure, as it has been regarded and 
 administered by the present managers of the Republican party in this state 
 and in its largest cities, and wa submit that the remedy lies in the election 
 of a Deraocratic congress and a Democratic general assembly and the state and 
 county officers nominated by the Democratic party and this convention pledges 
 said nominees to an honest, economical and efficient administration of public 
 officco 
 
 The work of construction of the Illinois watei^ray between Lockport 
 and Utica, so long urged by Governor Dunne and delayed by Republican adminis- 
 tration should be prosecuted with much more vigor. The Illinois river below 
 Utica must also be improved by the federal government so that the waterway 
 built by our state may serve its purpose. We recognize also the tremendous 
 importance to Illinois and the great productive central portion of our country, 
 of the proposed improvement of the St, Lawrence river so ocean carriers may 
 enter the great lakes. Not only our state but the entire middle west are 
 lagging in prosperity for lack of the better and cheaper transportation in- 
 volved in these improvements, and our state and national policy with respect 
 to them should be; "Do It Now.' 
 
 Six years ago a Democratic governor and a Democratic administration 
 in Illinois had laws passed making the construction of the Illinois waterway 
 possible, but under the Republican rule the work has lagged and languished. 
 
 We favor the enactment of civil service laws, applicable to the whole 
 state as well as the lesser political divisions, that will reflect the purposes 
 contemplated in recognized model civil service statutes. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal. April 22, 1922. 
 
 -149- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1924 
 
 Summary of 1924 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Progres- 
 sive, Socialist Labor, Workers Party of America, Commonwealth Land, Prohibition, 
 Socialist and Independent Republican.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Calvin Coolidge 
 
 1,453,321 
 
 
 688,973 
 
 764,348 
 
 88 
 
 Democratic 
 
 John W, Davis 
 
 576,975 
 
 
 226,141 
 
 350,834 
 
 13 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Len Small 
 
 1,366,436 
 
 
 633,478 
 
 732,958 
 
 70 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Norman L„ Jones 
 
 1,021,408 
 
 
 447,136 
 
 574,272 
 
 32 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 71 06% 
 
 
 10 
 
 .67. 
 
 17. 8X 
 
 982 
 
 Democratic 
 
 92ol7» 
 
 
 
 
 .07, 
 
 7.9% 
 
 658 
 
 Hiehlights of 
 
 State. Activities, 1923 
 
 = 1924 
 
 
 
 
 
 In the aftermath of the constitutional revision campaigns the General 
 Assembly in 1523 passed on to the voters a proposed amendment which would make it 
 possible to submit aaiendmeEts to two articles of the constitution at one session 
 of the legislature. The proposal was rejected in 1924 when it failed to receive 
 favorable votes from one-half of those voting in the election; as in many cases, 
 though, more than half of those voting on the proposed amendment itself favored it. 
 
 Acts of the legislature in 1923 included increasing the penalty for certain 
 violent crimes if committed by masked or hooded persons; another law approved-- 
 aimed at the Ku Klux Klan-'-made it unlawful to appear in public while hooded, 
 masked, or robed so as to conceal identity. A $100 million road bond issue was 
 passed and subsequently approved by the voters in 1924. The house approved a 
 prohibition enforcement repeal bill but the action was not sustained by the state 
 senate, roe sale of any compound containing wood alcohol or poisonous liquor "for 
 beverage purposes" was prohibited and if death resulted from the use of the beverage 
 the sale was murder. The legislature repealed the law forbidding remarriage of 
 divorced persons within a specified time and validated marriages in violation of the 
 forraer law. 
 
 Williamson County in southern Illinois in 1924 was the scene of disorder 
 practically all year. The disturbances were caused by labor conditions and the 
 struggle carried on by the Ku Elux Klan and their opponents, the Knights of the 
 Flaming Circle. Six men ware killed in one pistol battle between the two groups. 
 Several county officials were indicted; the chief of police of Herrin was alleged 
 to be a paid raider of the Klan, and the foreman of a coroner's jury in a riot 
 murder case was declared to be the instigator of the riot. 
 
 ■151- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1924 
 (Adopted April 18, 1924) 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois assembled in state convention in 
 the city of Springfield on April 18, 1924, under authority of law, hereby 
 adopts the following platforms 
 
 We congratulate the people of the United States upon the achievements 
 of the national Republican administration in declaring this country at peace 
 with the world and lawfully terminating the international conflict into 
 which this nation had been plunged and in the repealing of the wartime legis- 
 lation of the Democratic administration and in the returning of the American 
 soldiers to our shores from the theatres of war in Europe and Asia. 
 
 We felicitate the people of this great nation upon their adherence 
 to the traditional American policy of avoiding foreign entangling alliances and 
 upon their refusal to become involved in the petty quarrels, racial jealousies 
 and imperalistic ambitions of the monarchs and potentates of European nations. 
 
 We reaffirm our devotion to the Americanism of George Washington and 
 to the Republicanism of Abraham Lincoln and heartily endorse the time-honored 
 principles of the Republican party. 
 
 Tlie overshadowing issue of the campaign upon which we are now entering 
 is the conflict between human greed and human rights. American liberty can 
 never be taken for granted; it is always at stake. Due process of law, the 
 right of trial by jury, the right of bail, process of habeas corpus, the 
 principle that every man is innocent until tried by jury in open court and 
 declared guilty are constitutional guarantees for human liberty and are 
 sacred trusts given into our hands by our forefathers. We reaffirm our pledge 
 to protect these sacred rights to every citizen of Illinois, 
 
 The Republican voters of Illinois expressed their choice of candidates 
 in the direct primary election held April 8, 1924, and this convention hereby 
 ratifies and endorses such selections and pledges each and all of said candi- 
 dates its unqualified supports as follows; 
 
 For president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. 
 
 For United States senator, Charles S. Deneen. 
 
 For congressman at large, Richard Yates, Henry R. Rathbone. 
 
 For governor, Len Small. 
 
 For lieutenant governor, Fred E. Sterling. 
 
 For secretary of state, Louis L. Emmerson. 
 
 For auditor of public accounts, Oscar Nelson. 
 
 For state treasurer, Omer N. Custer. 
 
 For attorney general, Oscar E. Carls trom. 
 
 We hold that the foregoing named, each presenting individual candidacies 
 for the offices mentioned, are now entitled to have the principles and policies 
 upon which they based their primary contests honored and respected by the 
 Republican state convention of Illinois. 
 
 -152- 
 
Republican Platform of 1924 
 
 We congratulate the people of the state upon the economy, success and 
 wisdom with which their affairs in state government have been administered 
 under the forward looking leadership of Governor Len Small; upon the reduction 
 of state taxes; upon the reduction of telephone, gas, electric light, power 
 and street car rates; upon his deep interest in farm problems made manifest 
 through the reduction of the assessed valuation of farm lands and the enact- 
 ment of the Collective Bargaining act; upon the passage, approval and adoption 
 of a soldier's bonus law for all men and women residents of Illinois who 
 served in the late war; upon his liberal attitude toward education in all 
 its branches and his humane management of our state institutions; upon his 
 fearlessness in combating the sinister and commercialized interests which 
 seek profit by laying tribute upon the people through extortionate prices; 
 upon his construction of over 2,231 miles of durable paved roads at a re- 
 ductions of $13,000 per mile from prevailing prices at the time of his inau- 
 guration; upon the financing of this tremendous plan of construction out of 
 the motor vehicle license fees, without one cent of general property taxation 
 and upon the perfection of an organization of highway construction which is 
 now building these hard roads at a rate of over one thousand miles a year 
 and which is a model for every other state in the Union, 
 
 Governor Len Small has taken a firm stand to protect property rights 
 but never at the expense of human rights ; he has improved the management of 
 state owned farms thereby reducing the burden upon the taxpayers in caring 
 for the inmates of our twenty-six charitable and correctional institutions; 
 he has carried on an intelligent health program for the state and has provided 
 sympathetic and humane treatment for the mentally disabled veterans of the 
 world war; he has successfully coped with the problems of public health and 
 reduced the death rate in Illinois, thereby saving many thousands of lives 
 annually; he has successfully advanced all divisions of public welfare and 
 social service, all of which has helped to make Illinois a better state in 
 which to live„ 
 
 We respectfully call attention to our national leaders to the urgent 
 need of the great agricultural population of our country^ This industry 
 through unnatural deflation produced by the previous Democratic administra- 
 tion, is now in most serious financial condition, and soon all branches of 
 industry must be affected thereby^ We of the very heart of the great corn 
 belt feel that we have a right to speak and be heard on this question. The 
 magnitude of the numbers of those engaged in agriculture prevents this in- 
 dustry from successfully organizing as the other great industries have done 
 and as labor has done. If something is not done soon our farmers will become 
 serfs and lands will pass into the possession of the few. 
 
 We recognize that under the present system of taxation the tax burden 
 has fallen so heavily upon the tangible property of the state--especially 
 real estate--as to approach, in many instances, confiscation of the entire 
 income derived from such property and is tending to discourage the ownership 
 of homes, farm lands and investment property; and that much of the wealth of 
 the state is not bearing its fair portion of taxes. We therefore favor such 
 
 -153- 
 
Republican Platform of 1924 
 
 action as may be necessary whereby the burden of taxation will be more evenly 
 distributed over the wealth of the state, thereby relieving the farmer and 
 home owner of the inequitable tax burden that is now imposed upon them. 
 
 Believing that the perpetuity of the state and the nation depends 
 largely upon the number of men and women who own their homes, we favor the 
 enactment of a Federal Home Building Loan act that will enable the working 
 people to borrow money for home building purposes at low rates of interest 
 and to repay the loan over either a short or long period of years at the 
 option of the borrower under an amortization plan similar to that incorporated 
 in the Federal Farm Loan act. 
 
 We sympathize with all wise and well-directed efforts to secure con- 
 gressional action calculated to protect the public health of the residents 
 of the city of Chicago and vicinity and to protect the health and property 
 rights of the residents of the DesPlains and Illinois Valleys, 
 
 We submit that the principal contest involving specific issues, in the 
 primary campaign was over the candidacy of Governor Len Small for renomination. 
 Governor Small conducted his campaign upon his administrative record and upon 
 a platform of principles and policies adopted at a mass convention held in 
 Kankakee, Illinois, on August 15, 1923. The Republican voters of Illinois 
 by re^nominating Governor Small by a decisive majority, approved his record 
 and platform of principles. 
 
 We, therefore, in acknowledgment of such expression of public approval 
 pledge our support to Governor Small to carry out the promises he made to 
 the people in the Kankakee platform, which is hereby adopted. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . April 19, 1924. 
 
 •154- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1924 
 (Adopted April 18, 1924) 
 
 To all who believe that public office is a public trust, that state 
 government is for service to the people and not for private profit, the 
 situation in Illinois is a summons to solemn reflection and action. 
 
 The details need no citation and no discussion at our hands. They 
 have been told to the world--on the rostrum in the newspapers, and in the 
 courts-'-in accusation and counter-accusation by the very state officers 
 who have alternated as accusers and accused. They and their followers have 
 been definite in recitals of the looting, of how the looting was done and of 
 who got the loot. 
 
 The situation and the conditions, thus revealed, make the issue to be 
 decided in November. There is just one issue and only one. It is this: 
 
 "The rescue of state government from rat-pit fighting over spoils and 
 private profit, and the restoration of state government to singe- 
 minded service of the people." 
 
 The situation and the conditions that make this issue cannot be cured 
 or corrected by convention platforms or the promises of candidates. There 
 is but one remedy. It lies in the election of men and women who make faithful 
 public service their first obligation, whose lives are a guaranty of faithful 
 performance, and vjho have the ability, the experience and the will to do the 
 things that need to be done, and in the way they must be done to re-establish 
 common decency, common honesty and straightforward businesslike administration 
 in the state government. 
 
 There is no other road to honest and efficient state government; 
 no other corrective for deficiencies in either administration or legislation. 
 Whatever the specific item of public business that one or another of us may 
 think needs first attention, there is no hope of adequate attention to it 
 without men and women in office viho can be trusted to guide legislation and 
 enforce administration with unwavering devotion to the public interest. Until 
 the election of such men and women is assured, promises and programs serve 
 no purpose but to distract attention from the main issue. 
 
 Among details of state government directly affecting all the people, 
 taxation is of gravest concern. The burden steadily grows. It weighs 
 heaviest upon the great agricultural industry. 
 
 The way to help the farmer and every other citizen most effectively is 
 to lighten his tax burden. Other expedients are mere palliatives, not remedies, 
 Sincere effort to find remedies must begin with attack upon the tax burden 
 at its source. 
 
 The way to reduce taxes is to reduce the cost of government. The 
 way to do that is to stop the practices that have made government in Illinois 
 a national scandal. 
 
 ■155- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1924 
 
 Another great undertaking of similar significance is the building of 
 hard roads o The state needs more hard roads and the people want them. They 
 can be got without adding a penny to the tax burdens of the masses and 
 without hardship to any interest. 
 
 The way to get hard roads is to build them, and the way to build 
 them is to utilize the license fees paid by the users of hard roads. Both 
 principal and interest of hard road bond issues can be and should be thus 
 provided J without a penny of direct taxation upon the people. 
 
 So, too, in every detail of government, whether legislative or 
 administrative. The need is for men and women in office who think straight 
 and act. 
 
 Until the law is made burglar proof, the only way to insure return 
 to the state of interest on state funds, the only way to stop the use of 
 state funds for private profit, is to elect state officers who will honestly 
 obey both the letter and the spirit of the law. 
 
 The way to insure management of state institutions, for the welfare 
 and safety of the unfortunate inmates, is to elect state officers who want, 
 and will compel, competent management and compliaice with the law= 
 
 The way to stop payroll padding, and the spending of state funds for 
 private purposes, is to elect men and women who favor and will require, 
 complete publication of payrolls and expenditure of state funds. 
 
 The way to prevent abuse of prison-parole and pardon powers is to 
 elect a governor who will not abuse those powers. 
 
 The way to prevent the sale of licenses to tamper with human life, in 
 the guise of practicing medicine, is to have a state administration under 
 which no one xd.ll dare even to think of such traffic. 
 
 Laws are of no avail without honest men and women in office to enforce 
 them. Party platforms are as "the wind that bloweth" without candidates whose 
 personal characters and proved abilities speak in tones above any conceivable 
 set of convention resolutions. 
 
 Candidates have been nominated by the Democratic party, and are 
 presented to the voters of all parties, who meet, in every particular, the 
 needs of today in Illinois, They merit the support of all men and women, 
 regardless of political creeds, who want good government, administered by 
 officers who can be respected. 
 
 There is no question at issue in Illinois at this time which should 
 divide good citizens in a state election. The paramount question is xii ether 
 
 ■156- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1924 
 
 the people want good government sincerely enough to vote for it. We offer 
 them the opportunity, and candidates worthy of it . 
 
 The call is to the citizenship of Illinois--the state of Lincoln and 
 Douglas, of Grant and McClernand, of Oglesby and Palmer, of Trumbull and 
 Logan, of Altgeld and Dunne — to sink partianship in patriotism and vote 
 for the regeneration of their government. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal , April 19, 1924. 
 
 •157- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1926 
 
 Summary of 1926 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Progres- 
 sive, Socialist Labor, Commonwealth Land, Socialist, High Life, Workers Communist, 
 Light Wines and Beer, Independent Republican, Independent Democratic and Inde- 
 pendent .) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tat e 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Frank L. Smith 
 
 842,273 
 
 335,184 
 
 507,089 
 
 88 
 
 Democratic George E. Brennan 
 
 774,943 
 
 417,390 
 
 357,553 
 
 14 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Garrett D. Kinney 
 
 971,811 
 
 437,978 
 
 533,833 
 
 83 
 
 Democratic Samuel L. Nelson 
 
 661,378 
 
 347,278 
 
 314,100 
 
 19 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 33.5% 
 
 54, 
 
 .7% 
 
 11.7% 
 
 1211 
 
 Democratic 79. 4% 
 
 17. 
 
 .5% 
 
 3.1% 
 
 1245 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1925-1926 
 
 Violence continued sporadically throughout 1925 and 1926 in Franklin, 
 Williamson and Saline counties in southern Illinois. 
 
 The legislature in 1925 prohibited the carrying of concealed weapons, 
 except by specified public officers and specified private employees. The General 
 Assembly also created a county bureau of public welfare for all counties over 
 500,000, i.e. Cook County, consolidating all state service functions into a 
 single county department. 
 
 In 1925 the Illinois Supreme Court directed Governor Len Small to account 
 for approximately $1 million in interest money declared withheld by him while 
 state treasurer. Earlier in 1922 Small was acquitted of criminal charges based on 
 the same evidence. He was denied a rehearing by the court in 1926 and was later 
 sued in civil suits. 
 
 Expenditures of candidates in the Republican senatorial primary were a 
 focal point of 1926 political talk. Defeated candidate Senator William B. McKinley's 
 canpaign manager put his candidate's expenses at $481,760; large gifts from public 
 utilities executives to the campaign of successful candidate Frank L. Smith were 
 testified to; the amount of the Samuel Insull contribution was put at $125,000. It 
 was asserted this contribution was of especial significance because of Smith's 
 service as Illinois Public Service Commissioner. 
 
 In a 1926 advisory public policy referendum the voters of Illinois favored 
 --840,631 to 556,592--a proposal that the U. S. Congress be requested to pass 
 legislation allowing the individual states to define intoxicating liquor and restrict 
 its use as such states saw fit. 
 
 -159- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1926 
 (Adopted April 23, 1926) 
 
 Recognizing as the genius of our institutions and the foundation of 
 our liberties, the right of the people to pass upon and determine the policies 
 to be pursued and the action to be taken by those in authority, the Republi- 
 cans of Illinois 5 represented in general convention, put forth the following 
 statement for the consideration of those \ho will vote in the election of 
 Tuesday, November 2, 1926 „ 
 
 1. The ascertained will of the Republicans of this state is: 
 
 (a) That participation by the United States in the affairs of the 
 League of Nations is repugnant to the doctrines laid down by 
 the founders of the Republic and jealously adhered to during 
 the entire life of our nation; 
 
 (b) That because the permanent court of international justice 
 
 was created by and is the judicial arm of the League of Nations, 
 our adherence to this court must inevitably require us to 
 participate in the affairs of the league. 
 
 To maintain the peace of our own land is the highest aspiration of 
 our people. Coupled with this is the universal desire to do our utmost to 
 help maintain the peace of the wrld. We believe the United States can best 
 fulfill this desire by offering to submit all justiciable disputes with 
 other nations to an international tribunal, unrelated politically to any 
 single nation or association of nations, namely, the permanent court of 
 arbitration established under the Hague convent:ion--a true court of arbitra- 
 tion and a powerful instrument of peace. 
 
 2o We re-affirm our faith in the principles and doctrines of our 
 party and declare our belief that the prosperity and progress of the nation 
 require the continuing guidance of a Republican executive and a Republican 
 congress. 
 
 By the co-operation of Republican executives and Republican majorities 
 in congress, the rehabilitation of the United States after the depredations 
 of war has virtually been accomplished in the record-breaking period of five 
 years. This work should be carried to its conclusion under the direction of 
 the party which initiated it. 
 
 President Coolidge, loyally aided by congress, through the adoption 
 and honest application of the budget system, and by rigid adherence to a 
 policy of strict economy and wise supervision of public expenditures has 
 reduced the public debt by more than five billions of dollars, and has 
 lowered taxation to a point undreamed of when the task was undertaken. 
 This is an achievement to inspire the confidence and win the approval of all 
 our people; it stands out as one of the notable accomplishments of our nation. 
 He commend the Republicans in congress from this state for their support of 
 this program. 
 
 ■160- 
 
Republican Platform of 1926 
 
 3. We believe the welfare of our country demands the continuance of 
 these sound party doctrines: 
 
 (a) Continued economies and further tax reductions; 
 
 (b) Maintenance of the protective tariff system and of the American 
 standard of wages and of living; 
 
 (c) Stabilization of industry by means of the least possible govern- 
 ment interference with private business and by the recognition 
 of the right of labor to bargain collectively in relation to 
 wages and conditions of employment and of work and to be protected 
 in the proper exercise of that right; 
 
 (d) Complete recognition of the equality of the citizenship of 
 women ; 
 
 (e) Generous provision for the needs of the veterans of all American 
 wars and their dependents; 
 
 (f) Protection of the states from intrusion of the federal government 
 upon their inherent rights; 
 
 (g) Protection of all our citizens against mob violence; 
 
 (h) Proper regulation of transportation for the benefit of both the 
 pd) lie and the development of our transportation system; 
 
 (i) Proper encouragement of commercial aviation both as a new means 
 of transportation and as an added means of national defense; 
 
 (j) Extension of the merit system to include all permanent agencies 
 of the governmer.t ; 
 
 (k) Honest enforcement of the laws of the land. 
 
 4. We recognize that because of the wide expanse of our country, the 
 industrial needs of one section may be different from those of another section, 
 therefore, regard it to be the especial duty of Illinoisians in the national 
 service to be alert to protect the particular interests of this state and of 
 the middle west, of which Illinois is the heart. We believe the following 
 insistent needs of the middle west should command the immediate and careful 
 consideration of all representatives of the Republican party who are charged 
 with the enactment and administration of national laws: 
 
 (a) The earliest possible relief of the great industry of agriculture 
 and the continuing protection of that industry equal to the pro- 
 tection given other industries by our tariff system. This should 
 include emergency legis lation for the establishment of federal 
 agencies effectively to control the distribution of our exportable 
 
 ■161- 
 
Republican Platform of 1926 
 
 surplus of farm products in such manner as will restore the 
 industry to a profitable basis and give to the producer an 
 American price for his products the loss— if any-"Of such 
 control of surplus distribution to be borne by the producer. 
 Ttils we deem to be imperative for the preservation of the 
 greatest industry of our state, and to be essential to the wel- 
 fare of the middle west, of the nation and of our party. 
 
 (b) The immediate adoption of a party policy for the development 
 of Lakes to the Gulf and Lakes to the Atlantic waterways, and 
 the earliest possible completion of such waterways. 
 
 (c) Such an increase in Panama canal toll-rates-=to become effective 
 as soon as possible— as will provide funds for interest charges 
 for the redemption of canal bonds and the upkeep of the canal, 
 and which will also serve to minimize discrimination against the 
 middle west in transportation charges. 
 
 5. In state affairs we demand of the official representatives of 
 our party the same devotion to the public good that is required of Republi- 
 cans in the national service. Republican legislatures and Republican execu- 
 tive and administration officers in authority in Illinois have fulfilled 
 this obligation. Outstanding achievements under Governor Small and the other 
 Republican elective officers of the state and a Republican legislature have 
 been: 
 
 (a) Promotion of the most extensive and complete system of paved 
 roads ever undertaken by any state, and record-breaking progress 
 toward the completion of that program; 
 
 (b) Effective regulation of public utilities ^ich has resulted in 
 immense savings to the patrons of the several utilities and has 
 given us the best service at the generally fairest rates the 
 state has ever known; 
 
 (c) Protection of the health of the people; 
 
 (d) Humane treatment of the state's dependents and efficient oper- 
 ation of the institutions maintained for their care; 
 
 (e) Recognition of the fair claims of the ex-service men of Illinois 
 to adjusted compensation; 
 
 (f) Advancement of education by liberal provision for all state 
 schools and institutions of learning; 
 
 (g) Rapid progress in the construction work for the Lakes to the 
 Gulf waterway; 
 
 -162- 
 
Republican Platform of 1926 
 
 (h) Fair treatment of labor and the protection of the rights and the 
 promotion of the welfare of the men and women who make up this 
 great body of our citizenship. 
 
 We expect and require of Republican officials and legislators to 
 adhere to and continue these policies as the settled doctrines of Republi- 
 canism. 
 
 6. Economy in the use of the people's money and the lowest tax-rate 
 compatible with good service are fundamental doctrines of our party. While 
 we realize that adjustments in the pay of the men and women in the public 
 service to meet increases in the cost of living were only fair and essential, 
 and that to meet these adjustments and the increased cost of all supplies and 
 materials purchased for public use have required higher appropriations by 
 state, county and municipal authorities, we believe present conditions demand 
 every possible retrenchment by all governing bodies which have authority to 
 levy taxes. We believe there should be concerted and co-operative efforts 
 among state, county and municipal bodies to lighten the burden of taxation, 
 and pledge Republican officials to this course.. Also to permit the equal 
 distribution of oir tax burden, we recommend the proposed amendment to our 
 state constitution which will be submitted to the voters in November. 
 
 7. To the candidates of the party, nominated in the primary of 
 April 13, we pledge faithful support and ask the united effort of the party 
 organization to bring about the election of all these candidates for the 
 maintenance of Republican principles, policies and ideals, in national, state 
 and local government. Also, we urge all Republican officials to work in 
 harmony with Governor Small to the end that he shall be unhampered in his 
 efforts to promote the public welfare and to fulfill the obligations of the 
 office to v^hich he was elected by the people of this state. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal , April 24, 1926, 
 
 •163- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1926 
 (Adopted April 23, 1926) 
 
 The Democratic party »f Illinois feel that we are c«nfr»nted by a 
 grave crisis, not alone in the affairs of our state, but in the affairs of 
 the nation and herewith we submit t9 the people of the state ef Illinois 
 a statement of our convictions and purposes in the following platform: 
 
 FARMS 
 
 Post war readjustments have inflicted tragic penalties upon the farmers 
 of Illinois. 
 
 Thousands of farm families have been forced through bankruptcy, fhey 
 have lost their homes, their land and their hopes for the future. 
 
 Other thousands are confronted by the terrors of inaolvency and are 
 dependent upon the generosity of those who hold their mortgages and notes 
 to permit them to enjoy the shelter ef the only home they know. 
 
 Illinois' once great and rich basic industry, which made her famous 
 throughout the world as the biggest producer of farm products, is in des- 
 perate straits. 
 
 The farmers carried their case to President Coolidge and he came to 
 Chicago a few months ago and offered the farmers no relief of any kind, but 
 told them to get together and cooperate and do the best they could for 
 themselves. He offered them nothing. He gave them a stone. The Republican^ 
 in Congress, under orders from the White House, are getting ready to adjourn 
 without giving the farmers any adequate or beneficial relief. 
 
 We believe that if the government, by tariff, puts up the price for 
 the eastern manufacturer and for the labor he employs; If the government bjr 
 laws puts up railroad rates, so that the railroads shall not lose money, then 
 we contend that the government shall enact appropriate legislation so that 
 the fanners, }Au> are the bone and sinew of the nation, shall not be sacrificed. 
 
 VOLSTEAD ACT 
 
 We favor the modification of the Volstead Act so as to permit the 
 people of the several states, in the exercise of their sovereignty, to 
 authorize the lawful manufacture and sale of light wines and beer. 
 
 We favor practical temperance rather than theoretical prohibition. 
 
 -165- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1926 
 
 SMALL 
 
 The administration of Len Small as governor for the last five years 
 has been a stench in the nostrils of all self respecting citizens of Illinois „ 
 Extravagance has permeated every department of the state, so that, excluding 
 expenditures for roads, waterways and soldiers bonus, the annual expenditures 
 for the state government have been more than twice as much as they were during 
 the last Democratic state administration. 
 
 Small has disqualified himself from continuing to hold the office of 
 governor by reason of a violation of the Constitutional provision making in- 
 eligible for state office any person who unlawfully withholds money from the 
 public treasury. 
 
 He has prostituted his office by extorting contributions from state 
 employes for the ostensible purpose of paying one million dollars which the 
 supreme court has held that he owes the state, but in reality to buy the 
 next general assembly to prevent his impeachment. 
 
 Extravagance and inefficiency has been the watchword of his adminis- 
 tration and pardons have been given for corrupt political purposes » 
 
 Through these methods Small has built up a corrupt political ma>chine 
 so that the decent element of the Republican party are no longer able t^o 
 cope with it. Decency and a proper regard for the fair name of the. state 
 of Illinois demand that this intolerable situation cease. 
 
 The only relief lies in the success of the Democratic party and we 
 call upon all self respecting Republicans to unite with us in our efforts, 
 so that Small and Smallism may forever be banished from the state and as an 
 evidence of our good faith, we pledge the people of Illinois that the Demo- 
 cratic members of the next general assembly will support a rule that will 
 require each state official and each department to furnish an itemized 
 statement of all expenditures made from appropriations. 
 
 We further pledge that the Democratic members of the next general 
 assembly will join with Republicans, who are opposed to Small's methods of 
 government, in organizing the general assembly to the end that his corrupt 
 control thereof may be ended. 
 
 We demand that the attorney general institute proceedings to determine 
 by what legal right Small is holding the office of governor. It is our view 
 that this is a public duty which should be performed by the attorney general 
 without further delay, and in any movement that he may take to that end, we 
 pledge him the full support of the Democratic party. 
 
 
 -166- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1926 
 
 SMITH AND SMALL 
 
 The people of the state of Illinois would like to know the reason why 
 Small, in the last hours of the recent senatorial campaign threw the whole 
 weight of his administration's influence into the breach for Frank Smith. 
 
 We charge that Smith's nomination was due exclusively to his alliance 
 with Small and the notorious Lundin; that such alliance was responsible for 
 Smith's overwhelming victory in Small's home county— Kankakee . 
 
 We charge, moreover, that Smith, because of his long association 
 with Small's administration, as chairman of the Illinois Commerce commission, 
 must accept his full share of responsibility for the crimes of omission and 
 commission of v^ich that administration has been found guilty at the bar of 
 of public opinion. 
 
 We believe that there is no better time than now to begin erasing of 
 every vestige of Small influence in the state of Illinois and that the best 
 way to begin is to see to it that Small's political partner and official 
 subordinate be defeated at the polls in November. No self respecting 
 citizen can conceive of Small's influence and power reaching into the United 
 States senate through the person of his choice at the primary election. 
 
 PEAPPORTIONMENT 
 
 Our Constitution requires the general assembly to reapportion the 
 state each ten years. There has been no congressional or senatorial re- 
 apportionment since 1901. 
 
 We enter our solemn protest against the continuance of this indefensible 
 conduct and demand that the general assembly which meets in January next shall 
 immediately, upon effecting an organization, proceed to the consideration of 
 a measure or measures to reapportion the state as to senatorial and congres- 
 sional districts, and we further demand that in consideration and devising 
 such a measure that the spirit and letter of the constitution be observed 
 in good faith, and that existing inequalities in representation be dlgeontlnued 
 and every arsa be assured of its constitutional right of full representation. 
 
 HOME RULE 
 
 In accordance with Democratic principle of state rights and free and 
 unhampered local self government, we favor the greatest measure of Home Rule 
 for the cities of our state, including the right to regulate and control their 
 local public utilities. 
 
 WATERWAYS 
 
 We favor the immediate construction of an adequate vaterway system 
 which will give the people of Illinois that free and full access to the sea 
 necessary to its economical and industrial development. 
 
 •167- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1926 
 
 HIGHWAYS 
 
 We favor the extension of our system of hard surfaced highways, until 
 every area of the state has been included in its blessings. 
 
 In devising programs of future highway construction, we demand that 
 polit ical favoritism, which has governed and is now governing the highway 
 department of Small's administration, be put aside. 
 
 It is unfortunate for Illinois that for five years past road planning 
 and canstruction have been subjected to the political necessities of the 
 executive head of our state administration. Roads have been traded for 
 influence and votes in every area 9f the state. 
 
 CHARITY AND EDUCATION 
 
 We favor generous appropriations for the maintenance and support of 
 our charitable institutions and also for the promotion of educational facil- 
 ities. 
 
 These constitute two forms of public expenditure which demand sym- 
 pathetic understanding of the sources to which they flow. 
 
 The afflicted, the insane, the defectives and the erring are worthy 
 of our best thought and care. We should do everything in our power to aid 
 them to regain places in the wsrld temporarily lost through affliction which 
 they could not avert. 
 
 Illinois possesses a proud record in the field of education. We trust 
 that that record never will be tarnished through the carelessness of those 
 who are charged with its keeping. 
 
 We trust that the millions which have been basely diverted into 
 political channels and activities for the political dorification of the worst 
 governor any state in the union has ever had to endur^ will hereafter be dedi- 
 cated to education. 
 
 REVENUE AMENDMENT 
 
 We favor- the adoTJ«iswt» of th* a in e anLii ent to the Revenue Clause of the 
 constitution to be submitted to the voters at the next general election 
 thereby enabling the general assembly to enact an equitable system of taxation 
 throughout the state. 
 
 ELECTIONS 
 
 We favor ahiend«rtg'%lw eleCttOfr law soaytd provide**l3eparate ballots 
 for state and national candidates, as a means of affording better opportunity 
 for a free expression of the wishes of the people. 
 
 -168- 
 
nemocratlr Pl.atfoiT.. oi" 1925 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 We recognize the place of women in the affairs of our government. Their 
 influence upon the home in matters of education, and in public affair s is a 
 matter of gratification to every Democrat. 
 
 We ask them to join with us in keeping Illinois a decent place in 
 
 which to live and we pledge to the women of Illinois our cooperation in 
 
 their worthy efforts to ta'.:e their proper place in the affairs of our 
 commonwealth . 
 
 LABOR 
 
 We approve the ideals of organized labor and congratulate the leaders 
 of that great movement upon the success they have obtained in improving not 
 alone the working conditions and shortening their hours of toil, but in the 
 improvement of the living conditions of the working man. 
 
 We believe that the peace and prosperity of the nation are dependent 
 upon contented labor. 
 
 SOURCE: Illino is State Journal , April 24, 1926, 
 
 •169- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1928 
 
 Summary of 1928 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Socialist Labor and Workers (Communist) Party of America.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Herbert Hoover 
 
 1,769,141 
 
 812,063 
 
 
 957,078 
 
 91 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Alfred E, Smith 
 
 1,313,817 
 
 716,283 
 
 
 597,534 
 
 11 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Louis L, Emmerson 
 
 1,709,818 
 
 826,490 
 
 
 883,328 
 
 81 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Floyd E, Thompson 
 
 1,284,897 
 
 654,685 
 
 
 630,212 
 
 21 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 69.07. 
 
 23, 
 
 .97o 
 
 7 
 
 a7o 
 
 1287 
 
 De,,iOcratic 
 
 41.27o 
 
 42, 
 
 .57, 
 
 16 
 
 .37, 
 
 1226 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1927-1928 
 
 The General Ass 
 tion of state aid to s 
 aiding districts able 
 tricts much more than 
 gasoline was enacted, 
 was declared unconstit 
 on the ground of confl 
 under the pari-mutuel 
 were assigned to a sta 
 
 embly in 1927 enacted measures to provide for the distribu- 
 chools for the purpose of equalizing schooling rather than 
 
 to care for themselves. This program was to 3i<3 weaks*^ "dis- 
 previously. A bill placing a two cents per gallon tax on 
 although it was opposed by the Chicago Motor Club; the tax 
 utional in 1928, however, by the state supreme court chiefly 
 ict with an earlier act. Betting on horse races in Illinois 
 system was made legal as of July 1, 1927; state proceeds 
 te fund for agricultural prizes. 
 
 Republican William Hale Thompson was elected mayor of Chicago in 1927; 
 soon after his inauguration he brought charges against the Chicago superintendent 
 of schools for alleged pro-British leanings and Thompson ordered that books con- 
 taining pro-British propaganda be removed from the shelves of the Chicago Public 
 Library. Growing dissatisfaction with Mayor Thompson was seen as a major factor 
 in the 1928 primary defeat of his ally. Governor Len Small, in the latter's bid for 
 renomination. In January, 1928, Illinois Republican Senator-elect Frank L. Smith 
 was denied seating by a 61-23 vote of the U. S. Senate, based upon an investigation 
 of primary campaign contributions to Smith from the utility interests. 
 
 The Illinois Association for Criminal Justice issued a 1928 review declaring 
 the city of Chicago to be ridden with organized gangs furnishing protection to 
 illegal forms of traffic and being themselves immune from action by public authori- 
 ties of the past several administrations; profits to the gangsters was estimated at 
 $13% million annually. In an investigation demanded by the Chicago Bar Association 
 40 persons were indicted for acts of terrorism and other forms of illegality at the 
 primary elections of 1928. 
 
 ■171- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1928 
 (Adopted April 20, 1928.) 
 
 We, the delegates to the Republican State Convention of Illinois, 
 assembled in Springfield this twentieth day of April, 1928, hereby reaffirm 
 our faith in and loyalty to the principles of the Republican party. It is 
 a party of progress; its policies are constructive and under its leadership 
 and management the nation has achieved the greatest degree of prosperity 
 and the widest distribution of the comforts and luxuries of life since the 
 beginning of civilization. 
 
 Under Republican management the national government has been steered 
 through the shoals of reconstruction following the great World War, and has 
 emerged triumphant. Through the able leadership of President Coolidge taxes 
 have been reduced, governmental efficiency has been increased, and the 
 United Staces has become the wealthiest and most prosperous nation of the 
 world. 
 
 The people of Illinois owe to Republican leadership and achievement 
 all of the great public works and progressive legislation which have made 
 this state an outstanding example among the commonwealth. Our highway 
 system was designed and provided for under the administration of Governor 
 Frank 0. Lowden and more than 6,000 miles of pavement has been laid during 
 the administration of Governor Small. The Lake-to-the-Gulf Waterway will 
 bring the commerce of the world to our doors, was made possible by a bond 
 issue provided under Governor Charles S. Deneen. Plans were completed and 
 approved and construction was begun during the administration of Governor 
 Lowden, and continued under the present administration and completion of 
 the waterway is now in sight. Our great system of public parks and play- 
 grounds, our forest preserves and reclamation projects and many other public 
 improvements are the result of the foresight and good management of Repub- 
 lican officials. To Republican initiative and leadership Illinois owes 
 its high standing among the states in legislation and administration 
 affecting education, the welfare of labor and industry, public charities, 
 public health and agriculture. 
 
 ADMINISTRATIONS ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse the progressive and efficient administration of President 
 Calvin Coolidge, We commend the constructive work of the United States 
 Senator and Republican members of Congress from this state and of the present 
 officers of Illinois. 
 
 HONORABLE FRANK 0. LOWDEN FOR PRESIDENT 
 
 Illinois, the state of the immortal Lincoln, takes pride in presenting 
 to the nation for president its present day distinguished citizen and war 
 governor, Frank Oi Lowden, A million Republican voters of the state, by 
 their vote join in this petition. 
 
 We believe that he at this time stands more nearly than any other in 
 the middle between the agricultural West and the industrial East. The West 
 has a pressing agricultural problem to be solved as noted in the declaration 
 of principles just adopted which contemplates the full development of our 
 western economic resources, Frank 0. Lowden is widely recognized as in 
 
Republican Platform of 1928 
 
 full sympathy with and is known to have a full understanding of the purpose 
 of such legislation. 
 
 The east is equally interested in a continued prosperity, and we 
 note with satisfaction that he is being widely acclaimed as a man with the 
 background to give our country a just national administration. 
 
 Frank 0. Lowden has long been an active leader in the Republican 
 party. He has had a distinguished record as a lawyer, statesman, farmer 
 and business man. His administration as the war governor of Illinois has 
 been widely noted as outstanding in a generation. He has a broad national 
 outlook in American public life and can see his country as a harmonious 
 whole. 
 
 We, therefore, hereby instruct the delegates selected at this con- 
 vention, to urge all other Illinois delegates to use every honorable effort 
 to bring about his nomination at the Republican national convention on 
 June 12. 
 
 HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION 
 
 We believe that work on the bond issue system of roads should be 
 pushed as rapidly as possible in order to provide a complete network of 
 paved main arteries. We favor the maturing of a plan for the surfacing 
 of secondary roads, thus extending the benefits of paved highways in 
 many thousands of farms and small communities not on the bond issue system. 
 We demand business efficiency in highway construction, free from the in- 
 fluence of any political consideration. 
 
 WATERWAYS 
 
 Work on the Lake-to-the-Gulf Waterway should be pushed in a rapid 
 completion. We also favor the early construction of a waterway for ocean- 
 going vessels connecting Chicago with the Atlantic ocean through the Great 
 Lakes . 
 
 We stand committed to the recognition by the national government 
 of its obligation to undertake the solution of the problems of flood control 
 in the Mississippi Valley. 
 
 ECONOMY EFFICIENCY 
 
 The cost of public administration naturally has increased with the 
 higher cost of living and extensions of the functions of government. We 
 believe, however, that by strict application of efficiency and economy in 
 public administration governmental cost can be kept within reasonable 
 bounds and we pledge the Republican party and the candidates of state 
 offices to economic and business-like administration. 
 
 ■173- 
 
Republican Platform of 1928 
 
 TAXATION 
 
 The burden of taxation has become a serious problem in Illinois, not 
 only because of the increased cost of state and local governments, but 
 principally because of the unequal distribution of the burden. Tangible 
 property now bears much more than its just share. Intangible escapes 
 almost entirely under the present revenue laws. We favor the development 
 of sound, just and economic tax reform which will relieve the farms, small 
 homes and other visible property of the unjust share of taxation they are 
 now required to carry. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 Agriculture has not participated in the general prosperity which the 
 nation has been enjoying. The farm problem is national in scope and we must 
 look to Congress for its solution. We urge the enactment of remedial legis- 
 lation by Congress at the earliest possible moment. We favor a sympathetic 
 attitude on the part of the state government and hearty cooperation in measures 
 for the benefit of agriculture. We believe the farm advisory system should be 
 encouraged and extended and that scientific instruction and experiment for the 
 improvement of agriculture should be given every assistance. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 Of equal importance is the welfare of wage earners whose products 
 have placed Illinois among the first of the states in industry. Legislation 
 for the protection of wage earners and the improvement of conditions under 
 which they work should receive fair consideration. 
 
 CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS 
 
 The great system of charitable institutions which house many thousands 
 of dependents has been built up and brought to a high state of efficiency, 
 under Republican administration. We favor the maintenance of the highest 
 standards of care and treatment of the helpless wards of the state, based 
 upon efficient management and free from spoils politics. 
 
 PUBLIC UTILITIES 
 
 We favor the regulation and management of public utilities in the 
 interest of the public which they serve. Utility service has become an 
 integral part of our everyday life. The purpose of public regulations is 
 not to handicap utilities in the extension of improvement of their services, 
 but to see that in obtaining the protection of the government in developing 
 their properties they do not encroach upon the rights of communities nor 
 charge exorbitant or unreasonable rates. We favor the greatest measure 
 of home rule for every community consistent with the right of other 
 
 ■174- 
 
Republican Platform of 1928 
 
 communities. We believe Chicago and other large centers of population 
 should have authority under the law to work out their ovm local transporta- 
 tion problems and we favor only such changes in the laws as will give them 
 this power. 
 
 WAR VETERANS 
 
 There is no duty of the state greater in importance than the discharge 
 of its obligation to the men who have defended its integrity and honor in 
 war. We highly resolve that no effort should be spared in carrying on the 
 state problem of rehabilitation, hospitalization and care for the disabled 
 veterans of all wars and to make preper provision for the nurture and educa- 
 tion of their dependents. 
 
 CHICAGO AND THE DOWN STATE 
 
 We do not believe there is any reasonable ground for a feeling of 
 
 antagonism between Chicago and the rest of the state, and we favor an early 
 
 solution of the reapportionment question which has been the principle reason 
 for this misunderstanding. 
 
 LAW ENFORCEMENT 
 
 The Republican party stands squarely for law enforcement. The 
 existence of government depends upon observance of the respect for the law. 
 
 THE BALLO T 
 
 Government of the people, for the people, and by the people depends 
 upon the sanctity of the ballot and the freedom and equality of voters at 
 primaries and elections. A denial of the right to vote and to have the 
 vote counted has cast strikes at the very existence of government. 
 
 We insist upon legislation and administration which will protect the 
 voters, insure honest elections and make certain the vigorous prosecution 
 and severe punishment of all who interfere with the people in their right 
 to vote and place complete legal responsible upon election officials and 
 police officers to maintain peace at the polls and to protect all citizens 
 in the unhampered exercise of their suffrage. 
 
 NOMINATIONS ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse and ratify the nominations of the Republican candidates 
 made at the primary on April 10, 1928. 
 
 APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE 
 
 Wg call upon the people of Illinois to support the Republican candi- 
 dates for state offices at the election in November in order that the progressive 
 
 .1 7tL. 
 
Republican Platfor:: of 1928 
 
 and constructive progra- of Che Republican party ziay be carried out and the 
 principles of econc^::y and efficiency for which these candidates for United 
 States senator and representatives in Congress so that full party responsi- 
 bility for fulfilling party pledges =ay be established. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Jo-mal . April 21, 1928. 
 
 -176- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1928 
 (Adopted April 20, 1928) 
 
 PRE ALIBLE 
 
 The Democratic party of the State of Illinois, in convention asaenbled, 
 conscious of its duties and obligations to the State and realizing that the 
 people generally, without regard to political affiliation, are turning to 
 the Democracy of the State as their only neans of restoring the reputation 
 of otr State and re-establishing her position in the great sisterhood of the 
 States of the Union, herewith submits to the people of the State of Illinois 
 this statement of our convictions and purposes in the following platform: 
 
 STATE CANDIDATES 
 
 We commend the candidates of the Deraocratic party, named in rhe recent 
 state primary, as men of outstanding ability and proven character. Tney are 
 pledged to the support of honest and econocical government. With such a list 
 of candidates the people can repose full faith and confidence. 
 
 CIVIC HONESTY 
 
 We refer with confidence and pride to the record of civic honesty 
 always maintained by Democratic administrations. 
 
 In sorrow we recall the indictment of former members of the president's 
 cabinet, involving a wide range of transactions which betrayed the nation in 
 their conception and subsequently led to a series of disturbing events which 
 are now finding expression before the criminal court at Washington, 
 
 The oil scandals, involving the leasing of reserves in California and 
 Wyoming set aside for the use of the United States Na\n,r in war, are trailing 
 their slimy course to and fro across the continent, passing from grand jury 
 to senate committee and vice versa, until the whole countr>' has been aroused. 
 
 Daugherty, a former attorney general, was saved from imprisonnent by 
 a Scotch verdict. 
 
 Fall, a former secretary of the interior department, is at his home in 
 El Paso escaping trial on a plea of ill-health. 
 
 Denby, a former secretary of the navy, is in retireajent. 
 
 Hays, a forcer postmaster general and the former chairman of the 
 Republican National committee, is hiding in Europe in an attempt to escape 
 his disgrace. 
 
 Others of lesser fame are praying that they will be forgotten. 
 
 -177- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1928 
 
 With a feeling of humiliation as citizens of Illinois, we refer to the 
 scandals which have characterized the Republican State administrations since 
 1920. There has been no protest from the White House or from State Republican 
 party leaders against these scandals which have stigniatized the national and 
 state administrations. A continuance of the Republican party in power in the 
 Nation or in the State closes our do0f»-*<%d any hope or expectation of the 
 cessation of the thefts and the scandals v;hich are holding us up to the ridicule 
 of the world. The time has come for the kind of National and State housecleaning 
 which we can never have under the administration of the Republican party. 
 
 We pledge the Democratic party to honest rule as exemplified by the 
 great administrations of Andrew Jackson, Grover Cleveland and Uoodrow Wilson. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We call attention to the failure of the present National administration 
 to furnish the relief to fanners promised in its last platform. The present 
 administration has been particularly diligent in enacting revenue legislation 
 and other legislation releasing the very rich from taxation, turning a deaf 
 ear to the distress of our large agricultural population. Under the protecting 
 care of the secretary of the treasury and those who view economic matters from 
 his standpoint, the very rich are growing richer every day. The great indus- 
 tries have prospered, but the prosperity which has come to them under the 
 present administration does not reach the farming sections, and practical 
 legislation which would relieve distress in the grain states has been rejected, 
 and under the present administration will continue to be rejected. 
 
 Industry has secured protection through the tariff law, labor has been 
 protected by the immigration law, the railroads have been protected by the 
 transportation act, but the farmers have been left to shift for themselves. 
 
 We, therefore, unreservedly favor the enactment of the McNary-Haugen 
 bill into law and recommend. that it shall receive the support of all members 
 of Congress from this State. 
 
 PADDED PAYROLLS 
 
 We condemn the present practice of secretly placing on the payrolls of 
 the State the names of thousands of persons \A\o render no service to the State, 
 which has materially contributed to the economic burden of the taxpayers. We 
 pledge ourselves to the enactment of such legislation as will compel all 
 executive officers to publish annually a statement of all expenditures of 
 public funds aid the names and addresses of all persons on the payrolls, the 
 position held, and the compensation paid. 
 
 ^^X)MEN 
 
 The Democratic party, consistent with its history and traditions, has 
 always striven to bestow upon the women of our land equal rights and opportunity 
 
 ■178- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1928 
 
 with men. Thomas Jefferson, the founder of our party, was an illustrious 
 champion of universal suffrage. Every extension of the right of franchise 
 to the women of this State has been secured during Democratic administrations. 
 The first law permitting women to vote in school elections was passed during 
 the administration of that great Democratic governor, John P. Altgeld. The 
 right of women to the ballot for all offices, except those forbidden by con- 
 stitutional provision, was given to the women of our State during the admin- 
 istration of another Democratic governor, Edward F. Dunne, and universal 
 suffrage was obtained for the women of our land during the administration of 
 that great Democratic president, Woodrow Wilson. Their influence upon the 
 home and in matters of education and in public affairs is a matter of grati- 
 fication to every Democrat. We pledge to the women of Illinois our cooperation 
 in their worthy efforts to take their proper place in the affairs of our common- 
 wealth. 
 
 STATE RIGHTS 
 
 We redeclare our opposition to the centralization of power in the federal 
 government and to the deprivation of the inherent rights of the people of the 
 several States to control their internal and local affairs. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 We approve the ideals of organized labor and congratulate the leaders 
 of that great movement upon the success they have obtained in improving 
 working and living conditions of the workingman. We believe that the peace 
 and prosperity of the Nation are dependent upon contented labor. 
 
 We favor the right of labor to receive an adequate wage earned under 
 healthful working conditions, the right to organize in order to obtain it, 
 and the right to bargain for it collectively through representatives of its 
 own choosing. 
 
 REAPPORTIONMENT 
 
 We assert that reapportionment demands serious attention and prompt 
 and intelligent action to the end that all of the people of the State may have 
 just and fair representation in the Congress of the United States and in the 
 General Assembly of the State of Illinois. 
 
 HOME RULE 
 
 In accordance with Democratic principles of State rights and local self- 
 government, we favor the greatest measure of Home Rule for the cities of our 
 State. 
 
 ■ 1 79- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1928 
 
 i fliTTERWAYS 
 
 We favor the immediate construction of an adequate system of waterways 
 vAiich will give the people of the State of Illinois free and full access to 
 the seas which is so necessary to their economical and industrial development. 
 
 FLOOD CONTROL 
 
 We favor the performance by the national government of its full duty 
 to insure adequate flood control and relief in the territory drained by the 
 Mississippi and its tributaries so as to fully prevent a recurrence of vast 
 loss of life and property recently incurred. 
 
 HIGHWAYS 
 
 We favor the extension of our system of hard-surfaced highways until 
 every community of the State has been included in its benefits. In devising 
 programs for future highway construction, we demand that political favoritism 
 which has governed and is now governing the Highway department of the present 
 administration be put aside. It is unfortunate for our State that for seven 
 years past, road-planning and construction have been subject to the political 
 strengthening of the Republican State Machine of which the Republican candidate 
 for governor Louis L, Emmerson now assumes to be the leader. Roads have been 
 traded for influence and votes in every section of the State. 
 
 STATE INSTITUTIONS 
 
 The Democratic party realizes the great responsibility involved in the 
 administration of twenty-six State charitable institutions in which nearly 
 35,000 insane, feeble-minded, physically handicapped and delinquent persons 
 are cared for and the supervision of 15,000 children in family homes or 
 institutions at an expenditure of $14,000,000 annually. The Democratic party 
 pledges itself to the use of the most scientific principles to secure humane, 
 intelligent and economical care of the wards of the State; adherence to the 
 merit system; every effort to secure adequate and safe buildings to relieve 
 the present overcrowded conditions; the extension of the use of the advisory 
 board; every effort to secure more efficient local and especially county 
 administration; to develop cordial and helpful co-operation between the State 
 govermnent and the officials of the 102 counties of the State; and the removal 
 of probation from local party politics; placing it under a State non-partisan 
 commission. 
 
 BALLOT 
 
 We favor the short ballot and we favor amending the election laws so 
 as to provide separate ballots for National and State candidates as a means 
 
 •180- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1928 
 
 of affording better opportunity for the free expressions of the wishes of 
 the people. 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 With an abiding faith in the honesty of our people and in their sincere 
 desire to rid the State of the intolerable conditions which have existed in 
 almost every department of our State government during the last eight years, 
 we call upon the voters, regardless of political faith, to rally to the 
 support of our candidates in the firm conviction that in their election lies 
 the only opportunity of the people to redeem our beloved State. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . April 21, 1928. 
 
 ■181- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1930 
 
 Summary of 1930 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Liberty, Anti-League World Court Anti-Foreign Entanglements, Peace and Prosperity, 
 Independent, American National and Communist.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Ruth H. McCormick 
 
 687,469 
 
 
 287,290 
 
 400,179 
 
 13 
 
 Democratic Jo Hamilton Lewis 
 
 1,432,216 
 
 
 757,623 
 
 674,593 
 
 89 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Clarence F, Buck 
 
 965,017 
 
 
 419,776 
 
 545,241 
 
 62 
 
 Democratic Edward J. Barrett 
 
 1,039,938 
 
 
 575,468 
 
 464,470 
 
 40 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 53.1% 
 
 
 26, 
 
 .8% 
 
 20.27o 
 
 2003 
 
 Democratic 58. 8% 
 
 
 34 
 
 .57, 
 
 6.7% 
 
 1758 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1929-1930 
 
 A three cent per gallon tax on gasoline was passed by the state legislature 
 in 1929, with one cent of the tax to go to the state and tvro cents to the individual 
 counties; proceeds of the tax were to be spent on road improvements. The legislature 
 in other action enacted a bill to create a force of 300 state highway policemen to 
 be invested xd.th full police powers. Women were admitted to jury service. A measure 
 to prohibit the sale, possession or use of the machine guns extensively employed in 
 the feuds of the Chicago gangsters was enacted, but it received much ridicule as 
 not likely to be observed by the lawless, and was vetoed by Governor Emmerson. 
 
 The quadrennial tax assessment for Cook County made earlier in 1927 had been 
 declared illegal; eighteen months passed before the making of a reassessment. As 
 a consequence no taxes were paid in 1929 and those that should have been paid in 
 1928 were to come due June 10, 1930. But hard times interfered and much of the tax 
 money due remained unpaid. A deficit in the municipal finances occurred in Chicago 
 in 1929 and a $40 million loan on tax anticipation warrants had to be secured. The 
 State of Illinois was also in financial straits and in May, 1930, Governor Emmerson 
 called a special session of the legislature. Short term remedies were enacted to 
 resolve the crisis, such as allowing corporate bodies of Cook County to issue bonds 
 fia r specific purposes without resorting to referendum approval, and a major proposal 
 to adopt the Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution was adopted. The latter 
 would empower the legislature to impose a state income tax and allow classification 
 of property. The voters soundly defeated the proposal. 
 
 The campaign against organized crime in Chicago continued. Various private 
 committees were reportedly working secretly in efforts to drive out criminal abuses. 
 The police commissioner of Chicago resigned under heavy criticism and ten politicians 
 were indicted on charges of attempting to plunder the sanitary board of several 
 million dollars. 
 
 ■183- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1930 
 (Adopted August 22, 1930) 
 
 Throughout its history, the Republican party has been distinguished 
 for constructive policies and progressive and forward-looking leadership. 
 Under its guidance, the national government has made its greatest progress. 
 Following the Civil war, it was the Republican party which steered the 
 course of the nation through the difficult period of reconstruction to pros- 
 perity and popular welfare never befere equaled in the vrorld's history. 
 Likewise, since the World war. Republican leadership and initiative have 
 made the United States the creditor nation of the ;>»rld, least touched b/ 
 the financial crises which have been felt by all peoples. Republican 
 statesmanship has maintained our influence abroad and protected industry 
 at home and we have become the wealthiest and most prosperous nation in 
 the world. 
 
 In the last seventy years of almost continuous Republican administra- 
 tion in Illinois, this state has made remarkable advancement. It ranks third 
 among the states in wealth, and it holds a high position in industry, in 
 agriculture, in education, and in transportation. Its great highway system 
 is unsurpassed. Its institutions are among the finest and best equipped in 
 the country. Its laws for the welfare of labor and industry are models 
 followed by many other states. 
 
 It is with justifiable pride, therefore, that we, the delegates to 
 the Republican state convention of Illinois, assembled in Springfield, this 
 twenty=second day of August, 1930, hereby reaffirm our faith in the Repub- 
 lican party and our loyalty to its principles and policies, 
 
 NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We endorse the efficient and businesslike administration of the national 
 government by President Herbert Hoover. His leadership, under the present 
 critical conditions which are world wide, brings to the financial and indus- 
 trial problems now confronting this country, the wisdom and experience pe- 
 culiarly essential to the situation. President Hoover's energy and ability 
 are pointing the way to a revival of prosperity and to a firmer foundation 
 for a still further advancement of industry and agriculture. 
 
 Because of its diversified interests, our state is conspicuously 
 benefited by the tariff legislation enacted by a Republican congress in 
 accordance with the pledges made by the Republican party and by the Repub- 
 lican presidential candidate in the campaign of 1928. 
 
 The 1930 Tariff bill, now a law, gives to agriculture a greater 
 measure of protection than it has ever enjoyed and, at the same time, it has 
 placed important industries in a position so to meet the competition of 
 foreign goods, produced under low wage conditions, that American labor has 
 a vastly improved outlook. 
 
 STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We heartily endorse the present state administration which, under 
 the wise leadership of Governar Louis L, Emmerson, has fulfilled every 
 
Republican Platform of 1930 
 
 pledge made in the last state Republican platform and has made a remarkable 
 record for efficiency and accomplishment. We endorse, likewise, the record 
 of all other elected state officials and the administration of the various 
 Illinois state departments which have continued to serve the public effectively 
 and economically. The Republican members of the general assembly are com- 
 mended for their intelligent and patriotic service in promoting the legis- 
 lative program presented for consideration by Governor Emmerson,and in 
 dealing with the problems brought before the legislature during the last two 
 years. The state administration is commended particularly upon the progress 
 made in highway construction. This year $37,000,000 is being spent, pro- 
 viding employment to more than 25,000 men, and through the gasoline tax law 
 there is ample provision for carrying on the work of paving other roads for 
 years to come, and for the maintenance of the state highway system. 
 
 This convention approves the energy of the state administration and 
 the member of the Illinois delegation in the senate and in the House of 
 Representatives, at Washington, in drafting and enacting legislation which 
 will make possible the early completion of the Illinois waterway. This 
 project, which is of great importance to the industrial, commercial and 
 agricultural interests of the entire state, also has the approval and co- 
 operation of the president, and the completion of the Lakes-to-the-Gulf 
 channel will ever be a monument to the progressive Republican administra- 
 tions and officials who have directed its promotion. 
 
 The state administration, in conformity with the platform pledges of 
 the Republican state convention of 1928, has worked diligently toward a 
 solution of the tax problem in an effort to readjust the burden of taxation 
 equitably, and an amendment to the state constitution is to be submitted to 
 the people at the election next November, which will give the voters an 
 opportunity to express their will upon this important question. 
 
 SOLVE HOUSING PROBLEM 
 
 A serious housing problem in the various state institutions which 
 confronted the administration, has been solved by the construction of addi- 
 tional buildings under a program worked out by Governor Emmerson and approved 
 by the general assenbly. The program calls for a development of the institu- 
 tions to meet future additional needs. We commend the economical manner in 
 which this situation has been met and approve the scientific and humane manage- 
 ment of the institutions for the care of the wards of the state. 
 
 The state administration also has been an important factor in the 
 solution of the Chicago transportation problem. The fifty-sixth general 
 assembly adopted a program of legislation, recommended by the city of Chicago, 
 and accepted by the transportation companies. The city council of Chicago 
 then adopted an ordinance providing for unification of the transportation 
 systems of the city and their expansion to meet the growing demands of a 
 greatly increased population. This ordinance was ratified by the people of 
 Chicago by a vote of nearly 6 to 1 at a special election, July 1, 1930, thus 
 clearing the way for what the people believe is an equitable settlement of 
 the traction question, in harmony with home rule which is provided by one of 
 the bills passed by the general assembly. 
 
 •185- 
 
Republican Platform of 1930 
 
 LABOR 
 
 Illinois ranks third as an industrial state and Chicago is the manufac- 
 turing center of the United States. Our state ranks third in the production 
 of coal. The progress and welfare of manufacturing and mining, therefore, 
 are of vital importance to the wage earners of Illinois. 
 
 Not only have the interests ef Labor been conserved by the inauguration 
 of a state movement to encourage the purchase by Illinois people of the praducts 
 of our farms, mines and factories, but the future of labor has been further 
 assured by national legislation providing for the restriction of immigration 
 and by other legislation for the protection of these industries. We pledge 
 the continued co-operation of the Republican party in assisting Illinois in- 
 dustries to increase their efficiency and to augment their volume of business, 
 thus affording an increased employment for the millions of wage earners of 
 the state. 
 
 The laws of Illinois for the welfare of labor, practically all of which 
 have been enacted under Republican administrations, are recognized as the best 
 in the nation and have been used as models by other states. We pledge con- 
 tinued Republican support of legislation to promote the interests of wage 
 earners and maintenance of the American standard of living. 
 
 UNEMPLOYMENT 
 
 The nations of the world are suffering from a business and financial 
 depression and inevitably this condition has reacted, in combination with other 
 causes, to effect adversely conditions in the United States, It is a fact in 
 which we find gratification that the unemployment situation in America is less 
 serious than in other countries. Both national and state administrations 
 have promptly taken steps to meet this problem by inaugurating important public 
 works such as the^ construction of public buildings, highways and great public 
 parks, all of which undertakings will substantially reduce unemployment in 
 Illinois, In this connection we especially commend President Hoover and 
 Governor Emmerson for the strong stand they have taken in this situation 
 against a lowering of the ^^age scale and the American standard of living. 
 
 The immediate prospect of extensive waterway construction, and of new 
 transportation facilities in the city of Chicago, the plans for which call 
 for the expenditure of $300,000,009 within the next ten years, and the develop- 
 ment of the elaborate improvement of Chicago's lakefront and other work pro- 
 vided by legislation under direction of the Republican national and state 
 administrations, will materially improve labor conditions. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We endorse the prompt action taken by President Hoover in carrying 
 out our party pledges in behalf of agriculture. In addition to an upward 
 revision of the tariff on our most important farm products, the national 
 administration has fulfilled its promise to create a farm board which is now 
 functioning, and which is supplied with $500,000,000 of federal funds for the 
 purpose of financing co-operative associations and stabilizing corporations, 
 and creating an orderly system of marketing agricultural products. 
 
 -186- 
 
Republican Platform of 1930 
 
 The Farm Marketing act, framed under the direction of our Republican 
 president, and enacted into law by a Republican congress while admittedly 
 experimental, and like other remedial legislation, may require amendment to 
 perfect it, has demonstrated the sincerity of the party's interest in and 
 pledges to, the farm communities of Illinois and the country in general. 
 
 We pledge the party to such additional amendatory legislation as may 
 be necessary to make the act effective and helpful. 
 
 Under the emergency conditions created by the recent drought in Illi- 
 nois, and elsewhere, the national and state administrations have co-operated 
 in taking immediate action for the relief of those districts most seriously 
 affected. 
 
 PROHIBITION 
 
 The Republican party, since the day of its first triumph under Abraham 
 Lincoln, has been the steadfast champion of the sanctity of the constitution 
 and observance of the laws as they have been decreed by the will of the people, 
 whose majority we continue to recognize as supreme, and the Republican party 
 pledges its continued unqualified support of the provisions of the constitu- 
 tion and the laws of our nation and state unless and until they are repealed 
 or amended. 
 
 The Public Policy law of Illinois, enacted more than a quarter of a 
 century ago without reference to partisanship, provides a legal channel 
 through which the people of the state may register their will at the ballot- 
 box upon any question of public policy. Under this statute and in legal 
 and orderly compliance therewith, the necessary steps have been taken to 
 procure an expression of opinion from the voters of Illinois, upon the 
 question of the Eighteenth Amendment to the constitution and the problems 
 of enforcement involved thereunder. This is the statutory and constitutional 
 method of ascertaining the will of our people, and we urge all voters to 
 participate in the referendum thus instituted in order that the result may 
 be clear and unmistakable. 
 
 The Republican state convention adhering to the doctrine of majority 
 rule, pledges its representatives in the congress of the United States to 
 vote consistently to carry out fully the expressed will of the people of 
 their districts at the referendum on these questions of public policy in the 
 election of Nov. 4, 1930. 
 
 FOREIGN POLICY 
 
 We reiterate the Republican policy, on several occasions ratified by 
 popular vote in Illinois, that our relations with other nations shall be 
 governed by principles of friendship and justice toward all, but that there 
 shall be entangling alliances with none. 
 
 .1 R7. 
 
Republican Platform of 1930 
 
 REAPPORTIONI'IENT 
 
 The legislative and congressional districts ©f the state have not been 
 reappertioned for thirty years owing partially, at least, to differences of 
 opinion between members of the general assembly from Cook County and from 
 the state outside of Cook County. The Republican party of Illinois pledges 
 its co-operation in an effort to secure a satisfactory solution of this 
 question of the next regular session of the general assembly in order that 
 the districts of the state may be reapportioned on the basis of the 1930 
 Federal census. 
 
 STUDY OF GOVERNMENTAL PROBLEMS 
 
 One of the best evidences of the serious interest of the present 
 Republican administration in the development of good-government is the 
 number of commissions created to study governmental problems. Such important 
 subjects as court reform, revision of election laws, and uniform laws relative 
 to conservation, forestry, fish and game, deserve serious censideration in 
 order that members of the general assembly may have adequate information upon 
 which to base amendment or revision of the laws. 
 
 VETERANS 
 
 We cite the legislative record of the last year as continued evidence 
 of the party's fidelity to its pledges in behalf of our ex-service men. Illi- 
 nois leads all other states in veteran hospitalizations work. During the 
 last year, congress, with the hearty co-operation of the Illinois Republican 
 delegation, has appropriated funds for disabled soldiers, one measure providing 
 for upwards of $200,000,000 for this purpose. Both national and state admin- 
 istrations have been energetic in proceeding with the work of hospitalization 
 and rehabilitation, and the convention pledges a continuance of the party's 
 efforts to care adequately for those who were disabled in protecting the flag 
 of our country. 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 Under Republican administrations the state has made much progress in 
 preservation of forest lands, in reforestation and in the protection of wild 
 life, A commission was created by the fifty-sixth general assembly to study 
 laws relative to conservation, forestry, fish and game. We pledge the con- 
 tinued support of the Republican party for advanced legislation of this 
 nature. 
 
 WOMEN ON JURIES 
 
 The laws of Illinois do not permit women to serve on juries in the 
 courts of Illinois. The Republican party, recognizing the importance of 
 women in all branches of the government, favors the amendment of the laws 
 of jury service so as to remove this limitation, and the voters of Illinois 
 are urged to vote on this amendment favorably. 
 
 •188- 
 
Republican Platform of 1930 
 
 NOMINATIONS ENDORSED 
 
 We endorse and ratify the nominations of the Republican candidates 
 made at the primaries on April 8, 1930, 
 
 APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE 
 
 No administration can succeed without the co-operation of all the 
 departments of government. Responsibility of government depends upon party 
 control. A Republican president must have the support of Republicans in the 
 United State Senate and the House of Representatives, and a Republican governor 
 must have the support of a Republican legislature and Republican officials, 
 if they are to carry out their policies. No government divided against itself 
 can function efficiently. 
 
 It is of the greatest importance, therefore, that Republican candidates 
 shall receive the support of the people of Illinois at the election in November, 
 to the end that the progressive and constructive program of the Republican 
 party may be carried out. We urge the election of Republican candidates for 
 state offices and for members of the Illinois general assembly, for United 
 States senator and representatives in congress, and for all county and district 
 offices in order that full party responsibility may be established for the 
 fulfillment of party pledges of good government and efficient administration. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . August 23, 1930 
 
 -189- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1930 
 (Adopted August 20, 1930) 
 
 The Democratic party oftiie State of Illinois, in convention assembled, 
 conscious of its duties and obligations to the state and realizing that the 
 people generally, without regard to political affiliation, are turning to 
 the Democracy of the state as their only means of restoring the reputation 
 of our state and re-establishing her position in the great sisterhood of 
 the states of the union, herewith submits to the people of the State of 
 Illinois this statement of our convictions and purposes in the following 
 platform. 
 
 STATE CANDIDATES 
 
 We commend the candidates of the Democratic party as men and women of 
 outstanding ability and proven character. They are pledged to the support 
 of honest and economical government. In such a list of candidates the people 
 can repose full faith and confidence. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We denounce the Republican administration for its failure to give the 
 relief to agriculture which it promised, and for its action in saddling addi- 
 tional burdens upon the farmers of America by a vicious tariff measure which 
 was recently passed at a session primarily called for the relief of the farmer. 
 We denounce it for deceiving those who trusted it. 
 
 Democracy pledges itself to give the relief and repair the wrong done 
 the farmers to the fullest extent in its power and at the earliest opportunity 
 afforded by the people. 
 
 We favor an affirmative vote on the referendum for women service on 
 juries . 
 
 URGE STATE RIGHTS 
 
 We declare our opposition to the centralization of power in the federal 
 government and to the deprivation of the inherent rights of the people of the 
 several states to control their internal local affairs, and particularly 
 protest against the assumption of the federal government to control and direct 
 industrial and commercial affairs of the citizens of the state. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 We approve the ideals of organized labor and congratulate the leaders 
 of that great movement upon the success they have obtained in improving 
 
 ■191- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1930 
 
 working and living conditions of the workingman. We belie^^e that the peace 
 and prosperity of the nation are dependent upon contented labor. 
 
 We favor the right of labor to receive an adequate wage earned under 
 healthful working conditions, the right to organize in order to obtain it, 
 and the right to bargain for it collectively through representatives of its 
 own choice. 
 
 REAPPORTIONMENT 
 
 We assert, particularly in view of the recent federal census, that the 
 question of reapportionment demands serious attention and prompt and intelli- 
 gent action, to the end that all of the people of the state may have just and 
 fair representation in the congress of the United States and in the general 
 assembly of the state of Illinois, in manner and form as provided by the 
 constitution of the State of Illinois. 
 
 HOME RULE IS FAVORED 
 
 In accordance with Democratic principles of state rights and local 
 self-government, we favor the greatest measure of home rule for the cities 
 of our state. 
 
 We favor the immediate construction of an adequate system of waterways 
 which will give the people of the State of Illinois free and full access to 
 the seas, which is so necessary to their economical and industrial development, 
 
 FLOOD CONTROL 
 
 We favor the performance by the national government of its full duty 
 to insure adequate flood control and relief in the territory drained by the 
 Mississippi and its tributaries. 
 
 HIGHWAYS ARE FAVORED 
 
 We favor the extension of our system of highways until every community 
 of the state has been included in its benefits. 
 
 We favor a more equitable distribution of the moneys received from 
 the gasoline tax, so that a greater portion of such moneys shall be expended 
 on roads in the counties and municipalities in which the tax originates. 
 
 We favor the immediate reimbursement by the state to the counties 
 of moneys due the counties for the construction of state highways. 
 
 -192- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1930 
 
 STATE INSTITUTIONS 
 
 The Democratic party realizes the great responsibility involved in 
 the adminis tration of the state charitable institutions, and pledges itself 
 to the use of the most scientific principles to secure humane, intelligent 
 and economical care of the wards of the state; adherence to the merit system; 
 every effort to secure adequate and safe buildings to relieve the present 
 overcrowded conditions; the extension of the use of the advisory board; every 
 effort to secure more efficient local and especially county administration; 
 to develop cordial and helpful co-operation between the state government and 
 the officials of the 102 counties of the state, and the removal of probation 
 from local party politics, placing it under a state non-partisan commission. 
 
 BALLOT 
 
 We favor the short ballot and amendment of the election laws so as 
 to provide separate ballots for national and state candidates as a means of 
 affording better opportunity for the free expression of the wishes of the 
 people . 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 We favor the establishment of adequate fish, game and forest preserves 
 within the State of Illinois, and we favor the enactment of laws v*iich will 
 preserve the wild life of the state. 
 
 UNEMPLOYMENT 
 
 Two years ago the people were led to believe that if Mr. Hoover were 
 elected president, the country would enjoy a period of unexampled and un- 
 precedented prosperity. Propaganda was used to persuade the voters that he 
 was a superman and a dynamic, economic engineer, who with his wide knowledge 
 of affairs and superhuman intellect would be able to preserve prosperity and 
 settle all our economic troubles. Instead of that, the country has seen 
 President Hoover sit supinely by while there has been a panic unheard of in 
 the history of our country, when unemployment has become the rule rather than 
 the exception, when banks have failed, and an intolerable situation has come 
 to exist. During all this time the president has sat idly by, failing to take 
 prompt and decisive action to avert or remedy the situation as a Cleveland, 
 a Roosevelt or a Wilson would have done, but instead has merely appointed com- 
 missions to investigate what is wrong, thus delaying a remedy until it is 
 too late to save the situation. 
 
 UNLAWFUL CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES 
 
 The perpetuity of American institutions is menaced by a privileged few 
 who believe that public offices are purchasable commodities which may be 
 auctioned off to the highest bidder. 
 
 ■193- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1930 
 
 We condemn the use of unlawful campaign expenditures to obtain public 
 office as deliberate debauchery of our elections and a form of corruption 
 as intolerable as it is indefensible. 
 
 The Republican party's nominee for United States senator in Illinois 
 has confessed before a special investigating committee of the United States 
 senate that she, when seeking to be the first representative of her sex to 
 be elected to a seat in the federal senate, expended over $250,000 in the 
 primary alone, and that others expended an additional $67,000 for her, or 
 a total of over $317,000. 
 
 We urge the electorate of Illinois to contrast this enormous corruption 
 fund with the expenditure of $195,000 by Truman H. Newberry, Republican of 
 Michigan, a sum which the senate by resolution condemned as "Contrary to 
 sound public policy, harmful to the dignity and honor of the senate, and 
 dangerous to the perpetuity of a free government." 
 
 We are confident that the women of Illinois, in whose name the Repub- 
 lican senatorial nominee makes an appeal for vindication at the polls, will 
 refuse to sanction a greater corruption fund in the Illinois primary than 
 the expenditures of Senator Newberry in Michigan which the senate specifically 
 condemned as "dishonorable" and an attack upon the "perpetuity of free govern- 
 ment. " 
 
 We believe this debauchery by excessive wealth tends to exclude men 
 and women of moderate means from privileges of holding public office. 
 
 We believe this form of corruption has a tendency to discredit the 
 primary and other existing laws. 
 
 We urge the enactment of legislation in state and national fixing 
 severe penalties for persons who are guilty of such offenses. 
 
 We believe that the senate's verdict against the sale of senate seats 
 to the highest bidder, confirmed by the court of public opinion, will be re- 
 affirmed at the polls in November. 
 
 The precedent established by the United States senate in cases involving 
 Vare, Smith and Newberry indicate that the Republican nominee for senator from 
 Illinois will not be seated, even if she were elected. 
 
 CONSOLIDATION OF TAXING BODIES 
 
 As one effective method by which taxation can be reduced, we favor a 
 consolidation of taxing bodies located within the different counties of the 
 state, and urge that the next general assembly pass an act which will effect 
 such consolidation. 
 
 We also favor the enactment of such legislation as will simplify the 
 methods of the assessment and collection of taxes. 
 
 -194- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1930 
 
 THE COAL INDUSTRY 
 
 In face of the deplorable conditions existing in the coal industry in 
 America and particularly in the State of Illinois, we favor a survey with 
 the view of suggesting legislation to remedy the existing evil. 
 
 PROHIBITION PLANKS 
 
 The Democratic party has always believed that the question of prohi- 
 bition or regulation of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors is 
 not a matter of national concern, but is a question of local government, to 
 be determined by each state without interference from the national govern- 
 ment except by legislation to protect and enforce the self-determined policy 
 of the state. 
 
 We believe that the enactment of the eighteenth amendment was not in 
 harmony with the principles and intents of free American representative govern- 
 ment, and we therefore unreservedly and unqualifiedly favor its repeal. 
 
 When the eighteenth amendment is repealed, we shall favor national 
 legislation under the commerce clause of the constitution, to prevent the 
 importation of intoxicating liquors into any state where the manufacture, 
 transportation and sale of the same is prohibited by state law except in 
 accordance with the laws of such state, thereby aiding such state in the 
 enforcement of its own public policy relative to liquor. And we shall under 
 no circumstances, either before or after the repeal of the eighteenth amend- 
 ment, favor any legislation in Illinois that will restore the open saloon. 
 
 Until the eighteenth amendment is so repealed, the Democratic party 
 favors the repeal of the Volstead act and the enactment of a new act so 
 as to permit the manufacture, transportation and sale of such light wines 
 and beer as can be lawfully manufactured, transported and sold. 
 
 When the eighteenth amendment is repealed or Volstead act modified, 
 we shall favor the amendment of our state laws so as to permit the policy 
 herein outlined to prevail in Illinois. We favor the immediate repeal of 
 the Illinois prohibition and the search and seizure acts. 
 
 We are opposed to the so-called Jones "Five and Ten" law, and favor 
 its immediate repeal. While, of course, the Democratic party as a consti- 
 tutional party composed of law-abiding citizens believes that the constitu- 
 tion and all laws lawfully passed should be enforced, yet we believe that 
 the punishment should always be commensurate with the offense. 
 
 We emphatically denounce all orgai izations which have sought to 
 establish a super government where the prohibition question is made the 
 criterion in all matters of legislation, and where any candidate for office 
 is endorsed, whatever his character and beliefs may be, provided he will 
 
 •195- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1930 
 
 accede to the domination of such un-American organizatiorw , These ori^aniza- 
 tions ar« a menace to good govemnent^ a meane of inqmsiag upon the people 
 the «hims and caprice* d aci orgftnigad raioortty» aoi-'m ovganlzation uhich 
 tiureatees the very existeece of American principles, instieittions and govern- 
 
 mento 
 
 The fiepubli-can party has soitght to obscure the major issue of prohi = 
 biCiiOtr Iky thft flabmission of eertai^ questions of public policy to be voted 
 ^opsJQ at the November election. On two previous occasions a referendum on 
 this (t^iestion hars been had, and in both instances has raaulted in an afflnoa* 
 ti*B >mte by large majoriciea 1b favor of modification of the prohibltioK 
 Ijaatt;, iiM.ch expresses the wish of the people, the Republican legislators 
 have repeatedly ignored , it is apparent that the imly effective way in 
 %^ieh the thoughts of the people can be registered is by a vote upon ca»di~ 
 dacss for United States sestatseir aiti.6 congressmen t>un»igh whom the will of 
 the people can be made effective. 
 
 FORMER SERVICE WM 
 
 We favor liberal legislation fer former seirvice men of all wars and 
 particularly favor special legislation for the care and maintenance of dis- 
 abled and UDunded veterans and their dependents. 
 
 Moixntiag taxation in Ellinois has become an intolerable burden to the 
 
 taxpaycrSo Successive Republican administrations in this state have repeatedly 
 promised relief, but have p«rf«rmed only by adding to the number of irresponsi" 
 ble boards and commiesioffis, to be supported by public funds, and so add still 
 more to the tax burden^ 
 
 *«^« |ffi'«fi'?ast 8e|mblleaffi govemcr of Illinois, When a candidate for 
 Qp.til8s®£io!ak„ riEg^aatedly dessonjiaiesd ttee pxecedit^ Republican state administra" 
 tioffi «8 th« wast eKCravagamt is thm history of the state. And yet, under 
 hi J a<imiisiBtnsti«>m, the t&% b«rd«Si has reached a height that amounts to 
 pracclcal coaflscatloao. 
 
 In the face of thia »lt«atlo«, the present Republican state adm^tnistra* 
 tion Ws devised no means oif rvnedying existing conditions . 
 
 With abiding faith in the honesty of our people and iai their sincere 
 desire to see carried out the policies here outlined, we call upon the voters 
 of Illinoia, regardless of policical faith, to rally to the support of our 
 candidates, in the firm coaviction that in their election lies the oppor= 
 tunity ©f the p-iople to cetnm t» Jeffersonian principles ©f government. 
 
 iiOmtOfcs Ii Uiaaols State Jougaa l. Aiiguat 21, 1930. 
 
 -196. 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1932 
 
 Summary of 1932 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist, 
 Socialist Labor, Prohibition, Communist and Independent.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Herbert Hoover 
 
 1,432,756 
 
 
 690,146 
 
 742,610 
 
 18 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt 
 
 1,882,304 
 
 
 919,231 
 
 963,073 
 
 84 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Len Small 
 
 1,364,043 
 
 
 583,460 
 
 780,583 
 
 29 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Henry Horner 
 
 1,930,330 
 
 
 1,033,789 
 
 896,541 
 
 73 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 60.2% 
 
 
 39 
 
 .87, 
 
 .047, 
 
 4211 
 
 Democratic 
 
 88.27, 
 
 
 11 
 
 .87, 
 
 0.007, 
 
 1267 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1931-1932 
 
 Economic distress throughout Illinois was severe during the biennium, causing 
 repeated special sessions of the General Assembly. At its fourth special session, 
 in November, 1932, the legislature adopted measures to provide about $45 million 
 sought by the state's Emergency Relief Commission. The money was hopefully to last 
 about seven months in meeting the expenses of relief to the destitute, chiefly in 
 Cook County where a great part of the state's estimated 1.3 million unemployed 
 resided. 
 
 In 1931 Chicago resorted to the payment of script certificates to teachers 
 and others. By September of that year the Cook County treasurer listed for tax 
 sale property estimated to value $3 billion on delinquent taxes due in 1929. It 
 was estimated in July 1932 the major taxing units of Cook County owed $70 million 
 in unpaid bills and payrolls. That same month the county court ordered 100,000 
 parcels of property sold because of delinquent tax payments. 
 
 A state income tax law, signed in 1932 by Governor Emmerson, was declared 
 unconstitutional by a circuit court and upheld by the state supreme court on the 
 grounds it called for a graduated tax rather than a tax on straight valuation. 
 The regular legislative session of 1931, following the direction given by the 
 advisory referendum held in 1930, passed an act to repeal the state's system of 
 prohibition enforcement and the law granting wide power of search and seizure. 
 Governor Emmerson vetoed the measure and the legislature failed to override the 
 veto. 
 
 Alphonse Capone, most conspicuous of Chicago's "public enemies," received 
 heavy sentences in 1931 for federal income tax violations. 
 
 -197- 
 
PxEPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1932 
 (Adopted May 27, 1932) 
 
 The Republican Party of Illinois, in this hour of national distress, 
 pledges itself and all of its candidates to the cause of bringing the people 
 back t® prosperity. 
 
 In that cause, x^;e, the Republican party of Illinois, in convention 
 asserabled in the City of Springfield, Illinois herewith submit a program of 
 policies which will give work instead of charity to the common man, and will 
 restore prosperity to all lines of legitimate business. 
 
 BACK TO PROSPERITY— BACK TO AMERICANISM 
 
 As the first step in the winning back of prosperity, we must return 
 to those fundamentals of Americanism enumerated in tlie inaugural message of 
 Len Small, our standard bearer, to the 52nd General Assembly in January, 1921. 
 
 Those principles of government, in April, 1921, were incorporated in 
 a memorial to Congress and the President of the United States. The General 
 Assembly, by unanimous vote, passed that memorial and transmitted it to 
 Washington. That appeal from Illinois to the Federal Government, for stead- 
 fast adherence to American principles, was featured by a denunciation of 
 the League of Nations and all other phases of internationalism. 
 
 Most of the troubles which now oppress our people are due to the fact 
 that the appeals of the Illinois General Assembly, the Republican Governor, 
 and patriotic governmental bodies and leaders in other states, were not 
 heeded. Disaster then might have been averted, but the influence of the 
 ruthless money-mad money masters, including the international bankers, was 
 so powerful that internationalism, instead of being curbed, was continued. 
 
 COST OF INTERNATIONALISM 
 
 Internationalism cost this country nearly $40,000,000,000.00 for a 
 foreign \rar; an additional $11,000,000,000„00 which America loaned Europe 
 in public moneys, and $15,000,000,000,00 more in worthless or near worthless 
 foreign bonds which were unloaded on private investors in America. The 
 total is $66,000,000,000.00, ^Thich is six times the entire gold supply of 
 the world. That is the load which internationalism crushed down upon the 
 American people, breaking banks, wrecking private fortunes and business, 
 big and little, and throwing millions of persons out of employment, 
 
 ILLINOIS HAS LOST $1.000.00 PER CAPITA 
 
 Illinois has one-tenth of the wealth of the nation; one-tenth of that 
 $66,000,000,000.00, that internationalism has cost the nation has been borne 
 by the people of Illinois, has cost an average of nearly $1,000.00 per person 
 in Illinois. 
 
 •198- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 So the Republican Party of Illinois now, as in 1921, and in all the 
 years before that, declares itself for a return to those principles laid 
 down by George Washington, who said, "Friendly relations with all nations, 
 entangling alliances with none." 
 
 DEMOCRATIC PARTY GAVE US BURDEN OF INTERNATIONALISM 
 
 It was the Democratic National administration of Woodrow Wilson which 
 turned the nation from the course marked out by the founders of our Republic 
 and followed by all Presidents up to his time. It was the Democratic admin- 
 istration of Woodrow Wilson which, by involving and embroiling us in inter- 
 nationalism, brought ruin upon the nation. It is the sane type of an inter- 
 nationally minded Democracy which confronts us now in Illinois. There is 
 not a word or a line in the Democratic State platform adopted in this city 
 last month which would indicate that the Cermak Democracy of Illinois has 
 recanted in respect to internationalism even in this hour of economic 
 carnage. 
 
 It is for the Republican Party to free the people from the bonds and 
 burdens of internationalism put on this country by the Democratic Party, 
 and it rededicates itself to the task of re-establishing the principles of 
 nationalism, as opposed to internationalism which has been drawing the life 
 blood out of America. 
 
 PROSPERITY FOR THE MAN AT THE BOTTOM 
 
 In our efforts to bring back prosperity we should give chief concern 
 to the man who is down--out of work, out of money, and in cases out of food. 
 There is only one way to help the man at the bottom — the millions of men 
 at the bottom. Give them work. It is for our governments, national, state 
 and municipal, to start that work — to lead the way so that private initiative 
 may follow. There is no cure in charity, in handing out doles to idle men. 
 That solves nothing, produces nothing, and it breaks down the morale of 
 American men and women. 
 
 A WAR AGAINST WANT 
 
 Accordingly, we recommend to Congress the authorization of $5,000,000,000.00 
 in long term federal bonds to make possible the immediate launching of a national 
 building program, including roads, flood control, public structures and other 
 necessary improvements, to give employment to the unemployed. Those bonds 
 could be sold as an emergency measure to save the American people in this war 
 against want. This is a greater and a more menacing war for us than was the 
 World War; already it has brought suffering to all homes and death to many. 
 We raised the tens of billions of dollars for Europe; our country now, with 
 its $400,000,000,000,00 of national wealth and unlimited natural resources, 
 can sell a few billions in bonds, as it sold liberty bonds, for the saving 
 of our own people. 
 
 ■199- 
 
Pvepublican Platform of 1932 
 
 WORK - NOT CHARITY 
 
 The Republican National administration, struggling courageously to free 
 us from European burdens, obligations and commitments put upon us by a Demo- 
 cratic administration, and fighting to sustain the nation under the load of 
 this appalling aftenr.ath of the World War, has created the $2,000,000,000.00 
 Reconstruction Finance Corporation and other agencies for relief. However, 
 it has been demonstrated that this well intended national policy of 
 furnishing relief at the top has not helped the unemployment situation, 
 although it has saved the people from complete economic disaster. It has 
 been ably administered under the leadership of an Illinois Republican, General 
 Charles G, Dawes. Prosperity must come from the bottom. Prosperity like 
 everythin;3 else in nature works from the bottom up— not from tVie top down. 
 The criticism has been advanced that the funds of the P>econr3tructiou Finance 
 Corporation, while helpful to banks, railroads and other big corporations, 
 are not available for the owners of small homes and farms, not available 
 for the small business man. At the best it takes a long time for relief 
 so extended at the top to filter down to the man on the street. 
 
 We do not subscribe to the theory that if the country takes care of 
 the man on the top, he will take care of the man at the bottom. The fact 
 is he has not. The conclusion is obvious. Irrespective of what merit may 
 be in the relief-at-the-top policy, work must be created for the man who 
 is down. The man who is facing hunger should be the subject of first 
 concern, not of last consideration. Moreover, there can be no betterment 
 in business unless buying power increases. Wages of the workers produce 
 they buying power,, The national government, through a prosperity loan, 
 must start a great program of public improvements, which always have been 
 conceded as necessary and desirable in periods even of ordinary depression. 
 In State and municipalities, as in the Nation, public improvements should 
 be launched. 
 
 We should pledge ourselves to create work to replace charity. 
 
 We commend the record of the Republican National and State adminis- 
 trations; and particularly do we ask the endorsement of those administrations 
 for their valiant efforts to bring relief to the people from the present 
 conditions of world-wide depression. 
 
 We enthusiastically endorse the record of the Senior United States 
 Senator from Illinois, Otis F, Glenn, during his career in the Senate, 
 
 Fleeted by the Republican Party, he has stood staunchly for Repub- 
 lican policies and has loyally supported the Republican Administration. 
 
 He has stood consistai tly against America's interference in the 
 affairs of foreign peoples, against our entry into the League of Nations, 
 against the World Court, against the cancellation of the foreign debts due 
 America, against the evils and oppression occasioned by the present liquor 
 laws, against the tyranny and fanaticism of the Jones 5 and 10 Law. 
 
 ■200- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 He has supported sound and progressive measures in the interests of 
 labor. He has consistently supported measures for adequate national de- 
 fense and for just treatment of the veterans of all our wars. 
 
 He led the fight for the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the 
 United States, the Honorable Charles Evans Hughes. 
 
 He early saw the pressing necessity for drastic reduction in the 
 cost of government, local, State and National and has been a vigorous leader 
 in the fight to relieve the burdens now crushing the tax payers in our land. 
 
 He has been an able and careful guardian of the interests of our 
 State in the Senate of our country. Its interests are safe in his hands; 
 and we endorse him for re-election to the United States Senate. 
 
 COLLECT TAXES FROM LARGE TAX- DODGERS 
 
 We favor a State, County and Municipal policy which will compel the 
 wealthy tax-dodgers to pay their just proportion of taxes, including the 
 now overdue taxes, so that school teachers and other public employes can 
 receive their long overdue salaries and be assured of prompt payment in 
 the future. There is enough wealth in Illinois to maintain the normal 
 functions of civilized communities and to pay to those who perform those 
 public functions salaries commensurate with the American standard of 
 living, but there is not now enough equity in assessing property for taxa- 
 tion purposes, and not enough honesty of purpose in collecting taxes from the 
 rich and politically powerful. 
 
 If the wealthy tax-dodgers paid what is now assessed against them in 
 taxes, and in the future met their just share of the tax burden, there would 
 be ample funds with which to resume public improvements, and to meet public 
 pay rolls and other obligations. 
 
 DEMOCRATS BREAK DOWN PUBLIC CREDIT 
 
 The Democratic Party, and particularly that faction thereof which now 
 controls its policies, has demonstrated its inability to manage public 
 finances. The shocking breakdown of public credit began with Cook County, 
 while it was under the management of the present Democratic Mayor of Chicago. 
 In the county affairs of Cook County, we have seen inability to pay bonds 
 and a vast destruction of public credit. We have seen confusion in taxation 
 and chaos in the assessing machinery in Cook County. We have seen public 
 servants without their pay. Under the present Democratic administration in 
 Chicago, school teachers have been running the educational institutions of 
 that city without pay, except such amounts as were given to the teachers 
 for apparent political purposes immediately before the primary election. 
 
 -201- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 DEMOCRATS WOULD DESTROY CREDIT CF STATE 
 
 With that demonstration of incompetency and waste the Democratic City 
 Hall of Chicago now proposes to spread its power to the State House in 
 Springfield. If those intentions were accomplished, the people of Illinois 
 would witness the same destruction of public credit and finances in the state 
 which the Democratic political machine has brought about in Chicago. 
 
 It will be recalled that when the Democratic party fifteen years ago, 
 had control of the State government, it left the State treasury destitute of 
 money. Because of that mismanagement, the Democratic party was defeated. 
 The succeeding Republican administration in the four years that followed 
 built up the treasury balance from practically nothing to $15,000,000. 
 
 REPUBLICAN PARTY STANDS FOR ECONOMY 
 
 The Republican party has been a party of economy and sound finance. 
 It has succeeded in keeping down the State tax rate and at the same time 
 maintaining the credit of the State at the very highest. 
 
 During the administrations of our candidate for Governer, the State 
 tax rate was reduced to thirty cents; at the same time a tremendous program 
 of construction was carried on and yet the treasury balance of Illinois in- 
 creased from $15,000,000 in 1921 to $40,000,000 in 1929. 
 
 The vAiolesale waste and corruption which has characterized the Demo- 
 cratic administration in Cook County, in Chicago, and in the sanitary district 
 of Chicago, must be stopped. 
 
 The frightful tentacles of the Democratic Chicago machine should not 
 be permitted to suck the life blood from the solvent State of Illinois. 
 
 REDUCTION OF TAXES 
 
 There should be no new or additional forms of taxation imposed without 
 the greatest caution and consideration. Every possible reduction of taxes 
 should be made without hampering the necessary functions of government. 
 
 Both legislative and administrative action should be taken to relieve 
 the tax burdens of real estate and to make personal property pay its just and 
 fair share of the burden of public expense. 
 
 The Republican Party pledges itself to a reduction in taxation in 
 every department of State, County and municipal government, arid to enact 
 legislation to guarantee and bring about such reduction. 
 
 •202- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 In order that there may be no increase in the State tax rate, we 
 recommend the approval of the "State Bond Issue of Twenty Million Dollars" 
 to redeem the tax anticipation warrants issued by the State for emergency 
 relief. 
 
 FINISH THE HARD ROAD SYSTEM 
 
 We declare for carrying forward road building in Illinois at all pos- 
 sible speed out of gas tax and automobile license funds, which program, in 
 addition to giving our state needed avenues of communication, will furnish 
 employment to tens of thousands of persons now out of employment. Under 
 Republican state administrations over 8,000 miles of hard roads have been 
 built in Illinois already, and the early completion of the State road system 
 will do much to furnish unemployment relief. 
 
 The Republican party will also work out a constructive program for the 
 widening of congested highways in metropolitan areas. 
 
 In the future refinement and expansion of the highway system there must 
 be an increasingly accurate adjustment of highway improvements to traffic needs 
 and characteristics as determined by comprehensive engineering and economic 
 studies. 
 
 Highway funds must be spent where traffic needs exist and highway im- 
 provements should be built solely to accommodate the demonstrated requirements 
 of traffic. In the future increasing attention must be given to the problems 
 created in cities and villages throughout the State by the State Highway 
 traffic thrown upon their streets^ A just solution of this problem in order 
 that the cities and villages of the State may be given equitable treatment 
 and in order that the efficiency of the entire highway system of the State 
 be not jeopardized by increasing congestion on the travel routes in urban 
 areas is the paramount necesa ty in highway development. To this the Repub- 
 lican Party pledges itself. 
 
 JUST RETURN FOR FARMER AND LABORER 
 
 Not only should the state government use its resources to improve the 
 state and again stimulate good times, but the national government should do 
 likewise and use its resources at this time to begin and carry to completion 
 needed and useful public improvements, so as to spread the benefits of the 
 financial strength of our government to all parts of our land, and assist 
 in giving to the farmer a just return on his investment and for his work, 
 and to the worker steady employment at fair living wages » 
 
 REDUCE INTEREST RATES ON FARM MORTGAGES 
 
 In that connection, the laws should be strengthened to protect the 
 needy borrower against the gouging of the loan shark. Moreover, agricultural 
 
 •203- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 conditions should be improved by every reasonable method, and the prosperity 
 of the farmer promoted by a plan under which the Federal Government would 
 loan, through its agencies, to the farmers, secured by mortgages on the farms, 
 at a low rate of interest, probably not exceeding three per cent, an amount 
 of mwney based upon the reas-enable valuations of the famis. The interest 
 rate should be approximately that rate which the United States Government 
 itself is compelled to pay in obtaining money. 
 
 PROTECTION FOR FARMER AND LABORER 
 
 That should be coupled with a definite program to find new markets 
 and stimulate the uses and demands for the natural products of our soil, 
 and to protect our farmers and laboring men against the destructive competi- 
 tion of foreign producers. 
 
 Through the co-operation of State and Federal Agencies, similar loaning 
 plans should be worked out insofar as possible for the benefit of the home 
 owner of moderate meanSo In these and other ways prosperity can be restored 
 to Illinois. 
 
 During the time Len Small was Governor, we had prosperity. Then great 
 public improvements were carried forward, pay rolls and bond interest were 
 met promptly with less taxes than are now collected^ There was work for all, 
 \4 th no grievous burden on the taxpayers. 
 
 LABOR POLICIES OF REPUBLICAN PARTY 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois has ever sought to place human rights 
 above property rights. During the administrations of Len Small as Governor, 
 employment was found for 165,000 men and women every year through the State 
 Free Employment agencies. During the last three Republican administrations 
 more than 80 outstanding laws in the interests of those who work for a 
 living have been passed under Republican leadership. Repeatedly the Workmen's 
 Compensation laws have been improved and compensation adjusted to bring it in 
 harmony with general economic conditions. The Republican party again dedicates 
 itself to the protection of the sacred rights of labor. 
 
 We favor the use of Illinois materials and the employment of Illinois 
 labor and Illinois contractors, insofar as possible, in the doing of public 
 
 work. 
 
 The Republican party in the future, as in the past, will never permit 
 the State Highway Police to be used in any manner unjustly prejudicial to 
 labor. 
 
 -204- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 CEKMAK SERVES MONEY INTERESTS 
 
 We warn against the attempt of Cermak to extend his Chicago rule to 
 the entire State, Prosperity could not be restored through the election of 
 the Cermak dictated Democratic state ticket. Cermak is the servile tool of 
 the big money interests, including the international bankers and the most 
 notorious of the wealthy tax-dodgers. He serves the type of profiteers who 
 rigged the stock and bond markets and unloaded securities on the people at 
 prices which aggregated $50, 000, 000, 000 .00 more than those same securities 
 are now quoted at. Those are the interests which have wrecked the country 
 and which have broken down, and are breaking down, wage scales necessary for 
 decent living conditions. Through Cermak those ruthless financial interests 
 now rule the City of Chicago, the County of Cook, the Sanitary District, 
 many of the courts of Cook County, the Forest Preserves, the South Park 
 Board, and other municipalities of Cook County. 
 
 OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE 
 
 Through the control and taxing of beverages, now prohibited by the 
 prohibition laws, other avenues open through v^ich prosperity can be brought 
 back to the country. 
 
 In this oonnection, our candidate for Governor stated in his primary 
 campaign platform on September 19, 1931s "I will sign any bill the Legislature 
 passes, which has been approved or may be approved by a vote of the people." 
 
 On November 4, 1930, under the Public Policy Act, those issues were 
 submitted to a vote of the citizens of the State. The result of that refer- 
 endum follows: 
 
 REPEAL OF THE 18th AMENDMENT 
 
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 MODIFICATION OF THE VOLSTEAD ACT 
 
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 REPEAL (F ILLINOIS PROHIBITION ACT 
 
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 •205- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 It is plainly evident that the sentiment of the people of Illinois 
 in now even more overwhelmingly against the present liquor laws than in 1930. 
 
 REPEAL 18th AMENDMENT REPEAL SEARCH AND SEIZURE LAW 
 
 Therefore, we declare for the repeal of the 18th Amendment. Pending 
 such repeal, we declare for modification of the Volstead Act to permit the 
 sale and manufacture of beer and light wines. We declare for the repeal of 
 the Illinois Search and Seizure and Prohibition Laws. 
 
 l^PEAL MEANS MORE WORK 
 
 The speedy modification of the Volstead Act to permit the manufacture 
 and sale of beer and light wines would furnish employment in the brewery 
 industry alone for 300,000 persons, and many times that number in inter- 
 related industries. In 1914, when the manufacture and sale of beer was 
 legal in the United States, some 1,980,000,000 gallons were consumed. A 
 federal tax of 25 cents per gallon, on an annual consumption of that amount, 
 would yield approximately $500,000,000.00 annually, to say nothing of local 
 licenses--in other words, sufficient beer tax to pay the interest and prin- 
 cipal on the federal prosperity bond issue heretofore recommended. It is 
 estimated furthermore that the opening of breweries would put coal miners 
 to vrork digging out the 3,000,000 tons of coal which the breweries would 
 annually require, and the brewery industry ;«>uld put into use 200,000 freight 
 cars and hundreds of locomotives annually. 
 
 REPEAL WILL INCPvEASE DEMAND FOR FARM PRODUCTS 
 
 Even more important, the re-opened brewery industry, figuring on the 
 1914 basis, would require 3,000,000,000 pounds of food stuffs per year, 
 including grains produced upon the farms of Illinois, with the resultant 
 immediate increase in the price of farm products, due to this increased 
 demand. V-Jhile the country v»uld gain by this new enormous revenue and the 
 opening of these new markets, the tax payers would save the tens of millions 
 of dollars new spent annually in a futile attempt to enforce a law which 
 experience shows cannot be enforced. 
 
 END REIGN OF TERROR 
 
 Moreover, the repeal of the present prohibition laws would mark the 
 end of the reign of terror of the crime syndicates, which have grown so 
 powerful, through wealth derived from the illegal liquor traffic, that they 
 have challenged the legally constituted authorities of our governments and 
 constitute a menace to the orderly -conduct of affairs everywhere in the 
 country. 
 
 •206. 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 SAFEGUARD BANK DEPOSITS 
 
 Another of the outstanding problems of today is the safeguarding of 
 deposits in banks, particularly savings deposits o Hundreds of banks have 
 closed their doors with losses to hundreds of thousands of depositors, 
 running into many raillioms of dollars « The hardship caused by this closing 
 of banks has beeia widespread, has swept away the life savings of many rela- 
 tively poor people, has endangered che homes of many others, and has reduced 
 many families virtually to starvatiomo TMs condition should not exist in 
 a country with resoua'ces as great as those of the United States » We propose 
 that the present laws for the protection of bank depositors be strengthened 
 and most rigidly enforced, aad that any banker who may have been guilty of 
 crooked financial manipulation, be punished for his wrongdoing in wrecking 
 banks and in breeding starvation and distress. The banking laws should be 
 further strengthened so that the double liability which the Constitution 
 imposes upon bank stockholders can be collected under any and all circum- 
 stances. 
 
 Even greater in importance and magnitude has been the loss which has 
 been visited upon the investing public by unscrupulous promoters and brokers 
 who have sold bonds and securities far in excess of the value of the proper- 
 ties securing them, with full knowledge that such investments were not safe. 
 
 PROTECT DfVESTORS IH BO^BS AHD STOCKS 
 
 The experience of the last three years should point the way for funda- 
 mental revisions and amendments of the Blue Sky Law, so as to compel a full, 
 fair and honest disclosure of all facts regarding any issue of securities 
 sold in Illinois. Armed with full and truthful information in every case, 
 the people will be in a position to protect themselves from being defrauded 
 by inflated or worthless securities » 
 
 The power of the State should be pledged to force accurate information 
 as to every bond or stock sold within the limits of Illinois. There should 
 be driven from our staite all reckless bond houses and security sellers, who 
 have racketeered at the expense of the saving of the widow, school teacher, 
 the orphan, the working man and in fact all investors „ 
 
 BREAK THE LARGE FINAKCIAL COMBIMTIOKS 
 
 Back of the failure of bonds and back of the closing and failure of 
 banks is a tremendous combination of large financiers j v^o, working with the 
 international bankers, have followed a policy that has resulted in breaking 
 the small property owner, in reducing the people of moderate means to poverty, 
 in destroying the wage scale of the American workers „ and in driving the 
 farmer to distress and bankruptcy, all for the purpose of concentrating the 
 control of the nation's wealth in their own hands. We do not believe that 
 the closing of all banks was due to dishonesty or unsound banking on the part 
 
 •207. 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 of the managers, although that was the case in some instances; but we do 
 believe that many banks were forced to close by that vast combination of 
 capital and wealth \.;hich intends, by breaking everyone, to gain control of 
 the banking system through chain banks, to bulldoze labor into accepting 
 terms that may be dictated to it, and to compel the farmer to work the land 
 as if he were a vassal or a serf. 
 
 Against that heartless combination, the Republican party of this 
 State declares unrelenting warfare, to the end that the wealth of America 
 may b4 safeguarded to its people and the citizens of our State returned to 
 that prosperity which is their birthright. 
 
 DEFEAT AND PREVENT MONOPOLIES 
 
 We cannot protest too vigorously, nor warn too solemnly against the 
 danger of chain banking which, were it permitted would place the control of 
 wealth and industry in the hands of a few men in high positions. Ex-President 
 Calvin Ceolidge has made this statement, which we believe to be a sound and 
 timely warning: 
 
 "If monopolies were permitted, a few men in key positions would soon 
 control our economic and probably our political opportunities. Open oppor- 
 tunity ^i»uld be gone. About the only remedy would be a revolution. The 
 alternative vrould be a rigorous and blighting go\/ernment control." 
 
 To the end that the monopolistic schemes of the financial interests 
 may be defeated, the savings of the people protected and prosperity restored, 
 we urge a vigorous and unrelenting opposition to the institution of chain 
 banking, or any scheme which is its equivalent. 
 
 PvEDUCTION OF PUBLIC UTILITY RATES 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois has made a proud record in the reduc- 
 tion of rates for gas, electricity, telephone, transportation and other public 
 utility services. During the terras of Len Small as Governor, such reductions 
 were made that the people of Illinois were saved an aggregate amount exceeding 
 $200,000,000.00. That policy of reduction, with its consequent saving to the 
 consuming public, should be continued. In addition, the local municipalities 
 should be given the largest measure of home rule consistent with constitutional 
 rights and procedure. 
 
 REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS AIDED EX-SERVICE MEN 
 
 It was the Republican party, through its elected leaders, which urged 
 and secured the passage in Illinois of the Service Compensation Act, under 
 which fifty-five million dollars was paid to 267,000 veterans of the World 
 War, It was the Republican party that made provision for the rehabilitation 
 of World War Veterans, who, because of their services to their country, were 
 
 •208- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 suffering in body or mind. It was that party that made adequgtei.legiglH^t.ive 
 provision for the relief of indignant war veterans and the protection of 
 their widows and orphans « It was the Republican party that built up the 
 soldier's orphan's home to provide for the nurture, and the intellectual, 
 moral and physical culture of those children, whose fathers or mothers 
 served in the army or navy of the United States » 
 
 It was the Republicaa party which, through appropriate legislative 
 action, encouraged the employment of World fer Veterans and afforded assist- 
 ance to our veterans' organizations,, 
 
 We re-adopt the principle laid down in the inaugural message of Len 
 Small in 1921, in the following words s 
 
 "The soldiers, sailors and marines who responded to their country's 
 military and naval nieeds, jeopardizing their lives, relinquishing home ties 
 and foregoing their income earning opportunities, are entitled to every 
 honor and consideration that may be bestowed." 
 
 The record of the Republican party, in carrying out the policy so 
 expressed, is a guarantee of the coiatinued protection of the rights of the 
 
 ex'^service aien iia Iliinois tsmdes Republican administration. 
 
 FUKDING OF SPECIAL ASSES SMESl^ AMD BatAHAGE ASSESSMEMTS 
 
 We direct at£igmti0» to the almost unbearable burdens that have been 
 placed in many c&s^ms ufom ths o'smsiE's ef city lands by special assessments, 
 and o&i the o'mi&vB of fasm limits by draiit^ge asseasmesnts. In many instances 
 those bonds are coming duso Vae owmers of the lands are unable to meet the 
 special assessTnents at the {present tim@, and the holders of the bonds are 
 suffering from defaults. There is now no provision in our laws for the 
 refunding of special assessmesits or drainage bonds. We recommend that our 
 laws be amended so as to provide for the refunding of such bonds in order to 
 extend the time of the payment of the special assessments and drainage 
 assessments over a longer period of years. Such legislation will be a great 
 step in relieving the present accumulated burdens of land owners, both in 
 cities and on farms and at the same time will stabilize the value of special 
 assessment and drainage bomds, n^ich are largely held by banks, insurance 
 companies and trust estates. 
 
 CHICAGO DEMOCRATS THREATEN STATE 
 
 The people of Illinois are threatened with a destruction of their 
 political rights by a dasnbisaatlon of Democratic politicians and ward bosses, 
 who have succeeded in gaiislng control of the City Hall in Chicago, of the 
 government ©f Cook County and af the Sanitary District of Chicago, and ^o 
 now intead, unless stopped by the people, to grasp control of the government 
 of the entire State. 
 
 -209- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 TONY'S TAMMANY TIGER 
 
 The Cermak machine proposes to impose upon the people of this State 
 a vicious boss ridden political machine modelled after the infamous Demo- 
 cratic Tammany Hall machine of New York. As one of the first steps in its 
 program of political pillage, the Democratic Cermak machine has begun a 
 wholesale violation and nullification of the Civil Service Laws in Chicago 
 and Cook County. 
 
 REPUBLICANS STAND FOR CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 The Civil Service Laws of our State were enacted and enforced under 
 Republican Governors, to protect the rights of employees in cities, park 
 districts, county and state institutions and in the state. Valuable rights 
 of priority and of pensions have accrued to thousands of policemen, firemen, 
 school teachers, park, county and state employees under the provisions of 
 those laws enacted under Republican administrations. The Republican Party 
 pledges itself to see to it that the present Civil Service Laws are continued 
 in force and strengthened, and that the rights of faithful employees under 
 those laws are in every way safeguarded and protected. 
 
 CHICAGO DEMOCRATS AIM TO DOMINATE ALL 
 
 The Democratic Cermak machine of Chicago has not only begun a system- 
 atic destruction of Civil Service rights, but it also has begun a program 
 to control all departments of city, county and state government, including 
 the judiciary, so as to place the personal and property rights of every 
 citizen under the control and subject to the whim of the Cermak machine in 
 Chicago, in order to levy tribute upon the people of Illinois and to dominate 
 the lives of every citizen within the borders of this State. The liberties 
 of citizens of our state are threatened as never before in the history of 
 this commonwealth. 
 
 CONSERVATION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES 
 
 Recognizing that the welfare of th6 people of Illinois today demands 
 the protection and development of all its natural resources and that the 
 perpetuation of the pioneer spirit in future generations depends on giving 
 Illinois boys and girls wholesome recreation in God's great outdoors, the 
 Republican party pledges; The fcientific study, development, and super- 
 vision of the means by which these natural resources may best be conserved 
 for the use of the whole people through the work of the Department of Con- 
 servation and other State agencies; the enactment and strict enforcement of 
 common sense laws to preserve the game and fish; adoption of measures for 
 the prompt reforestation of submarginal lands; production and planting of 
 fish and game birds; the establishment of shooting grounds and preserves; 
 the development of recreational areas where the primitive beauties of prairie. 
 
 ■210- 
 
Republican Platform of 1932 
 
 forest and stream, v;i Lh native flov;ers, birds, and other wild life shall be 
 
 preserved to inspire the men and women of Illinois and the bays and girls 
 
 of today and in the future as they did in the days when our forefathers laid 
 the foundation of this great commonwealth 
 
 Concerning those portions of the foregoing program which lie witliin 
 the power of the national government we instruct the Republican National 
 delegates from Illinois to carry this message from Illinois to the Republi- 
 can National Convention in Chicago next month and to vigorously support these 
 principles in the convention committees and on the floor of tlie convention. 
 Ue also recommend tViat the Republican candidate for United States Senator 
 from Ill'miit! and the Republican candidates for Congress from Illinois 
 stand l;ov i.hese principles and this program at Washington, 
 
 Concerning those portions of this platform which lie within the power 
 of the State we recommend and urge that all Republican candidates on the 
 State and legislative tickets do their utmost in support of these principles. 
 
 REPUBLICAN PARTY AND PROSPERITY 
 
 The Republican Party, throughout its history, has been the instrument 
 of prosperity. It has pulled the people out of depressions. By wise leader- 
 ship it has led them back to sound conditions The Republican Party pledges 
 itself to propose constructive and definite plans of public improvements, to 
 procure legislation that will place human rights above property rights, and 
 that will protect the American standard of living. It will use its power to 
 break the hold of the vast financial interests who are primarily at fault 
 in bringing about cur present disastrous economic conditions. Above all, 
 it will supply to the people of Illinois that intelligence and constructive 
 leadership under which the people will and can fight their way back to pros- 
 perity . 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau, Springfield, Illinois 
 
 -211- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1932 
 (Adopted April 23, 1932) 
 
 The Democrats of Illinois in Convention assembled solemnly declare 
 that they are fully conscious of the tremendous responsibilities which their 
 party will be called upon to assume by the electorate of this great state, 
 at the ensuing election next November. 
 
 Without waiting for that election hundreds of thousands of our citizens 
 not formerly members of our party have already joined our ranks by openly 
 affiliating themselves with our party at the Primary Election held on the 
 12th of this month. 
 
 Our candidates, chosen at that Primary, are well aware of the great 
 problems with which every department of Government is beset. Each of them 
 is pledged to carry his full share of responsibility in the solution of those 
 problems, and the Democratic Party vouches for their ability to assume the 
 obligation and for their devotion to the principles hereinafter announced. 
 Upon the strength of these principles we are asking the citizens of Illinois 
 to entrust us with the task of guiding the affairs of this State during the 
 next four critical years. 
 
 1. The Federal, State and Local Governments must reduce their expendi- 
 tures to the lowest possible figure consistent with efficient public service. 
 
 2. The tax load on real estate and industry must be lifted so that 
 not a single dollar of taxes should be collected except for indespensible 
 governmental service and for the maintenance of essential public institutions 
 and the wards of the State. 
 
 3. The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States 
 and all laws passed pursuant to it should be repealed. In this connection 
 we affirm our profound belief that: 
 
 (a) Such repeal will materially improve our economic conditions and 
 restore those moral standards of which we, as a nation, had just 
 reason to be proud of before the "Noble Experiment" began. 
 
 (b) The legalized manufacture and sale of the now prohibited 
 beverages would give employment to more than a million men; 
 would create a market for products of the farmers; would 
 save some forty-five million dollars which is spent annually 
 in the futile efforts to enforce these laws and would create 
 a source for Federal and State Revenue in excess of one 
 billion dollars a year from excise taxes on such beverages. 
 
 (c) It would end the war of the underworld upon the rest of 
 society since that war is made possible mainly by the wealth 
 derived by criminals from the illicit traffic in liquor. 
 
 •213- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1932 
 
 4. Pe«sdiiE5g the repeal of the 18th AmeaKStnemt , we tSemamd stach modifi- 
 cations of th<9 Volstead Act as will bsfisag imraediate relief fscan its 
 oppressive effects o 
 
 5o We believe that the States shousld control and regulate the 
 mamufaetrare a.fj.d sale of isBtcrsicatiag liquiorSj reserving &a the Federal 
 Govemmenit the right to regrolate iits proper cases the trajssportatiosi of it. 
 
 6, We. believe that the Isgalized liquor imdrastry and commerce should 
 become a ssibstawtial so«re« of revemwe for the State and Federal Government . 
 
 7o We are definitely comBaitted to the propostioa that the Illinois 
 
 Search aad SeiziBFcs Law ishottld be repealed without delay and that necessary 
 meastasres shsmld be enacted fiinr Stats regmlatlon of the liq(isor traffic to 
 be operative lahenever Federal Prohibition shall be abatado 
 
 8o We pledge ourselves to prosecute unabacing warfare upon the anti- 
 soc4.al elememtg in our Stae®, Th& Democratic Farty solemnly declares that 
 there shall bs no alli<£m«ea bustwieea criminals or und!®iraK>rid characters and 
 any Demociratic office^'holdex'iS sir political re>presefflitative<, 
 
 9<, We favos" Home Rule for the cities and cmantiea desiring it„ 
 Tractioffi (Bompanites operatiag within the b'OKBs.dariss of any city should be 
 entirely imder the comtir©! of that maaicipality and all ©thesr pablic 
 utilities should be snabject to l®cal regulation consistent with the good 
 interest of the other mamici|«liti«s served by thetiu 
 
 10 o We stand pledged to bring about the consolidation of local tax 
 
 levying bodies and the elimiifflatioa of all over^iapplng govesTsments in the 
 various conLnties of the State. 
 
 11„ We favor the establishment of a S-oard of Estisaates and Apportionment 
 in those coumties ^lich desire to have saaSp with power to limit the portion 
 each mmnieijjiality and govssujsaental ageacy therein shoyild be entitled to out 
 of the collectable taseSj bsised upon the relative necessity of the public 
 
 service rendered by the respective bodies » 
 
 12o We favor shortening the ballot and to th;2t <sn4 pledge our 
 candidates to aid the enacosesst of iisgislatioss aimed t® make certain offices 
 appointive instead of elective, 
 
 13o We pledge t© Iab®r our ysmdiminishing suppieg't t© all its reasonable 
 endeavors to improve its coiaditi®ffio We believe that the stamdard of living 
 of the American worker ought not to be permanently j6op>ardis&d by the 
 transitory economic dif ficsBlties under "which wa are laboring. 
 
 14o We congratulate and commend the responsible leaders and spokesmen 
 of organized labor who in the last twa and a half years have firmly and 
 haroicly fought against the attempts nade within and without their ranks to 
 inflame the minds of their members against their employers and even against 
 the Goverojnant itself. 
 
 -214- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1932 
 
 15. We pledge ourselves to improve and strengthen the workman's compensa- 
 tion la^js of our State so as to make the real spirit of the law effective. 
 
 16. We promise to safeguard the rights of every honest and efficient 
 public servant under the civil service laws of this State. 
 
 17. We pledge ourselves to propose and support a constitutional amend- 
 ment giving the legislature of the State sufficient power, within reasonable 
 limitations, to change the character of taxes and the mode of levying them 
 so as to make them fittingly applicable to changing economic conditions of 
 the State. 
 
 18. We favor revision of the Banking Laws of the State to the end that 
 banking institutions be limited to banking business, and the depositors pro- 
 tected so far as the law can possibly do so. They should be restricted in 
 their affiliations with any investment corporations or associations. All 
 banks should be thoroughly and frequently examined and only men of character 
 should be allowed to engage in that business. 
 
 19. We pledge ourselves to revise and vitalize the securities laws of 
 oir State to the end that the investing public be safeguarded as far as 
 possible. 
 
 20. We favor a revision and reclassification of the penal laws of this 
 State with a view of making them more humane for the accidental offender, and 
 more effective in its operation against the organized and habitual criminals 
 who menace the peace of our communities. 
 
 21. The prisons of our State should be completely reorganized. They 
 should be in charge of men schooled, trained and temperamentally fitted for 
 the character of the work to be done there. 
 
 22. The parole and pardon board should consist of a small number of 
 highly trained men who should devote themselves entirely to their task. 
 
 23. The Welfare institutions of the State should be reorganized. The 
 superintendents and the general personnel of these institutions should be 
 specially trained and fitted for the work. Our State Hospitals should be 
 curative agencies wherever possible and not merely detention homes. 
 
 24. We pledge ourselves to build state roads without favoritism or 
 special privilege and solely in the interest of improved traffic. 
 
 25. We favor that all public improvements that can consistently be 
 engaged upon, in view of the financial condition of the State, should be 
 prosecuted immediately as an aid toward alleviating unemployment. 
 
 26. Every possible practical aid should be given to the agricultural 
 portion of our State. We recognize agriculture as the basic industry of 
 this State, and will use our every effort to re-establish it to its rightful 
 place among the independent industries of this nation. 
 
 -215- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1932 
 
 27. We pledge our efforts to aid in the re-establishment of agricul- 
 tural credit so as to enable the industrious and deserving citizenship engaged 
 in agricultural pursuit to have the same opportunities and advantages enjoyed 
 by other industries. 
 
 28. We pledge ourselves to do everything within our power to aid in the 
 finding of markets for the products of the farm. We realize that prosperity 
 in the agricultural industry is essential to the prosperity of our citizenship 
 as a vAiole. 
 
 29. We promise that the qualified teaching force in all the schools of 
 the State should be insured permanent tenure of their positions and all educa- 
 tional institutions should be absolutely free from political domination or 
 interference. 
 
 30. We promise every possible encouragement to re-forestation in this 
 State, the maintenance of forest preserves and the enactment of practical 
 laws for the conservation of game, 
 
 31. We promise to enact laws calculated to compel the balancing of the 
 budgets of al 1 Governments within the State. Their aim should be ultimately 
 to put such governments on a cash basis as to abolish the system of tax 
 anticipation warrants, 
 
 32. The Highways are the property of the People. They should be guarded 
 against invasion by banditry and against exploitation for private use. 
 
 33. We promise to support every effort to provide care - whether by 
 ray of improved hospitalization - or otherwise - for the disabled ex-service 
 
 men and for the widows and orphans of those who gave their lives on the battle 
 fields of our Country, 
 
 34. We favor the ratification of the Gateway Amendment to the Illinois 
 Constitution at the election to be held in November. 
 
 35. We pledge ourselves to support the proposition for issuance of 
 State bonds to take up the anticipation warrants which were sold to provide 
 State Relief for the unemployed. 
 
 36. And finally, we declare our firm belief that it is possible through 
 proper leadership to materially lessen the crushing weight and consequent 
 devastation of unemployment. To the extent that this can be brought about 
 through proper legislation or administration in office or both, we shall 
 assume the responsibility for it as a party and shall hold ourselves account- 
 able for the conduct of each of our candidates when elected to office. To 
 the extent that such relief can come only through action of the Federal 
 Government, we offer our whole-hearted and unabating cooperation and we 
 pledge our earnest support. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau, Springfield, Illinois. 
 
 -216- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1934 
 
 Sunnnary of 1934 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the National 
 Progressive, Prohibition, Socialist Labor and Socialist.) 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Counties 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate Carried 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican William J. Stratton 1,233,214 523,097 710,117 
 Democratic John Stelle 1,503,997 793,327 710,670 
 
 51 
 51 
 
 Platfoirm Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues 
 
 78.3% 
 42.4% 
 
 National Issues Other No. Words 
 
 8.6% 13.1% 3227 
 14.2% 43.4% 1663 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1933-1934 
 
 An at-large slate of delegates favorable to the repeal of the 18th Amendment 
 was elected in 1933 by a margin of three and one-half to one to meet in state con- 
 vention. The convention on July 10 of that year voted the state's ratification of 
 repeal of prohibition. 
 
 The legislature in 1933 imposed a tax of three per cent on retail sales 
 but this tax was declared unconstitutional by the state supreme court in May; the 
 legislature then promptly passed another sales tax measure, this one of two per 
 cent whidi the courts upheld. In December the state's ad valorem levy on property 
 was done away with. The state property tax levy for 1933 came to nearly $31 million; 
 the sales tax in its first full year brought in about $36 million. 
 
 The General Assembly also invalidated "yellow dog" labor contracts, in which 
 a worker bound himself not to join a labor union. A tax of 10 cents per pound was 
 imposed upon oleomargarine containing coconut oil; this measure was similar to 
 taxes imposed in the interests of home agriculture in other states. 
 
 In the midst of the country-wide banking panic Governor Horner closed 
 banks by declaring a series of legal holidays on March 4, 1933, after banks in 
 some sections of the state had limited withdrawals on their own initiative. 
 
 A report in August, 1934 estimated 14 per cent of the population of the 
 state were receiving public aid through the state Emergency Relief Commission; 
 commission expenditures for September were $10 million, with about three-fourths 
 of the money coming from federal funds. 
 
 The Century of Progress Exposition, a world's fair to mark the centennial 
 of Chicago, opened in May 1933. Chicago's Mayor Anton Cermak died March 6, 1933, 
 in Florida, reportedly from a mis-guided assassination attempt upon President- 
 elect Roosevelt. 
 
 -217- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1934 
 (Adopted August 9, 1934) 
 
 We, the Republicans of Illinois, proclaim our loyalty to the principles 
 of the forward looking Republican party — the party of Americanism — and we hold 
 these principles to be intrinsic to orderly, economical government, the res- 
 toration of prosperity and the security and contentment of our people. 
 
 We rejoice that the Republican party is united. We welcome the asso- 
 ciation and co-operation of all citizens, regardless of past party ties, who 
 are determined as we are, to reinstate a government of freedom which respects 
 the individual rights of people, as guaranteed to us by the constitution, 
 the bill of rights and the Declaration of Independence, 
 
 Two years ago, a then Democratic leadership, both state and national, 
 promised tax slashes and governmental retrenchments. It solemnly promised 
 to reduce government expenses and abolish useless commissions and bureaus. 
 It promised to balance budgets. Instead, the state and national administra- 
 tions, when elected, deserted every known principle of Democracy, substituted 
 a hybrid structure of Socialism; and, with abandon and dissolution never 
 before witnessed by Americans, have already amassed the largest national debt 
 in our history, and now are bringing upon the personal and economic conduct 
 of every American citizen the direct control of so-called government. Thus 
 have these leaderships abandoned the followers of both major parties, and 
 brought, not economy and retrenchment, but wastefulness and despair to trusting 
 Americans. 
 
 PARTY DECLARATIONS 
 
 To restore good government and popular confidence therein, the Repub- 
 lican party: 
 
 1. Demands free speech and a free press, and all other constitutional 
 rights without infringements by N.R.A. or any other governmental agency; 
 
 2. Condemns the persistent attitude of the Horner despotic, tax-eating 
 Democratic machine in squandering taxpayers' money and in denying Illinois 
 citizens the right to vote upon a constitutional amendment for tax limitationj 
 the Republican party of !:ais state stands committed to a drastic reduction in 
 the cost of government ^y !\t least 25 per cent, the saving to provide for 
 amortization of bonds and payment of interest thereon; also, to a constitu- 
 tional tax limitation on all property not exceeding 1 per cent of the fair 
 cash value thereof. Such limitation will encourage owners of real estate to 
 improve and develop the same, thus stimulating building activity, giving 
 employment to labor and creating a demand for material and supplies. We 
 invite owners of defaulted bonds and securities to join in this program. 
 Taxes in excess of 1 per cent are confiscatory and must result in the loss 
 
 of farms and homes; 
 
 3. DCTTands a drastic consolidation of governmental units throughout 
 Illinois, making lighter local tax loads, enabling simplification of local * 
 governments and elimira ting overlapping of governmental functions; 
 
 •218- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 OFPOSE GAS TAX DIVERSION 
 
 4. Demands that gas tax revenues, hereafter, be applied exclusively 
 to highway construction and maintenance; that county and city shares of the 
 gas tax be applied in place of taxes for road, bridge and street taxes 
 wherever now levied by said units for those purposes; thereby saving tax- 
 payers nearly 70 per cent of the property taxes now levied and adding also 
 to gainful employment; 
 
 5. Demands that Illinois automobile license fees be reduced by at 
 least one-half, and that automobile owners be relieved of paying the present 
 50-cent fee for registration of title; 
 
 6. Demands the establishment of a trustworthy state accounting and 
 auditing system, by which taxpayers will know truthfully how their revenues 
 are expended; this principle to apply to smaller units as well as to the 
 state itself; 
 
 7. Demands that tariff betrayals of the Illinois farmers cease; that 
 the federal government begin to foster increases of farm market prices instead 
 of continuing to permit South America to hold Illinois farm market prices 
 down; that tariff rates on black-strap molasses, tapioca starch, fats, meats, 
 oils, and other farm produce be made high enough to insure the purchase of 
 Illinois-grown farm produce; that other tariff duties be increased even to 
 the extent of an embargo on all imported products which can be manufactured 
 
 or produced in the United States until such time as those of our people who 
 want work have found employment. We urged the buying of American goods in 
 order to open up jobs for our own people; 
 
 FAVOR STRICT CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 8. Points to the fact that the Democratic party solemnly pledged in 
 its 1932 state platform that the 'merit system in public service should be 
 extended and the spirit of civil service laws should be honestly and rigidly 
 adhered to." No laws have been more shamefully abused than the civil service 
 laws both locally and by the state; employes have been promoted, suspended, 
 reinstated and discharged without cause. We pledge absolute adherence to and 
 strict enforcement of all civil service laws. 
 
 9. Reiterates its warning to all the citizens of the state against 
 the viciously corrupt Tammany machine, which has brazenly disfranchized the 
 citizens of Cook county and the metropolitan area of Chicago; corrupted the 
 election machinery, its courts, its police, its park systems; demoralized its 
 schools and its social and economic life, and is now reaching out to enslave, 
 corrupt and destroy in similar fashion the legislative, judicial and executive 
 functions of the entire state of Illinois. 
 
 ■219- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 DECLARE ALLIANCE VICIOUS 
 
 The Republican party denounces in the strongest terms, the corrupt, 
 open alliance between the Nash-Kelly political machine of Chicago, and 
 the syndicated and commsrcialized gambling, vice and liquor privileges 
 through which the machine and its adherents enrich themselves; 
 
 The Republican party declares that it is the plain duty of every 
 department of government, either in Cook county or Illinois, to aggressively 
 prosecute every activity which \n.ll break the alliance between politics and 
 commercialized vice and gambling in the Chicago metropolitan area; 
 
 10. Condemns the despotic and un-American usurpation of powers 
 by the Democratic party of Cook county in effecting the selection of Edward 
 J. Kelly as mayor of Chicago without permitting the voters the exercise of 
 the franchise thereon. 
 
 We declare the boss-directed subservient action of the city council 
 in refusing to call an election for a successor, to the late Anton J. Cermak 
 to be a dereliction of duty of the gravest type and against every true 
 American concept of popular government. 
 
 In similar autocratic fashion the Democratic party named without 
 election the incumbent president of the county board and we charge that 
 in the hope of electing to another office the present county recorder 
 T^ose term has two years to run, the Nash-Kelly machine lays plans to steal 
 an additional office from the people by appointing his successor. 
 
 OPPOSE DISFRANCHISEMENT 
 
 The Republican party strenuously opposes the disfranchisement of 
 citizens by the selecting of elective public officials in any other form 
 than by the vote of the people. 
 
 11. Endorses the sound policies and principles sponsored by rep- 
 utable leaders of organized labor, and joins in their endeavors to eliminate 
 dishonest, and racketeering influences from their ranks. It reaffirms the 
 position of the Republican party for the principle of voluntary collective 
 bargaining between employer and employe; 
 
 12. Demands honest law enforcement, and not persecution predicated 
 on political bias; 
 
 13. Demands that the stealing of elections be stopped. Declares 
 for immediate revision of our general election laws to include a statewide 
 and uniform reorganization of our election machinery to provide certain and 
 sane means to more economically and efficiently record the true will of the 
 voters in local and general elections. 
 
 -220- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 DEMAND SANCTITY OF BALLOT 
 
 Recent disclosures in recount cases in Cook county revealing wholesale 
 fraud in 30 per cent of the precincts recounted and involving nearly five 
 hundred judges and clerks, demonstrated that votes totaling into many thousands 
 had been fraudulently counted. The evidence of such a condition is an un- 
 answerable argument for more effective and stringent regulations protecting 
 the sanctity of the ballot. 
 
 We urge, in the interest of economy and to more effectively curb elec- 
 tion corruption, the enactment of a permanent registration' law. Such a law, 
 strongly supported in the last legislature by Republican members was defeated 
 by the Democratic leaders. 
 
 The average cost per person of registration over the last three years 
 in Chicago was $3.67. In comparable metropolitan areas using the permanent 
 registration plan, the average cost per registrant is 27^ cents. So tremendous 
 a saving denied half the people of the state by the present Democratic admin- 
 istration in their desperate opposition to improvement of our archaic and 
 fraud inviting election laws makes a sham of their loudly voiced pleas of 
 devotion to the cause of economy. 
 
 14. Demands sympathetic care of wards of charitable institutions and 
 efficient management of penal institutions; instead of dumping in mere job 
 seekers without experience, whose only claim to preferment is their sub- 
 serviency to the political powers in control; 
 
 FLAY CORRUPTION IN RELIEF 
 
 15. Recognized that the public care and provision for human suffering 
 and want should command the sacred, unselfish services of the whole community. 
 Our emergency relief administration should be free from taint of personal, 
 group, partisan or political profit or exploitation. The Republican party 
 demands that emergency relief be administered by persons familiar with local 
 conditions and on a non-partisan basis. We further declare that every effort 
 should be made to substitute work for relief. While we commend those relief 
 workers and non-political executives in the relief service who are rendering 
 loyal and unselfish service, the Republican party condemns in profound disgust 
 the attempts, too often successful, to loot and corrupt the relief programs 
 
 on the part of the vicious Nash-Kelly-Horner gang. Use of relief rolls of 
 Chicago by Democrats to harass and terrify destitute families into allowing 
 their votes to be counted to continue government by force, fraud, bribery and 
 fear of a party grown rich and gluttonous on the ravages of a great city's 
 despair, beggars the language of contempt, 
 
 16. Demands that cruel decreases in compensation and awards to 
 disabled American veterans cease; that widows and orphans of veterans be 
 cared for as are the veterans themselves; 
 
 ■221- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 17. Demands that the former Democratic, now quasi-Socialistic, national 
 and state administrations end their communistic trends, leanings and encourage- 
 ments; that the American form of government shall remain as it is, founded 
 upon a constitution that is held sacred; 
 
 AGAINST UN-AMERICAN TREND 
 
 We submit that the only way to stop the present trend of un-American 
 government in Washington is to elect Republican congressmen in November, so 
 that gag- rule may be stopped in the house of representatives; so that proposed 
 legislation may be read and considered before it is passed, a proceeding pro- 
 vided for in the constitution, but ignored by the Democratic majority in 
 recent session. 
 
 18. Demands a full accounting of the circumstances involved in the 
 loan of $55,500,000 from the federal reconstruction finance corporation, which 
 Iras already been expended for relief, and which means that all federal allot- 
 ments for roads, farm bureau ^vork and other activities v;ill be withheld for 
 the next ten years, or until this debt is paid; 
 
 FAVOR ADEQUATE SCHOOL AID 
 
 19. The Republican party stands as it has always stood, for adequate 
 state aid for all public schools. We denounce the looting of public treas- 
 uries by Democratic political henchmen while salaries of school teachers and 
 other employes are unconsciously withheld. We condemn the exertion of sinister 
 political influences over our educational system, 
 
 20. Demands the enactment of a national anti-lynching law; 
 
 21. Condemns the forcing of legislation through the general assembly 
 by Governor Horner by compulsion. We charge that the promise of jobs in 
 return for votes on any legislation constitutes bribery; 
 
 22. Demands that the present regimes, state and national, cease their 
 efforts to abolish, in effect, the legislative branch of government; 
 
 23. Demands immediate legislation insuring home rule. Every munici- 
 pality should be permitted to govern its own affairs not inconsistent with 
 the best interest of the state; 
 
 24. Recognizes that the proper control over gas, telephone and 
 electric rates can only be achieved v;hen such control is exercised disinter- 
 estedly and wholly in the public interest. We demand a complete reorganiza- 
 tion of the present politically controlled state commerce commission and 
 its present methods of un-American political espionage. 
 
 ■222- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 CITE BANK RECEIVER ACTION 
 
 25, Denounces the wasting of assets of closed state banks by officials 
 in the present state administration in connivance with Democratic politicians 
 through devious methods such as: (a) padded pay rolls disguised as "clerk 
 hire," (b) exorbitant fees to friendly attorneys and receivers, (c) disposal 
 to political favorites of valuable securities and other assets for a fraction 
 of their real worth, and (d) the issuance of deceptive reports, made to cover 
 up dissipation of assets at the expense of the depositors and stockholders; 
 
 26. Demands the cessation of federal support of power and other en- 
 terprises which will destroy the coal industry, throw coal miners out of 
 employment, and, with tax revenues from the people themselves, make of those 
 same persons an addition to the already staggering army of unemployed; 
 
 BUREAUCRACY CONDEMNED 
 
 27. Demands the immediate repeal of all laws, state and national, 
 which have tightened the hold of unnecessary bureaucracy upon our people and 
 the prompt removal from the public pay rolls of all the tax-eaters who have 
 been forced upon the taxpayers under the present administrations. We favor 
 the immediate repeal of all tyrannical laws, including Governor Horner's 
 dictatorial legislation, enacted by 'ghost voting' methods which stifle 
 legitimate business, thus reducing employment in private enterprises. We 
 declare that all laws enacted for regimenting and establishing bureaucratic 
 control of private business with hordes of snoopers and investigators, must 
 be wiped from the statute books; that we make this demand in the name of the 
 consumers and taxpayers who must pay the bill. We declare the regimentation 
 of private business has no place in a republic of free men and we declare 
 further that the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively can 
 be protected by law without such regimentation; 
 
 28. Opposes as a permanent policy additional tax burdens to take 
 present farm lands out of production while at the same time imposing more 
 taxes upon the people to develop new agricultural areas. We oppose as 
 unjustifiable the destruction of food, nature's gift for the preservation of 
 human life. 
 
 OPPOSE SALES TAX 
 
 29. Opposes the continuation of the Horner sales tax, devised to 
 shift the burden of taxation from those with ability to pay to those least 
 able to pay. Insurance companies and holders c£ Illinois property residing 
 out of the state escape taxation while the burden is shifted to the Illinois 
 wage-earner. The sales tax places a penalty on the bearing and rearing of 
 children. It is a penalty on the basic institution of the nation — the home. 
 
 ■223- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 It has made of those engaged in the retail business of the state tax collectors 
 for the state government without compensation and threatens them with dire 
 penalties if they do not so act. 
 
 30. Declares its very special interest in child welfare and favors 
 the employment of trained workers only in the investigation and supervision 
 of needy children and of the physically or financially dependent wards of 
 the state, and the inclusion of such positions under civil service; 
 
 COMMEND PATRIOTIC WOMANHOOD 
 
 31. Commends the patriotic womanhood of Illinois on its unflinching 
 stand against encroachment upon American traditions and the American form of 
 government; and welcomes their hearty co-operation in the fight for the return 
 of constitutional government. 
 
 32. Urges support of the $30,000,000 relief bond issue in November 
 because, unless the people of Illinois vote affirmatively, this huge tax 
 load will be placed directly on property; calls attention to the fact that 
 paymert of this proposed relief indebtedness will be extended over a period 
 of tventy years. 
 
 33. Deplores the fact that fabulous fortunes spent by political parties 
 as well as by aspirants for political office have undermined public confidence 
 in government. We favor passage of a corrupt practice act, limiting the ex- 
 penditures of candidates for public office. 
 
 STAND ON AGRICULTURE 
 
 34. The Republican party takes the unequivocal position that upon 
 restoration of agricultural prosperity depends the return of prosperity to 
 all the rest of our people. Until the farmer of Illinois and the natici can 
 have profitable prices for the produce, grain and stock he markets, he cannot 
 have buying power. Until the farmer's buying power is restored at least 40 
 per cent of the country's buying power is stagnated. Until this stagnation 
 is overcome and eliminated, there will be no permanent recovery. 
 
 We urge the summary repeal of ail taxes that constitute a direct 
 factor in keeping the farmer from receiving for his grain and stock, a market 
 price commensurate with the price paid by consumers for processed and finished 
 commodities that have their base in agricultural products, 
 
 FAVOR BETTER ROADS TO FARMS 
 
 The Illinois primary road system is practically completed, but only 
 30 per cent of the total mileage of the state has been improved with an all- 
 weather construction. Seventy per cent of the farmers still live on dirt 
 
 -224- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 roads and have paid their share of license fees and gasoline tax, which is 
 ineqaitable. More than $130,000,000 of road building funds for Illinois 
 have already been diverted for other purposes. Construction experts estimate 
 that 90 per cent of highway construction monies is expanded for labor. There- 
 fore, the money which has been diverted for highway construction has taken 
 from labor, 200 days of employment for an army of 200,000 men, or a sustenance 
 from a million persons for a year, unnecessarily forcing persons upon relief. 
 
 We, therefore, condemn the diversion of gasoline tax monies from road 
 building by the present state administration and we oppose any further diversion 
 of gasoline tax monies from road building whether by investment by state antici- 
 pation notes or otherwise. We further oppose any increase in the gasoline tax. 
 
 We particularly urge that every reasonable effort be continued to secure 
 state and national use of motor fuel blended with ethyl alcohol made of corn 
 CT other agricultural products grown in the continental United States. We 
 also urge efforts to stimulate by every reasonable means the use of paint 
 containing a large proportion of soy bean oil. We further commend and approve 
 continued study and investigation to develop new industrial uses of farm 
 products. 
 
 We urge that there shall be no legislation or executive order that 
 will in any way cripple or impair facilities of transportation of agricultural 
 products now enjoyed by the farming industry. 
 
 FARM Sb'RPLUS PROBLEM 
 
 We believe the permanent solution of the farm surplus problem will be 
 found in securing part or all of the following objectives: 
 
 1. New industrial uses for farm commodities: 
 
 2. Reciprocal trade agreements with foreign nations; after proper 
 notice and hearings which give all interests affected an ample opportunity 
 to be heard; 
 
 3. Removal of marginal and submarginal lands from production and 
 their restoration to the public domain, as a Republican legislature proposed 
 and submitted in 1928 and 1930. 
 
 We pledge our support to conserve domestic markets for domestic farm 
 products. We are against tariff betrayals that hamstring farmers. 
 
 We condemn the violation of law by the present state administration 
 in refusing to purchase and supply state institutions with the butter-fats 
 required by statute. 
 
 We favor national legislation whereby money will be directly loaned 
 on farms at a lower rate of interest and on favorable conditions as to time 
 without burdensome costs loaded on the farmer securing the loans. 
 
 •225- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 The Republican party favors restoring agricultural credit by removisag 
 restrictions placed upon agricultural collateral by the party in power. Con- 
 fiscatory taxes placed upon homes and farms is one of the most alarming 
 abuses of the present hour. 
 
 CONCLUSIONS 
 
 The Republican party, the party of Americanism, invites citizens of 
 all beliefs and walks in life to join with it in restoring American traditions, 
 and in protecting the American form of government » 
 
 It dedicates itself to a drastic reduction in taxes. It realizes that 
 broken political promises deserve the same cataloging as confidence games. 
 It views with amazement the Democratic promises of 1932 as compared with the 
 radical near-communistic performances of 1934. 
 
 It holds that Democrats of 1932 no longer have any principles in 
 common with the radicalism vAiich their former leadership endeavors to foist 
 upon them now; that no real Democrat need apoligize for deserting the un- 
 American experiments of this year, even though he may have followed in the 
 best of faith a leadership in 1932 which promised sound, Jefferscnian remedies 
 for a distressed citizenship. 
 
 The Republican party asks citizens who believe in Americanism to join , 
 it in a detennination to bring back orderly government, peace and contantmeiit. 
 It believes in civil service, which the administrations now in power have 
 debauched. It believes in wholesome working conditions, with labor in a 
 position to keep for itself the fruits of its toil. It believes in an edu- 
 cational system, both public and private j that will induce young citizens to 
 love America, and abhor communism in any form. 
 
 The Republican party opens its arms to the youth of this state and 
 country; and asks that youth to come in, be a part of our political scheme, 
 and interest itself in public office. 
 
 RELIEF MAJOR PROBLEM 
 
 The Republican party views with solemnity the present relief situation 
 in Illinois and the nation, now a major problem.. It reiterates that no 
 citizen must be permitted to go hungry; but, it condemns an idle "dole." 
 Purchase of more food supplies direct from producers would cut the cost of 
 this huge obligation. We urge the adoption of a constructive state recovery 
 program, which would substitute honorable employment for idleness. In so 
 doing, we hold that the building trades would enjoy a revival. Home repairs 
 are needed; we should make crossings safer by eliminating grade crossings. 
 Expansion of our road system, the building of super highways, wideriing roads 
 where traffic requires, the building of secondary roads--all these would be 
 of benefit. Instead of fostering dependence and subjection on the part of 
 
 •226- 
 
Republican Platform of 1934 
 
 the unemployed, we urge that independence be restored, by re-establishing 
 the opportunity to work. 
 
 Relief in Illinois as well as the nation, despite false and fraudulent 
 claims of improvement, is staggering our citizenship. The cost of emergency 
 relief is now exceeding $90,000,000 a year. It is officially reported that 
 $216,780,000 of state and federal funds were spent in Illinois during the 
 twenty-eight months ending May 1, 1934. It is with these bewildering facts 
 in mind that we recommend and urge the adoption of a state employment program, 
 in order to stem the tide of idleness. 
 
 The Republican party, in convention assembled, endorses and ratifies 
 the party nominations of April 10, 1934 and recommends these candidates to 
 the voters of Illinois. 
 
 DICTATORSHIP DENOUNCED 
 
 Inspired by the patriotism of Washington and Lincoln, yet with ever- 
 changing needs of the twentieth century in view, we declare our unalterable 
 opposition to communism, bolshevism, socialism or any other form of radicalism 
 or dictatorship in government, such as the present regimes are heading toward. 
 We fear and caution against political or economic revolutions, peaceable or 
 otherwise, without consent of the people. We cannot too solemnly reaffirm 
 our unshaken confidence in our mother country, her ideals, principles and 
 traditions. We feel securely entrenched under her constitutional wings, with 
 free speech and free press definitely and for all time insured; with justice 
 and equality for all and with unrestricted opportunity to the humblest citizen. 
 Therein all her greatness lies. As we marvel at her achievements of yesterday, 
 we have confidence in her glorious tomorrow, if we pursue the course charted 
 by our forefathers. Liberty is too sacred for experimentation. Bolshevism 
 never thrives at contented firesides. We are unreservedly committed to a 
 free government in its fullest aspect and we bow only to the will of the 
 people. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal , August 10, 1934, 
 
 ■227- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1934 
 (Adopted April 20, 1934) 
 
 Democrats of Illinois, in Convention assembled, solemnly accept the 
 new responsibilities that have been imposed on them as the result of the 
 primary election of Tuesday, April 10. 
 
 We realize that the tremendous vote which made the Democracy the 
 recognized majority Party in Illinois at the primary, was both an expression 
 of confidence in democratic officials of the state and the nation aid a mandate 
 for them to carry on in the work they have undertaken. We pledge a continuance 
 of the party support of these officials and a new effort on our part to elect 
 worthy colleagues of all state and national of f icials.v^o will loyally support 
 them in the constructive policies which have done so much to restore better 
 and happier conditions. 
 
 WELCOME VOTERS 
 
 We welcome to full participation in the affairs of our party the 
 hundreds of thousands of voters who have been won to its standards by the 
 achievement of democratic leadership clearly revealed by contrasting these 
 records with those made by officials of the opposition party. 
 
 The democracy of Illinois is proud of the record achieved by the dis- 
 tinguished democratic delegation representing this state in both houses of 
 congress. 
 
 In the national house of representatives are eighteen Illinois demo- 
 crats who are governed by the understanding of the needs of the people of 
 their respective districts and of the state and the nation. Thus motivated, 
 they have found inspiration in, and given loyal support to, the policies of 
 the president. 
 
 HONOR RAINEY 
 
 It is with particular pride that we honor as leader of the delegation 
 in the national house that close personal and official associate of the presi- 
 dent, commoner, statesman, master parliamentarian, orator, patriot, the first 
 democratic speaker chosen from the north in fifty jears, and the first speaker 
 of the national house ever chosen from the democracy of Illinois--one of the 
 most brilliant speakers the national house of representatives has ever known-- 
 the Hon. Henry T. Rainey of Carrollton. 
 
 The great vote of confidence cast for Speaker Rainey by his neighbors 
 of the twentieth district in the recent primary is justly interpreted by all 
 not only as a vote of approval of his fifteen terms of faithful service in 
 the national house, but also of the democratic "New Deal" v^ich he symbolizes. 
 This triumph we confidently believe will be repeated in the nation-wide vote 
 next November. 
 
 •229- 
 
Democratic Platform of 193A 
 
 TWO BRILLIANT SENATORS 
 
 This great gathering of the Democracy of Illinois turns to the United 
 States Senate to pay tribute to two brilliant sons of Illinois whose states- 
 manship adds luster to the pages of United States history. 
 
 One is the illustrious junior Senator from Beardstown who advanced 
 from faithful service in his own community to distinguished service in the 
 Illinois house as congressman-at-large, and who is now one of the faithful 
 followers of President Roosevelt — the Hon. William H. Dieterich. 
 
 The other Democratic son of Illinois now serving in the upper house 
 of congress also served in the national house of representatives. He was 
 leader of the senate under the administration of that towering figure in 
 world affairs and Democratic servant of mankind — Woodrow Wilson. He is 
 now the brilliant leader in statesmanship, known throughout the nation and 
 the world by the convincing power of his logic, his mastery of facts, the 
 cVe rm of his oratory, his scintillating leadership in support of the 
 President and his championship of the enduring fundamentals of Jeffersonian 
 Democracy--the Hon. James Hamilton Lewis. 
 
 LALT) GREAT HUMANITARIAN 
 
 Towering above all of the great figures in world affairs today, 
 suncrowned in idealism, powerful in patriotism, courageous in conviction, 
 uncompromising in militant leadership against greed, and determined to 
 restore constitutional government to the people from whom it was wrested 
 by the power of privilege, is our democratic president to whom the 6ntire 
 world gives acclaim, the Hon. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 
 
 We, the Democrats of Illinois, honor ourselves by doing honor to 
 that great humanitarian and advocate of the open door of opportunity so that 
 every honest man who desires to work may find employment and be able to share 
 in the wealth, the comfort and the happiness of the greatest nation the world 
 has ever known. 
 
 We endorse unqualifiedly the entire recovery program. 
 
 President Roosevelt has shown the nation and the world more construc- 
 tive action under adverse circumstances than any peace-time president. His 
 political philosophy is in the language of the masses. His legislative 
 program is patterned to give hope to the hopeless, work to the unemployed, 
 to brighten the lot of the average citizen, and to establish the principle 
 that citizenship carries the right and opportunity to earn one's daily bread. 
 
 The magnificent leadership of President Roosevelt is the vital force 
 which is causing wholesale desertions from the lost cause of a reactionary 
 republican leadership and attracting forward-looking citizens into the party 
 advocating equal rights for all and special privilege for none. 
 
 ■230- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1934 
 
 RAP UN-AMERICAN CHARGE 
 
 The president's defeated and discredited opponents cry out 'un-American.' 
 
 Is it un-American to follow that part of the democratic national plat- 
 form which says-- 'a drastic change in economic and governmental policies is 
 necessary' ? 
 
 Is it un-American to rehabilitate the American banking system and 
 restore the entire economic structure of the nation? 
 
 Is it un-American to overthrow the hypocritical, crime producing prohi- 
 bition and re-establish personal liberty by repeal of the eighteenth amendment? 
 
 Is it un-American to interpret the constitution in terms of government 
 by the many, rather than in terms of tyranny of the few? 
 
 Is it un-American to place human values above property values and 
 abolish slavery of child labor? 
 
 Is it un-American to prevent starvation and unemployment in a nation 
 suffering from maldistribution and the concentration of incalculable wealth 
 in the hands of a few while overproduction has become a mockery to many in 
 need of food and clothing? 
 
 Is it un-American to establish in government 'good ethics and good 
 morals' as advocated by the president? 
 
 If all that be un-American^ then the denocracy of Illinois heartily 
 subscribes, pledging anew its faith in its great national leader, and its 
 governor and rejoicing in support of their program for the emancipation of 
 mankind from the slavery of greed. 
 
 LAUD HORNER LEADERSHIP 
 
 The people of Illinois, regardless of party, and the democracy of 
 this state in particular, take great pride in the able, progressive and sig- 
 nificant leadership of the chief of Illinois' government --Governor Henry 
 Homer. True to the highest ideals of duty, sincere and faithful to the 
 trust reposing in him, forthright in his aims for the good of the people, 
 unswerving in his fidelity to the principles of the true democracy, he has 
 demonstrated a championship of good government, such as has not been known 
 heretofore in our state. 
 
 Governor Horner is in the vanguard of those men and women of integrity 
 and vision who want to place Illinois high in the lists of the states of the 
 union, to give the children of our state a proper education and to make 
 Illinois the state with a most efficient and economical government. Keen student 
 of government; eminent jurist; fearless leader in the ranks of progressive 
 democracy; exponent of justice for mankind, the democracy of Illinois enthu- 
 siastically does honor to Illinois' great governor--the Hon. Henry Horner. 
 
 •231- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1934 
 
 CITE FIRST TAX CUT 
 
 The democratic party of Illinois, knowing full well the burdens vrtiich 
 rest upon the shoulders of the people, reaffirms its stand for equitable and 
 fair taxation. Two years ago our party at its state convention pledged 
 itself to the reduction of taxes. It has done more than it promised by 
 wiping out for the first time in the history of Illinois, the state tax levy 
 on real estate and personal property, thereby affecting a saving of $35,000,000 
 a year to the general property taifpayers of the state. In addition to greatly 
 lightening the tax load on real estate, the full payment of $10,500,000 of 
 the state school distributive fund is assured this year for the first time 
 in many. 
 
 The party realizes that although Governor Horner and his aids have 
 been able to accomplish more in the matter of tax reduction than was done in 
 the entire previous history of the state, there is still much to do. The 
 state administration and the party will strive to bring about reductions in 
 local taxes insofar as this object can be accomplished by state legislation. 
 
 OPERATE STATE ECONOMICALLY 
 
 The magnificent efforts new being exerted by elected and appointed 
 democratic state officials to conduct their offices in the most economical 
 and effi<!ient manner, are commended. We reiterate our absolute insistence 
 on such policies. Because of this determination the state is now living 
 within its income for the first time in many years. 
 
 Current bills are paid and discounted, and all bonds, retirements, 
 interest and other fixed charges are made punctually. The cost of govern- 
 ment must be further brought down so as to further reduce the burdensome 
 load of taxation now resting on the people. 
 
 URGE CONSOLIDATIONS 
 
 In keeping with the policy of economy in government, and in further 
 extension of the work of the democratic party in bringing about the consolida- 
 tion of the park systems in Chicago, through legislative and executive action 
 in i^Thich Governor Horner disregarded every political and partisan advantage, 
 the democratic party of Illinois favors further mergers and realignments of 
 governmental units and duties, to do away with overlapping and duplicating 
 of functions and expenditures, so as to bring about additional savings and 
 simplification in the operation of government. 
 
 We commend the interest of the state administration in the welfare 
 and further improvement of the school system of our state, and urge a con- 
 tinuation of this program with a view to improving even further the great 
 educational system of the state of Illinois. We urge, also, a study of the 
 
 -232- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1934 
 
 schools with the object of consolidating districts in furtherance of a 
 planned program of economy and efficiency. We favor a comprehensive long 
 time program of education devised to help the common and the secondary schools, 
 and the insurance of its permanent financial structure. Unhappily, the subject 
 has been dealt with in a haphazard manner. We owe it to all of the definite 
 and constructive program. 
 
 A sound and economic operation of utilities has been an ever present 
 concern of our party, so that extravagance and wild speculation could be 
 eliminated, and consumers' service at a fair rate would be insured, with 
 proper regard of a fair return to the investors, with the aim of preventing 
 recurrence of the recent scandal, costing the loss of millions to investors 
 in the public utility field. 
 
 We favor the extension of the principle and action of home rule to 
 those communities whose inhabitants desire it. This has been a traditional 
 democratic doctrine and we reaffirm our adherence to it. 
 
 LAUD DEBT GROUPS 
 
 We applaud the activities of the state in behalf of agriculture, and 
 point with pride to the achievement of Governor Horner in creating state and 
 county debt conciliation committees by which thousands of farmers of Illinois 
 have been safeguarded through negotiation and arbitration against the loss 
 of their homes and their farms through mortgage foreclosure. We note with 
 pleasure that this plan has been copied in many other states. We pledge 
 our efforts to achieve further restoration of beneficial agriculture condi- 
 tions. The basic industry of America will ever be the concern of the demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 We favor the state's road program including the development of a 
 comprehensive system of secondary roads. 
 
 Insurance laws have been enacted, giving the State proper control of 
 the operation and investment of insurance companies, resulting in the strengthen- 
 ing of the financial condition of the companies and assuring policy holders 
 every possible protection. We reaffirm our support of such legislation. 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 
 
 We heartily indorse and pledge the Democracy to support the proposal 
 which will appear on the ballot in the November election for the calling of 
 a constitutional convention. This proposal results from the passage by the 
 legislation of a joint resolution sponsored by Governor Horner, and by 
 democrats in both senate and house. The democratic party has long held that 
 a constitutional convention is desirable as a means of modernizing the anti- 
 quated tax system of Illinois, and reducing state expenses by provision for 
 the simplification of our election system. 
 
 -233- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1934 
 
 The Democratic Party, both State and National, is opposed to the 
 return of those evils which resulted in the adoption of the 18th Amendment. 
 We pledge ourselves to a program that will promote personal liberty and 
 true temperance. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Register . April 21, 1934. 
 
 •234- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1936 
 
 Summary of 1936 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Union 
 Progressive, Socialist Labor, Prohibition and Socialist.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Countie 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Alfred M. Landon 
 
 1,568,393 
 
 701,206 
 
 867,187 
 
 31 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt 
 
 2,282,999 
 
 1,253,164 
 
 1,029,835 
 
 71 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 C. Way land Brooks 
 
 1,682,685 
 
 794,559 
 
 888,126 
 
 36 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Henry Horner 
 
 2,067,861 
 
 1,087,207 
 
 980,654 
 
 66 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 76.87o 
 
 21 
 
 .27. 
 
 2.17. 
 
 1980 
 
 Democratic 
 
 35.8% 
 
 17, 
 
 .77, 
 
 46.67, 
 
 1879 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1935-1936 
 
 After months of struggle, the General Assembly in 1935 raised the state 
 sales tax from 2 per cent to 3 per cent and in a separate act applied to tax to 
 utilities' sales. The tax rate was increased principally on the insistence of the 
 federal government that the state contribute a greater share to the support of its 
 unemployed; the tax was not passed until the federal government had suspended its 
 grants for that purpose to Illinois and the last of the funds used up. A system 
 of state pensions for old people was created in conformity with requirements for 
 qualifying for federal funds under the federal Social Security Act. 
 
 The legislature in regular session also passed a measure compelling employ- 
 ers to allow employees one period of 24 hours without work in every week. The 
 state senate investigated a charge that the University of Chicago disseminated 
 radical views in its teachings. 
 
 The federal government reported combined distributions of money for relief 
 of the unemployed totaled $107 million in 1934--with federal funds of $72.3 million 
 state funds of $30.5 million, and local contributions of $4.2 million. 
 
 The Chicago City Council voted to adopt Eastern Standard Time as of March 1, 
 1936, on an all-year basis. 
 
 Factional strife between Governor Henry Horner and the Kelly-Nash Democratic 
 organization of Chicago was often in the news. Among the incidents, Illinois 
 Treasurer John Stelle withheld on April 1 the pay of about 32,000 state emplo>e es 
 under the jurisdiction of the Governor. Horner defeated the organization's guber- 
 natorial candidate in the primary in a bitter contest. 
 
 -235- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1936 
 (Adopted May 22, 1936) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following is 
 a news story from the May 23, 1936, issue of the Chicago Tribune which con- 
 tains the most complete summary of the platform which the compiler could 
 find.) 
 
 Illinois Republicans pledged themselves today to aid agriculture, 
 labor, and business in a common sense way, without seeking advice from in- 
 experienced theorises in political office and in a manner to preserve the 
 liberties of all from "reckless experiments" in a declaration of principles 
 adopted late today by the Republican state convention in session here„ 
 
 FRAME PLATFORM LATER 
 
 The convention confined itself to this declaration of principles, the 
 plan being to adopt a state platform at another session sometime after the 
 national convention in Cleveland. The essence of the declaration follows; 
 
 "Liberty is too sacred for reckless experiment, and the Republican 
 party is unreservedly committed to constitutional government in its fullest 
 aspect, free from the practices of communism, bolshevism, socialism, or any 
 other form of radicalism no matter what benevolent or kindly guise they may 
 cloak themselves „ 
 
 "The government debt is equivalent to a mortgage of 15 per cent of 
 the value of each Illinois fanm which is an encumbrance thereon that must 
 be met and paid by the farm youth of Illinois. This unbearable burden to the 
 farmer and his children will be increased through continued extravagance in 
 vast local, state, and national expenditures. 
 
 PROTECT FARM MARKET 
 
 "We hold that the American farm market must be protected and preserved 
 
 to the American farmer, and pledge ourselves to use every influence to halt 
 
 the flood of foreign farm produce, now under the Democratic party's reciprocal 
 trade agreements robbing the American farmer of his home market. 
 
 "The Republican party is definitely opposed to the philosophy of 
 'scarcity in agriculture' and believes that every bushel of grain and all other 
 farm commodities imported in 1935 should have been raised on American farms. 
 The produce of Illinois farms should replace blackstrap molasses, sage, starches, 
 
 and other agricultural importations now competing with them. 
 
 -236- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 "We pledge the Illinois farmers that we will carry on a vigorous and 
 unceasing fight in the state and national legislatures until the American 
 farm market is fully protected against the importation of farm products 
 from foreign countries. 
 
 FINANCING FOR AGRICULTURE 
 
 "We believe that money must be available at reasonable rates for the 
 proper and sound financing of agriculture's capital and operating needs. 
 
 "We further believe that the state should give practical assistance 
 in organizing, planning, and financing farm cooperatives for the marketing 
 of farm products on a stable and intelligent basis. 
 
 "We condemn as childishly futile and ridiculous the policies of the 
 present administration of withdrawing from cultivation lands in proven agri- 
 cultural states, while at the same time the administration is spending millions 
 of dollars in the reclamation of arid lands hundreds of miles from agricultural 
 population centers and markets. 
 
 JOBS VERSUS DOLE 
 
 "We demand the perpetuation and improvement of our standard of living 
 and the inalienable right of every individual to employment and to a decent 
 American standard of wages and working conditions. 
 
 "We are firmly convinced that the American people prefer employment 
 to dole, pay envelopes to charity, and self-respect to the humiliation and 
 intimidation that have existed in connection with so-called relief agencies. 
 
 "To that end, and for a more equitable distribution of employment, we 
 favor the five day week in industry. 
 
 "The exploitation of women in industry by the imposition of unduly 
 long vrorking hours should be prohibited by law. The present law on the sub- 
 ject should be amended so as to establish the eight hour day as a maximum in 
 this respect. 
 
 '*rhe child labor law, as well as the other laws for the protection of 
 the health, safety, and comfort of the working people, should be rigidly 
 enforced. 
 
 "The standards of compensation for injuries and diseases arising out 
 of employment in commerce and industry must be improved. 
 
 •237- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 BUSINESS 
 
 Political meddling with business and industry must cease. Government 
 regulation of business and industry should be confined to only such restraint 
 as is necessary to protect the general welfare. Confidence must be restored. 
 Government should get out and stay out of private business. American business- 
 men can and should run American business. 
 
 "The state NRA sponsored by Governor Horner at the dictation of Washing- 
 ton received its deserved rebuke at the hands of the Supreme court. 
 
 UNEMPLOYMENT 
 
 "We pledge the people of Illinois that one of the first official acts 
 of the Republican state administration will be to call together the leaders 
 of labor and industry for immediate action toward increasing employment. 
 Industry must be given the assurance that the tax burden imposed by local, 
 state, and national government will be the absolute minimum and that plans 
 for industrial expansion and increased production may be made upon that 
 assurance. 
 
 ABUSES OF EMERGENCY RELIEF 
 
 "Private employment, rather than a permanent dole, is the desire of 
 every honest citizen. Every effort should be made to substitute regular jobs 
 for relief. 
 
 "The use of relief rolls by Democratic precinct leaders to harass and 
 terrify destitute families into voting the Democratic ticket is one of the 
 most revolting practices in the history of Illinois politics. No citizen of 
 Illinois should be compelled to sell his vote for bread or forced to support 
 any political party to keep his fanily fror.^ starvation. 
 
 "We condemn the attempts of the Democratic political machine, often 
 successful, to corrupt the entire relief program, and to make political hos- 
 tages of our unfortunate citizens. The record of the Democratic party reached 
 a new depth of infamy in the primary of April lA by wholesale threatening 
 of relief and WPA workers with hunger and want if they did not vote the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. 
 
 "Iile are inalterably opposed to any membership in or connection with 
 the so-called league of nations, the world court, or any entanglements with 
 any foreign nation. 
 
 SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION 
 
 "We favor prompt and continued increase in our state school fund and 
 insist that Illinois schools shall be the best in the United States. Complete 
 
 ■238- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 and adequate provisions must be made for the educational needs of handicapped 
 children, 
 
 "We insist that school teachers be paid salaries commensurate with their 
 training and the valuable services v^ich they perform, and that school monies 
 be distributed promptly as they reach the treasury so that teachers' salaries 
 may be paid when due. 
 
 "We charge the Horner administration with deliberate misrepresentation 
 relativ*,fto sfchotflsvand thttfccondition of state school fund payments. 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 "We condemn the waste, inefficiency, and spoils politics which have 
 permeated the conservation departments during the last four years, and demand 
 the removal of the political parasites who have been living upon, but not 
 working for, conservation. 
 
 "We strongly favor the establishment of state forest preserves, bird 
 and game sanctuaries, preservation of song birds and wild flowers, common 
 sense flood control measures, resfioration of marsh lands and the speedy 
 cleansing of streams, all to be carried out in conjunction with the farmers' 
 agricultural program of removal of marginal lands from competition with fertile 
 areas. 
 
 "We pledge the enactment and struct enforcement of common sense fish 
 and game laws that will permit the maximum of healthful outdoor sport for 
 fishermen and hunter, and still leave for our children and grandchildren a 
 plentiful supply of fish and game and a state with as much as possible of 
 the natural beauties of forest, song birds, and wild flowers as our grand- 
 fathers found when they came here. 
 
 CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 "No laws have been so brazenly disregarded and shamefully abused as 
 the civil service laws under the administration of Governor Horner. Employes 
 have been promoted, suspended, reinstated, and discharged without regard to 
 merit. 
 
 "The Republican party pledges absolute adherence to and the strengthening, 
 improving, and enforcing of the civil service law and merit system. 
 
 INSURANCE 
 
 "Few business activities are closer to the citizen than insurance. 
 Vast sums spent annually for insurance protection and investment constitute 
 
 -239- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 a substantial part of the earnings and largely represent the life savings of 
 our citizens. It is therefore of paramount importance that the supervision 
 and control of all companies doing business in Illinois shall be competently 
 and honestly administered. 
 
 "We pledge the citizens of Illinois that we will exercise the most 
 thorough and careful supervision to carefully safeguard their insurance 
 protection and investments. 
 
 TAXES 
 
 "Governor Horner falsely claims that he reduced the state's bonded in- 
 debtedness by 55 million dollars. The records disclose that he increased it 
 by 6 million dollars. He boasts that he abolished a 23 million dollar state 
 property tax, but fails to mention that he saddled upon our people new and 
 other taxes in excess of 75 million dollars annually, including the 60 million 
 dollars annual sales tax which falls most heavily upon the poor and reduces 
 the purchasing power of those in need. 
 
 "We favor early reduction and the ultimate repeal of the sales tax by 
 drastically slashing the cost of government, and by eliminating thousands of 
 payrollers and overlapping and useless bureaus and departments. We pledge 
 the immediate removal of the sales tax from food and other necessities of 
 life. 
 
 "The state property tax must not be resumed against citizens of Illi- 
 nois, but nonresident corporations and individuals, owning property in our 
 state should be required to contribute to the cost of relief and government. 
 
 RELIEF FOR MOTORISTS AND HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION 
 
 "The Republican party pledges that it will permit no diversion of road 
 funds until the necessary improvements and extensions of our paved highways, 
 and the construction of an adequate all weather farm to market road system 
 are completed; and that it will reduce motor vehicle license fees and gasoline 
 taxes just as soon as possible without disrupting this program or incurring 
 property taxes for the maintenance and construction of these highway systems. 
 
 "The Republican party pledges the enactment and strict enforcement of 
 sane, common sense, understandable traffic laws that will be fair to motorists 
 in all sections of the state, and that will reduce the slaughter of citizens 
 upon our highways . 
 
 VETEFANS 
 
 "The care of the veterans, their widows and orphans, is one of the most 
 sacred duties of our government. All laws pertaining to relief of indigent 
 veterans and their families should be fully and fairly enforced. 
 
 •240- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 "We urge the prompt deportation of all alien enemies within our country 
 and the vigorous enforcement of the law against those who seek to undermine 
 our government. 
 
 HONEST ELECTIONS 
 
 "We urge the immediate enactment of the honest election bills which 
 were introduced, sponsored and for the past three years consistently supported 
 by the Republican members of the general assembly. These bills were always 
 opposed and repeatedly defeated by Governor Horner while he was the head and 
 guiding spirit of the Democratic machine which was then the beneficiary of 
 a quarter of a million stolen votes. Not until he foresaw that these fraudu- 
 lent votes might be used against him did Governor HoBiiar reverse his position 
 and commenced advocating honest election legislation. 
 
 CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT 
 
 "We, urge the passage of a corrupt practices act, limiting expenditures 
 and requiring the publication of all sources and amounts of campaign funds 
 spent by candidates for public office. 
 
 "We further urge that such legislation include a provision making it 
 a penitentiary offense to intimidate, or solicit funds from people compelled 
 through unfortunate circumstances to accept relief or employment of any govern- 
 ment undertaking. 
 
 PROTECTION FOR BONDHOLDERS AND DEPOSITORS 
 
 "We favor the enactment of legislation providing for state supervision 
 over all real estate bondholders' protective committees and trustees and 
 requiring under penalties fixed by statute, filing of reports, appraisals, 
 expenditures, lists of bondholders, plans of reorganization and conveyance 
 pertaining to properties in their care. 
 
 EQUALITY 
 
 "We reaffirm our adherence to the Republican doctrine that all men are 
 created free and equal and we welcome citizens of every creed, color and 
 religion to full participation in the affiars of our government and its 
 blessings. 
 
 "We favor passage by congress of a national anti-lynching law. 
 
 BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES 
 
 "The management of our penal institutions during the last four years 
 
 ■241- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 has been so outrageously incompetent and inefficient that Illinois has been 
 scandalized throughout the nation. Daily stories which have filled the news- 
 papers of our state covering riots, escapes, murder, vice, degeneracy and 
 peddling of narcotics, have furnished proof that these institutions have been 
 criminally mismanaged by political incompetents. 
 
 "The Republican party pledges itself to immediately remedy this dis- 
 graceful condition by appointing to the board of pardons and paroles men 
 and women of ability, integrity, and standing, who are absolutely free from 
 political entanglements and by placing in charge of our penal institutions 
 competent executives of proven ability and integrity, free from political 
 domination. 
 
 STATE SOVEREIGNTY 
 
 "We condemn Governor Horner's surrender of Illinois* rights as a 
 sovereign state and his efforts to reduce it to a province under federal 
 dictatorship. 
 
 "We strenuously object to the forcible extraction of taxes from 
 citizens of Illinois to be turned over as political perquisites and patronage 
 to various states subsidized by and supporting the Democratic organization. 
 
 "We condemn the governor and the Democratic congressmen of our state 
 for their failure to protest against and prevent this injustice to our citizens, 
 
 COERCION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 "No governor of Illinois has shown such complete lack of legislative 
 leadership and capacity to handle the business of government. Innumerable 
 special sessions running continuously have kept the general assembly in 
 turmoil. Without planning or leadership problems of relief and vital need 
 have been dragged from session to session without solution. 
 
 "We condemn Governor Horner's introduction of ghost voting and the 
 auction block roll call into the general assembly, his domination of the 
 Democratic majority in each house by offers of patronage and threats of 
 reprisals, and the repeated postponement of roll calls to enable him to 
 influence or coerce needed votes. 
 
 "The problem of providing against inevitable fluctuation in employment 
 should be met by a well considered and soundly established system of unemploy- 
 ment insurance, under control of and administered by the state. 
 
 OLD AGE PENSIONS 
 
 "Old age pensions should be made a reality instead of a mere hope. 
 This state of Illinois should provide adequate old age pensions instead of 
 
 ■242- 
 
Republican Platform of 1936 
 
 a pauper system for those who are without financial arrears after a lifetime 
 of good citizenship. Such pensions should be administered through local 
 authority under state supervision. Innumerable regulations and red tape should 
 be thrust aside and payment made to our needy aged not as charity but as a duty. 
 
 PUBLIC IffiLFARE 
 
 "The Republican party is fully cognizant of its duty to care for the 
 sick, needy and unemployed. It is determined to improve the operations and 
 efficiency of all state and local welfare institutions and departments and 
 remove their administration from political dominance. 
 
 "The welfare of the child is uppermost in the minds of our party and 
 every consideration must be given for its protection comfort, and upbringing. 
 
 AUDITING OF PUBLIC FUNDS 
 
 "We demand the enactment of laws providing for annual auditing of books 
 and records of all public officials, and the immediate removal of office holders 
 for shortages or defalcations. 
 
 PAY ROLL PUBLICITY 
 
 "We demand the immediate strengthening of the state pay roll act, to 
 compel the state auditor to file monthly with the county clerk the itemized 
 list of state employees resident in that county, the salaries paid and the 
 services performed by each." 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune . May 23, 1936, 
 
 -243- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1936 
 (Adopted May 1, 1936) 
 
 In the ensuing national election, the fate and future destiny of the 
 United States will be determined. The course which our nation will pursue 
 in the four years following that momentous election may and probably will 
 affect vitally the progress of civilized humanity. Therefore, we, the 
 delegates of the democratic party of the state of Illinois, convened according 
 to law, deem it our solemn duty to present to the citizens of our state the 
 grounds upon which we ask for a continuation of the confidence reposed in 
 our party in 1932 and since then. 
 
 Europe, Asia and Africa are seething cauldrons preparing materials 
 for frightful destruction. Conquering legions are already marching and 
 human lives are being destroyed by the thousands. National compacts have 
 been scrapped and violated. Armies, navies and air forces are being fever- 
 ishly built to unparalleled strength and that part of the world is becoming 
 an armed camp; but the United States of America, under the leadership of the 
 greatest statesman of this generation, remains unaffected by this madness. 
 We are at peace with the world. 
 
 U. S. IMPROVING 
 
 The peoples of the old world are hungry and reduced to the lowest 
 standards of living while their governments are dissipating their means in 
 the manufacture of machineries of war; but the government of the United 
 States is constantly improving the condition of our people. We are devoting 
 all our human and material resources to the re-casting of our national economy 
 in shape to insure social justice, security and to create opportunity for the 
 pursuit of happiness on the part of the humblest citizen. 
 
 Many nations great and small are ruled by dictators and tyrants v^o 
 are ruthlessly destroying the progress made by the human race in the centuries 
 of bloody and cruel conflicts to attain liberty, justice and the right to 
 individual and collective happiness; but the United States is moving steadily 
 upward and onward toward the attainment of the highest aspirations of mankind-- 
 democracy, equality, justice and ever increasing opportunity for its people's 
 happiness. 
 
 In a little over three years of democratic administration under the 
 inspired leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a record of achieve- 
 ment has been written for the nation and its inhabitants unparalleled in the 
 history of any people. 
 
 CAMPAIGN ISSUE CITED 
 
 Whether the social and political philosophy underlying these achieve- 
 ments shall become the accepted rule of life for the American people is the 
 real issue in the forthcoming campaign. We therefore review, briefly, the 
 accomplishments under the influence of that philosophy and the conditions 
 under which they were achieved. 
 
 ■245- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1936 
 
 For more than three years prior to March, 1933, this nation lay pros- 
 trate in those depths of despair into which it was led by the short-sightedness. 
 stupidity and incompetence of the official and unofficial rulers of the couxitry, 
 In utter confusion the then president and congress stood amidst the ruin of 
 our economic structure waiting for prosperity to come, which they said was 
 'just around the corners,' and, while they waited, the nation was sinking even 
 lower under the weight of increasing misery. Fifteen million men were out 
 of employment; the national income was less than half of what it was in 1929; 
 public and private charities were the only means of subsistence for millions 
 of men, women and children; in all but one of the states of the union the 
 banks had suspended payment; thousands of banks had closed their doors per- 
 manently; financial empires crashed and in their collapse exposed the crimes 
 and frauds by which they were reared; agriculture was gasping for breath; 
 industry was stagnant; wages of those ^o were fortunate to find employment 
 was in the main insufficient to provide the bare necessities of life; ships 
 were rotting in the harbors; mines were shut down; freight trains lay idle; 
 homes and farms were being foreclosed by the hundreds of thousands and, while 
 food was rotting on the fields, bread lines were strung all over the country. 
 
 HOPELESSNESS RECALLED 
 
 Hunger, starvation and destitution lurked in the homes of millions. 
 Suicides occurred daily. Despair and hopelessness held the people. So 
 desperate were the burdens under which the nation was groaning that many keen 
 observers painfully prophesied the end of our democratic form of government 
 and freely predicted that we were destined to go either to the left, where 
 communism with all its horrors lies, or to the right, where fascism with all 
 its tyranny and barbarism abides. 
 
 On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, elected under democracy's 
 standard, took the oath of office as president of the United States, Without 
 turning to the right or to the left, he proceeded on the course laid out 
 by the founders of this great republic. With the aid of a patriotic congress, 
 he at once became master of the entire situation. Provision was made for 
 the hungry to be fed without becoming pauperized. 
 
 Ihe banks of the country were revitalized and placed upon a sound 
 footing; bank failures ceased almost entirely; by definite planning and with 
 governmental aid^ agriculture was revived and put on a firm, healthy basis; 
 prices of agricultural commodities were raised to a point where their normal 
 purchasing power has been regained; wages of workers were increased; hours 
 of labor reduced; purchasing power in constantly increasing proportions was 
 distributed among the people; iiiidustry and commerce began a course of steady 
 growth, their profits mounting until the annual national income has well 
 nigh doubled that of the year 1932; mines commenced and continued operating; 
 freight trains are moving as in the days prior to the great panic, and fore- 
 closures of homes and farms have been reduced to a minimum. 
 
 CONFIDENCE RESTORED 
 
 Hope and confidence have been restored to the people. A 'new concept 
 of social and political responsibility has been formed by our government. 
 
 •246- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1936 
 
 Human rights have been placed above property rights. The duty of government 
 to care for the needy, the old and the dependent, has been acknowledged and 
 sanctioned by law. The right of the worker and farmer to the fruits of his 
 labor and to a dignified and socially secured position in our economic order, 
 has been firmly acknowledged as a principal of government. Child labor has 
 been abolished. 
 
 The underworld, which subsisted and grew powerful under prohibition 
 was effectively destroyed by the repeal of the eighteenth amendment to the 
 constitution. With confidence in democratic government restored, the president 
 is leading our nation back to her position of strength and happiness which 
 destiny has marked out for her. 
 
 OFFER RECORD AS PLATFORM 
 
 His leadership and the glorious record of achievement under it we 
 offer as the platform of our party. Upon it we stand. We pledge the dem- 
 ocratic party of Illinois to unreserved support of President Roosevelt and 
 of his policies for the social and economic welfare of the people of these 
 United States. 
 
 We call upon the citizens of Illinois without regard to political 
 affiliations to enlist under the banner of the democratic party and its 
 great leader, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in the ensuing battle against 
 those who would retard our progress and reverse our course. We shall join 
 the rest of the nation in proclaiming to the world that, under inspired 
 leadership, America is marching triumphantly toward the attainment of the 
 highest aspirations of the human race. 
 
 SENATORS LAUDED 
 
 With a deep sense of pride this convention pays tribute to the loyal 
 sons of Illinois who represent our state in the nation's senate and house of 
 representatives. The senior senator from Illinois, Senator James Hamilton 
 Lewis, has been a pillar of strength to the national administration. Ex- 
 perience, training and intellect as well as a profound patriotism and 
 humanity, have combined to make him a brilliant statesman. His vast erudition, 
 coupled with an extraordinary power of expression, made him a leader, not only 
 in the august assembly of which he is a respected member, but also of the 
 citizens of his entire state. 
 
 His illustrious colleague, William H. Dieterich, has distinguished 
 himself by his service in the senate as he did formerly while a member of the 
 house of representatives. Although serving his first term in the senate, he 
 has given overwhelming proof of statesmanship, profound understanding of the 
 vital human problems and a broad and clear vision into the needs of the nation. 
 We are proud of his record and his steadfast support of the president through- 
 out these difficult years. 
 
 What has been done by our senators has been intelligently and effectively 
 emulated by all the democratic representatives from Illinois. Their loyalty 
 
 •247- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1936 
 
 and devotion to their tasks have vitally contributed to the economic, social 
 and political progress made by our nation. Their records we offer as a 
 guarantee of future performance by the democratic party which, we are confi- 
 dent, will be continued in power by the forthcoming election. The vote 
 cast at the recent primaries reaffirmed our conviction of the continued 
 confidence of the people of this state in the democratic party. 
 
 HORNER'S RECORD OUTLINED 
 
 No governor in the history of the state of Illinois has been confronted 
 with such difficult problems as was Governor Henry Horner when he assumed 
 office. The general economic condition of the country had brought to our 
 people its full measure of suffering and despair. The state itself was on 
 the verge of bankruptcy. It was impossible to collect necessary revenues 
 to administer its affairs. 
 
 The general feeling of the citizens was all but hopeless save for the 
 confidence they had that Governor Homer's intelligence, industry and ability 
 would somehow invent the method of rehabilitating our state. He threw him- 
 self whole-heartedly into the performance of his task. His record of achieve- 
 ment which followed is one of the most remarkable in the annals of our state. 
 
 The near-bankrupt state is now on a pay-as-you-go basis; its budget 
 is balanced; its credit is restored; borrowing has been stopped and millions 
 saved in interest; the state's bonded indebtedness has been reduced by 
 $55,000,000; the state property tax has been entirely abolished, thereby 
 saving home owners, farmers and other property owners $140,000,000 and in- 
 creasing the value of their property $875,000,000. Seventy-five million 
 dollars has been provided by the state to feed, clothe and administer to the 
 destitute unemployed; $53,000,000 was contributed to the schools as compared 
 with $26,000,000 of the previous administration; payless pay days for teachers 
 have ended; $9,000,000 have been provided for old age assistance; $50,000,000 
 to finance the building program for state institutions; the costs of govern- 
 ment and official salaries, including his own, have been reduced, as a result 
 of which $30,000,000 was saved for the state. 
 
 STRIKES SETTLED 
 
 The governor personally settled numerous major strikes without calling 
 troops; caused to be established a farm debt adjustment commission. Under 
 his leadership there has been saved $11,000,000 to utility consumers through 
 rate reduction; a method of free settlement between debtor and creditor was 
 arranged; 4,000 fanns were saved from foreclosure. He obtained federal 
 relief loans for 12,000 distressed farmers during the 1934 drouth. 
 
 He built 1,803 miles of highways and pavements, 1,402 miles of farm- 
 to-market roads, 645 miles of earth graded roads and 823 bridges, 202 
 grade crossings, doubled the acreage of state parks--the people's playgrounds. 
 The governor sponsored a state-wide campaign by making highways safe, by re- 
 ducing motor accidents and fatalities; sponsored a state-wide campaign which 
 wiped out kidnaping for ransom in Illinois; sponsored, and does sponsor, legis- 
 lation amending the election laws of Illinois in certain particulars to protect 
 
 ■248- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1936 
 
 the right of sufferage and insure the execution of the will of the electorate, 
 steadily insisting that the right of the people to rule must be zealously 
 protected to retain our democratic form of government; inaugurated manufacture 
 of free preventive vaccine and serum; gave the people of Chicago free transfers 
 between elevated and surface lines and between elevated and motor coach lines; 
 selected state employees on merit and defeated all proposals to weaken civil 
 service. 
 
 The example for economy and improved public service set by the governor 
 was emulated by the head of every state department. 
 
 LEGISLATION REVIEWED 
 
 The governor was loyally supported by the patriotic and devoted demo- 
 cratic majorities in both houses of the legislature. Some of the outstanding 
 measures enacted into law are the repeal of the immunity act, which gave the 
 governor and the other state officials immunity from prosecution; the Chicago 
 park consolidation bill; the public utilities act, which gives protection to 
 consumers and investors; the law curbing and loan sharks and reducing interest 
 rates; the auto registration law which materially reduced auto thefts; the 
 reduction of auto license fees 15 per cent; acts aimed to reopen closed banks; 
 minimum wage laws for women and minors in industry, and laws protecting labor 
 generally; insurance laws giving adequate protection to widows, orphans and 
 policy holders; increased appropriations in aid of disabled war veterans and 
 widows and orphans of veterans; measures giving Chicago home rule over traction 
 matters; authority to the Chicago school board to borrow $25,000,000 to pay 
 teachers back salaries, and increased appropriations in aid of crippled school 
 children. 
 
 This convention therefore solemnly and whole-heartedly endorses the 
 administration of Governor Henry Horner, the records of the democratic members 
 of the senate and the house of representatives, as well as the records of 
 achievement of Thomas F. Donovan, the lieutenant-governor of this state; John 
 Stella, the state treasurer; John Wieland, superintendent of public instruction; 
 Edward J. Hughes, secretary of state; Edward J. Barrett, auditor of public 
 accounts; Otto Kerner, attorney general, and Adam Bloch, clerk of the supreme 
 court of this state. All these democratic officers have served this state in 
 their respective offices in the new spirit of public service created by 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt for the nation, and by Henry Horner for the state of 
 Illinois. The records of these officials we present as the platform on which 
 the democratic party of Illinois stands. 
 
 PLEDGE PUBLIC SERVICE 
 
 We pledge the democratic party and all the candidates nominated by 
 the members of our party to continued public service in the same high minded 
 and patriotic spirit in which their splendid records have been written. 
 
 This convention unreservedly endorses each and every nomination made 
 at the democratic primaries held on the 14th day of last month. The dele- 
 gates here assembled pledge their unswerving loyalty to the support of the 
 democratic nominees for president and vice president of the United States; 
 
 •249- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1936 
 
 to James Hamilton Lewis for United States senator; to Eenry Homer for governor 
 of the state of Illinois; to John Stelle for lieutenant-goverrj.or; to Edward J. 
 Hughes for secretary of state; to Otto Kerner for attorney-general; to Edward 
 J. Barrett for state auditor; to John C. Martin for state treasurer, and 
 Edward Champion and Lewis M. Long for congressmen-at-large. 
 
 APPEAL TO ALL CITIZENS 
 
 Because it is our firm belief that in the re-elsction of Presider^t 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt and a democratic majority in the congress, the highest 
 interests of the United States and all of its inhabitants will be best served,, 
 and because we believe that the trium.ph of the policies of the democratic 
 administration will ultimately have a beneficial effect upon the balance of 
 the civilized world, we appeal to the citizens of the state of Illirtois of 
 every political faith to join us and share in the accomplishmerLts cf such 
 re-election. 
 
 Those citizens who desire to perpetuate the policies of the present 
 administration must make ready to meet the onslaughts of a powerful opposition.. 
 This opposition is composed of those who are moved by a desire for special 
 privilege and personal gain. They will concentrate all the power of their 
 wealth in an effort to check the forward and triumphant narch of democracy 
 toward the attainment of the highest aspirations of the people of America. 
 
 A Divine Providence guided the course of our citizens in the electior^ 
 of 1932. It is the earnest prayer of the delegates here assembled that the 
 citizens of the United States be vouchsafed that same guidance in the forth- 
 coming election so that the blessings we new enjoy be multiplied and increased 
 until poverty be entirely eliminated, prosperity restored to all the peiples 
 of our nation, and the rule of justice and hmnanity be firmly established iii 
 our land as a permanent blessing for all its inhabitants and their posterity. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Register . May 2, 1936, 
 
 -250- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1938 
 
 Summary of 1938 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Prohibition.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Countie 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vot€ 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Richard J. Lyons 
 
 1,542,574 
 
 
 715,072 
 
 827,502 
 
 61 
 
 Democratic Scott W. Lucas 
 
 1,638,166 
 
 
 918,857 
 
 719,309 
 
 41 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican William R. McCauley 
 
 1,490,659 
 
 
 695,671 
 
 794,988 
 
 59 
 
 Democratic Louie E. Lewis 
 
 1,595,354 
 
 
 904,124 
 
 691,230 
 
 43 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Republican 55.67. 
 
 
 40, 
 
 .77, 
 
 3.77, 
 
 270 
 
 Democratic 65.4% 
 
 
 34, 
 
 .67o 
 
 0.07, 
 
 301 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1937-1938 
 
 Chici-.go in 1937 continued to experience difficulties due to insufficient 
 public revenue from its long tangled system of taxation and the economic depression 
 The Chicago Tribune reported less than 76 per cent of the aggregate taxes levied 
 in the past six years had been collected. Court upsets of tax levies and high 
 rates had encouraged a habit of delinquency, in part in hopes an unpaid levy might 
 be voided by the courts. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1937 enacted a system of unemployment compensation 
 to conform with the related feature of the federal Social Security Act. Rates 
 running from $5 to $15 per week were to be paid the unemployed for up to 16 con- 
 secutive weeks. Employers were to pay a percentage of their payrolls to fund the 
 system, with lower percentages for employers showing high stability in their 
 employment. The difficulties that Cook County had encountered in taxation brought 
 about enactmert of measures for the pre-adjudication of its tax levies. The enact- 
 ment was later declared invalid. 
 
 Two severe strikes in 1937 marked the C.I.O.'s national campaign of unioniza 
 
 tion in Illinois. Employees seized a metallurgical company in Chicago and defied 
 
 a court order to give it up; 39 were later sentenced to terms up to eight months. 
 
 Four strikers were killed and 100 policemen and strikers were injured in a strike 
 on Republic Steel in Chicago. ' 
 
 A Legislative Council was created by the legislature in 1937 to furnish 
 legislative information to the General Assembly. State Senator T. V. Smith was 
 riamed first chairman of the Council. 
 
 Democrat Michael Igoe, who campaigned for the U. S. senatorial nomination 
 as a champion of the Roosevelt Administration, was defeated in the primary by Scott 
 Lucas, who was kncwnas having opposed the plan to change the U. S. Supreme Court. 
 
 ■251- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1938 
 (Adopted August 31, 1938) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following is 
 a news story from the September 1, 1938 issue of the Chicago Tribune which 
 contains the most complete summary of the platform which the compiler could 
 find.) 
 
 The Republican state convention here today declared the employment of 
 12 million idle Americans is the paramount need of the nation. 
 
 This was the high note in a fighting platform that raked the Roosevelt 
 administration for six years of broken promises and offered Republican remedies, 
 
 The Roosevelt depression was charged directly to the national adminis- 
 tration's interference with free enterprise. 
 
 "Until confidence in government is restored, there can be no return 
 of good times," the convention proclaimed. 
 
 WANT TO PROTECT WRKER 
 
 "Republicans propose to put Americans back to work in private industry. 
 Vte will insist upon a tariff sufficient to protect the American wage standard 
 against competition of cheap foreign labor. The natural way to increase 
 purchasing power is to raise American standards of working and living condi- 
 
 tions. " 
 
 Other significant planks in the platform were: 
 
 Sitdown strikes amount to confiscation of property and never should 
 be tolerated. 
 
 FAVORS PENSION INCREASE 
 
 State old-age pensions, which now average $17 monthly, should be raised 
 to a minimum of $30 monthly for all persons over 65 years. 
 
 Demand for an independent judiciary and a congress free from executive 
 domination. 
 
 Illinois workmen's compensation should be raised from 50 to 66 2/3 per 
 cent of wages. 
 
 Condemnation of bureaucratic government and government intrusion in 
 business. 
 
 •252- 
 
Republican Platform of 1938 
 
 Insistence that employes shall be protected legally in their right to 
 organize and to engage in collective bargaining, through representatives of 
 their choosing, for working hours, wages and ^rorking conditions. 
 
 Opposing as un-American, and against the interest of labor, the vesting 
 of power in any governmental board to enforce involuntary servitude, either 
 directly or indirectly. 
 
 A pledge to maintain a public works program for the benefit of the 
 needy unemployed at prevailing union wages. 
 
 POLITICAL RELIEF OPPOSED 
 
 A pledge for complete home rule in the administration of relief, subject 
 to uniform standards set up by state law. And a pledge for sufficient cash 
 allowance for food, rent, clothing, and other necessities for persons on relief, 
 coupled xiTith one to end the political dictation to any person on relief. 
 
 Renev7al of a pledge to work toward maintaining the domestic market for 
 American farmers . 
 
 Active support to the improvement of the economic condition of all 
 citizens including colored American citizens. 
 
 For the schools of Illinois the platform proposed: Adequate financial 
 state aid so that in education the state may rank foremost; maintenance of 
 local control; emphasis on Americanism; establishment of a division of rural 
 education and reorganization of teachers pension law giving adequate protec- 
 tion to teachers. 
 
 FAIR TP-EATIIEKT FOR VETERANS 
 
 A pledge for fair treatment to all war veterans, their widows, and 
 orphans . 
 
 Promise of a drastic cue in administrative costs in all branches of 
 government . 
 
 Greater recognition of women in government. 
 
 Protection to a free and independent medical profession. 
 
 A pledge to establish honest civil service adm.inistration was made. 
 Opposition was expressed to proration in the oil industry in Illinois until 
 Illinois production equals or exceeds Illinois consumption. 
 
 Adequate national defense is urged with insistence that not one son 
 nor one cent shall be used in any war of foreign aggression. 
 
 SOURCE: Cnicago Daily Tribune , September 1, 1938. 
 
 ■253- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1938 
 (Adopted September 8, 1938) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following is 
 a news story from the September 9, 1938, issue of the Chicago Tribune which 
 contains the most complete summary of the platform which the compiler could 
 find.) 
 
 Illinois Democrats, assembled today in state convention, condemned 
 in their platform the Republican proposal to increase state old age pension 
 payments to a minimum of $30 a month. 
 
 An increase from the present average of $17.50 a month v\fas advocated 
 at the Republican state convention in Peoria last week. Some of the G.O.P. 
 delegates wanted to go even further and cut the minimum age of participants 
 from 65 to 60 years. 
 
 But the Democratic platform committee frowned upon the proposed 
 increase. 
 
 POSITION SET FORTH 
 
 "Old age assistance," read the Democrats' plank, "originated and 
 carried through by the Democratic administration of the state and nation has 
 lessened the economic hazards of old age. 
 
 "We shall maintain and enlarge this program, with due regard to the 
 interests of the taxpayer as well as to those of the needy and indigent. 
 
 "The Democratic party will not, however, make empty and impossible 
 promises in an attempt to dupe and deceive the dependent aged of Illinois." 
 
 A. L. Bowen, director of public welfare, declared last week that a $30 
 m.inimum pension would bankrupt the state. 
 
 Starting with a few of the perfunctory paragraphs praising President 
 Roosevelt, the platform turned to labor. 
 
 CITES LABOR PEACE 
 
 "Serious labor disputes in Illinois are few," said the labor plank, 
 "a tribute not only to the harmonious relations between labor and 'capital, 
 but to our state administration which has fostered this humane policy." 
 
 Then followed what many interpreted as a bid for support from big and 
 little business alike. Some regarded it as critical of the President's policies, 
 
 ■255- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1938 
 
 "One of the fundamental tenets of the Democratic administration," said 
 the platform, "is that a balance must be struck between agriculture, labor, 
 and business so that no one of these three great phases of our national life 
 may benefit at the expense of either or both of the other two. 
 
 BACKS LUCAS'" STAND 
 
 "We support the stand of our Democratic senatorial candidate [Scott W. 
 Lucas] to maintain a rational attitude toward proposed federal legislation 
 affecting business to the end that small business may have ample opportunity 
 to develop and expand and that large business may be operated in a manner 
 equitable to all concerned in its conduct. 
 
 "The Democratic administration has encouraged business enterprise in 
 Illinois. It has inflicted no restrictive measures upon business. It has 
 helped business as well as the home owner and the farmer, wiping out the 
 state real property tax. 
 
 "A helpful policy toward business will be continued. We believe that 
 the solution of the unemployment problem lies in the ability of business, 
 through increasing prosperity to absorb into private employment the idle 
 workers . " 
 
 LAUDS HORNER REGIME 
 
 The remainder of the platform praised the accomplishments of Governor 
 Henry Horner's administration. It declared the governor's administration 
 has balanced the budget, constructed thousands of miles of new hard roads, 
 and introduced a more efficient government. 
 
 The platform closed with one paragraph opposing ratification of the 
 St. Lawrence seaway and another indorsing a state constitutional convention. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Daily Tribune . September 9, 1938. 
 
 ■256- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1940 
 
 Summary of 1940 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist 
 and Prohibition.) 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Countiei 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Wendell L. Willkie 
 
 2,047,240 
 
 938,454 
 
 1,108,786 
 
 73 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt 
 
 2,142,934 
 
 1,161,141 
 
 981,793 
 
 29 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Dwight H. Green 
 
 2,197,778 
 
 1,077,243 
 
 1,120,535 
 
 80 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Harry B. Hershey 
 
 1,940,833 
 
 1,014,563 
 
 926,270 
 
 22 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 65.57, 
 
 15 
 
 .8% 
 
 18.77, 
 
 1435 
 
 Democratic 
 
 37.47, 
 
 14 
 
 .27, 
 
 48.47, 
 
 931 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1939-1940 
 
 Governor Henry Horner was ill throughout most of the 1939-40 biennium and 
 died on October 6, 1940. During much of this time there was the question as to 
 whether or not the illness of the Governor was so serious as to constitute dis- 
 ability within the meaning of the state constitution. Lieutenant Governor John 
 Stelle, often a political opponent of Horner's, tried to assume the Governor's 
 office in April, 1940, but was unsuccessful. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1939 passed an act enabling Cook County and Chicago 
 to raise $60 million to build elevated highways for the purpose of relieving 
 heavily-used streets; the city and county were authorized to borrow on the security 
 of future receipts on gasoline taxes. Rates of weekly unemployment compensation 
 were increased. Women were declared eligible to serve as jurors. 
 
 The impact of federal legislation upon state legislation was seen as Governor 
 Horner vetoed a measure to increase the maximum monthly rate of public assistance 
 for the aged poor to $40 because of the lack of federal matching funds to reach 
 the higher pajmient levels. Two days after his veto, Congress passed an act in- 
 creasing its maximum monthly contribution to such assistance. Horner then called 
 a brief special session to repass the measure he earlier vetoed. 
 
 Unpaid taxes carried on the books for Chicago as of June, 1939 totaled 
 $435 million. 
 
 Vast new pools of oil had been discovered in recent years. Oil production 
 rose from 4.5 million barrels in 1936 to 146 million barrels for 1940. In Illinois, 
 pleas for unrestricted production were being made by some who felt it unfair to 
 enforce restrictions before determining the extent of recent oil discoveries. Old 
 producers felt the new production was breaking down the market for crude oil. 
 
 •257- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1940 
 (Adopted June 14, 1940) 
 
 Just as in the troubled times which saw the dawn of liberty and the 
 birth of this nation, and again when the issue of human slavery threatened 
 disunion and the possible death of this nation, the faith of America must 
 be quickened and made to live again. 
 
 When government by arbitrary action limits the opportunities and legit- 
 imate aspirations of our people, then government ceases to be the servant of 
 the people and the people become slaves to the government. With the zeal of 
 crusaders, the American people are undaunted in their determination to again 
 set themselves free. 
 
 Unemployed men are not free men. Young men and young women, without 
 opportunity, are not free. Free men will not long tolerate a security limited 
 by government control in exchange for the real security of productive work 
 at decent wages. 
 
 NEED COMMON HONESTY 
 
 The people can achieve their highest destiny, political as well as 
 economic and cultural, when we again recognize those intangibles of common 
 honesty, fair play, far reaching social vision, and staunch moral character 
 as necessary foundations for any course of political action affecting in- 
 timately the hopes and aspirations and personal security of every man and 
 woman. 
 
 The Republican party has a responsibility to declare without equiv- 
 ocation its position on the crucial problems of the state. We present this 
 statement of party principles as a constructive, forward looking and courageous 
 program for the future of the state of Illinois. 
 
 The present Democratic state administration has created an unprecedented 
 tax burden on the people of Illinois. The united efforts of Republican members 
 of the legislature during the last session prevented the enactment of laws 
 which would have added new taxes. 
 
 FACE HUGE DEFICIT 
 
 The cost of state government today approaches $250,000,000 a year. 
 Appropriations exceed by $98,000,000 annually those of the last Republican 
 administration. Disregarding the cost of relief and old age assistance, the 
 cost of state government per year is now approximately $34,000,000 more than 
 it was during the last Republican administration. 
 
 -258- 
 
Republican Platform of 1940 
 
 Despite tremendous increase in revenues through new taxes, at the end 
 of the present bienniura Illinois will face a deficit of about $20,000,000. 
 The Democratic administration has resorted to the practice of making appro- 
 priations in lump sums rather than itemizing them as required by the state 
 constitution. 
 
 We pledge the Republican party to reduce the costs of state government, 
 which can be done without impairing the state's obligation for relief, old 
 age assistance, and other essential public welfare benefits. 
 
 SALES TAX OFF FOOD 
 
 We will legislate to remove the sales tax from food. We will eliminate 
 lump sum appropriations. We will restore free and open bidding in the letting 
 of state contracts. In short, the entire operation of state government will 
 be put on a sound business basis. The Republican program will mean a real 
 saving for every man and woman in Illinois. 
 
 Unemployment is one of the most vital problems in America, It chal- 
 lenges our social, economic and political structure. There can be no return 
 to prosperity until it is fully solved. 
 
 Unemployment can only be absorbed by private industry. The first step 
 toward that accomplishment is the restoration of confidence in the adminis- 
 tration of our government. This can best be accomplished by the withdrawal 
 of government from competition with private industry. Encouragement and not 
 the hindrance of legitimate business is needed. Neither labor nor the employer 
 should be regimented. 
 
 PLEDGE PUBLIC WORKS 
 
 Until such time as jobs can be found in private industry for every 
 employable person we pledge ourselves to maintain a program of useful public 
 works for the benefit of the needy unemployed. All jobs on such work should 
 be filled first from the ranks of the unemployed in the community where the 
 project is located without the requirement of the endorsement of any political 
 boss. 
 
 The Republican party firmly believes that employes should have the 
 right to organize, free from intimidation and coercion by government or 
 employer, and to engage in collective bargaining through representatives of 
 their own choosing, for working hours, wages, working conditions and other 
 forms of mutual aid or protection. We oppose as unAmerican and against the 
 interests of labor, the vesting of power in any governmental board to enforce 
 involuntary servitude either directly or indirectly. 
 
 -259- 
 
Republican Platform of 1940 
 
 The Republican party believes that one of the first responsibilities 
 of the state is to render assistance to the needy unemployed and to those 
 who becuase of advanced age, physical or mental disability, or other handi- 
 cap, are unable to properly maintain themselves. 
 
 ADEQUATE RELIEF PROMISED 
 
 Frequent recurring crises, fluctuating payments of relief and un- 
 reasonable delays have left deserving aged and unemployed persons hungry 
 and without funds. The Republican party pledges that adequate relief will 
 be extended to all deserving persons. We pledge home rule in the adminis- 
 tration of relief, subject to uniform standards set up by state law. 
 
 The Democratic administration has deceived the aged of this state. 
 The handling of old age assistance and practices regarding old age pensions 
 have been a sham. The Republican party pledges to teradve bureaucratic red 
 tape and deception, and honestly and promptly administer all old age assist- 
 ance funds on a sound financial basis and absolutely free from political 
 control . 
 
 The Republican party favors adequate benefits to the needy blind and 
 to the dependent children of our state. 
 
 HIT WELFARE DEPARTMENT 
 
 We abhor the lax policy of the pie sent Democratic administration in 
 caring for the unfortunate inmates in our institutions. Helpless men, women 
 and children have been the victims of a ruthless political machine. We 
 believe the state is vested with a sacred trust to properly care for those 
 who are unfortunately compelled to live in these institutions. They are 
 entitled to humane treatment. The Republican party pledges itself to see 
 that they receive it. 
 
 Recognizing that the economic well being of the farmer is essential 
 to the stability of all citizens of the state and nation, we favor the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 A workable tariff for the protection of American farm markets. 
 Any feasible plan to balance supply with demand and so raise agri- 
 cultural prices. 
 
 PLEDGE FARM PARITY 
 
 A program to restore and maintain agriculture on a basis of parity 
 with labor and industry. 
 
 -260- 
 
Republican Platform of 1940 
 
 Removal of bureaucratic red tape, extravagance, inefficiency, and 
 political coercion. We favor the estension of local control to the adminis- 
 tration of all farm legislation. A genuine soil building program on lands 
 taken out of the production of the basic agricultural commodities thereby 
 preventing burdensome surpluses. 
 
 We condemn the extravagance of the present state and national adminis- 
 trations which result in an increasing tax burden and destroy and nullify the 
 benefits derived from existing laws. 
 
 We will work for the expansion of industrial uses for farm products 
 to the end that the farmer may have an ever increasing market. 
 
 GGNDEta} ELECTION FRAUDS 
 
 We condemn the fraud corruption and intimidation practiced in elections 
 by the Democratic party to perpetuate itself in office. We pledge honest 
 elections far this state. 
 
 We unreservedly condemn all so-called 'fifth column' activities. We 
 charge that such activities have been encouraged by high officials in Washing- 
 ton, Like termites they are boring through the structure of our government. 
 We advocate drastic and immediate measures to exterminate all such subversive 
 influences. 
 
 We pledge the enactment of laws requiring American citizenship as a 
 prerequisite to the issuance of any licenses to pursue any profession or 
 trade within this state and the enactment of laws prohibiting the employment 
 of any person by the state, county or municipality who is not an American 
 citizen. 
 
 The Republican party promises adequate state support for all public 
 schools and special appropriations for handicapped and unfortunate children. 
 We pledge professional administration of teacher training institutions and 
 the common schools, free from political manipulation. We will insist upon 
 maintenance of local control. 
 
 SEEK PAROLE REFORM 
 
 We pledge that in the administration of our penal and parole laws, 
 society will be protected against the premature release of hardened criminals 
 from our penitentiaries, and that abuses in the administration of the parole 
 law will be eliminated so that it may properly serve to restore first offenders 
 to useful places in society. The alliance between crime and politics can and 
 must be ended. 
 
 -261- 
 
Republican Platform of 1940 
 
 The Republican party pledges honest civil service administration. We 
 will stop the illegal solicitation of campaign funds from civil service 
 employee. 
 
 Benefits granted war veterans under Republican administrations were 
 unjustly removed by the cruel action of the Democratic administration. The 
 Republican party pledges fair treatment to all war veterans, their widows and 
 orphans . 
 
 We pledge our party to remove politics from and put safety into the 
 Illinois highway system. 
 
 The conservation of fish and game is a matter of paramount concern to 
 all Illinois citizens. We pledge to remove the department of conservation 
 from political control, and to give Illinois sportsmen an opportunity to 
 participate in its administration. A carefully prepared program of reforesta- 
 tion will be initiated. 
 
 RECOGNIZE WOMEN'S ROLE 
 
 Recognizing the important party played by women in our governmental 
 affairs we pledge ourselves to give them adequate representation in our party 
 councils. 
 
 The Republican party pledges itself to carry out the ancient principle 
 upon which it was founded, namely, that all American citizens are entitled 
 to their birthright of freedom and to their full share of the American heritage 
 and the American future regardless of race, creed or color. 
 
 Recognizing that no group in our population is more concerned with 
 achieving a sound prosperity with new opportunities than the young people of 
 our state, we commend the activities of the Young Republican organization of 
 Illinois for its efforts in the promotion of American ideals and the advocacy 
 of sound Republican principles. We invite the youth of Illinois to join with 
 us in again opening the doors of opportunity to them and in preserving the 
 American system of government. 
 
 The Republican party believes that the power of government belongs 
 to the people, and that local representatives of the people can be relied 
 upon to deal with local problems. We believe that only statewide questions 
 should be left to the control and management of the state government. 
 
 STAY OUT CF WAY 
 
 The Republican party stands for Americanism and peace. The Democratic 
 party stands for internationalism and war. 
 
 -262- 
 
Republican Platform of 1940 
 
 We demand, as we have demanded, an adequate national defense to protect 
 the United States, but we insist that not one drop of the blood of American 
 youth shall be spilled on a foreign shore for the purpose of interfering in 
 any European or Asiatic conflict. 
 
 The Republican party makes this solemn covenant with the people of the 
 state of Illinois, dedicating its leaders to carry into effect its pledges 
 to the people with fidelity and honesty. The Republican party will keep the 
 faith. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . June 15, 1940. 
 
 -263- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1940 
 (Adopted June 22, 1940) 
 
 We, the Democrats of Illinois, in convention assembled, make on behalf 
 of our party our following declaration of our policies: 
 
 PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT 
 
 We wholeheartedly and unqualifiedly endorse the domestic and humani- 
 tarian programs inaugurated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Demo- 
 cratic administration during the last eight years, and we unequivocally endorse 
 his program in dealing with the grave and serious problems at home and abroad 
 which have confronted him and his administration. We demand his renomination 
 at the Chicago convention. In this time of national crisis the nation can not 
 afford to lose the leadership of a man so peculiarly fitted by experience, 
 training, capacity and sound judgment adequately to cope with any and all 
 problems, either domestic or foreign. We feel assured that, although his 
 personal desires might be otherwise, he will not refuse a call to duty that 
 is made to him by the great majority of the American people. 
 
 We instruct our delegates at large to the national convention, and 
 urgently request the district delegates to join with them, to vote as a unit 
 for the renomination of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 
 
 What has happened and is happening in other parts of the world makes 
 us emphasize that patriotism and loyalty to our country should always be 
 above politics. We Democrats of Illinois are patriots before we are Demo- 
 crats. We shall support the government of the United States in any action 
 it may take and particularly do we acclaim all patriotic Americans regardless 
 of politics who are responding to the call of duty in this great national 
 crisis. 
 
 STATE GOVERNMENT 
 
 For more than seven years the Democratic administration in Illinois, 
 headed by Governor Henry Horner, has conducted the affairs of the state in 
 an honest, efficient and economical manner. No citizen of Illinois has 
 suffered during this administration from lack of food, shelter and clothing. 
 A model social security act has been enacted and has been improved through 
 amendment, the civil service laws have been rigidly enforced, an adequate 
 unemployment insurance law has been enacted and put into effect, the aged and 
 indigent have been humanely and properly taken care of, and our penal, re- 
 formatory and charitable institutions have been conducted in an honest and 
 humane manner, and other legislation has been enacted for the benefit of the 
 people. Hi 
 
 -265- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1940 
 
 We pledge our splendid state candidates, headed by our next governor, 
 Harry B. Hershey, to support them in a continuance of these policies, and as 
 needs become evident, fully to protect the interests of the people by new 
 and amendatory legislation. 
 
 We unreservedly and unequivocally endorse the administrations of all 
 Democratic state officers and members of the general assembly. 
 
 Senators Scott W. Lucas and James M. Slattery and the Democratic 
 members of congress from Illinois have consistently supported our president 
 in his leadership of our party. Illinois has been well and ably represented 
 in the halls of congress by these men. We fully endorse their conduct as 
 our representatives in the national congress and give to them our thanks 
 for the splendid service they have rendered to the people of Illinois and to 
 the nation. 
 
 Governor Henry Horner, twice elected govenor of this state, is ill 
 largely because of his constant labors for the people. The Democratic party, 
 in convention assembled, realizing this great sacrifice, gives full recognition 
 to him for his great service and extends to him its best wishes for his speedy 
 recovery. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 We pledge our full efforts not only to maintain the present splendid 
 school system of Illinois but to improve it. We further pledge our every 
 effort to maintain and improve the high standards of education maintained 
 at the University of Illinois. 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 Under the administration of Governor John P. Altgeld women were given 
 their first right of suffrage in Illinois. This right was extended under the 
 administration of Governor Edward F. Dunne. Under the present administration 
 women were given the right to serve as jurors. The Democratic party recognizes 
 the importance of women of Illinois interesting themselves in the affairs of 
 our state and we pledge continued recognition of their rights as citizens of 
 the state and of the Democratic party. 
 
 WAR VETERANS 
 
 Ws pledge fair and adequate legislation in the interest of war veterans 
 their widows and orphans. 
 
 ■266- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1940 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Roosevelt and Horner administrations have been the true and tried 
 friend of organized labor and have enacted more beneficial measures for labor 
 than'-bave all preceding administrations. We pledge ourselves not only to 
 safeguard all existing legislation but to improve the same by new and amenda- 
 tory acts for the welfare and betterment of all laboring men and women of 
 Illinois, 
 
 We are opposed to all legislation that will deprive organized labor 
 of the rights granted to them under existing legislation. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 The Roosevelt-Horner administration has recognized that agriculture 
 is the basic industry of America and that a prosperous agriculture is essential 
 to the national welfare. We believe that farm commodity prices should be 
 maintained on a basis that assures a fair exchange value for such products 
 with the products of industry and the standard of wages of labor prevailing 
 in the United States. We favor federal legislation to control crop surplus, 
 mandatory crop loans, parity payments and a sound soil conservation program 
 to aid in the fulfillment of that obligation. 
 
 AMERICANJl^^ 
 
 We oppose every "ism" in government except Americanism, and we hereby 
 pledge to use our efforts and powers in cooperation with the federal govern- 
 ment in the elimination of all fifth column individuals or organizations, or 
 any other individual or organization which teaches or practices or is engaged 
 in subversive movements \diich seek to overthrow this government. 
 
 FOREIGN POLICY 
 
 America hates war? America wants peacel We do not favor our nation 
 engaging in any war, except a war of defense, or to maintain our traditional 
 Monroe doctrine or to protect our national honor. We believe that the best 
 guarantee against war is a sound and adequate national defense. We advocate, 
 if necessary, spending billions of dollars for that purpose, but we do not 
 favor sending American boys to fight in European conflicts. We have confidence 
 in and fully approve the foreign policy of our great president, Franklin D. 
 Roosevelt. 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 The record of a party in the past is the best indication of its policies 
 
 •267- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1940 
 
 for the future. We point with pride to our Democratic state and national admin- 
 istrations during the last seven years. During that period our party has en- 
 acted more legislation for the benefit of all the people than the Republican 
 party has enacted in the whole eighty-five years of its existence. We are in 
 full accord with the program of the last seven years and as the need of new or 
 amendatory legislation becomes apparent the Democratic party will see that it 
 is enacted into law. 
 
 We call upon all patriotic, loyal citizens of Illinois, under the leader- 
 ship of the Democratic party to join us in insuring peace, happiness, prosperity 
 and security, which can only be attained by the continuance of democratic prin- 
 cipals under the leadership of the Democratic party and its great president, 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt. 
 
 SOURCES Illinois State Journal . June 23, 1940, 
 
 •268- 
 
m<INOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS > 1942 
 
 Summary of 1942 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Prohibition.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Countie 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 1 
 
 Cook County 
 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican C. Wayland Bro»ks 
 
 1,582,887 
 
 
 738,919 
 
 
 843,968 
 
 93 
 
 Democratic Raymond S. McKeough 
 
 1,380,011 
 
 
 850,949 
 
 
 529,062 
 
 9 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican William G. Stratton 
 
 1,553,944 
 
 
 728,375 
 
 
 825,569 
 
 92 
 
 Democratic W. D. Forsyth 
 
 1,300,091 
 
 
 813,963 
 
 
 486,128 
 
 10 
 
 Platform Content State issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No . Words 
 
 Republican 46,8% 
 
 
 14, 
 
 .1% 
 
 39 
 
 .1% 
 
 1349 
 
 Democratic 0.07o 
 
 
 10, 
 
 ,77„ 
 
 89 
 
 .3% 
 
 2060 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1941-1942 
 
 Appropriations of the 1941 regular session of the legislature were the 
 highest in history, exceeding $510 ndllion. Reduction of the sales tax from 3 per 
 cent to 2 per cent caused a number of new taxes to be imposed, including a one- 
 mill tax on cigarettes, doubling of the tax on liquor and beer, and a 3 per cent 
 tax on oil production. 
 
 In other legislative action the Emergency Relief Commission was renamed the 
 Illinois Public Aid Commission; the vrorkmen's compensation act was extended to 
 include establishments employing ©ne or more persons; an interstate oil and gas 
 compact was ratified; a series of bills brought Illinois under the federal aid 
 to dependent children (ADC) plaiu In the area of national preparedness, communists 
 Nazis and other un-Americans wSre barred from the election ballot. Governor Dwight 
 Green vetoed a bill which wcilc^ have prohibited aliens from obtaining professional 
 licenses to practice in lllin^-is , 
 
 At a special session iia Decevber 1941 and January 1942 $5 million was appro- 
 priated to double the size of the Illinois Reserve Militia to 10,000 men. Demo- 
 crats, and some Republicans, ■sie^l'iec; an increase in the state highway police force 
 from 350 to 1,000 men. 
 
 Part of a comprehensive system of subways in Chicago was completed in 1941, 
 with an aim toward eventual removal of the elevated "loop" around the central 
 business district. Two 16-fo®t tunnels totalling 10,000 feet and with a water 
 capacity of 320-million gallons per day were completed in Chicago; soon the 
 city's water capacity was to be ®ne billion gallons dally. 
 
 Exposure in 1941 of the use of the lash as punishment in a school for 
 delinquent boys resulted in the removal of the superintendent. The spectacular 
 escape of Roger Touhy and Basil Banghart and five other criminals from Stateville 
 Prison ended in late 1942 in the killing of two and the capture of the others. 
 
 ■269- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1942 
 ftAciopted August 20 ', 1942) 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois, dedicated in heart, mind and vrork 
 to God and country, demands in this hour of world tragedy and strife that 
 complete victory be attained over enemies of the republic of the United 
 States of America and her allies, and pledges every resource to that end. 
 
 In biennial convention assembled this twentieth day of August, 1942, 
 in Springfield, our party demands that nothing be permitted to divert our 
 attention from the supreme objective of winning the war; that unyielding 
 loyalty be our creed and practice; and when America is victorious and peace 
 is achieved, that such world adjustments be made as will forever protect 
 and sustain our American republic, its representative system of government 
 and its traditional way of life. Consistently with these principles, we 
 stand for a carefully considered plan to attain a durable peace. 
 
 While this war is being waged in foreign sectors, with American 
 armed forces throughout the world fighting to preserve liberty, we demand 
 that the American republican form of government be sustained and protected 
 at home. We adhere vigorously to the two party system. Our republic 
 cannot be preserved by destroying it under the guise of an emergency. Con- 
 structive and patriotic criticism of the administration at Washington con- 
 stitutes, we hold, the only effective weapon against inefficiency, waste and 
 incompetence, or against any other factor that will retard the winning of 
 the war. 
 
 We demand that no official or group of officials be permitted, after 
 the war, to continue to impose permanently upon our citizens those restric- 
 tions and limitations upon freedom which, during the war, are cheerfully 
 borne as essential for the national safety. Our nation's return to peace 
 must mark our resumption of the traditional American personal freedom of 
 life. 
 
 ENDORSE BROOKS 
 
 In this critucal hour. Republicans of Illinois rejoice in, and proclaim 
 approval of the representation given them by Republican congressmen from 
 Illinois at Washington. We endorse the splendid service, and wholeheartedly 
 support the course of that courageous, pledge keeping, patriotic statesman 
 our U. S. senator, the Honorable C. Wayland Brooks. 
 
 The Republican party endorses the record of Senator Brooks in every 
 particular, from his heroic services in the first World war to his equally 
 fearless stand in the senate of the United States. Patriotism, intense love 
 of country and devotion to duty, have characterized his public life. As a 
 member of the national senate, he immediately gained the profound respect 
 
 ■270- 
 
Republican Platform of 1942 
 
 of his colleagues and estalbished a reputation as an able and resourceful 
 debater. He was true to his pledges and championed the policies of the 
 people of this state. In stature, he ranks with the greatest of Illinois 
 senators. 
 
 ADMINISTRATION LAUDED 
 
 We commend the patriotic, efficient and economical administration of 
 Illinois state government, under the leadership of Governor Dwight H. Green, 
 his associate Republican state officers and the Republican majorities in the 
 senate and house of the Illinois general assembly. 
 
 Under such initiative, Illinois moved swiftly to place the state's 
 resources squarely behind the national war effort after the declaration of 
 war. Our governor was the first governor in the United States to call a 
 special legislative session for war purposes. Increase of the strength of 
 the Illinois reserve militia and needed additional facilities for the Illinois 
 state council of defense, were provided. However, opposition from Democratic 
 members of the legislature prevented the enactment of the Republican adminis- 
 tration's full program for national defense. 
 
 Evidencing the foresight of Governor Green and his executive and legis- 
 lative Republican associates, the council of defense had been created at the 
 regular session in 1941, months before the declaration of war. It was measure- 
 ably prepared to function when the national emergency came. In civilian 
 defense, curbing of saboteurs, protection of vital defense plants, railroads, 
 communications and air fields and salvage, Illinois has led; and, under the 
 incumbent Republican state administration, will continue to lead the states 
 of the nation in the all-out war effort. 
 
 SALES TAX DISCUSSED 
 
 Under Republican leadership, Illinois is keeping faith with taxpayers, 
 both in quality and quantity of services rendered. The retailers' occupational 
 tax was reduced from 3 percent to 2 percent. In our 1940 platform, we promised 
 to legislate the sales tax off food. Constitutional obstacles prevented direct 
 accomplishment, but the general assembly, sustaining the party pledge, sub- 
 mitted a proposed constitutional amendment for this purpose, to be voted on 
 at the coming November election, and this is commended to the earnest atten- 
 tion of voters of Illinois. The people themselves thus will be enabled to 
 decide this important question. 
 
 Under Republican leadership increased funds were made available to the 
 public schools of Illinois, the Normal schools and the University of Illinois. 
 Our party always has supported education and always \7ill. Financial benefits 
 were given to more than three times as many needy children as had been pro- 
 vided for under preceding laws; and increased assistance was given to the aged. 
 
 •271- 
 
Republican Platform of 1942 
 
 We pledge continuation of benefits under the Aid to Dependent Children's 
 and the Old Age Assistance laws. A forward step came in the creation of the 
 new department of public safety and the revamping of the parole system. As 
 a result, for the first time in many years, criticism of parole policies has 
 practically ceased. This difficult problem calling for humane yet firm 
 action has been solved. Moreover, women parolees are now given the maximum 
 opportunity for rehabilitation under the new division of the department of 
 public welfare which is completely staffed by women. 
 
 FARM MATTERS 
 
 The Republican party recognizes the necessity of large scale production 
 of farm commodities as almost, if not wholly, as vital as the production of 
 arms for the successful prosecution of the war, 
 
 Illinois farmers approve the support Senator Brooks and Republican 
 congressmen have given to the program to permit free and unhampered opportunity 
 for the price of farm commodities to rise in the open market to the level of 
 parity and thus reduce necessity for large federal appropriations and subsidy 
 payments to farmers. We protest the tactics of the national administration 
 in defeating legislation which would have carried out that program; and con- 
 demn its subterfuge of deliberate releasing of surplus farm commodities at 
 prices substantially below parity so as to force farmers into political 
 dependence upon subsidy payments. The Republican party supports the farmers 
 in their protest against such political manipulation of their livelihood. 
 
 We condemn the short sighted policy that now threatens farm and urban 
 citizens alike with a shortage of rubber, when large scale manufacture of 
 synthetic rubber from surplus farm commodities, as well as from other compo- 
 nents, could have been, and should have been, provided long ago. 
 
 Agriculture wishes to avoid inflationary spirals. The Republican 
 party pledges its full influence in securing enactment of measures to accom- 
 plish this, but insists that they bear equitably upon business, labor and 
 agriculture. 
 
 LABOR PLANK 
 
 Through Republican efforts, Illinois has enacted some of the most 
 progressive laws in the country for the protection of the rights, wages and 
 working conditions of those who toil. Labor is entitled to safe and sanitary 
 working conditions and to a fair and adequate wage which will permit the main- 
 tenance and improvement of our American standard of living. In the opinion 
 of the rank and file of the working men and women of Illinois the record of 
 achievement on labor legislation of the last general assembly has surpassed 
 the labor accomplishments of any other general assembly. The statutes enacted 
 and their requirements will be sustained and enforced. We believe the right 
 of labor to organize and bargain collectively is an inherent and constitutional 
 
 •272- 
 
Republican Platform of 1942 
 
 right that should be protected with great diligence. We believe that women 
 should be paid wages equal to wages of men for the same services performed. 
 We purpose to continue the same friendly attitude toward labor. 
 
 By the same token we recognize the vital necessity of industry and 
 commercial enterprise. Laws were enacted to improve and protect business 
 opportunities. Among other accomplishments, the double taxation features of 
 the retailers' occupational tax, were eliminated. Moreover unfair retail 
 practices by wholesaling methods was prohibited. We realize the imperative 
 necessity of saving the small businessman, knowing that his efforts are the 
 foundation of economic life in many communities. Our best efforts will be 
 devoted to assist him in the solution of his problems. The Republican party 
 commends both labor and management for their patriotic cooperation in attaining 
 new production records during the war emergency. 
 
 We are concerned not alone with state problems, as such, but also 
 with local fiscal conditions. We are alarmingly aware of the financial plight 
 of the large taxing bodies in Cook county, under Democratic rule. We deplore 
 the constant raising of governmental costs in Chicago when there is already 
 an all-time high property tax rate of $10 per $100 of assessed valuation in 
 that city. 
 
 Our party rededicates itself to the principles on which it was founded; 
 to the freedom of religion, speech, press and assembly. All American citizens, 
 are entitled to inalienable freedom and to their full share of the American 
 heritage, regardless of race, creed or color. We believe our colored citizens 
 should be trained and employed in the war production industries to help win 
 the war. Inasmuch as the Republican party has always been a true friend to 
 veterans of our wars, we demand that adequate provision for hospitalization 
 and rehabilitation be made by the federal government now for the disabled of 
 the present war so that the injustices of the last war will not be repeated. 
 We commend all individuals and organizations that have worked diligently for, 
 and contributed to Republican success. We urge their continued support of 
 our party nominees in the general election of this year. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois State Journal . August 21, 1942. 
 
 -273- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1942 
 (Adopted September 10, 1942) 
 
 With unswerving faith in the loyalty, patriotism and intelligence of 
 our citizens and notwithstanding the grim realities of the tragic war in which 
 we are engaged, our biennial national and local elections will be held at 
 the usual time as appointed by law. 
 
 This is the highest and most eloquent tribute that can be paid to democ- 
 racy and to our sublime confidence in it. No other country on earth would 
 risk holding general elections at such a time. 
 
 The holding of these elections is a complete and devastating refuta- 
 tion of the false prophets who sought to frighten us with predictions that 
 no elections would be held during the war, and as complete an exposure of 
 the villainy of those who now seek to alarm us by similarly false prophecies 
 that we shall lose our liberties during or as a result of the war, 
 
 GATHER AS AMERICANS. NOT AS PARTISANS 
 
 The blessings of democracy which we are privileged to enjoy, even 
 during the gravest crisis in our history, we solemnly accept with a full 
 sense of the corresponding responsibilities. We are gathered here as Amer- 
 icans, not as partisans. We are united in our faith that we shall achieve 
 the only hopes of mankind: final victory in the war, justice in an enduring 
 peace. 
 
 We shall not, in these critical days, conduct a partisan campaign 
 or appeal for votes on personal or political bases. Any political party 
 which at this time seeks to gain favor by appeals to old prejudices or on 
 the basis of party loyalty is guilty of a betrayal of our armed men, their 
 fathers, mothers, wives and children--a betrayal of America's high destiny. 
 
 Therefore, we, the Democratic party of Illinois, in convention assembled. 
 Resolve: 
 
 To subordinate every partisan and political advantage and every selfish 
 personal interest to the paramount task of our country--the total defeat of 
 the enemy. 
 
 And as an overshadowing immediate obligation in this respect WE CONSE- 
 CRATE OURSLEVES to the duty of electing to office only those who are intel- 
 lectually and spiritually in harmony with America's war and peace aims as 
 they have been defined by the Commander in Chief, the President of the 
 United States, 
 
 •275- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1942 
 
 OPPOSE ALL CANDIDATES OBSTRUCTING VICTORY 
 
 We shall oppose with all our might every candidate, Republican or 
 Democrat: 
 
 (a) Whose election would delay or obstruct all-out prosecution of the 
 wat or the attainment of a just peace; 
 
 (b) Whose election would give the slightest comfort to the enemy or 
 to those who sympathize with him; 
 
 (c) Whose election might raise doubt, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, of the 
 unity of purpose on the part of our people; 
 
 (d) Who, if elected, might advocate or favor peace before total victory 
 over the enemy is achieved; 
 
 (e) Who, if elected, might hesitate or fail to support a peace treaty 
 based on the principles of the Atlantic Charter and the Four Freedoms, or 
 
 (f) Who, if elected, would oppose insuring such peace by whatever just 
 means necessary. 
 
 APPEASERS DENOUNCED, PROFITEERS CONDEMNED 
 
 WE SOLEMNLY DECLARE that no person is worthy of public confidence 
 or of the great privilege to hold public office who, in the slightest 
 degree, would: 
 
 1. Weaken the resolve of the American people to make every sacrifice 
 required by our country's war needs; 
 
 2. Lessen the faith of our men in the armed forces, in the factories, 
 the mines, the fields or the homes, in the supreme righteousness of our 
 cause; 
 
 3. Hinder the attainment of maximum production in the field or 
 factory; 
 
 4. Seek undue personal profit out of the war, or 
 
 5. Directly or indirectly seek to create disunity among our people 
 on a racial, religious, political or any other basis. 
 
 We denounce the obstructionists, the would-be appeasers in the national 
 Senate and House of Representatives and all their confederates, whoever they 
 may be or wherever they may be found. They ignored the prophetic warnings 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1942 
 
 of the President, lulled many into a false sense of security and hindered 
 and retarded every effort to prepare this country for the oncoming storm. 
 
 BROOKS AND DAY ACCUSED | 'PUT SELF ABOVE COUNTRY ' 
 
 We--the people of America— hated war. Few of us knew the real dangers 
 which confronted mankind. Our representatives in Washington, Senator Scott 
 W. Lucas, Congressman Raymond S. McKeough and others, as well as their Repub- 
 lican colleagues. Senator C. Wayland Brooks, and Congressman Stephen A. Day, 
 William E. Stratton and others, all knew that unless we prepared to meet force 
 with greater force, war was inevitable. Senator Lucas and Congressman McKeough, 
 without any consideration of self, chose to vote for all legislation aimed to 
 secure the defense of their country and for every form of preparation to safe- 
 guard its peace and security, but the Brooks, Days and Strattons, and their 
 kind, gambled with America's destiny. 
 
 They knew that we should prepare. They knew that godless gangsters 
 were bent upon the destruction of our civilization, but their minds were 
 turned only to future elections. They placed self and party above country 
 and safety in order to satisfy their political cravings, embarrass and ir^: . 
 obstruct the national administration. The consideration of the future 
 happiness of America was postponed until after election day. 
 
 We solemnly declare that prompt action toward total preparedness as 
 outlined by the President in his plea to quarantine the aggressors and in 
 his repeated pleas thereafter in and out of Congress would have stayed the 
 bloody hand of the aggressors. But for the obstructionists and their con- 
 federates, we would have built up such powerful forces with which to meet 
 the aggressors and would have so encouraged the free peoples of Europe with 
 assurances of all-out aid that the Axis tyrants would not have dared to 
 venture upon their ruthless course, which drenched the whole earth with 
 blood, sweat and tears. 
 
 THOSE FAILING TO AMIT ERROR FORFEIT CLAIMS 
 
 The attitude and political performance of any public servant, before 
 Pearl Harbor, is not the sole test of his loyalty now, but those who have not 
 the courage to admit that they werA wrong and the President was right and 
 who now seek election to office without demonstrating an unmistakable change 
 of heart since Pearl Harbor have forfeited every claim to public trust or 
 confidence. 
 
 The patriotic citizens of Illinois, which includes the rank and file 
 of the Republicans, will not reward these candidates with favor for their 
 perfidy, nor will they forgive the faithless leaders who controlled the 
 recent Illinois state Republican convention for the platform which they 
 drafted. Republicans will show their resentment for the malicious affront 
 implicit in that platform to the titular head of their own party and for 
 
 •277- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1942 
 
 the scrapping of the patriotic resolution recently adopted in Chicago under 
 his leadership by the national committee of their party. 
 
 The studied and deliberate failure of the Republican state platform 
 to mention the Commander in Chief or to give him the slightest assurance 
 of co-operation in his superhuman tasks is a betrayal of every American 
 concept of patriotic duty. It is a deliberate alliance with the unreformed 
 obstructionists of the present day and an encouragement of the American 
 fascists, the conscious and unconscious tools of Hitler, Mussolini and 
 Hirohito. 
 
 WILLKIE'S SERVICES TO COUNTRY COMMENDED 
 
 We commend the lofty position upon which Wendell Willkie stands and 
 the invaluable services to the country which he is rendering. It evidences 
 his appreciation of the highest traditions of the people of these United 
 States. We of Illinois take particular pride in the fact that his unselfish 
 patriotic support of the Commander in Chief follows the example of Stephen A. 
 Douglas, who, in similarly distressing days, stood wholeheartedly by President 
 Abraham Lincoln, 
 
 The patriotic citizens of Illinois--Republicans and Democrats alike-- 
 feel keenly the indignity heaped upon our state by the authors of the 
 Republican platform, which brazenly asserts that the Republicans rejoice in 
 the representation given them in Washington by their Illinois congressmen. 
 This embraces, among others. Senator C. Wayland Brooks, Congressman Stephen A. 
 Day and Congressman William E, Stratton, The wholehearted endorsement of 
 Senator Brooks' record, "in every particular," concludes with this amazing 
 declaration: "He ranks with the greatest of Illinois senators," 
 
 Shades of Lincoln and'Grant, withhold your scorn from us,' The hosts 
 who revere your memories are mobilizing to repudiate this defamation. WE 
 SHALL VINDICATE THE HONOR OF YOUR GREAT STATE,' 
 
 HAIL RECORD OF LUCAS. McKEOUGH. ADAMOWSKI 
 
 This "Republican representation in Washington," of whom the framers 
 of the Republican platform are so proud, does not represent the upwards of 
 two million of Illinois citizens who voted for Wendell Willkie, On the 
 contrary they represent only that "handful of little men of little faith" 
 and their confederates here and elsewhere who have combined to obstruct and 
 retard our government at every step leading to a speedy and triumphant 
 ending of the war. In the words of President Roosevelt: "They play petty 
 politics in a world crisis. They fiddle with many sour notes while civiliza- 
 tion burns . " 
 
 ■278- 
 
bemocratic Platform of 1942 
 
 In contrast to records of these "representatives in Washington" in 
 whom the Republican politicans rejoice we offer the records of Scott W. Lucas, 
 the senior senator from Illinois, of Congressman Raymond S. McKeough, our 
 candidate for senator of the United States, of Benjamin S. Adamowski , our 
 candidate for Congressman-at-Large--records of devotion and loyalty to every 
 American interest which none dare challenge; records of constructive achieve- 
 ment in every field of their respective public endeavors. 
 
 They have made outstanding contributions, in and out of Congress, 
 toward the building up of national unity and of enthusiastic sentiment for 
 the most effective prosecution of the war. They have publicly taken their 
 stand on the peace which is to follow victory, which marks them as keen 
 statesmen and humanitarians with unyielding faith in America's great destiny-- 
 the destiny to procure for mankind a just and enduring peace. 
 
 DEDICATE ILLINOIS TO CAUSE OF LIBERTY 
 
 WE APPEAL TO ALL THE CITIZENS OF ILLINOIS to join us in dedicating our 
 state to the sacred tasks before us. This is a total war. Each of us is a 
 soldier and, unless we win, all of us will be slaves. To preserve the bless- 
 ings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, we stand ready to make every 
 sacrifice. No hardship will deter us. 
 
 We know how to live only as free men and free women, and that way of 
 life we will defend to the death. 
 
 To all who have beloved ones in the service of our country WE PLEDGE 
 OTOSELVES AND OUR CANDIDATES neither to swerve from nor falter in our deter- 
 mination that this war shall not have been fought in vain, that out of the 
 ruins and devastations there shall arise a world dedicated to preserve for 
 all time peace, liberty, justice and human dignity through democracy. 
 
 To the women of our state we send greetings and assurance of our 
 pride in them. Instinctively they feel the gravity of the world situation 
 and proudly they send their sons and husbands to defend our country. They 
 are making their full contribution to the course which will lead to victory. 
 In the home, in the factory, in the field, in every war effort at home and 
 in the essential services behind the battle lines, they stand alongside 
 the gallant manhood of the country. History will recognize the value of 
 their amazing sacrifices. 
 
 PARTY PLEDGED TO FIGHT UNTIL VICTORY IS WON 
 
 To the liberty-loving people everywhere in the world WE PLEDGE OURSELVES 
 AND OUR CANDIDATES to oppose the making of any peace before the United Nations 
 and the temporarily conquered peoples of the earth shall achieve complete 
 victory over all their enemies and, further, that the peace which the armed 
 
 Si; 
 
 •279- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1942 
 
 strength of the United Nations shall soon procure shall be protected through 
 some international agency sufficiently powerful to insure it perpetually. 
 Confident that complete victory will crown our arms, we are unalterably 
 committed to the;. proposition that the planning of such an agency should 
 proceed at once. 
 
 It should evolve during the progress of the war, and to its ultimate 
 establishment and future maintenance the United States should be a party, 
 contributing its full and honorable share of responsibility. 
 
 To our men in the service WE PLEDGE OURSELVES AND OUR CANDIDATES to 
 tJOti. in their behalf with unselfish devotion and prevent the recurrence of 
 the errors of the past. We shall not let them down upon their triumphant 
 return to their homes. Theirs shall not be the lot of the men who returned 
 from the last war. 
 
 They shall have work and honorable means of subsistence. None shall 
 be dependent upon charity. There shall be no need for marching upon the 
 capital to petition their government for relief. No veteran of this war shall 
 be driven out of Washington at the point of bayonet or gun, as have been the 
 veterans during the Hoover Administration. We shall insist that proper 
 planning for their educational and economic readjustment to peacetime living 
 be commenced immediately and that the plans evolved be implemented directly 
 upon the cessation of hostilities. 
 
 MAINTENANCE OF SOCIAL GAINS IS PLEDGED 
 
 To the people of every class and occupation WE PLEDGE OURSELVES AND 
 OUR CANDIDATES to stand firmly by the proposition that none of the social 
 gains inspired by and achieved under the leadership of President Roosevelt 
 shall be lost during or as a result of the war; that the working men shall 
 forever enjoy all the rights secured to them by law in state and nation 
 and that the aged, the blind, the dependent children shall continue to 
 receive the benefits of the humane provisions made for them by our enlightened 
 and farseeing government. 
 
 To the men in the fields^and on the farms WE SEND OUR CONGRATULATIONS. 
 Their remarkable achievements during the last 10 years under a sympathetic 
 and friendly administration have no parallel in history. To them we lookjf 
 for the daily bread of the men in arms, for our people in the factories and 
 in the homes. The products of their toil and sweat sustain the hungry and 
 the oppressed of many lands. WE PLEDGE OURSELVES AND OUR CANDIDATES to 
 safeguard all the gains they have made under security of law, and to avoid, 
 after the war, the recurrence of the misfortunes which befell them following 
 the last war, 
 
 WE ENDORSE, WITHOUT ANY RESERVATION, thefpresident's program to prevent 
 further rise in the cost of living. We join all other Americans in urging 
 
 •280- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1942 
 
 the Congress to enact, without delay, proper legislation to implement that 
 program. 
 
 PROCLAIM CONFIDENCE IN AMERICAN INDUSTRY 
 
 To the executives and heads of industry and to the owners whom they 
 represent, we send our greetings and assurances of our profound confidence 
 in their patriotism and devotion to the supreme task of our country. 
 
 Their skill, inventiveness and productive genius have become on the 
 one hand the hope of our own people, of the oppressed of the world and of the 
 gallant peoples struggling for the survival of civilization, and on the other 
 hand it is striking. terror-aiBto , the hearts of the aggressors. To the business- 
 men, big and small, WE PLEDGE OURSELVES AND OUR CANDIDATES to insist upon the 
 immediate development of workable plans to guard against hardships resulting 
 from readjustment of our economy and touthe building up, after the war, of 
 a national international economic system based on freedom and equity. 
 
 We present to the people of this state as our candidates men of 
 courage and vision; Raymond S. McKeough for U.S. senator; Benjamin Adamowski 
 for Congressman-at-Large; Don Forsyth for state treasurer; John A. Wieland 
 for superintendent of public instruction. These men have bled and fought 
 for everything outlined in this declaration of principles. Each of them 
 has every qualification of integrity, initiative, courage and intelligence, 
 to serve the state and nation. 
 
 Finally, to the Commander in Chief, the President of the United States, 
 m PLEDGE OURSELVES, OUR WEALTH, OUR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH to uphold 
 his hands throughout the war and until a just peace shall be insured. 
 
 We shall serve eagerly under our Commander in Chief and follow his 
 leadership to the end that out of the grim and tragic events of our generation 
 there shall come to us the power to bequeath to our children and children's 
 children a world organized to maintain peace perpetually, in which every 
 human being will be permitted to enjoy the blessings of the freedoms which 
 he, the President, has ncweloquently defined; 
 
 God willing, we shall achieve all this in our day and for all mankind. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times . September 11, 1942. 
 
 -281- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1944 
 
 Summary of 1944 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Socialist 
 Labor and Prohibition.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Countie 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tat e 
 
 Carriec 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Thomas E. Dewey 
 
 1,939,314 
 
 924,659 
 
 1,014,655 
 
 85 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Franklin D. Roosevelt 
 
 2,079,479 
 
 1,275,367 
 
 804,112 
 
 17 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Dwight H. Green 
 
 2,013,270 
 
 995,504 
 
 1,017,766 
 
 90 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Thomas J. Courtney 
 
 1,940,999 
 
 1,186,498 
 
 754,501 
 
 12 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 . Issues 
 
 Other No, Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 53.3% 
 
 0. 
 
 ,0% 
 
 46.7% 
 
 2880 
 
 Democratic 
 
 56.2% 
 
 15. 
 
 ,6% 
 
 28.3% 
 
 2913 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1943-1944 
 
 Three-quarters of a million Illinois residents were absent from the state 
 during the biennium because of the war. More than 800 Illinois plants were 
 engaged in the manufacture of aircraft and parts. The four ordnance plants 
 erected in the state neared the saturation point of production. As of 1943, 
 standing supply contracts and capital investments totalling $9 billion within 
 Illinois ranked the state sixth in war expenditures. 
 
 Most states were making fiscal preparations for the postwar years, involving 
 the creation of reserve funds from surpluses or bond issues. During its regular 
 legislative session, Illinois was one of 24 states in 1943 setting up such reserve 
 funds for public works, veterans* benefits, highway expansion and similar purposes, 
 In anticipation of possible heavy demands upon unemployment compensation following 
 the war, the legislature assessed higher "war risk" payments against employers 
 whose payrolls had expanded greatly because of the war. Other actions included 
 adoption of a retirement plan for state employees, an aid to the blind program, 
 and some tax administration reorganization measures. 
 
 Federal Judge John Barnes heard a volume of testimony on conditions in 
 Illinois prisons in 1943 which he described as a "disgrace to civilization." 
 Extensive flooding along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers caused great damage 
 in the state in 1943. 
 
 In 1944 the state debt was reduced to $115 million, lowest in 20 years. 
 Receipts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1944, were $39 million above 
 expenditures of $225 million. A huge trust fund for unemployment insurance 
 was being built up. 
 
 •283- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1944 
 (Adopted May 18, 1944) 
 
 The Republican Party of Illinois rededicates itself to the unrelenting 
 prosecution of the war against all our enemies to a complete victory. Our 
 State, predominately Republican, has exceeded the requests made upon it for 
 War Bond subscriptions, enlistments, aid to the Red Cross and in the making 
 of sacrifices necessary to the attainment of a complete triumph over our 
 enemies. 
 
 In biennial convention assembled this 18th day of May, 1944, in 
 Springfield, our party declares its deepest confidence in the patriotism and 
 devotion of the American people. The people of our State, like those of 
 every other commonwealth, will make every sacrifice requisite to win the war 
 and to bring our sons and daughters back to their homes as rapidly as possible. 
 A free people will attain those objectives and do it better and faster than 
 a people trammelled and harassed by needless regimentation or the arrogance 
 of petty bureaucrats. Free American labor and free American industry have 
 achieved the greatest production of war goods in the history of the world. 
 
 FOREIGN POLICY 
 
 After victory has been attained, there must be correlation between 
 the United States and other nations and their peoples, not only to prevent 
 recurrence of war but to assure economic and social reconstruction. This 
 implies the establishment of mutual and reciprocal international relationships 
 based upon the common free consent of all those who participate. 
 
 Any post-war program must be one which will protect the sovereignty 
 of the United States and safeguard the well being of the people of America. 
 
 Any final specific post-war plans must respond to the voice of the 
 veterans of the present war. Those who have made the sacrifices must be 
 consulted as to their wishes concerning the kind of post-war program under 
 
 which they are to live and raise their families; and they must help define 
 the measure of responsible participation by the United States in post-war 
 cooperative organization among sovereign nations to prevent military ag- 
 gression and to attain permanent peace with organized justice in a free 
 world. 
 
 We join in the enthusiastic approval accorded by the people of our 
 State to Governor Dwight H. Green for his effective contribution to the 
 Mackinac Island Conference of September, 1943. We heartily approve the 
 declaration of Republican Party leaders at that conference, which laid 
 the foundation for post-war action upon three firm principles: 
 
 (a) to preserve and protect our nation's interests; 
 
 (b) to aid in restoring order and decent living in a distressed 
 world; 
 
 (c) to do our full share in a program for permanent peace among 
 nations . 
 
 •284- 
 
Republican Platform of 1944 
 
 NATIONAL SECURITY 
 
 The prosecution of the war as outlined in that declaration must con- 
 tinue to conclusive victory including the disarmament and disorganization of 
 the armed forces of the Axis and the disqualification of the Axis to construct 
 facilities for the manufacture of implements of war. 
 
 Further, we must pennamently maintain trained and well equipped armed 
 forces at home. To those objectives we whole-heartedly subscribe. 
 
 The blood of Amerlcaaa has been shed in the capture of Pacific Islands 
 which are essential as defsatse outposts. The American flag over these stra- 
 tegic points in the Pacific will guarantee freedom and progress to the natives 
 of those islands, audp as everywhere else in the world, will mean to neighboring 
 people, not a threat to their security or their liberty, but a beacon of hope 
 for peace and progress » 
 
 Similarly, we must prep^&re to hold the bases at vital positions in the 
 Atlantic, which fortunately we have established by peaceful arrangement. We 
 must hold them, and obtain others, should they be necessary for the defense 
 of America, not for the duration, but forever. Our national policy on this 
 matter must be firm and clear. 
 
 We proudly express our full and complete confidence in the men and 
 women in the armed services. We commend their high courage, bravery and 
 sacrifice, and pledge them our continued and unswerving support. 
 
 Those who serve in the armed forces have a high right to participate 
 in the selection of the officers of their government. That right extends not 
 merely to the federal elected officials at Washington, but also to state, 
 county and locaS officers , Recognizing this inalienable right. Governor Green 
 c&lIft'S a special s^^ion of the Gemeral Assembly which enacted legislation 
 granting to every man and woman of our state in the armed services the full 
 and unabridged opportunity to vote for all federal, state, county and local 
 officers, whereas, a federal ballot proposed by the New Deal was limited to 
 presidential and congressioaal offices. Full and unrestricted suffrage is 
 assured by our Illinois statute to those in the armed services. It can be 
 nullified only if the federal government refuses to deliver and return the 
 ballots. 
 
 FREEDOM AND EQUALITY 
 
 While our sons and daughters are struggling to maintain freedom in 
 the world, we at home have the duty to advance and protect liberty and 
 equality here. Intolerance, which has degraded the Axis nations, has never 
 had a place in America and never shall. We insist upon equality of opportunity 
 for all Americans regardless of race, color or creed. The Republican party 
 throughout its history has engaged in a ceaseless struggle to obtain and 
 advance equality and freedom for people of all colors and creeds. We pledge 
 
 ■285- 
 
Republican Platform of 1944 
 
 our energetic efforts to contini^e this program of Republicanism. Also, we 
 deprecate the fact that, while the New Deal has been in power at Washington 
 for 12 years, with control over both Houses of Congress, it did nothing to 
 attain the basic right of suffrage for thousands of American citizens in 
 certain states of our nation. We contend that the doctrine of equality 
 is an integral part of American political life. The post-war program of 
 our party will treat the security, freedom and self-development of all 
 our citizens as the highest goal. 
 
 After the war, there should be an immediate end to those restrictions 
 upon freedom to which now our citizens are patiently submitting. The en- 
 croachments of the New Deal upon the right of the states to govern themselves 
 and upon the freedom of the people extend not only to those activities related 
 to the war, but to many that are purely civilian. The New Deal "has erected 
 a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our 
 people, and eat out their substance." 
 
 In many states the number of federal civilian employees exceeds those 
 engaged in the activities of state and local governments. With every problem 
 presented the purpose and philosophy of the New Deal has been to impose con- 
 trol, to make our citizens dependent upon bureaucrats and to dominate the 
 smallest detail of their lives. The Republican party stands for freedom. 
 It remains committed to the doctrine that government should impose control 
 only where indispensably necessary; that insofar as possible the political 
 life and economy of our people should be based upon freedom, liberty and 
 the cooperative spirit of an honest and patriotic citizenry. Just as those 
 who wrote the Declaration of Independence declared the freedom of America 
 from the "swarms of officers," so today the Republican party reiterates the 
 demand that liberty be restored to America. Bureaucracy must and will perish 
 in the atmosphere of a free country. 
 
 THE STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 Patriotism, efficiency and economy have marked the administration 
 of Illinois state government under the leadership of Governor Green and his 
 associate Republican state officers and the Republican majorities in the 
 Senate and House of the Illinois General Assembly.;^ 
 
 With patriotic initiative Illinois moved immediately to place the 
 vast resources of our State squarely behind the national war effort. Our 
 Governor was the first in the United States to call a special legislative 
 session to aid the prosecution of the war. The increase of the strength 
 of the Illinois Reserve Militia, the efficiency of the State Highway Police 
 and the additional and improved facilities of the Illinois War Council have 
 succeeded in preventing sabotage, in protecting vital defense plants, rail- 
 ways, communications and air fields, and in assuring the maximum production 
 of Illinois war plants. 
 
 -286- 
 
Republican PLatform of 1944 
 
 Under Republican leadership increased funds have been made available 
 for the public schools of Illinois, the Normal schools and our State Univer- 
 sitjf',v Financial benefits have been extended to dependent children and to 
 those physically and mentally handicapped and to the needy aged in far 
 greater amounts than ever before in the history of the state; and our interest 
 in those groups will be continued. 
 
 The election laws have been codified and clarified to assure the utmost 
 freedom ^tand honesty of elections,, The department of Public Safety and the 
 reorganization of the parole system have resulted in the removal of criticism 
 of parole policies. This difficult problem calling for humane yet firm action 
 has been more completely solved in Illinois than in any other state of our 
 nation. Business principles of efficiency and economy resulting in substantial 
 saving of taxpayers' money have been put into effect in this state. 
 
 Notwithstanding substantial extension of educational and humanitarian 
 functions, the large increases in the price of food and other commodities 
 consumed at state institutions and increases in the pay of all employees in 
 the lower pay brackets, a remarkable record of economy and efficiency has 
 been made in state activities. 
 
 The Retailers' Occupation Tax was reduced from 3 per cent to 2 per cent, 
 yet by efficiency and economy the state government under Governor Green has 
 accumulated a cash balance of over eighty million dollars which is being 
 preserved to meet the requirements of the post-war period and the needs of 
 returning veterans. 
 
 THE DEMOCRATIC RECORD 
 
 Contrast this with the record of Democratic administration of county 
 affairs in Cook county. It is now proposed by the Democrats that the brand 
 of government imposed upon the people of Cook county be extended to the 
 entire state. The fiscal affairs of that county are in deplorable condition. 
 Deficit after deficit has been the record of Cook county. That county has 
 been saved from complete collapse of its financial affairs only through legis- 
 lative aid in Springfield. We believe that the people of Illinois should 
 have Dwight H, Green's economy in public affairs and not waste extravagance 
 and insolvency such as has been witnessed under Democratic administration in 
 Cook county. 
 
 WOMEN m PUBLIC AFFAIRS 
 
 The Republican party welcomes the increased participation of women in 
 political and public affairs. Not only have women been elected and appointed 
 by the Republican party to places of responsibility in the state government 
 but their activities in local affairs have shown increased interest and 
 
 -287- 
 
Republican Platform of 1944 
 
 efficiency. Under the statutes of our state, women have equal rights with 
 men to run for public offices as well as for party positions such as precinct, 
 ward, district and state committeeman. We shall preserve those rights. 
 
 VETERANS' REHABILITATION 
 
 We regard it as a solemn obligation to the men and women who will be,* 
 and indeed already are, returning from the armed forces and especially to 
 those who have been disabled in the service of their country to restore them 
 to health and normal life. Within the area of appropriate state action, we 
 shall leave nothing undone to provide them with the most modem hospital care 
 nnd clinical services that medical science can offer; to mobilize the state's 
 resources for rehabilitation, vocational retraining, guidance and education. 
 We propose to furnish them with opportunities for readjustment, reemployment, 
 education and self-development wL th all the facilities and services which a 
 grateful nation can offer in order that they may maintain their independence 
 and self-respect. 
 
 The Republican party approves and will advance the objectives of 
 Governor Green's Committee on Veterans' Rehabilitation and Employment, 
 which is to provide every service man and woman a full opportunity to become 
 a self-supporting member of that American society v^ich he went to war to 
 defend. 
 
 In the case of the disabled veteran, our efforts will be concentrated 
 on the task of curing or minimizing the handicap, training him for a satis- 
 factory vocation, and placing him in the best job that is available. 
 
 In the case of the able-bodied veteran, we shall devote ourselves to 
 the task of helping him find a self-supporting job as quickly as possible, 
 and to spare him every hardship that may arise from unemployment and financial 
 embarrassment . 
 
 POST WAR PLANNING 
 
 We recognize a corresponding obligation to aid the men and women 
 who have labored in industries to produce the sinews of war to find useful 
 productive employment at wages permitting an American standard of living 
 in peace time pursuits and to resume normal life in communities of their 
 choice. 
 
 In order to furnish necessary public services and provide needed 
 public facilities in health, sanitation, education, recreation, and public 
 safety, and in order to serve as a cushion to absorb the shock of temporary 
 unemployment, we advocate the immediate preparation of plans for essential 
 public works. The State of Illinois has established the Illinois Post-War 
 Planning Commission to aid in the making and integration of these plans to 
 be put into effect whenever the need and opportunity for carrying them out 
 arises . 
 
 ■288- 
 
Republican Platform of 1944 
 
 Not only is the State of Illinois preparing its own program of public 
 works on behalf of the Departments of the State governmeil^, but it is aiding 
 and encouraging the counties and local governments to do the same. As a 
 result we will be entering the post-war period with a well thought out, 
 thoroughly justified and needed program of public works capable of furnishing 
 employment under private management for a substantial number of workers. This 
 public works program will be so operated as to supplement rather than compete 
 with private industry, it will improve the public facilities and services, 
 and it will be synchronized with the fluctuations of the economic cycle to 
 stabilize incomes and purchasing power. 
 
 The State of Illinois already has built up a reserve fund of over 
 $80,000,000 out of surplus revenue over expenditures. We regard this fund 
 as a public trust fund and through advance planning intend to guard it 
 against uneconomic use. 
 
 Through the Illinois Post-War Planning Commission, the State is 
 enlisting the aid of all sections of Illinois, the outstanding citizens and 
 leading experts to explore the State's resources, needs and potentialities 
 with a view to improving the life of the people, conserving its rich heritage 
 of natural, man-made and human resources and taking advantage of the oppor- 
 tunities for the further development of agriculture, industry and commerce 
 that has been made possible by science and invention in the interests of all. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The health, safety and protection of the working men and women and 
 their families is of important concern to our state. The maintenance of 
 adequate wage rates and the preservation and improvement of the American 
 standard of living among those who toil will contribute immeasurably to the 
 permanent prosperity of our nation. 
 
 Governor Green has espoused and supported the passage of a great number 
 of measures for the purpose of advancing the general welfare of workers. 
 Under his leadership, beneficial labor laws have been enacted by the General 
 Assembly to a greater extent than under any previous state administration. 
 During the long and difficult struggle of coal miners to secure further 
 benefits, they had the perwonal attention and consideration of Governor Green 
 with a resulting solution of the difficulties that were of lasting good. 
 
 The Republican party has maintaineil»aind with*gteat diiligence protected 
 the 1 rights of labor to ooganize and bargain collectively, regarding it as an 
 inherent and constitutional right. 
 
 The Republican party will protect and safeguard all of the legislative 
 gains which labor has won in Illinois, 
 
 The Republican party is opposed to any encroachments by the federal 
 government upon the functions of the state with reference to unemployment 
 
 •289- 
 
Republican Platform of 1944 
 
 compensation and protests the effort of the New Deal to destroy the merit 
 rating system which now prevails under Illinois law. 
 
 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY 
 
 Realizing that employment can be maintained only by sound and solvent 
 business development, the Republican Party has encouraged the extension of 
 commercial and industrial activities in Illinois. Particular attention has 
 and will continue to be given to small businessmen who have suffered grievously 
 under unfortunate federal regulations. The re-establishment of small business 
 on a profitable basis is a necessary component of a sound, progressive and 
 prosperous State. The Republican party again commends both labor and manage- 
 ment for their patriotic cooperation in attaining new production records during 
 the war. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We recognize that an efficient prosperous agriculture is essential in 
 the building of a better America in the post-war years. Agriculture must be 
 free from all unnecessary restraints. All production is for the general 
 welfare and for all consumers. 
 
 Agriculture is a basic industry; its prosperity is inseparably linked 
 with national prosperity. In order to have an adequate national income, it 
 is necessary that agricultural income be maintained at a parity with industry 
 and labor in order that new wealth that agriculture provides each year shall 
 go into the channels of trade at a profit to its producers. 
 
 The Republican party of Illinois will continue an aggressive support 
 of the principles and policies necessary to provide for a sustained and 
 prosperous agriculture in both the state and nation. 
 
 We favor a program to assure the nation of adequate supplies of food 
 and fiber to meet noirmal demands and any emergency and to assure the farmers 
 of policies that will keep excess supplies from depressing the current price 
 levels of commodities below a point necessary to give farmers their fair 
 share of the national income; commodity loans on a sufficient number of basic 
 farm commodities necessary to keep excess supplies from depressing current 
 agricultural prices or lowering substantially the total value of agricultural 
 production; a segregation of our surplus raw material production, above proper 
 reserves, for use in trade with other nations, in emergency relief and for 
 the development of new industries; encouragement for the increased industrial 
 use of agricultural products and for continuous development of new and dif- 
 ferent uses; constant search for new crops adaptable to supplant at least a 
 portion of present crop production where unusable surpluses are produced; 
 the extension of plans fol|^ the conservation and development of our land 
 resources by the practice of soil erosion control and improved soil building 
 practices; the encouragement of all sound measures for improving the marketing. 
 
 ■290- 
 
Republican Platform of 19A4 
 
 processing and transporting of farm products into the channels of consumption; 
 the creation and development of credit agencies under cooperative farmer 
 control, rather than under bureaucratic direction. 
 
 GOVERNMENT BY DIRECTIVES 
 
 In the past, the federal government has assumed many of the problems 
 which the people themselves through their local governments could have solved, 
 thus encouraging government by directives rather than by law. This usurpation 
 of the rights and powers of the several states has resulted in economic in- 
 efficiency and waste. This practice must be stopped at the earliest practicable 
 time; the Congress should do everything in its power to aid the states in re- 
 suming the authority granted them by the Constitution to govern themselves as 
 part of the Federal Union. 
 
 REPUBLICAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
 
 In the remarkable accomplishments of our state administration, the 
 Governor has had the complete and patriotic cooperation of other Republican 
 officials. The Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker and majority leader of the 
 House, the majority leader of the Senate, and all Republican members of those 
 bodies have by their cooperation made possible a legislative program of 
 lasting benefit to the people; the Auditor of Public Accounts has administered 
 the affairs of that office in an outstanding manner; the Attorney General, by 
 sound advice and guidance on legal matters, has been of inestimable aid to 
 the state; both State Treasurers have faithfully and diligently preserved 
 the assets of the State; and during the past two years the Superintendent of 
 Public Instruction has wrought great benefits to the public school system; 
 the Directors of departments and the members of commissions have been faithful 
 to their trusts. All those public officials are heartily commended. 
 
 THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES 
 
 We hereby give our unqualified endorsement to dnd recommend the election 
 of the following Republican candidates for state office: 
 
 Richard J. Lyons, for United States Senator. 
 
 Dwight H, Green, for Governor!"** 
 
 Hugh W. Cross, for Lieutenant Governor. 
 
 Arnold P. Benson, for Secretary of State. 
 
 Arthur C. Lueder, for Auditor. 
 
 Conrad F, Becker, for State Treasurer. 
 
 George F. Barrett, for Attorney-General. 
 
 Earle Benjamin Searcy, for Clerk of the State Supreme Court. 
 
 Stephen A. Day, for Congressman-at-Large. 
 
 -291- 
 
Republican Piacfonri of 1944 
 
 In this critical hour, Republicans of Illinois rejoice in and approve 
 the record of Republican congressmen and the Republican United States senator 
 from our state. The necessity for the maintenance of the two-party system 
 has never been more clearly demonstrated than in the last two years. In that 
 period, the Republicans in Congress have repeatedly stopped encroachments of 
 the federal government upon the liberties of our people and upon the rights 
 of our states. A strong independent Congress is indispensable to the preser- 
 vation of America 's . constitutional government. For the great contributions 
 made by the Republican member^ of Congress from Illinois, our state and our 
 nation should be eternally grateful. 
 
 COMCUJSIOH 
 
 On the eve of our Nation's greatest trial, the Republican party of 
 Illinois pledges itself in heart, mind and action to the supreme objective 
 of crushing our enemies and reestablishing freedom, abroad and at hone; i-ie 
 shall permit nothing to divert the attention of our Nation from the supreme 
 task of winning the war; we shall maintain National unity and resist all 
 sinister efforts of foreign enemies to divide our Nation within or to stir 
 up conflicts between races, creeds, classes or parties; we shall fearlessly 
 attack corruption, incompetence or bungling of the war effort; and shall use 
 our full power to strike do«i any individuals or groups v*io would undermine 
 the constitutional structure of our Nation. 
 
 As the Sons of America are about to enter the greatest battle of 
 all times, we humbly bow our heads in prayer and ask the blessing of Almighty 
 God upon their efforts and upon the welfare of our Nation. 
 
 SOUKCEg Illinois Legislative Reference Bareau, Springfield, Illinois. 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1944 
 (Adopted July 3, 1944) 
 
 We, the representatives of the Democratic Party of the State of 
 Illinois in convention assembled at Chicago on this 3rd day of July, 1944 
 pay tribute to the brave and heroic Americans defending our liberty in 
 every corner of the earth. We assure the fathers and mothers, sweethearts 
 and wives of those in the Armed Forces that we of the Democratic Party in 
 Illineis stand by their side in these desperate days. We commend the 
 citizens at home upon their courage and the fine continuing spirit of 
 patriotism with which they have borne the war time regulations necessary to 
 coordinate their efforts at home i;d.th those of tlie Armed Forces in battle. 
 We commend them for preserving the militant spirit ©f our revolutionary fore- 
 fathers in a generous unity which has served to present an invincible America. 
 We thank God for the blessings bestowed on this country, her Armed Forces and 
 her people during this most crucial and troublous period. 
 
 I JAR 
 
 The most serious and immediate problem facing our United States is 
 the winning of the global war against the Axis aggressors at the earliest 
 possible time. 
 
 We join with all true Americans irrespective of politics in demanding 
 the unconditional surrender of Hitler, Tojo, and all their fanatical followers. 
 
 We send our sincere and hearty congratulations to General Marshall, 
 Admiral King, General Arnold, General MacArthur, Admiral Nimitz, General Eisen- 
 hower, Admiral Halsey, and the millions of other officers and men and women 
 under their direct command for their masterful strategy, bold tactics and 
 undaunted perseverance in this battle for existence. 
 
 We pay a deserving tribute to Cordell Hull, Secretary of State and 
 other i.:eirbers of the President's cabinet. .Ve unequivocally state that America 
 was fortunate in ha^/ing these v.,en, their judgments uatured through long years 
 of experience in National and International affairs, serving in the Cabinet 
 when war struck a peace-loving America. We hold that there is no substitute 
 for experience in this crisis. 
 
 We recognize that a man of world wide experience selected these military 
 leaders and cabinet members who have astonished the x«)rld with their genius 
 and success. That man is our Commander-in-Chief, Franklin D, Roosevelt. 
 
 VJe coiL-niend loyal management, loyal labor, loyal hard working men and 
 women, loyal farmers, and loyal patriots everywhere who have made America 
 the arsenal of Democracy. Their record in building planes, ships, tanks, guns, 
 and the other instruments of \^ar stands forth as the miracle of production 
 of all tine. 
 
 -29: 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 We urge Illinois citizens to remember that this great program of pro- 
 duction was instituted and directed by our Commander-in-Chief, Franklin D, 
 Roosevelt. 
 
 PEACE 
 
 We hold that harmonious joint action between Britain, Russia, China, 
 United States, and all other Allied Nations is the basic foundation for the 
 early winning of the war. 
 
 We are confident that such harmonious relationship in the winning of 
 the war vd 11 be the foundation for thiS winning of a just and durable peace. 
 
 We commend President Roosevelt for his great achievement in obtaining 
 the Atlantic Charter, a document which guarantees the integrity and sovereignty 
 of all Nations large and small. 
 
 We stand for the principle of International cooperation to keep the 
 peace of the World as accepted and approved by the United States Senate 
 through the passing of the Connally Resolution by a vote of 85 to 5. 
 
 We submit that no association of Nations is powerful enough to keep 
 the peace of the world unless the United States is a member thereof. 
 
 It is of course impossible at this time to prescribe every detail of 
 such an organization. We have full confidence that President Roosevelt, 
 Cordell Hull, and those under them will in due course create the necessary 
 details within the limits of the general principles annunciated, to fully 
 protect American freedoms and the permanence of our Institutions. 
 
 OUR GOVERNMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois stands for Constitutional Government, 
 administered for the common good and not for any special group or groups. 
 
 VETERANS 
 
 We stand for an intelligently planned and administered program of 
 benefits for veterans returning to civilian life, founded upon the devotion 
 and appreciation of the United States and, above all, we demand that they 
 be provided with suitable employment. 
 
 Other states have augmented the mustering out pay and other benefits 
 guaranteed by the federal "G.I. Bill". We demand that Illinois enact legis- 
 lation providing for payment of additional benefits out of the $90,000,000 
 sales tax hoard. 
 
 We commend the President and the American Legion for their sponsorship 
 of this just and worthy federal legislation. 
 
 -294- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 Under Democratic a(&tlnistratlon of the state and nation, the social, 
 civic and economic equality of women won legislative recognition. Governor 
 Altgeld pioneered in giving women of Illinois their first opportunity of 
 participating in election. Full rights of suffrage were gained under the 
 leadership of Governor Dunne and President Wilson. 
 
 The Democratic Party in Illinois has stood, and will continue to 
 stand, for the fullest protection of the rights of women in the office, in 
 the factory, on the farm, and in the home. 
 
 Recognizing the immemorial truth that the sacrifices and tragedies of 
 T/jar fall most heavily upon the shoulders of the mothers, wives and sweethearts 
 of fighting men, we express our deepest appreciation of the unflinching courage 
 with vAiich the women of Illinois are meeting the test lAiich global war has 
 imposed upon their energies and their emotions. We heartily commend the 
 patriotism of the countless Waves, Wacs, Marines, Spars and nurses who have 
 gone to the service of their nation from Illinois, and we pay fitting tribute 
 to the work of thousands of women in war industries, as well as to those loyal 
 housewives whose unfailing cooperation has made salvage of vital war materials 
 an enterprise which is speeding the inevitable threat of the enemy. We call 
 upon all of the women of Illinois to join with us in our party's determination 
 to have an early and complete victory, and a lasting and just peace. 
 
 CITIZSNSHIP 
 
 We stand for economic and political justice for all citizens of the 
 state of Illinois. We stand with President Roosevelt and Senator Lucas 
 against denying the right to vote to Southern Negroes, including Negro soldiers, 
 who are fighting and dying for their country. And we deplore the shortsightedness 
 of discrimination which fails to see that taking away the purchasing power of 
 a large part of our citizens is ruinous of a stable economy and is harmful to 
 the permanence of our American Institutions. 
 
 EI^LOYMENT 
 
 We believe that every American, regardless of race, creed or color, 
 is entitled to live under our Constitution according to the dignity that is 
 due human beings | that the founders of our government in guaranteeing funda- 
 mental rights to citizens presupposed the right of employment; that full and 
 fair employment is the principle which underlie our post-war economy; that 
 private enterprise, must provide the greatest share, supplemented, if necessary, 
 by suitable government work, 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 We stand for full educational opportunities for Illinois youth to 
 qualify them as free citizens in a free Nation. 
 
 ■295- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 We favor adequate appropriations for educational purposes as well as 
 legislation which will assure fair and adequate minimum wages for the school 
 teachers of our State. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 We believe that those old enough to fight for our country are entitled 
 to vote for the public officials in charge of its affairs and the Democrats 
 proposed and still advocate an amendment to the State Constitution reducing 
 the voting age to 18 years. The Green machine defeated the proposal. 
 
 CONSUMER 
 
 We stand squarely behind President Roosevelt in his determined efforts 
 to protect the consumer against run-away inflation prices. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We recognize agriculture as the basic industry of America. We remind 
 the farmers of their desperate condition under Hoover 10 cent corn, 40 cent 
 wheat and 3 cent hogs. 
 
 We commend President Roosevelt for the wise farm measures enacted under 
 his administration which have aided the farmer on the way to economic inde- 
 pendence. We insist upon the continuation of corn loans and support prices 
 as insuring the farmers place in the economic sun. We urge broadening of 
 marketing agreements and we endorse the reciprocal trade agreement program 
 of Honorable Cordell Hull, a great American statesman. 
 
 History alone will fairly and adequately appraise the far reaching 
 sound and efficient soil erosion and conservation plan of President Roosevelt 
 which has saved millions of acres of valuable farm land in America. 
 
 We stand for the principles of the Farm Credit Administration as the 
 best means of helping small and tenant farmers to tiieir rightful market 
 economy. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 We stand firmly against the philosophy that labor is a commodity. 
 The Democratic Party is the true and tried friend of Labor. The Republican 
 Party has consistently neglected the men and women who toil. 
 
 Practically all of the beneficient labor legislation now on the 
 statute books was enacted in this State under Democratic Administrations and 
 in this Nation during the administration of President Roosevelt. 
 
 -296- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 Social Security Benefits, Old Age Pensions, Unemployment Insurance, 
 ainimum Wages and Maximum Hours, Insurance of Bank Deposits, and more than 
 a score of other measures for the protection of human rights, due to the 
 Democratic Party are now a reality instead of a fiction. The right of 
 Labor to bargain collectively as to wages, hours, and working conditions 
 through representatives of its oxm choosing has been fully recognized and is 
 now an actual fact instead of a theory. 
 
 The Democratic Party in Illinois pledges that none of these great 
 privileges or rights will be taken away or abridged; that we will extend and 
 add to these great charters of human liberty and justice such other measures 
 as experience dictates, that a progressive and enlightened thought demands 
 and which will constructively improve the conditions of those who toil. We 
 pledge the appointment of a representative from the ranks of union labor as 
 Director of the Department of La.bor. 
 
 BUSINESS 
 
 We stand for free enterprise with reasonable regulation, intended to 
 protect business from the exploitation of extreme self-interest; and for the 
 promotion of the common good of business men, large and small. Small business 
 will be represented on any citizens commission created by the Legislature. 
 
 We stand for extending all reasonable facilities and benefits in the 
 conversion of war industries to civilian uses, in order that Illinois may 
 assume her proper place in the business sphere of the United States. 
 
 .jELFAPvE 
 
 We stand for stabilized, nonpolitical administration of the Welfare 
 Institutions of the State, with modern and humane methods of treatment in 
 the Sesc interests of the patients, and with good business and sound and 
 honest purchasing policies in the interest of economy for the people. 
 
 OLD kGZ ASSISTANCE— 3LI3!;D-'-AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDPxEN AND RELIEF 
 
 The Dercocratic Party of Illinois is proud of its legislative and 
 adrninistrstive record in Social Welfare. The Green Machine has administered 
 these humane laws in an arrogant partisan and selfish manner, and in defiance 
 of advice from the Federal authorities has removed needy aged from the rolls. 
 They ha^'e reduced budgets below subsistence level, harrassed families and 
 played politics mth hum^n misery. 
 
 We pledge an understanding, non-politican administration of these 
 laws extending adeq'jate pensions and medical care to the aged, adequate 
 help to dependent -hildren, blind, as well as adequate ptovisions to those 
 on relief. 
 
 -297- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 In the administration of the Old Age Pension Law we favor the elimina- 
 tion of the Children's Responsibility Clause and the lien on property of old 
 age pension recipients. 
 
 TAXES AND REVENUE 
 
 We urge the elimination of the 30c poor relief tax levied against 
 general property. With 90 million surplus dollars in the state treasury, 
 this law should be repealed. Homeowners and taxpayers demand this reduction. 
 We pledge the repeal and elimination of all unnecessary state taxes. 
 
 We denounce Governor Green for misrepresenting to the citizenry of 
 Illinois that the 90 million state surplus is due to economy. This statement 
 of Governor Green is untrue. Increased tax revenue is the reason for this 
 surplus. 
 
 In 1940 under the previous Democratic Administration 319 million 
 dollars was received in tax revenue while in 1942 under Governor Green 
 392 million dollars was received - an increase of 71 million dollars. This 
 increase in revenue is the result of excessive, unnecessary and new taxes, 
 such as the 2^ cigarette tax, and increased beer and liquor taxes extracted 
 from the people of Illinois under the so-called economy of Governor Green. 
 
 STATE EXPENDITURES 
 
 ment . 
 
 We pledge an economical and efficient administration of State Govern- 
 
 We shall eliminate all useless and unnecessary expenditures. 
 
 Although pledged to economy Governor Green has actually increased 
 state expenses. The 1941-43 biennial appropriation under his administration 
 was the highest in the history of the state government - 561 million dollars. 
 Compare this appropriation with 495 million dollars in 1939-41 under Governor 
 Horner and it means an increase of 60 million dollars. 
 
 We denounce Governor Green for his failure to keep his pledge of 
 economy. 
 
 We denounce his administration of state finances as the most extrava- 
 gant and wasteful in the annals of State Government. 
 
 SALES TAX 
 
 We continue to urge a reduction of the sales tax from 2 to 1 cent. 
 With 90 million dollar surplus in the state treasury this 2 cent tax is 
 excessive and unnecessary. 
 
 •298- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 We denounce Governor Green for his refusal to reduce this tax. 
 
 We denounce the braaen misrepresentation of Governor Green that he 
 reduced the sales tax from 3 te 2 cents. This reduction was passed by 
 the Democratic administration in 193^. 
 
 We denounce Governor Green fer his failure t« fulfill his campaign 
 pledge to remove the sales tax from food. 
 
 STATE CIVIL SERVICE 
 
 Our Candidate for Governor, Thomas J. Courtney, believes in the 
 principles and practice of civil service. He pledges an honest and non- 
 political civil service. 
 
 Trial before discharge is a fundamental right of a g©»d civil service 
 system. Governor Green took away this right from the civil service employees 
 of our state and substituted a law which fires first and gives trial later. 
 
 The reclassification of state civil service employees by Governor 
 Green instead of the Illinois Civil Service Commission has placed dictatorial 
 power in the hands of the Governor and has smashed all job security and 
 seniority rights of civil service employees, 
 
 Thomas J« Courtney pledges the repeal of all laws passed by Governor 
 Green which have debased and destrayed the integrity ef civil service. 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 We favor a non-political and non-partisan administration of the 
 Conservation program, in the State of Illinois based and administered generally 
 in accordance T^^.th the principles now prevailing in the state of Wisconsin, 
 
 We condemn the Green Machine for its failure to fulfill its promise 
 to the sportsmen of the State to enact proper legislation, and thwarted the 
 purposes of the Department by making appointments on strictly political 
 party basis. 
 
 HOME RULE 
 
 We stand for the rights of local municipal government to goverw' Ifical 
 affairs without interference by the bureaucracy of an arbitrary state govern- 
 ment. Millions of Illinois citizens live in the villages, tovTns and cities 
 of our state--municipal government must be freed from the coercive and 
 irritating regulations imposed by state control in matters relating solely 
 to the welfare and good of the people in urban centers. 
 
 •299- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 COMMERCE COMMISSION 
 
 Adequate transportation and other utilities are vitally essential 
 to the irowth of every municipality in the State. Regulatory power over 
 these vital municipal necessities is by law placed in the hands of the 
 Illintfiw^CeimMf*© Comraissiion. • The personnel of the Commerce Commission 
 of the incumbent administration is now constituted solely with selfish 
 partisan political expediency. It has thwarted the will and needs of the 
 people of the urban areas of Illinois for adequate transportation and the 
 rehabilitation of its transportation systems, 
 
 Thomas J. Courtney will appoint outstanding and qualified members 
 of this important body in the interests of the people of Illinois. 
 
 REAPPORTIONMENT 
 
 We stand for honest, equitable non-political Congressional and 
 Senatorial reapportionment. 
 
 PRISONS 
 
 Thomas J. Courtney pledges a nonpolitical administration of State 
 Prisons, in order that the people of the State may be protected against 
 favoritism to and repeated escapes by criminal from Joliet and St. Charles, 
 Courtney sent the Touhy kidnapping gang to Joliet. The Green Machine let 
 them walk out. 
 
 THE STATE UNIVERSITY 
 
 The Republicans have attempted to make political patronage out of 
 University appointments and to seize control of its business operations for 
 selfish ends. For the first time in the history of the State a political 
 machine, at State expense, fabricated and circulated throughout the State 
 false and defamatory matter reflecting grossly upon an institution to which 
 thousands of Illinois parents send their children at great sacrifice, thereby 
 attempting to destroy the morale of the faculty and staff of the University. 
 
 ELECTIONS 
 
 We pledge our Party to enact all proper legislation for the improvement 
 of the election machinery in order to simplify the ballot and give to all 
 voters ample time and opportunity to cast their vote on election day. 
 
 ^OTOR VEHICLES AND TRANSPORTATION 
 
 We pledge an honest enforcement of the motor vehicle laws and motor 
 truck act keeping in mind always the safety and protection of the citizens 
 of the State. 
 
 -300- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 We pledge a reduction in the automobile license fee. 
 
 OUR CANBIDATES AND PRESENT CONDITIONS IN ILLINOIS 
 
 We proudly and confidently piE sent to the citizens of Illinois Senator 
 Scott W. Lucas, and upon his record in the United States Senate we urge his 
 reelection. We present also with pride and confidence because of his able, 
 honest, courageous and consistent administration in public office THOMAS J, 
 COURTNEY for GOVERNOR at the head of an unusually fine slate of competent, 
 reliable men and women; EDWARD C. (TED) HUNTER for LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR; 
 EDWARD J. BARRETT for SECRETARY OF STATE; WILLIAM VICARS for AUDITOR OF 
 PUBLIC ACCOUNTS; EARL W, MERRITT for STATE TREASURER; SVEINBJORN JOHNSON 
 for ATTORNEY GENERAL | CASIMIR GRIGLIK for CLERK OF THE SUPREME COURT; EMILY 
 TAFT DOUGLAS for REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, STATE AT LARGE. Each one of 
 these candidates approved the stands squarely upon the foregoing platform. 
 We call upan all the voters ©f this great State to elect these splendid 
 candidates. We call upon the voters to repudiate the present Governor and 
 his political machine, because: 
 
 1. Posing as paragons of virtue in government, they have subverted 
 the interest of the people, in building a ruthless political machine. 
 
 2. They have employed every artifice including shameless use of the 
 cry of State's Rights to deprive the men and women of the Aimed Forces of 
 their right to vote, 
 
 3. The Governor has continually absented himself from the State, 
 pursuing personal political ambitions, while neglecting urgent, critical 
 affairs of State including a wide area of Illinois ravaged by floods. 
 
 4. The Governor has turned deaf ears to the ceuntless requests and 
 demands for Special Sessions of the Legislature. He has refused to permit 
 the Legislature to consider the Amendment to the Soldier's vote, state tax 
 problems and aid to currently returning and needy veterans, all through 
 fear of prejudice to his personal political fortunes, 
 
 5. They have exacted and hoarded an unconscionable Sales Tax surplus 
 of $90,000,000 and refuse to abate that excessive part of the tax responsible 
 therefor, while the surplus continues to grow. 
 
 6. They have refused to abate the General Property Tax for poor 
 relief, though the emergency has passed. 
 
 7. They have failed to appoint as Director of the Department of 
 Labor a representative from the ranks of Union Labor. 
 
 8. We denounce Attorney General Barrett for turning the office of 
 Attorney General into a politicians' workroom where political opinions may 
 be had on order whenever the incumbent or any member-of his machine finds 
 himself in trouble or in need of justification for a breach of official duty. 
 
 ■301- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1944 
 
 The Green Machine has plunged this important office from its high estate, 
 achieved through the conscientious work of a^ong line of able predecessors. 
 We shall restore the office to its constitutional dignity. The opinions of 
 the Attorney General like the opinions of the highest courts, are for the 
 guidance of public officers as well as of private persons, and no man who 
 respects his oath as a lawyer or as a public servant can approach his tasks 
 as Attorney General in any other light. 
 
 9, He insulted and defamed educators in our State University by 
 broadcasting charges which he knew he could not support with a particle of 
 proof. He has disgraced the profession of the law and the office he holds 
 by a cowardly retreat to hide behind falsehood and abuse lAen asked by 
 honorable men for evidence calculated to show the truth of these accusations. 
 
 10, They have administered Relief and Pension laws with a cruel 
 unconcern of the charitable nature and purposes of these laws. 
 
 11, They have permitted dishonest Sales Tax investigators to be 
 appointed without regard to qualification to prey upon and exploit business 
 men, 
 
 12, They have conducted State Welfare Institutions in the interests 
 of the Republican Party and through misrule and fraudulent administration 
 disregarded the good of the patients and been unfaithful to the citizens of 
 Illinois. 
 
 13, They have accunmlated an enormous political slush fund through 
 extortion from State Employees and those doing business with the State, 
 
 14, They have permitted a general breakdown of law enforcement in 
 State territory outside of municipalities. 
 
 15, Through their machine tactics they have made favorites of 
 desperate criminals resulting in repeated escapes from Joliet and St, Charles; 
 they have made Illinois Prisons a laughing stock of the nation. 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Democratic State Central Committee, 
 
 -302- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1946 
 
 Summary of 1946 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Prohibition.) 
 
 Candidate 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican Richard Y. Rowe 
 Democratic Sam Keys 
 
 Counties 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate Carried 
 
 1,959,881 1,046,335 913,546 99 
 1,480,597 974,131 506,466 3 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 State Issues 
 
 National Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 Dem.ocratic 
 
 48.0% 
 15.9% 
 
 32.67. 
 33.0% 
 
 19.3% 
 51.2% 
 
 487 
 2171 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1945-1946 
 
 Rather than anticipated postwar unemployment problems, there was practically 
 
 full employment durir:g the biennium. Appropriations of the General Assembly in 
 1943 were $773 million, or $256 million over the previous biennium. State trust 
 funds totalled $500 million in 1945, a large part in the state unemployment compen- 
 sation fund. An Illinois postwar planning commission was organized in September of 
 1945 to direct the expenditure of $101 million for public works authorized by the 
 legislature. The General Assembly appropriated $10 million for slum clearance and 
 public housing for Chicago, with the city to match the amount. 
 
 Although many farm road to highway and superhighway projects were planned 
 by the state, it was reported in 1946 that highway construction was at a virtual 
 standstill because of labor and material shortages. 
 
 Passage in 1945 of a minimum teacher's salary law of $100 per month, in- 
 tended to force consolidation, did not prove effective and increases were planned. 
 Despite 174 school consolidations in 1946, affecting 897 school districts, Illinois 
 still had more school districts than any other state. 
 
 A proposal to pay a bonus to Illinois veterans passed and was adopted by 
 a 2-1 vote. A proposed constitutional amendment to make the state constitution 
 easier to amend failed for lack of a majority of all votes cast in the 1946 
 election, although the vote on the amendment was 1,273,653 for; 368,108 against. 
 
 Republicans swept the 1946 elections; and in Chicago independent, anti- 
 organization Democrat Martin H. Kennelly defeated Mayor Edward Kelly, who had 
 dcninated Chicago and Cook County politics since 1931. The Chicago school board 
 was reorganized through resignation of members closely identified with the 
 dominant political organization and tiiey were replaced by persons recommended by 
 civic and educational groups. 
 
 A high-speed highway was planned which would run parallel to the Missis- 
 sippi River in Illinois and be part of a 2,500 mile route. 
 
 -303- 
 
REPHKtlCAN PLATFORM OF 1946 
 (Adopted May 23, 1946) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following is 
 a news story from the May 24, 1946, issue of the Chicago Tribune which con- 
 tains the most complete summary of the platform which the compiler could 
 find.) 
 
 Saving Americans from serfdom and their country from ruin are the 
 high goals set for the Republican party in the G.O.P. state platform adopted 
 today at the party's Illinois convention. 
 
 Only these achievements will enable the nation to lead the world to 
 freedom and security, the platform maintains. Details of these aims were 
 reflected in a stinging indictment of the New Deal-Democratic regimes in 
 Washington and Chicago. 
 
 KEPT WITHIN 1.600 WORDS 
 
 In declaring the 1946 Republican program, the writers kept it within 
 approximately 1,600 words — less than half the length of the last platform 
 adopted here in 1944. 
 
 The aggressive portion of the 1946 platform follows: 
 
 "On behalf of the American people, we indict the Democratic national 
 administration of the following: 
 
 "1, It has betrayed the hopes of America in international affairs by 
 sacrificing the bartering away the liberties of Poland, the Baltic and the 
 Balkan states, and of other peoples throughout the world, 
 
 "2. It has yielded to the imperial ambitions of our European allies, 
 but has failed to assert our rights to vital bases for American national 
 defense in the Atlantic and the Pacific. 
 
 LOST THE PEACE 
 
 "3. It has lost the peace by its weak and vacillating diplomacy vrfiich 
 has suffered a succession of the most humiliating defeats in American history. 
 By its failure to formulate a definite and firm peace policy, it is paving 
 the way for World War III. 
 
 "4. Its bungling has brought chaos, confusion and scarcity never before 
 experienced by Americans. Its incompetence has created shortages of housing, 
 of fuel, of vital tools and materials for production, and transportation, of 
 men's womeiis ' and children's clothing and daily needed foods. 
 
 -304- 
 
Republican Platform of 1946 
 
 "5. It has stood impotent in reconversion and production. Its abject 
 failure has caused a disastrous inflationary spiral that threatens the life 
 savings and livelihood of the people. The small businessman is being driven 
 out of existence, while lawless black markets flourish unchecked. 
 
 FAILED TO FULFILL OBLIGATIONS 
 
 "6. It has failed to fulfill America's obligations to its veterans. 
 
 "7. Its policy of placing political advantage above public welfare 
 has bred fear, distrust and uncertainty in the thinking of labor and industry. 
 Its bureaucratic interference has fomented and prolonged industrial disputes. 
 
 "8. It has by its waste, the padding of the public payrolls, and the 
 attempted purchase of favor, saddled a needless burden of taxation and debt 
 on the American people. 
 
 SPENT RECKLESSLY 
 
 "On behalf of the people of Illinois, we indict the Democratic Kelly 
 administration in Chicago and Cook county of the following: 
 
 "1. It has spent recklessly without regard to its income. 
 
 "2. It opposes certain taxes for the payment of a bonus to veterans, 
 but demands the same taxes to perpetuate its political machine. 
 
 "3. It has looted and corrupted the public school system of Chicago. 
 
 "4. It has grown rich, powerful and arrogant through its alliances with 
 racketeers who prey upon the people. 
 
 "5. Its political domination of the police has prevented adequate pro- 
 tection to the people of Chicago against the crimes of rape, murder, robbery, 
 and kidnaping. 
 
 BETRAYED Al-ERICANS 
 
 "6. It has betrayed Americans of various national origins by upholding 
 a national administration that has delivered the homelands of these national- 
 ities into bondage." 
 
 On the state level the platform advocates: 
 
 1. Speedy enactment of the 385 million dollar soldier bonus program 
 at the special session of the legislature opening Friday, with the party 
 pledged to press for approval by the voters at the November 5 referendum. 
 
 ■305- 
 
Republican Platform of 1946 
 
 2. Guarding the administration's 139 million dollar public works pro- 
 gram against raids on the treasury surplus planned by the Democrats. 
 
 3. Support of the "gateway" amendment to the Illinois constitution 
 
 of 1871, at another referendum November 5, to permit submission of amendments 
 to three rather than one article of the constitution at a single election. 
 
 GREATER PART FOR WOMEN 
 
 4. Enlarging the roles to be played by women in the G.O.P. organization, 
 
 5. Extension of the farm to highways road program for which 15 million 
 dollars was appropriated at the 1945 legislative session. 
 
 Other aims include further clarification of property tax laws, improve- 
 ment of rural schools, and encouragement of soil conservation. 
 
 Commendation was extended to the Republican state administration for 
 honesty and efficiency, for putting Illinois first place among the states for 
 aid to veterans, for operating on a cash basis and piling up reserves, for 
 increasing educational expenditures, for more liberal benefits for all classes 
 of the handicapped, for gains in labor and farm legislation. 
 
 SOURCE: Chicago _Daily Tribune , May 24, 1946, 
 
 ■306- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1946 
 (Adopted August lA, 1946) 
 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES 
 
 God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, one year ago today, with the 
 capitulation of the Japanese war machine, gave victory to this nation, and 
 our allies, in democracy's greatest triumph over the satanic forces of 
 godless aggression. 
 
 Today, as delegates of the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois, 
 we meet in the City of Springfield solemnly aware of the responsibility which 
 that victory places upon all men of good will to dedicate themselves to the 
 work of perfecting a just and lasting peace. 
 
 Two years ago when we last met, this nation was in the throes of the 
 most gigantic struggle in human history. To the war waged against pagan and 
 tyrannical fascism and naziism we had dedicated all our resources in wealth 
 and human material. Led by the most inspired and humane statesman of our age, 
 labor and industry combined to perform the greatest miracle of all times which 
 converted this country into the most stupendous arsenal for the defense of 
 civilization. 
 
 For our own part in the combat we had mobilized more than 12 million 
 men. They were cared for and provided for as no army has ever been in the 
 annals of history. In an unprecedentedly short space of time they were armed, 
 trained and deployed over all the continents and all the seas. Fired by the 
 courage and idealism of the Commander-in-Chief they turned the Axis challenge 
 to man's highest aspirations into history's most glorious victory for freedom, 
 justice and democracy. 
 
 The enslaved of the world were liberated; brutality was dealt its death 
 blow; tyranny and oppression were annihilated along with their malignant 
 apostles who aspired to enslave and dominate mankind. 
 
 Behind the Commander-in-Chief stood all the men and women of this nation, 
 without distinction of race, color, creed or political philosophy, save only 
 a small coterie of willful men v^ose isolationist spirit never deserted them. 
 Had their counsel prevailed over the providentially inspired leadership of 
 Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the Nazis would have beaten this nation in the race 
 to perfect the atom bomb in time to subdue the whole world, including our 
 America, We would now be writhing under the heel of the most abominable 
 tyrants ever placed upon this earth. 
 
 The entire vrarld mourned because President Roosevelt died when victory 
 was in sight, with the exception of the "die hards" who even now seek to 
 blacken his reputation and desecrate his memory. He left behind him a legacy 
 of unparalleled human value - a spirit of justice, democracy and liberalism, 
 together with the blueprints for its application to a peace-loving society. 
 
 -307- 
 
Democratic Platform of 19A6 
 
 The Democratic Party acknowledges that it is in duty bound to guard and 
 preserve this sacred legacy. This is in keeping with the great and in- 
 destructible traditions of our Party. 
 
 In President Roosevelt the nation beheld this generation's most 
 forceful champion of the hopes, strivings, and aspirations of our Party. 
 
 By practical application he gave new meaning to the doctrine that 
 all men were endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right to "life, 
 liberty and the pursuit of happiness." 
 
 Jefferson, Jackson, Cleveland and Wilson and their ideals were reborn 
 in the personality and the leadership of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 
 
 The aims to which they were devoted, Roosevelt put into action, and 
 with his compelling intellect imbued the peace-loving people of the world 
 vrith a new appreciation of freedom in time to save civilization from being 
 shipwrecked. With unerring vision he marked out the path of America's 
 destiny - the destiny to lead the nations of the world toward the highest 
 plane where peace, justice, equality and democracy shall dominate men's 
 hearts and rule human affairs. 
 
 Nor were his contributions to the domestic welfare of our nation less 
 striking. Under his indomitable leadership privilege was dethroned and its 
 rule destroyed. The common man was lifted to a position of dignity and self 
 respect; labor was emancipated and set free; the crudnlng, devastating panic - 
 the result of subservience by his immediate predecessors to the greed which 
 consigned a third of America's population to dependence upon charity - was 
 conquered. The strengch and virulence of our economy was fashioned into a 
 potent weapon to save the world from hideous despair. 
 
 The passing of this champion of human happiness immediately encouraged 
 the forces of reaction to seek to recapture their former position of dominance, 
 Fortunately, the mantle of leadership ^.Aiich dropped from his shoulders fell 
 upon the shoulders of another who proved himself worthy of the inheritance. 
 Catapulted into the frightening position of responsibility by the accident 
 of one tragic moment, Harry S, Truman, President of the United States, has 
 attained stature which history will record as extraordinary. 
 
 The record of the Trximan administration shows conclusively that it has 
 more than adequately met the challenge of the difficult problems presented 
 by the country's transition from war to peace. 
 
 As a United States Senator, he was truly a liberal. As President, he 
 is carrying on in the spirit of his predecessor with unique courage, intelli- 
 gence and effectiveness. 
 
 Under his stewardship the Senate approved the United Nations Charter 
 with such speed and unanimity that the whole world became aware of America's 
 unswerving devotion to the cause of peace and her determination to secure it 
 for posterity. In foreign affairs, the Atlantic Charter and the principles 
 of the Four Freedoms are the rocks upon which President Truman stands. 
 
 •308- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1946 
 
 We xrarn the remnant of isolationists that the conspiracy of the Repub- 
 lican leadership which drew into its orbit a small minority of reactionary 
 and renegade Democrats will not move Harry S. Truman from the position he 
 has assumed. 
 
 These renegade Democrats are false to the true ideals of our party. 
 We summon the people of Illinois and of the nation to witness that although 
 they profess membership in our Party for the service of their own personal 
 political expediency, they are not representative of its real aims and its 
 liberal principles. 
 
 We ask all liberal Americans, regardless of party, to join with us in 
 repudiating these traitors to our party's liberal and progressive tenets. 
 
 We denounce the conspiracy of reactionary Republicans and dissident 
 Democrats, and every senator and congressman who is a party to it, whether 
 he parades as a Republican or Democrat. We denounce them as enemies of the 
 highest aspirations of this country, and accuse them of undermining the 
 structure of orderly and speedy social and economic reconversion. 
 
 If America is to fulfill its destiny of leading the world toward 
 justice, peace and human decency, the road to these goals must be prepared 
 by a genuinely democratic way of life here at home. 
 
 We denounce every form of racialism. We denounce all \A\o, wittingly 
 or unwittingly, are fostering fascism, communism or any other un-American 
 philosophy. Already the conspiracy in Congress has hindered the progress of 
 our Country and indirectly endangered the peace of the world. By overt acts, 
 in pursuit of the conspiracy, they have: 
 
 Done to death the fair employment practice Act; sabotaged the anti- 
 poll tax and the anti-lynch Law proposals; passed the infamous anti-Labor 
 Case Bill, fortunately vetoed by the President; diluted the Full Employment 
 Law; killed the Minimum Wage Law; strangled the sorely needed Housing Program; 
 emasculated the Price Control system which saved the country from devastating 
 inflation; stymied the broadening of Social Security; and subordinated the 
 welfare of our country to their own political fortunes. 
 
 In short, they have put upon the auction block America's future happines 
 and moral assets, offering to sell us out on terms of their own unsavory politi 
 advantages . 
 
 The entrenched Republican high command stands solidly behind and gives 
 aid and comfort to these conspirators. With eyes riveted to their rickety 
 vote-catching machine they are blinded to the problems confronting their 
 country and the world. Upon a resurgence of reaction they pin their hope of 
 success. Upon this objective they are spending their material fortunes and 
 their scanty moral remnants. The best evidence of the bankruptcy of their 
 leadership is that they chose the reactionary and intolerant Carroll Reece 
 as their National Chairman. 
 
 -309- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1946 
 
 To defeat this machiavellian intrigue, we, the Democratic Party of 
 Illinois, call upon our citizens to organize a crusade so formidable as to 
 inspire all other parts of the country. 
 
 We caution Labor not to be misled by petty favors or empty promises 
 of the Republican machine politicans. They are the tools and handmaidens 
 of a well organized plot to rob the working men of their recent gains 
 acquired through the strength and good will of the Democratic Administration. 
 
 We pledge our Party to unrelenting war upon all those elements in 
 or out of office who would seek to undermine the social gains made by Labor 
 during the last fourteen years of Democratic rule. 
 
 We charge that the course pursued by the Republican leadership is 
 chartered and paved by those forces which are consumed by contempt for the 
 common man. 
 
 The return to power of the reactionary Republican Party would mean 
 ultimate return to that type of "rugged individualism" under which we had 
 child labor, starvation wages, sub-human levels of subsistence, the exploita- 
 tion of workers, stock gambling, skyrocketing inflation and all the horrors 
 of hunger amidst plenty. 
 
 There must be no return to the inhumane ohilosophy of government 
 exempli ftefl by the national administrations of Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. 
 
 There must be no return to Koover breadlines, soup kitchens, closed 
 banks, nation-wide farm and home foreclosures, tax strikes and mass un- 
 employment . 
 
 There must be no return to the collapse of business and industry, 
 to bonus marches, to sky-high inflation and black, bottomless depression. 
 
 There must be no return to market crashes and the loss of life-time 
 savings. 
 
 Remember the year of 1932, the confusion and chaos, the trembling 
 
 fear and bewilderment of a country blessed with abundance but bereft of 
 
 hope, of faith and enlightened leadership. 
 
 corner". 
 
 'Remember the Hoover promises that "prosperity is just around the 
 
 Remember the war and the precious blood shed in the defense of those 
 human values which Americans hold so dear. 
 
 Remember the new powers of destruction already developed and the 
 greater powers in the course of development whose force is ample to destroy 
 the whole human race. 
 
 Remember the sad plight of American agriculture under Hoover, and 
 its restoration to ecomomic equality by Democratic measures whi cli saved the 
 farmer from complete ruination. 
 
 •310- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1946 
 
 Remembering these things, let us not gamble with out destiny by giving 
 encouragement in any way to a leadership which is traditionally -- and almost 
 biologically — isolationist. Isolation and greed breed distrust and disunity, 
 and this double-headed monster begets war, tyranny and oppression. 
 
 We pledge ourselves to stand by and support President Truman in his 
 efforts to win the peace, to insure justice and prosperity for all people of 
 this country, and in his devotion to the principles and policies of Franklin 
 Delano Roosevelt. 
 
 To this end we join hands with all those citizens who strive for an 
 Illinois, and an America, strong, powerful and resolute in its determination 
 to give citizens of every color, race, creed and national origin equality of 
 rights, full and decent employment, and freedom from discrimination and ex- 
 ploitation. 
 
 Upon the foundations of democracy laid by Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln, 
 Cleveland, Wilson and Roosevelt, the Democratic Party is building and proposes 
 to complete an enduring sanctuary for liberalism and progress. 
 
 We in Illinois are the proud legatees of a liberal tradition stemming 
 from the philosophy of freedom for all men which was written into the Ordinance 
 drawn up for the government of the old Northwest Territory, and maintained 
 as the guiding spirit of the Democratic state administrations of Altgeld, 
 Dunne and Homer. 
 
 Out of the crucible of fire and blood we have emerged mature, strong 
 and courageous. Our forward march must not be checked by entrusting our 
 destiny to the overlords of privilege, greed and selfishness. 
 
 In the trials and suffering of our country's development, the Democratic 
 Party has ever been the defender and the preserver of liberal thought and 
 action. 
 
 This role it will never abandon. 
 
 Pursuant to the directives of the several resolutions adopted and 
 ratified by the convention, we declare our platform to be that: 
 
 1. We endorse the soldier's bonus bond issue despite the man-handling 
 of the issue by the Republican governor and his controlled legislators. 
 
 2. We approve the GI Bill of Rights and other benefits assured World 
 War II veterans under the Truman administration and pledge support for all 
 future legislation necessary to protect the needs of the veterans and their 
 families. 
 
 3. We propose the use of state funds, allocated on a population basis 
 to local governments, for use in providing both temporary and permanent housing 
 for veterans. 
 
 4. We pledge that none of labor's rights shall be abridged and re- 
 affirm our stand for its right to bargain collectively. 
 
 -311- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1946 
 
 5, We denounce all un-American organizations and individuals that 
 stand against equality of employment for all persons of whatever race, creed 
 or color, 
 
 6, We condemn the Hiinois Republican Congressional bloc as the most 
 reactionary from any state in the Union, 
 
 7, We condemn the Green Republican state machine because it is the 
 most extravagant and inhumane in the history of Illinois, 
 
 8, We urge the adoption of the Gateway Amendment to the Constitution. 
 
 9, We favor legislation permitting the people to vote on the question 
 of a Constitutional Convention. 
 
 10. We pledge continuation of our support of enlightened farm policies 
 and favor legislation to preserve and improve the prosperity of the farmer. 
 
 11. We recognize, and pledge ourselves to protect, the rights of small 
 business, and we stand for free enterprise under such regulations as are 
 necessary to prevent monopoly and safeguard the sound economy of the nation. 
 
 12. We pledge non-partisan and efficient administration of the Univer- 
 sity of Illinois, 
 
 13. We demand increased allotments of state funds to the aged, blind 
 and other dependents of the state. 
 
 14. We advocate the return to all local governments in the state of 
 a reasonable portion of state revenues collected from such communities, in- 
 cluding the immediate allocation to such local governments of the huge cash 
 surplus in the state treasury for the reduction of local tax burdens. 
 
 15. We pledge non-political and humane administration of state insti- 
 tutions, 
 
 16. We acclaim the valiant contributions made to the war effort by 
 American women and pledge that they will always have a voice in Democratic 
 party affairs, 
 
 17. We demand that young Americans who have attained the age of 18 
 years be given the right to vote. 
 
 18. We demand equitable and honest judicial, congressional and sena- 
 torial re-apportionment. 
 
 19. We demand a Constitutional Amendment giving municipalities home 
 rule, 
 
 20. We demand legislation providing for modern methods of conserving 
 the natural resources of Illinois. 
 
 21. We pledge the Democratic members of the Legislature to work for 
 revision of the absentee voting laws to protect the integrity of the ballot. 
 
 22. We approve American participatic?. in the United Nations and the 
 World Court, and with respect to the world's smaller nations, we affirm the 
 position taken by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Atlantic Charter, and re- 
 iterated by President Truman. 
 
 23c We applaud the valiar.t fight for continued price controls made 
 under leadership of the Truman admiaistration and declare that if the general 
 prosperity the nation has enjoyed under adequate safeguards against inflation 
 are wiped out the responsibility will rest entirely upon the Republican 
 leadership which attempted to knock out OoPoA, 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 -312- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1948 
 
 Summary of 1948 Elections (Minor parties on the ballot were the Prohibi- 
 tion, Socialist and Socialist Labor.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Do^mstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Thomas E. Dewey 
 
 1,961,103 
 
 
 1,015,800 
 
 945,303 
 
 77 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Harry S. Truman 
 
 1,994,715 
 
 
 1,216,636 
 
 778,079 
 
 25 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Dwight H. Green 
 
 1,678,007 
 
 
 840,218 
 
 837,789 
 
 53 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Adlai E. Stevenson 
 
 2,250,074 
 
 
 1,386,642 
 
 863,432 
 
 49 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National Issues 
 
 Other 
 
 No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 94.67, 
 
 
 0, 
 
 .0% 
 
 5.47, 
 
 368 
 
 Democratic 
 
 72.27o 
 
 
 4, 
 
 .37, 
 
 23.47, 
 
 2006 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1947-1948 
 
 Congressional redistricting was accomplished in 1947; Chicago area representa 
 tion increased from 10 to 13 districts. Population inequities had developed to such 
 a degree since the last redistricting back in 1901 that the 7th district had nearly 
 1 million inhabitants and the adjoining 5th, only 112,000. 
 
 Total appropriations for the biennium passed the $1 billion mark for the 
 first time. Legis lation allowed cities to impose a half-cent sales tax for local 
 purposes if approved by a referendum. A permissive rent control law was passed, 
 and $20 million was set aside as state grants for city slum clearance and redevelop- 
 ment. Illinois, which had one of the lowest percentages of state contributions to 
 local schools, increased that contribution from $54.6 million in 1946 to $81.8 
 million in 1947. 
 
 By 1948 Illinois faced a critical situation in the problem of highway repair 
 and rebuilding. Because most of the state's paved roads were built about the same 
 time some 20 years previously, nearly all needed major repairs. Engineers estimated 
 a need of $1 billion for basic repairs and about $2 billion to put the roads in 
 fairly good condition. An increase in the gasoline tax was proposed to meet part 
 of the costs. 
 
 School consolidation was taking place rapidly in 1948 as a result of a 
 state law providing for unit reorganization. Construction began in the fall of 
 1948 in Mt. Vernon for the first state-operated tuberculosis sanitarium; ground 
 was broken in the summer at Flora for the first hospital in the Middlewest to be 
 built under a new state-federal hospital program. 
 
 An explosion in a gas-filled coal mine at Centralia killed 111 trapped 
 miners on March 25, 1947. A survey in Iron Ap,e magazine in 1948 showed Chicago the 
 leading metalworking center, employing 447,000, with Detroit's 398,000 ranking secon 
 
 •313- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1948 
 (Adopted August 19, 1948) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following 
 news stories were found in the August 19-20, 1948 issues of the Chicago 
 Tribune which contain the most complete summary of the platform which the 
 compiler could find.) 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, August 18. An Illinois Republican platform 
 promising to assist tax poor cities and praising the Green administration for 
 "the greatest progress in the state's history" was drafted today for adoption 
 at a reconvened state convention tomorrow. 
 
 It pledges to "undertake to assist local governments to meet the 
 fiscal problems which New Deal inflation has thrust upon them." 
 
 "Our goal shall be to find adequate sources of revenue for the necessary 
 functions of local government without increasing the burden of taxes on real 
 and personal property," it says. 
 
 AID PLUGGED BY DEMOCRATS 
 
 Democrats are plugging state aid to hard-up cities as a major campaign 
 issue. Their party leaders have recommended that a plank calling for diversion 
 of state sales tax revenue to cities be included in the Democratic platform 
 to be adopted next week. 
 
 Governor Green repeatedly has rejected the cities' demands on the 
 state treasury, saying the state needs all the cash it has. 
 
 The G.O.P. document, expected to be approved without change by conven- 
 tion delegates, will be presented during the Republican day rally at the state 
 fair tomorrow. 
 
 Governor Earl Warren of California, the party's nominee for Vice Presi- 
 dent, will be the principal speaker. Green and Senator Brooks, both seeking 
 re-election, also will speak. 
 
 O.K. NATIONAL PLATFORM 
 
 The policy statement, drawn by a platform subcommittee, indorses the 
 Republican national platform "on every question of national policy." 
 
 It urges the defeat in November of "those confused and inadequate 
 persons now in charge" of the federal government. 
 
 •314- 
 
Republican Platform of 19A8 
 
 It says that Green has made "unprecedented achievements" during his 
 two four-year terms and pledges to continue Green's "sound principles of 
 economy and to impose no unnecessary tax burden," 
 
 Here is what the proposed platform says on some other subjects: 
 
 EDUCATION — "We pledge to continue the policies which have nearly 
 trebled the state's contribution to the common schools in the last eight 
 years and to complete the program for expansion of the University of Illinois 
 and the state colleges." 
 
 LABOR AND HOUSING 
 
 LABOR — "The right of free collective bargaining should be restored 
 to labor and management without vesting arbitrary power in government to 
 enforce involuntary terms and conditions. We shall protect and safeguard 
 every legislative gain which labor has won in Illinois." 
 
 HOUSING--"We shall maintain and expand the Illinois housing program 
 under which state funds have assisted local authorities" in clearing slums 
 and providing homes. 
 
 Commending the "statesmanship and diligence" of Senator Brooks, the 
 platform says "his prestige and ability make him of inestimable value to 
 his country and his state." 
 
 Springfield, Illinois, August 19. The Illinois Republican platform 
 was adopted today at the recessed state convention held in conjunction with 
 the Governor's day program at the state fair. 
 
 Also adopted was the 1948 national platform "on every question of 
 nacional policy contained therein." 
 
 The Illinois platform urges defeat of the "confused and inadequate" 
 men in charge of the federal executive branch. It asks cooperation of 
 Democrats who hoped for a nominee, other than President Truman. 
 
 PRAISES GREEN RECORD 
 
 Perhaps the main point of the platform is the following? 
 
 "Governor Green has kept taxes down. In 1941 he insisted that the 
 3 cent sales tax be reduced to 2 cents. He terminated the practice of 
 the previous Democratic administration in declaring an emergency every 
 two years and increasing the tax for that period. 
 
 -315- 
 
Republican Platform of 1948 
 
 '\le has refused to levy any state tax on homes, farms, and personal 
 property. He has resisted every proposal for a state income tax. Illinois 
 citizens pay less per person in taxes than the citizens of 30 other states." 
 
 ?6S%:^ciated with this ftabement was one that the G.O.P, will assist 
 local governments to meet financial burdens "which New Deal inflation has 
 thrust upon them." 
 
 PRESERVE HOME RULE 
 
 'lOur goal shall be to find adequate sources of revenue," the platform 
 states, "for the necessary functions of local government without increasing 
 the burden of taxes on real and personal property but preserving the principle 
 of home rule." 
 
 A balanced budget has been combined with sound advancements in state 
 activity never before paralleled, the platform reported. 
 
 Aid to public schools has been almost trebled since the Democratic 
 regime. The nation's most "generous veterans' bonus has been put through with 
 referendum approval, a slum clearance housing program has been well started 
 with cooperation of free enterprise, and public aid systems have been extended 
 with home rule restored, according to the platform. 
 
 The labor plank is based upon the relative freedom from destructive 
 strikes in Illinois. 
 
 SUPPORT LABOR POLICIES 
 
 "We will support and maintain the Republican policies which have 
 provided for labor new and greater safeguards and benefits under the laws 
 of the state, and which have promoted sound labor relations and full employ- 
 ment in Illinois," this plank reads. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 -316- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1948 
 (Adopted August 26, 1948) 
 
 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES 
 
 We, the Democratic Party in Illinois believe and affirm that Illinois 
 can and must have honest, thrifty, clean government. We bespeak for our 
 candidates the support of all good citizens of Illinois who share these our 
 principles: 
 
 (1) Government has no greater responsibility than our school system. 
 We believe in adequate appropriations for the schools. 
 
 (2) The state should divert a portion of its excess revenues, in- 
 cluding sales tax, to assist localities, both rural and urban, 
 to relieve the overburdened taxpayers. 
 
 (3) Politics must be utterly removed from mine inspection by placing 
 mine inspectors under rigid civil service. The tragedy of 
 Centralia must not be repeated. 
 
 (4) There is no room on the public payrolls for employees who render 
 no service to the State, We shall demand a full day's work for 
 each day's pay, 
 
 (5) Public officials who profit from crime, vice and gambling should 
 be subjected to the full penalities of the law. 
 
 (6) Shakedowns and all forms of tyranny and corruption must be rooted 
 out from the public service. 
 
 (7) The Department of Conservation should be re-organized so that it 
 will serve its public purpose without graft or politics. 
 
 (8) There should be security and stability given to the State Civil 
 Service employees. 
 
 (9) Brutality must stop and humane, modern conditions of care and 
 treatment must be restored in the State hospitals for the 
 mentally ill and the correctional institutions. 
 
 (10) We emphatically support legislation for a State Constitutional 
 Convention. 
 
 (11) There should be enacted into law a Fair Employment Practices 
 Act. The Civil Rights statutes of the State of Illinois should 
 be vigorously enforced. 
 
 (12) The allowance for our aged men and women should be increased to 
 meet the demands of the increased cost of living, 
 
 (13) The Green-Butler full assessment law should be administered so 
 as to remove inequalities and injustices in local taxation. 
 
 (14) Every effort should be made to bring about industrial peace 
 between labor and management. We will protect the gains of 
 labor made under Democratic administrations, both State and 
 Nation, and shall oppose any restrictive and repressive legis- 
 lation affecting the rights of labor. 
 
 (15) Agriculture is the basic industry of Illinois. We favor 
 strengthening the soil conservation laws and state services to 
 farmers. The Illinois road system must be restored and improved 
 from farm to highway to market. 
 
 •317. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 (16) We stand for a housing program which would provide adequate 
 housing for veterans and those citizens of Illinois who are 
 compelled to live under sub-standard conditions. 
 
 (17) We assure veterans of our continuing support and help in 
 their problems in re-adjustment-re-employment, re-habilitation 
 and proper hospitalization. 
 
 (18) Women of this State have served Illinois nobly and constructively. 
 We favor a non-discrimination policy with respect to women in 
 employment, political and social life. 
 
 (19) We recognize the importance of the small businessmen to the 
 state and to the smaller communities. We pledge ourselves to 
 protect the right of small business and to establish a State 
 Department to give aid and assistance to the small businessmen 
 in their various problems and to prevent monopoly and safeguard 
 sound economy, 
 
 (20) We advocate an amendment of the State Constitution to permit 
 persons who have reached the age of 18 the right to vote. 
 
 We pledge to the people of Illinois that the principles enunciated 
 herein shall be incorporated into legislation which the Democratic Party, 
 through its duly elected State officers and representatives, will sincerely 
 and v*»oleheartedly support. 
 
 RESOLUTION-NATIONAL PLATFORM 
 
 WHEREAS, we, the Democratic Party in Convention assembled this 26th 
 day of August 1948, do hereby enthusiastically and wholeheartedly endorse 
 and acclaim the inspiring 1948 Democratic National platform adopted at the 
 Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in July 1948. 
 
 VETERANS RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic Party has always held as its main objectives 
 the well being and care of the veteran, the disabled, the widow, and orphan 
 as demonstrated by legislation which has been the result of our efforts for 
 their assiduous care; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic Party in Illinois has always stood and will 
 continue to strongly s"jpport their rights in civil service, re-habilitation, 
 unemployment, re-adjustment, and modern hospitalization, and proper care 
 in mental institutions, together with the protection of their widows and 
 orphans ; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic Party in Illinois has supported and will 
 continue to support all measures and programs beneficial to the veterans; 
 and 
 
 WHEREAS, we advocate the passage of special legislation that will 
 facilitate the building of homes so sorely needed by removing such obstacles 
 under present state laws that discourage and prevent an intelligent and 
 practical program; and 
 
 ■318- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 WHEREAS, we further urge the enactment of both Federal and State 
 laws that will by their practical application implement a gigantic housing 
 program sorely needed for the elimination of this housing shortage; 
 
 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of the 
 State of Illinois in Convention assembled this 26th Day of August, 1948, A.D., 
 do hereby pledge our v^olehearted support to such Veteran legislation through 
 the Democratic members of both the Congress and the Legislature of our State. 
 
 AGRICULTURE - RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Illinois recognizes the responsibility 
 
 that the agricultural industry has in the welfare of the Nation and of the 
 formation of a plan and a program that will make for economic stability of 
 that industry^ and 
 
 MEREAS, the Illinois State Conservation District law was passed 
 during the previous Democratic administration; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, 
 
 (1) that our Party pledges that it will consult ^ th chosen leaders 
 
 of agriculture in regard to any and all purposed changes to the statute 
 affecting the agricultural industry; and 
 
 (2) that this party go on record as favoring the strengthening of our 
 
 soil conservation law and assist the Illinois Legislature in passing 
 measures '.■jhich will make the prevention of soil erosion a major agri- 
 cultural project in Illinois; 
 
 (3) that this party go on record as favoring the continuance of 
 state aid for farm to highway roads and the support of adequate appro- 
 priation for this purpose and for the continuance of a road research 
 commission to study the field of road development; 
 
 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it will pass legislation to secure the 
 fair and complete assessment of property so that assessments of various 
 communities within a county will be equitable and that it will work to further 
 animal disease control and research in the field of animal disease and for 
 c'ha t reason favors an appropriation for veterinary medicine building at the 
 University of Illinois; and to co^ntinue cooperation with the federal fann 
 and home administration and urge its continuance so that owiiership of* family 
 sized farms is cnade possible tO' farmers who cannot otherwise obtain adequate 
 credit; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLWD, that we^, the Democratic Party of Illinois, 
 in Convention assembled this 26th day of August 1948, A.D,, adopt the foregoing. 
 
 CIVIL RICaiTS RESOLUTION 
 
 WKEREAS, the Democratic Party is responsible for the great gains civil 
 rights made in recent years and the Democratic Party commits itself to eradicate 
 
 ■319- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 all racial, religious and economic discrimination; and 
 
 WHEREAS, to preserve democracy in our state the Democratic Party of 
 Illinois 
 
 (1) Proposes the establishment of a Commission on Human Relations 
 as a governmental agency, with adequate appropriations for the pro- 
 motion of good will and understanding among the people throughout 
 our state; 
 
 (2) Condemns unfair employment practices in and out of government, 
 based on national origin, religion, sex, race, color or creed: (Such 
 practices, discriminatory, and, degrading and cast the victims thereof 
 into a low estate.) Those practices are a form of a social and economic 
 "police state", and contrary to democracy and civic morality. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois 5- 
 
 (a) is committed to the out-lawing of such practices by legislation. 
 
 (b) to the establishment by law, of a Fair Employment Practice Com- 
 mission, supported by adequate appropriations for salaries, adequate 
 personnel and enforcement powers to wipe out the evils of unfair employ- 
 ment practices; 
 
 (c) to the issuance of an Exceutive Order, by the Government of our 
 state, creating at once, a Fair Employment Practice Commission, for 
 immediate governmental action, within the framework of state employment- 
 pending legislative action; 
 
 (d) the establishment of a Fair Educational Practice Commission 
 directed against discrimination based on race, sex, color, creed and 
 national origin in the admission of students to private educational 
 institutions . 
 
 (e) the establishment of a Fair Health Practice program, forbidding 
 discrimination a nd segregation by public or private agencies based on 
 race, color, sex, creed or national origin with respect to the training 
 of doctors and nurses, the admission of patients to hospitals, clinics 
 and similar institutions and the right of doctors and nurses to practice 
 in hospitals; 
 
 (3) condemns practices of segregation and discrimination based on 
 national origin;, religion, sex, color, race or creed in all public, 
 "quasi -pub lie";, tax exempted institutions and other agencies; 
 
 (4) is dedicated to guarantee the right of security of the person; 
 
 (5) condemns, as opposed to every principle of democracy; 
 
 (a) segregation in the Illinois National Guard based on national 
 origin, religion, color, race or creed and is committed to the issuance 
 of an Executive Order by the Chief Executive of our state for its 
 immediate abolition; 
 
 (b) discrimination and segregation in public housing projects; 
 
 -320- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 (6) and urges the strengthening of our Civil Rights law by amending 
 the Illinois Civil Rights statute and by placing specific responsibility 
 for prosecution of violation thereof as the duty of the Attorney General 
 of this state; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of the State 
 of Illinois, in Convention assembled this 26th day of August, 19A8, A,D., 
 do hereby support the principles herein set forth. 
 
 RE SOLUTION- -HIGH COST OF LIVING 
 
 WHEREAS, the cost of living has reached unprecedented heights in our 
 economic society; and 
 
 MEREAS, every man, woman and child in our nation are suffering because 
 of the tremendously increased cost of living; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the plain people of America are caught in this vicious spiral 
 of increased living costs; and 
 
 WHEREAS, inflation has created innumerable hardships on all people of 
 America; and 
 
 MIEREAS, the Republican Party is directly responsible for this condi- 
 tion, although the Republican Party in 19A6 promised the people of our nation 
 that if controls were eliminated the law of supply and demand would adjust 
 our economy; and 
 
 WHEREAS, since 1946 official statistics report that the cost of living 
 has increased 31%; and 
 
 WHEREAS, unless Republican candidates for congress are defeated and 
 Democratic candidates elected in November their misguided policies will 
 5.mpose even greater hardship and suffering on large numbers of American 
 people; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of the State 
 of Illinois, in Conventiom assembled this 26th day of August, 1948, do 
 hereby condemn the 80th Congress for its failures to alleviate the economic 
 burdens of the people of this nation and we denounce the Republican controlled 
 80th Congress and its leadership in the recent special session for its do 
 nothing record. 
 
 RESOLUTION— LABOR 
 
 WHEREAS, the platform adopted by the Democratic National Convention 
 calls for the repeal of the Taft-Hartley Act; and 
 
 ■321- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 I WHEREAS, while posing as a friend of labor in Illinois, Governor Green 
 and his machine have supported Congressmen who imposed the Taft-Hartley bill 
 upon labor; and 
 
 WHEREAS, in Illinois, maladministration of inspection and safety laws 
 has led to the shameful condition of 107o of all industrial injuries in the 
 nation occurring in the State of Illinois; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Green Machine has done nothing in eight years to improve 
 the position of labor, and has spurned the pleas of labor unions for legis- 
 lation extending unemployment benefits to unemployed who are sick; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, we the Democratic Party of the State 
 of Illinois in Convention assembled this 26th day of August, 1948, in 
 accordance with the National Platform, do hereby state that we are urging 
 the repeal of the Taft-Hartley law. We pledge ourselves to the complete 
 enforcement of the industrial inspection laws of Illinois; the extension of 
 unemployment benefits to the sick and to the promotion of every constructive 
 measure designed to promote labor's cause. 
 
 RESOLUTION— LUCAS 
 
 WHEREAS, Sebate Scott W. Lucas has served with great distinction in 
 the Congress of the United States Congress, as a member of the House of 
 Representatives and as Senator since 1935; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Senator Lucas has during his legislative career been the 
 unfailing and forthright champion of progressive, liberal government; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Senator Lucas has given tirelessly of his energies and his 
 wisdom to the service of the best interests of the people of Illiskois, pro- 
 moting the welfare of business, labor, agriculture, industry, and has con- 
 tributed notably to the advancement of measures designed to benefit war 
 veterans; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Senator Lucas is regarded, not only by the people of his own 
 State, but of the entire nation, as endowed with capacities of leadership 
 unsurpassed by any member of the Senate; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic delegation of Illinois members of the House 
 of Representatives have in harmony with ^arty policies and principles, givan 
 intelligent, faithful, and forceful implementation to every measure calculated 
 to strengthen and broaden these humanitarian ideals; and 
 
 WHEREAS, Edvrard J. Barrett has served since 1945 as Secretary of State 
 of Illinois; and 
 
 WHEREAS, he has rendered notable service to the people of Illinois as 
 State Treasurer and as State Auditor; and 
 
 VHEREAS, he is a veteran of both World Wars, whose devotion to the 
 furtherance of the aims and ideals of ex-service men and women has been 
 continuingly expressed in action which accounts for many of the major gains 
 made in behalf of the veterans of Illinois; and 
 
 •322- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 WHEREAS, his administration of the office of Secretary of State, as 
 of the other state offices he has held, has earned majority commendation of 
 the general public; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of Illinois 
 express our admiring appreciation of the signal service these great Democrats 
 have given the State of Illinois, always reflecting credit upon the Party and 
 bringing immeasurable public acceptance to the candidates and the principles 
 which our party proudly presents to the people of this state. 
 
 RESOLUTION— TRUMAN AND BARK|«EY 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic party is the party of the people; and 
 
 WHEREAS, it is a party of Altgeld, Dunne and Horner, and has fought 
 the battle of the poor and oppressed; of the sick and the aged; of labor and 
 the farmer; and has established in the State of Illinois a tradition of honest, 
 able and fearless government; and 
 
 WHEREAS, it has authored progressive legislation which has brought 
 safety and security to the people of Illinois and has removed the property 
 tax; and 
 
 WHEREAS, we take pride in the accomplishments and contributions to 
 the good people of the State; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic Party in Illinois has been in complete faith 
 with the liberal constructive progressive administrations of Franklin D. 
 Roosevelt and his successor, Harry S„ Truman; and 
 
 WHEREAS, the Democratic National Convention selected as our standard 
 bearer an outstanding American soldier and patriot; a friend of the plain 
 people, a champion of human rights; a fighter for the cause of the common 
 man, Harry S. Truman^ and 
 
 WHEREAS, our party's Convention at Philadelphia selected as his running 
 mate the eminent patriot, Alben W„ Barkley of Keritucky, who has for more than 
 half century lent distinction to the councils of his party and to the progress 
 of his nation; NOW 
 
 THEREFOR?, BE IT RESOLVED, that, we the Democratic Party of the State 
 of Illinois, in Convention assembled this 26th day of August, 1948, do hereby 
 pledge our unswerving support and assistance to the two great Americans who 
 have been chosen as the standard bearers of our party in the momentous elec- 
 tion year of 1948-=Harry S. Truman for President and Alben W. Barkley for 
 Vice President. 
 
 RESOt,0TION - MARTIN Ho KENNELLY 
 
 WHEREAS, the administration of Chicago's City Government by an out- 
 standing Democrat, Martin H. Kennelly, has become a model of efficiency, 
 integrity, honesty and economy for the Nation; and 
 
 •323- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1948 
 
 WHEREAS, in the period since his election in 1947 Mayor Martin H, 
 Kennelly has gone far toward fulfilling every promise he made to the people 
 of Chicago; and 
 
 WHEREAS, his leadership has inspired a new spirit of civic pride 
 among Chicagoans; NOW 
 
 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of the State 
 of Illinois, in Convention assembled this 26th day of August, 1948, A,D„, do 
 hereby proclaim our pride in the progressive principles advocated, urged and 
 supported by Martin H. Kennelly and we do hereby pledge to him our continued 
 wholehearted support in his endeavors to make Chicago greater. 
 
 SOURCES Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 •324- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1950 
 
 Summary of 1950 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Prohibition.) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Everett M. Dirksen 
 
 1,951,984 
 
 996,257 
 
 955,727 
 
 82 
 
 Democratic Scott W. Lucas 
 
 1,657,630 
 
 988,132 
 
 669,498 
 
 20 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican William G. Stratton 
 
 1,959,734 
 
 988,840 
 
 970,894 
 
 95 
 
 Democratic Michael Hewlett 
 
 1,568,765 
 
 962,935 
 
 605,830 
 
 7 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No 
 
 . Words 
 
 Republican 28.9% 
 
 Democratic (a summary only) 
 
 50.0% 
 
 21.1% 
 
 1297 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1949-1950 
 
 After five earlier defeats, in 1950 the Gateway Amendment to the Illinois 
 Constitution, making it easier to amend the 1870 constitution, was adopted by the 
 voters. Republicans swept the 1950 elections, and for the first time since 1915, 
 the voters elected a state legislature controlled in both houses by the political 
 party opposite to that of the governor, 
 
 A proposed fair employment practices act, designed to prohibit discrimina- 
 tion in hiring and to be administered by a commission of five members appointed 
 by the governor, was tabled by the legislature at its 1949 session after four 
 months of bitter dispute within the General Assembly and throughout the state, 
 Protestant church groups were instrumental in defeating a bill which would have 
 legalized bingo when conducted by religious, charitable or educational groups. 
 A bill was introduced which would have prohibited college teachers from advocating 
 in their teaching a philosophy based upon the overthrow of the U. S, government by 
 force or violence. The bill was tabled} loudest opposition as a violation of 
 academic freedom came from the universities of Illinois and Chicago. 
 
 Action of the legislature included placing the state police force under 
 a merit system and reorganization of the mines safety program. The record biennial 
 budget was $1,25 billion. State aid to local schools was increased by 53 per cent 
 to $124 million with an even further increase recommended in a late 1950 report for 
 the next biennium. A total of 971 new laws were enacted but all proposals for tax 
 increases were defeated. 
 
 There had been a reduction of 7,005 in the number of school districts between 
 the and of the war and 1949, a reduction of over one-half of the total at the end 
 of World War II, 
 
 -325- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1950 
 (Adopted August 11, 1950) 
 
 This is the declaration of the Republican Party of Illinois in con- 
 vention assembled at Peoria on August 11, 1950. 
 
 We Republicans here assembled ask for Divine Guidance in all our 
 purposes and call upon the people of Illinois and this nation to rededicate 
 themselves under God to the principles of our founding fathers. 
 
 Five years ago the guns of World War II became silent. Today--five 
 years later--the guns are hot again and young Americans die in Korea. 
 
 It was a short and blemished peace. 
 
 As ever, we support our Republic against all enemies foreign and 
 domestic. 
 
 But we shall not be silent on the blunders of the last five years which 
 caused our present unhappy condition. 
 
 We hope for a speedy victory but it is with the full realization that 
 no matter how short this phase of conflict, young Americans will not be 
 brought back to life, resources furnished by Americans will not be restored, 
 and dislocations which will result from conflict may imperil our freedom and 
 survival. 
 
 MONUMENTS TO BUNGLING 
 
 Look at the monuments to bungling and stupidity which mark the last 
 five years. 
 
 There stands the Yalta conference where China and Poland were betrayed. 
 
 There stand the bungled missions and the suppressed reports which led 
 to the disaster in Asia. 
 
 There stand the still unrevealed orders which halted our armies in 
 Europe and permitted the Reds to be the first to enter Berlin, Prague, and 
 Vienna . 
 
 There stands the Berlin airlift, so costly in men and money, which 
 testifies to the failure to protect American interests at the Potsdam Con- 
 ference. 
 
 There stands the agreement v^ich gave the Soviet Union three votes to 
 our one in the United Nations. 
 
 ■326- 
 
Republican Platform of 1950 
 
 There stands the unlimited power to veto which converted the United 
 Nations into a weak instrument for promised world security. 
 
 There stands the record of thirty=six billions already expended for 
 foreign aid which has not stopped the spread of communism. 
 
 There stands the partitioning of Korea and the unheeded warnings of 
 danger long before our troops vrere withdrawn. 
 
 There stands the record of confusion and appeasement due to failure 
 to understand the declared purposes and objectives of Russian communism. 
 
 There stand the expenditure of eighty-nine billions for military 
 purposes since VJ Day as a grim reminder to taxpayers that never before 
 have so many paid so much for so little. 
 
 There stands the continuing record of foreign spies in our own 
 country who stole our atomic secrets. 
 
 There stand the horde of coddled communists and sympathizers in and 
 out of Government who imperil security on the home front; the communist 
 influence and sjrmpathy in the highest policy-making departments. 
 
 There stands a mountain of debt and taxes with the certainty of 
 more to come. 
 
 There stands the dismal record of annual deficits to remind the 
 taxpayers of a budget which has remained unbalanced in peace and war, 
 except vAien it was balanced for two years by the Republican 80th Congress. 
 
 There stands the sorry record of the collapse of moral standards 
 in public life. 
 
 There stands the administration's official program to force state 
 socialism upon the American people, upon the farmers through the Brannan 
 Plan; upon the medical profession through socialized medicine; and upon 
 business, industry and labor through the Spence Bills. 
 
 These are the markers on the disaster road which we have been 
 traveling and now once more the bunglers seek your vote to stay in power 
 and continue the job of destroying a free America. 
 
 GOP OFFERS SOUND PROGRAM 
 
 We offer a positive program-economically, socially, and morally 
 sound, which will bring security for our country and peace of mind for 
 ourselves and our children. 
 
 ■327- 
 
Republican Platform of 1950 
 
 1, We propose a firm, vigorous and positive foreign policy. 
 We pledge that 9ur foreign policy will be clear, realistic 
 and consistent. It will be dedicated t© peace, justice and 
 the security of the American republic. 
 
 2, We propose an end to the kind of secret deals which lead to 
 unauthorized undisclosed and arbitrary c»mmitmeats by the 
 President. 
 
 3, We are opposed to the present so-called bi-partisan policy which 
 is in reality a sham and propose that the Republican Party adopt 
 a course of action to protect the interests ®f ©ur country, 
 
 4, We propose to have a clear understanding now as to the support 
 we can expect from other nations in return for the aid we are 
 so generously giving; and that the continuation of that aid, 
 in sharp contrast to the history of the Marshall aod similar 
 plans, be made only on the understanding that such aid is to 
 make them self-reliant and self-dependent and not merely to 
 support socialism abroad, 
 
 5, We propose a realistic examination of our capacity to aid 
 nations who with us pledge themselves to freedom, knowing that 
 to over extend or over commit this country can wreck our free 
 system just as effectively as war. 
 
 6, At home we pledge support for a relentless drive against Reds in 
 and out of goverjanent who imperil our security. 
 
 7, We propose to fight state socialism throughout our Republic on 
 every front. 
 
 8, We propose to make every dollar spent for national security 
 provide for real and efficient defense vAiich will be unified, 
 ready and adequate at all times. 
 
 9, We propose to cut all non-essentials spending to the bone and 
 to suspend the inflationary non-defense measures of this admin- 
 istration which imperil ©ur solvency. 
 
 10, We propose a sound and stable dollar at once before present 
 unsound policies completely destroy purchasing power and incen- 
 tive, bringing oh financial chaos, 
 
 11. We propose a fair and flexible farm program for the benefit of 
 all and a sensible conservation program, all of which shall be 
 supervised by a competent board whose members shall be selected 
 from all sections of the country, instead of being dominated by 
 a political secretary of agriculture. 
 
 -328- 
 
SepsffiMican Platfozm ®f 1950 
 
 12. Wb p»©p©se to piPDteet the jobs of American workers against unfair 
 
 fos^igss comsifetitim&a 
 
 13, We reaffirm the s'ight of labor to organiise and bargain collectively 
 
 without interfer®raice. We pledge ourselves to continue and improve 
 the Taft-Hartley Act, 
 
 14» ^ pledge to fulfill the obligations of our state and nation to 
 veterans of all "wa?® iinuEludifflig this ©rae and their dependents. 
 
 15. The Republican Party «aas bom of the fight to protect the personal 
 liberties of all peoples c and has sponsored and supported every 
 federal and state law for Civil Rights now in the statutes. At 
 
 the last Session of the State Legislature measures to eliminate 
 segregation in th© public schools and National Guard were passed 
 as a result of the aggressive action of the Republicans. We 
 propose to continue this fime record. 
 
 A look at the tet^t^idf ffhe State Government during the last twenty 
 months of Democratic control is equally dismal. It consists largely of broken 
 campaign promises. 
 
 iJiere sfeffimds the record of the hurried spending fox current 
 operations of the mor* thaa one hun\dred million dollars of cash 
 surplwa in the State Tr©ffismsy accjimulated under the previous 
 Republican administratioaj although the Democratic campaign in 
 1948 was based ©mi the pnomiee of economy. 
 
 There stands a record ©f the D«nocratie administration's 
 attsjHptj during the last regular session of the legislature, to 
 increase the gas tas? and broaden the base of the sales tax, al- 
 though they loudly acclaimed^ during the canspaign, that if 
 elected^ they wsuld sut the ealiss taa? ©r divide it with munici- 
 palitftes. "Cut it up or cut it out" has risen as an ugly spectre 
 to remind the people of broken Democratic pji^mises. 
 
 There stands a record of the repeated Democratic attempts to 
 li^fiRS® ahd tags for revenue all business ^ services and professions, 
 
 There stands the rscerd ®f the Democratic administration's 
 unwirranted cuts in th@ asaeiunt of the assistanc* to th* aged and 
 unfortunate of ©ur State, although in their caropaign for election 
 they promised greater aid than the Republican Administration had 
 given. 
 
 -329- 
 
Republican Platform of 1950 
 
 There stands the record of the unfulfilled Democratic campaign 
 promises to construct highways for a fraction of the previous cost, 
 and to decrease the number of employees in the Highway Department. 
 
 REPUBLICANS PROVIDE CONTRAST 
 
 IN SHARP CONTRAST with the inefficiency of the Democratic Admin- 
 istration of State Government and the repeated attempts to inflict increased 
 taxes and many new taxes on all of the citizens of Illinois, stands the fine 
 record of the Republican State officials and the Republican State candidates. 
 Congressmen and members of the State Senate and House of Representatives in 
 Illinois. 
 
 There stands the record of Everett M. Dirksen, our candidate 
 for United States Senator, who as Congressman from Illinois for 
 sixteen years, proved himself to be a man of unusual ability and 
 character and his election this Fall is a rare opportunity for 
 the people of the State of Illinois. 
 
 There stand the equally fine records of Illinois Republican 
 Representatives in the 81st Congress. 
 
 There stands the record of Vernon L. Nickell, State Superin- 
 tendent of Public Instruction. We commend his sound educational 
 leadership in the various phases of his wjrk. We pledge to continue 
 the study of the needs of public education and to meet these needs 
 as conditions will permit. 
 
 There stands the record of Earle Benjamin Searcy, Clerk of the 
 Supreme Court of Illinois. We warmly approve the accuracy, prom.ptness, 
 and courtesy which has characterized his administration of the office 
 of Clerk of the Supreme Court. We pledge that when he is re-elected, 
 he will continue this fine job of caring for Supreme Court and other 
 official records. 
 
 There stands the record of William G, Stratton, who has in 
 former years served as Congressman-at-Large and also as State 
 Treasurer of Illinois, in both of which positions he demonstrated 
 his ability as an able public servant. 
 
 There stands the record of the Republican members of the Illinois 
 State Senate and House of Representatives, who refused to pass many 
 unnecessary appropriations sought by the Democrats, both in the 
 regular and special sessions of the 66th General Assembly and thereby 
 did prevent increased taxes. 
 
 There stands the record of the Republican members of the Senate 
 and House, who consistently and repeatedly refused to pass Demo- 
 cratically sponsored bills yilch sought to license and tax all 
 ■ :-s~.. . tmsinesses, services and professiotits in Illinois. 
 
 -330- 
 
Republican Platform of 1950 
 
 There stands the record of the Repuhlican members of the Legis- 
 lature in their efforts t© assist Cook County by providing State aid 
 for the care of the medically indigent in the,pfiwik County Hospital, 
 the same is now provided in every other County in the State, and to 
 aid the City of Chicago by relieving it of the burden ^#iich it now 
 bears for the care of these unfortunate people, which saving, amounting 
 to more than four million dollars per year, could have been made avail- 
 able for increasing the compensation of Chicago's underpaid policemen, 
 firemen and other City employees without increasing the aggregate 
 rates of property taxes. 
 
 The Republican Party unequivocally advocates the adoption of the 
 proposed Amendment to Sec. 2, of Article XIV of the State Constitution (The 
 Gateway Amendment) and calls upon all citizens to join with us in a vigorous 
 and determined campaign to assure its adoption. 
 
 The Repuibllcan Party in Illinois has been, is now, and always will be 
 opposed to legislation bspoadeiaing any tax base or imposing amy new taxes 
 UNLESS and UNTIL definite programs are presented to the people showing MY 
 the money is needed and the necessary purposes for t^ich it will be spent. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Committ 
 
 ee. 
 
 •33|- 
 
DEI-IOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1950 
 (Adopted September 22, 1950) 
 
 (No complete text of this platform has been found. The following is 
 a news story from the September 23, 1950 issue of the Decatur Herald which 
 contains the most complete summary of the platforms which the compiler could 
 find.) 
 
 Illinois Democrats tonight adopted a state platform indorsing President 
 Truman's leadership and the bipartisan foreign policy as the best means of 
 achieving peace and prosperity. 
 
 They adopted a state platform which renewed 1948 demands for repeal 
 of the Taft-Hartley labor law and for enactment of a state fair employment 
 practices law. 
 
 They commended President Truman, on his "broad social programs," his 
 foreign policy and his "leadership against communism at home and abroad through 
 positive action." 
 
 The platform was adopted without dissent by an overflow state convention 
 crowd of more than 4,000 persons at a three-hour Civic Opera House session. 
 
 The meeting was occupied chiefly by speech-making by party leaders 
 calling for a November 7 election victory. 
 
 The praise for Mr, Truman and the bipartisan foreign policy emphasized 
 the clash between the Democrats and the Republicans in the state on this 
 issue--the main one in the 1950 congressional campaign. 
 
 The platform also praised the administrations of Democratic Governor 
 Adlai E. Stevenson and Mayor Martin H. Kennelly of Chicago. 
 
 It failed to mention the socialized medicine and Brannan farm plan 
 issues — questions figuring in the re-election campaign of Senator Scott Lucas 
 (D-Ill,). 
 
 The Republicans called for "improvement" but not repeal of the Taft- 
 Hartley law. Repeal is sought by most labor union leaders. 
 
 The Democratic platform blames the Republicans for the labor law and 
 for defeat of state fair employment practices bills. 
 
 Coming a few hours after President Truman had vetoed the antisubversive 
 bill passed by Congress, the platform said on the anti-Red issue: 
 
 "We support President Truman in his leadership of the fight against 
 communism at home and abroad through positive action--and not through 
 smear, hysteria or violation of basic American civil liberties. " 
 
 •333- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1950 
 
 Senators Lucas and Paul Douglas were not among Democratic leaders 
 speaking at the convention. They were detained in Washington on Senate 
 business . 
 
 Lucas, seeking re-election November 7, has been under fire from Repub- 
 lican Everett M. Dirksen, his opponent, on socialized medicine and the Brannan 
 plan. 
 
 Lucas says he opposes both, but Dirksen says that is just campaign talk. 
 He says thac Lucas, as Mr. Truman's Senate leader, is committed to them. Lucas 
 denies that. 
 
 On the farm question the Democratic platform recommends "a permanent 
 system of flexible price supports" and "sound" legislation. 
 
 The farm statement also declares for "adequate storage facilities, soil 
 conservation, school lunch program and continued expansion of the rural electri- 
 fication with maximum farmer participation in all programs." 
 
 Lucas has accused Dirksen of trying to wreck soil conservation and R.E.A, 
 programs while he was in Congress. 
 
 On state questions, the platform lauds Stevenson's two-year-old admin- 
 istration for a "new birth of honesty, efficiency and sound liberalism." 
 
 It affirms belief in "principles of home rule" and opposes "crippling 
 restrictions upon the power of cities to help themselves financially." 
 
 Republican Senators have tried to enact such restrictions, it said. 
 
 There was no mention of direct cash aid by the state to cities — a 
 program urged by Kenneliy but rejected by Stevenson. 
 
 The platform took no stand on boosting the state's three cents a gallon 
 gasoline tax but urged "rehabilitation of our road system" and "sufficient 
 funds for improvement of the 'farm to market' roads." 
 
 Michael Seyfrit of Carlinville, state Democratic chairman, assailed 
 the Republican platform as a '\nilk and water" program. 
 
 He said the state G.O,?, is "divided and confused." 
 
 SOURCE: Decatur Herald , September 23, 1950, 
 
 ■334- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1952 
 
 Labor.) 
 
 Summary of 1952 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Socialist 
 
 President 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 Governor 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate 
 
 Dwight D. Eisenhower 2,457,327 1,188,973 1,268,354 
 Adlai E. Stevenson 2,013,920 1,172,454 841,466 
 
 William G. Stratton 2,317,363 1,125,934 1,191,429 
 Sherwood Dixon 2,089,721 1,216,582 873,139 
 
 Countie: 
 Carried 
 
 98 
 4 
 
 93 
 9 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues 
 
 56.6% 
 75 ..3% 
 
 National Issues Other No. Words 
 
 5.8% 37.6% 1441 
 0.07. 24.7% 1521 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1951-1952 
 
 The Illinois General Assembly at its regular session in 1951 increased the 
 gasoline tax from 3<: to 4<; per gallon effective August 1, 1951, and automatically 
 to 5<? on January 1, 1953. New truck and bus license fees were hiked substantially 
 and were to be based on weight carried and miles traveled. 
 
 Other major enactments included an enabling law authorizing Illinois cities 
 except Chicago to adopt through referendum the city-manager form of municipal 
 government; an increase of $26,7 million in state aid to local schools, and a 
 series of 78 bills to reorganize state government along lines suggested by the 
 "Little Hoover Commission." 
 
 A second attempt at fair employment practices legislatL on failed, as did 
 a series of anti-communist bills known as the "Broyles bills," which, for one, 
 would have set up a committee to investigate seditious activities. 
 
 Four proposed amendments to the state constitution were presented to the 
 voters in 1952. Proposals to revise the revenue article to permit classification 
 of property for purposes of taxation, yet prohibit a state income tax, and to allow 
 sheriffs and county treasurers to succeed themselves failed. Amendments to repeal 
 a limitation ©n the salaries of certain county officers, and to remove double 
 liability on stockholders of state banks passed. 
 
 Governor William G. StrattoH, for the first time in the state's history, 
 in 1952 appointed a Negro, attorney Joseph D. Bibbs of Chicago, to his cabinet. 
 
 The state division of highways in 1951 awarded the largest volume of high- 
 way contracts in the state's history, $42,5 million for construction and $20.3 
 million for maintenance. Annual expenditure for high\«ys between 1945 and 1950 
 averaged $30 million; it vras expected to average $75 million between 1951-1953. 
 Total budget appropriations for the biennium, $1.46 billion. 
 
 •335- 
 
KEPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1952 
 (Adopted June 23, 1952) 
 
 This is the declaration of the Republican Party of Illinois in 
 Convention assembled at Springfield on June 23, 1952. We reassert our faith 
 in and our support of constitutional government and the federal-state 
 system, which was laid down by the founding fathers as the essence of this 
 republic. 
 
 We call upon the citizens of Illinois to rededicate themselves to 
 the ancient faith which has made us great and strong and brought unparalleled 
 benefits to our people. 
 
 THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
 
 It is so very evident that our well being as a nation depends in 
 considerable part on sound, sane and honest government at the national level 
 and upon the policies which will keep this nation at peace and amity with 
 all the world. 
 
 Our country is confronted with a moral crisis. This crisis springs 
 from fading faith in the integrity and competence of those who today administer 
 the national government. 
 
 It springs from the corruption and corrosion, which is the inevitable 
 result when a political party has been too long in power. 
 
 It springs from the threat of insolvency which has been brought on by 
 waste, extravagance, riotous spending, corruption, crushing taxation and the 
 commitment of man power and resources of this nation in a profligate manner 
 to all corners of the world without regard for the fiscal and economic 
 capacity of our country. 
 
 It springs from the pursuit of new and strange doctrines of power 
 heretofore unknown in our nation which flout the constitution and violate the 
 very guarantees which have been vouchsafed to our people by the founding 
 fathers. 
 
 It springs from the ready acceptance of persons in high places of 
 responsibility in this administration whose loyalty to the nation and the 
 American ideal is of highly dubious character. 
 
 It springs from the failure of those now in power to make adequate 
 provision for our national security notwithstanding the staggering sums which 
 were appropriated by the Congress. 
 
 -336- 
 
Republican Platform of 1952 
 
 It springs from a course of action which has taken this nation into 
 an undeclared, unconstitutional and costly war in Korea, which is now 
 advancing into its third bloody year. 
 
 It springs from a course of appeasement which has failed to resolve 
 that war and restore an honorable peace. 
 
 It springs from the constant and subtle effort to impair the liberties 
 of the people, and the building of centralized power in the national govern- 
 ment. 
 
 It springs from the incompetency and mediocrity, which is now so 
 abundant in the administration of our national affairs. 
 
 THE REMEDY 
 
 There is a simple and effective remedy in this hour ©f moral crisis 
 and that is the election of a Republican President and a Republican Congress, 
 who will cooperate to restore peace, provide adequately for the common defense, 
 pursue a realistic foreign policy which is in keeping with the Republican 
 tradition, retrieve our solvency, and give to the nation that kind of competent, 
 honest and efficient government which has been so traditional of the Republican 
 Party in all the years that it has been entrusted with authority. To that end, 
 we propose to carry out the wishes of the people of Illinois at the National 
 Convention as expressed in the April primary. 
 
 We also commend our Republican Senator the Honorable Everett McKinley 
 Dirksen and the Republican Delegation to the House of Representatives for 
 distinguished and faithful service and for the diligent and effective way in 
 which they have carried out the pledges which we as Republicans made to the 
 people of Illinois in 1950. 
 
 THE FAILURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC STATE ADMINISTRATION IN ILLINOIS 
 
 The Democratic State administration which came into power in 1948 
 under the leadership of Governor Adlai E, Stevenson, has failed on nearly 
 every front to give the people of our State the kind of competent, efficient 
 and sound administration of State affairs to which they are fully entitled. 
 
 In the course of the ensuing campaign, we shall present in vigorous 
 fashion the failures and mistakes of this administration in carrying out the 
 pledges which it made in 1948, 
 
 Through incompetence, inefficiency and a complete disregard for its 
 obligations to our people the present Democratic Governor and Democratic 
 administration have permitted, abetted, and must share full responsibility 
 for misfeasence and nonfeasance in the discharge of their public duties. 
 
 This includes the rank deception of the consumers of the State in the 
 sale of improperly identified and uninspected horse meat wJ-iich was made 
 
 ■337- 
 
Republican Platform of 1952 
 
 possible through the laxity, the negligence and the connivance of the in- 
 spectors appointed by the present administration who were charged with this 
 function. 
 
 It includes the loss of substantial revenues of the State running 
 into millions of dollars through failure to enforce the laws and regulations 
 relating to the collection of taxes on cigarettes. 
 
 It includes the impairment and virtual nullification of an effective 
 civil service and merit system through failure to enforce the provisions of 
 that Act and by deliberately relaxing its provisions relating to political 
 activity. 
 
 It includes the wanton disregard of the need for safe and well kept 
 highways throughout the state, notwithstanding the specific and firm pledges 
 which were made to place and keep our highways in a condition of safety. 
 
 It includes the astonishing disclaimer by the Governor himself of 
 responsibility for the failures and scandals which have been a part of his 
 administration and his indefensible effort to lay the blame upon the public. 
 
 It includes the substantial increase in State payrolls in the face 
 of continuous pledges for economy and reduction in the State personnel. 
 
 It includes a wanton disregard for the cost of State government which 
 has now reached astounding levels. 
 
 It includes an almost calculated disregard for responsibility in the 
 field of mine safety, notwithstanding the pledges which were made--a disregard 
 which invited one of the greatest mine disasters in the history of the State. 
 
 It includes the complete failure to fulfill the promises made to pro- 
 vide relief to the cities and villages of our State. 
 
 These are but some of the shortcomings and failures of the present 
 Democratic Governor and Democratic administration which have made it unfit 
 and unworthy to be further entrusted with the administration of the affairs 
 of this great State, and we call upon our people to repudiate these failures 
 at the polls in November with a resounding Republican victory. 
 
 On the other hand, we, here, commend the faithful, diligent and 
 honorable services rendered by the Republican State officials who have well 
 and truly administered the affairs of their respective offices. 
 
 We laud the outstanding service rendered by the Honorable William G. 
 Stratton as State Treasurer, who administered the only elective public 
 office in which expenditures were reduced below his budget by more than 
 $150,000.00 for the benefit of the taxpayers of the State. 
 
 9 
 
 We assert our pride in the competent way in which the Honorable 
 Vernon L. Nickell has supervised and administered the office of Superintendent 
 of Public Instruction and given spendid direction to the educational activities 
 of the State. 
 
 -338- 
 
Republican Platform of 1952 
 
 With equal pride, we commend the fine and efficient service rendered 
 not only to the Supreme Court but to the litigants of the State by the 
 Honorable Earle Benjamin Searcy as clerk of the Supreme Court of the State 
 of Illinois. 
 
 THIS WE PLEDGE 
 
 In keeping with the record of the Republican party at State and 
 National levels, with its unswerving devotion to sound, honest and efficient 
 government, and mindful of the fact that the pledges we make are made to be 
 kept and must be consonant with the capacity of the State to fulfill them, 
 we hereby covenant with the people of the State of Illinois to (1) return 
 the state administration to a basis of sound economy; (2) to provide for an 
 adequate highway system which shall embrace primary, secondary, and farm-to- 
 market roads and the exploration of superhighways to relieve the growing 
 congestion; (3) to provide adequate allotments for the aged, the dependents 
 and the blind, which will offset the cost of living increases which have 
 resulted from the inflationary policies at the national level; (4) to restore 
 the integrity of the civil service and merit systems and to preserve clean 
 politics in our State; (5) to maintain a strong Department of Agriculture 
 with adequate enforcement and inspection facilities to protect the public 
 health, assure the people against the sale of unfit and uninspected food 
 products and the elimination of livestock diseases which might jeopardize 
 the health of our people and imperil the livestock industry of the State; 
 (6) to fully preserve the right of labor to organize and bargain collectively 
 without interference and to give diligent attention to any modification of 
 existing laws at State and National levels which are designed to preserve 
 and strengthen this right; (7) to fully explore the fiscal problems of local 
 governments and render maximum assistance and advice; (8) to recognize the 
 growing demands of the aviation industry xd.thin our state and give adequate 
 attention to airport and air navigation needs; (9) to investigate the adequacy 
 of the transportation facilities of the Chicago Transit Authority, the reason- 
 ableness of fares, and the possibility of developing an appeal procedure to 
 meet the problems which are involved in this operation; (10) to continue and 
 strengthen the Republican program of progressive aid to the schools of the 
 State iS (11) to fulfill with grateful appreciation the obligations of the 
 State to the veterans ot all wars, including the Korean War; (12) to give 
 immediate reconsideration to the Illinois Truck License Law enacted by the 
 67th General Assembly with a view to removing the inequities and the in- 
 consistencies; (13) to continue to zealously guard the civil rights of every 
 citizen without regard to race, creed or color, to explore discrimination and 
 to vigorously oppose racial and religious prejudice in wha tever form it may 
 arise; (14) to m.ake our citizens fully secure in their persons and in their 
 property by a vigorous offensive against crime; (15) to cooperate with the 
 Cities of Illinois for the development of necessary revenues with which to 
 meet its obligations to those who provide safety and security services for 
 the people. 
 
 •339- 
 
Republican Platform of 1952 
 
 THE WAY OF GOOD GOVERNMENT 
 
 To fully effectuate these pledges and to restore sound, honest govern- 
 ment to our State, we respectfully urge voters to support the full Republican 
 ticket in November. 
 
 We proudly offer men who are equipped by ability, experience and char- 
 acter for the respective offices for which they are candidates, namely. 
 
 For Governor: 
 
 WILLIAM GRANT STRATTON 
 
 For Lieutenant Governor: 
 JOHN WILLIAM CHAPMAN 
 
 For Secretary of State: 
 CHARLES F. CARPENTIER 
 
 For Auditor of Public Accounts: 
 ORVILLE E. HODGE 
 
 For Treasurer: 
 
 ELMER J. HOFFMAN 
 
 For Attorney General: 
 LATHAM CASTLE 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Committee. 
 
 -340- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1952 
 (Adopted May 8, 1952) 
 
 DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES 
 
 Proudly and confidently the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois 
 approaches the 1952 elections. In 1948 when our Party selected Adlai Stevenson 
 as its standard bearer we pledged that if elected. Governor Stevenson would 
 rid our state of the corruption, misfeasance, inefficiency and waste which 
 characterized the then Republican state administration. 
 
 The citizens of Illinois approved our choice and trusted our promises. 
 They elected Adlai E. Stevenson governor by the greatest majority ever given 
 to any candidate in the history of the state. Their confidence in Governor 
 Stevenson has been abundantly justified. Under his brilliant direction and 
 statesmanship Illinois has forged to a position of leadership in the family of 
 states. Without seeking it, he was drafted by the National Democratic Party 
 for the highest honor xi;ithin its gift -- he was named as its candidate for 
 President of the United States. He will be elected and, with God's help, he 
 will guide our nation along the course ^•;hich will lead to permanent \rorld 
 peace through collective security, and to increased prosperity at home. 
 
 We, the Democrats of Illinois, have stood in the past and stand now 
 with the Democratic Party of the nation for all the social and economic gains 
 made under the inspired leadership of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt 
 and President Harry S. Truman: for 62,000,000 people employed, for farm 
 prosperity, for safe bank accounts, for record business profits, and other 
 accomplishments of the past 20 years. We are proud of the courage displayed 
 by President Truman when he challenged the unlawful aggression of Godless 
 comrr.unism. He has revitalized and strengthened the determination of the free 
 nations to remain free and has given hope for ultimate freedom to the peoples 
 enslaved by totalitarian forces. We stand in the forefront of the battle 
 against communism both at home and abroad. Under the leadership of Adlai 
 Stevenson this battle will be won through positive action and not through 
 hysteria, slander, villif ication or violation of basic American civil lib- 
 erties . 
 
 We enthusiastically support the platform adopted by the Democratic 
 
 Part; at Chicago in July and we pledge our untiring efforts to the achieve- 
 
 uient of the principles set out in that platform and to the election of Adlai 
 Stevenson and John Sparlcrr.an. 
 
 STATE r^ECORD 
 
 We are proud of our four year record in Illinois. Under the leader- 
 ship of Governor Adlai Stevenson and Lieutenant Governor Shenrood Dixon 
 
 ■341- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1952 
 
 the Democratic state administration has 
 
 (a) Undertaken the largest highway program in Illinois history. 
 
 (b) For the first time provided a share of the gas tax for 
 townships for improvement of our farm to market roads. 
 
 (c) Eliminated padded payrolls and do-nothing jobs and 
 exacted from each state employee a full day's work for 
 each day's pay. 
 
 (d) Increased appropriations for state financial aid to 
 schools by $139 million over the previous four year period. 
 
 (e) Placed outstanding public servants in key positions. 
 
 (f) Cleaned up state purchasing. 
 
 (g) Taken state police out of politics. 
 
 (h) Restored honest conservation administration. 
 
 (i) Initiated non-political public utility regulation in the 
 public interest. 
 
 (j) Increased Workmen's Compensation and Unemployment Compensa- 
 tion benefits and instituted prompt settlement of Workmen's 
 Compensation claims. 
 
 (k) Insured equal treatment for all in state tax collections. 
 
 (1) Acted swiftly and effectively to correct and punish any 
 departures from honest public service, 
 
 (m) Fought commercialized gambling. 
 
 (n) Revitalized Civil Service. 
 
 (o) Improved state mental and penal institutions. 
 
 (p) Achieved aggressive, nationally recognized insurance regu- 
 lation for the benefit of the insuring public. 
 
 (q) Reformed administration of the parole laws. 
 
 (r) Enforced the overweight truck laws, 
 
 (s) Pushed the drive for Constitutional reform. 
 
 (t) Supported state government reorganization for greater 
 efficiency and economy. 
 
 ■342- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1952 
 
 (u) Provided $128 million more for old age pensions, blind 
 
 pensions and aid to dependent children than was spent in 
 previous four years, to permit adequate allov/ances for 
 the truly deserving and to meet cost of living advances. 
 
 (v) By strict economy achieved this great program without new 
 or higher general purpose taxes. 
 
 On this record we stand confident that the citizens of our great 
 state — Democrats, Republicans and Independents — will not risk a return 
 to the kind of government this state had under the Republican administration 
 which Governor Stevenson defeated in 1948 and whose corrupt henchmen he 
 ousted. We promise to continue to administer the state government in the 
 spirit and with the efficiency of Adlai E. Stevenson. 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 We will not relent in our effort to eliminate discrimination between 
 our citizens. Much has already been done in that respect but much remains 
 to be done. We shall persist in our efforts to give to Illinois an enforceable 
 Fair Employment Practice Law, In the 1949 vote on FEPC legislation introduced 
 by the Democratic administration 64 Republicans in the Legislature voted against 
 the bill as against only 4 Democrats, with the result that the bill passed in 
 the Democratic House but was defeated in the Republican dominated Senate. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 We support the {"Democratic national platform pledge for repeal of the Taft- 
 Hartley Law and we pledge that there shall be no little Taft-Hartley Law in 
 Illinois. 
 
 We support such continued adjustments in Workmen's Compensation and 
 Unemployment Compensation benefits as are necessary to recognize advances in 
 living costs. We pledge support of a reasonable state minimum wage law 
 applicable to intrastate business and to the ending of the exclusion of 
 establishments with six or less employees from the Unemployment Compensation 
 law. We urge extension of the unemployment compensation principle to provide 
 temporary disability and sick benefits. 
 
 We will continue to oppose any repressive legislation affecting the 
 rights of labor. 
 
 COMS^'ftffiflWtL REFORM 
 
 We advocate the adoption of the proposed amendments to the State Consti- 
 tution which have been submitted by the Legislature to the people for a vote 
 in November, and we pledge an enthusiastic campaign to rally all citizens of 
 Illinois to assure adoption of these amendments. 
 
 We favor modernizing our judicial structure for improved and speedier 
 administration of justice. 
 
 ■343- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1952 
 
 In recognition of the fact that legislative districts have not been 
 reapportioned since 1903, the Legislature should propose an amendment giving 
 a greater degree of representation to Cook County and also reducing inequali- 
 ties in representation as between the districts in Cook County. 
 
 MINE SAFETY 
 
 We pledge continued non-political enforcement of mine safety laws and 
 we reaffirm support of the efforts made by Governor Stevenson in early 1951 
 to obtain a new, up to date, effective code of mine safety laws. 
 
 ROADS 
 
 We will not retreat from our insistence that commercial trucks must 
 pay their fair share of highway costs in relation to passenger cars. 
 
 We pledge expertly planned and expeditious improvements of our road 
 system, including a system of superhighways crossing the state north and south 
 and east and west, to be financed out of current highway revenues without 
 resort to borrowing. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 We pledge priority consideration to the feasibility of a State School 
 Building Authority which, when local resources are insufficient to provide 
 safe and adequate school buildings, could aid in financing urgently needed 
 school building construction on a revenue bond basis. 
 
 We will continue the high level of state financial aid to schools 
 which has been achieved by the Democratic administration in the past four 
 years . 
 
 MUNICIPALITIES AND TAX LAWS 
 
 We urge that after the adoption c£ the amended Revenue Article of 
 the State Constitution that the Legislature move as promptly as possible to 
 correct inequities and modernize our tax laws without surrendering any 
 existing major tax sources which are essential to continuation of sound 
 state financing. In this connection special attention should be given to the 
 serious revenue problems of the cities of Illinois. 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 We urge legislative authorization to organize administration of our 
 conservation activites on a basis by which every leading element of the 
 sports minded and conservation minded public may participate. We pledge 
 
 ■344- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1952 
 
 continuation of the program for conservation of soil, water, forest and 
 mineral resources of the state with special emphasis on preventing pollution 
 of our streams and lakes and >ob- reforestation of submarginal lands. We will 
 maintain and impio ve our system of state parks to provide recreational 
 opportunities to all people in the state. 
 
 BUSINESS 
 
 We urge the formation of a state agency to coordinate efforts to 
 attract industry to Illinois for full employment of our citizens. 
 
 We pledge continued support of the Illinois Coal Products Commission 
 to find new uses and new markets for Illinois coal. 
 
 We will strive to maintain the reputation of Illinois as a good state 
 in which to do business -- both small and large business -- and the national 
 standing of Illinois as an economical, low-tax, low spending state government. 
 
 VETERANS 
 
 We will continue to recognize the special needs of veterans and 
 society's obligation to them. We are proud that we have kept Illinois 
 government free of the slightest suspicion of subversive infiltration and 
 we commend the vigilance of veterans' groups in advancing the cause of loyal 
 Americanism. 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 We favor a non-discrimination policy with respect to women in 
 employment and in public office. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 We are committed to the proposition that all citizens who have reached 
 the age of 18 should be permitted to vote. 
 
 FLOODS 
 
 We will continue to make state facilities available for fighting 
 floods and for relief of the effects of floods. 
 
 HOUSING 
 
 We will continue to fight efforts to cripple the housing program, and 
 we pledge continuance of an adequate program for housing and slum clearance. 
 
 ■345- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1952 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We pledge continued recognition of agriculture as the basic industry 
 of Illinois and we will continue our support of appropriations to state 
 educational institutions for agricultural research and advancement. 
 
 STATE OFFICERS 
 
 In recognition of his experience and loyalty in aiding Governor 
 Stevenson's program we sponsor for election as Governor our distinguished 
 Lieutenant Governor, Sherwood Dixon. 
 
 We are proud of the records of efficiency, progress and public service 
 made by our incumbent candidates Edward J. Barrett, Secretary of State, 
 Benjamin 0. Cooper, Auditor of Public Accounts, and Ivan A. Elliott, Attorney 
 General, and we urge their reelection as a recognition of their significant 
 accomplishments and devotion to duty. 
 
 We propose as additional state candidates energetic, dynamic Herbert 
 Paschen for Lieutenant Governor, and seasoned and widely experienced Fred 
 Cain for Treasurer of Illinois. 
 
 We pledge to these outstanding candidates our untiring efforts and 
 support. 
 
 We applaud the spendid record made in Washington by our outstanding 
 Senator Paul H. Douglas and by Democratic members of Congress from this state. 
 We pledge our energetic support for the election of Democratic candidates for 
 Congress to strengthen the contribution of Illinois to the program of a Demo- 
 cratic national administration. 
 
 THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 We commend the Democratic members of the 66th and 67th General 
 Assemblies for their fight in behalf of liberal, enlightened state govern- 
 ment, and we decry the crude efforts of certain powerful lobbying groups to 
 attempt to defeat many of these members because of their support of the 
 progressive legislation sponsored by the state administration. 
 
 *******•*• 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Democratic State Central Committee 
 
 -346- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1954 
 
 Summary of 1954 Elections 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counti 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carrie 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Joseph T. Meek 
 
 1,563,683 
 
 746,013' 
 
 817,670 
 
 67 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Paul H. Douglas 
 
 1,804,338 
 
 1,058,915 
 
 745,423 
 
 35' 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Warren E. VJright 
 
 1,641,272 
 
 770,858 
 
 870,414 
 
 80 
 
 Democratic 
 
 David F, Mallet t 
 
 1,632,331 
 
 992,147 
 
 640,184 
 
 22 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 State Issues 
 57.17o 
 
 National 
 35, 
 
 Issues 
 
 .27o 
 
 Other Nc 
 7.7% 
 
 ). Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 1846 
 
 Democratic 
 
 50 . 5% 
 
 48, 
 
 .0% 
 
 1.6% 
 
 2383 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1953-1954 
 
 The 1953 session of the General Assembly approved appropriations totalling 
 a record $1,59 billion. New legislation provided for a cent-a-pack tax on 
 cigarettes for cities, registration of drug addicts, a new safety code for miners, 
 longer delays in rent evictions, a 60 day "cooling-of f " period in divorce cases, 
 and $12.5 million for a new state office building. Sixteen bills favorable to 
 labor were passed, includinjj increases in workmen's compensation, old-age and 
 death benefits. 
 
 Fair employment practices legislation was again defeated, as well as court 
 revision plans, the vote for 18-year-olds, and a bill to impose highway speed 
 limits. Governor Stratton vetoed a loyalty oath bill. 
 
 Voters in 1954 approved an amendment to the constitution which was to provi 
 state legislative reapportionment for the first time since 1901. Cook County was 
 to be given a slight majority of the representation in the lower house and the 
 rest of the state a majority in the senate. Another constitutional amendment 
 approved increased the state treasurer's term from two years to four years. 
 
 Governor Stratton announced in 1954 Illinois had made plans for a 1,000-rail 
 system of toll highways, with top priority being given to a 57-mile road circling 
 Chicago, to be called the Tri-State Turnpike. Chicago-Rockford, Chicago-Rock Isla 
 and a so-called Danville-Tri-State Turnpike were also given high priority. $600 n 
 lion in bonds were floated in 1954 to get the project underway. 
 
 In 1944 Illinois had 11,955 school districts and 8,074 one-teacher elementa 
 schools; in 1954, the state had 2,349 districts and 1,206 one-teacher schools. Tli 
 University of Illinois trustees in 1953 voted 6-3 a lack of confidence in universi 
 president Stoddard. In 1954 Dr. David Dodds Henry accepted appointment as the scb 
 12th president. 
 
 ■347- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1954 
 (Adopted June 12, 1954) 
 
 This is the declaration of Americans assembled in Republican Con- 
 vention of Illinois at Springfield on June 12, 1954. 
 
 We point with pride to the centennial of the founding of the Repub- 
 lican party, conceived and dedicated to the cause of freedom in America-- 
 that cause which is still our prime objective in state and nation. We 
 re-affirm our faith in the two-party system. 
 
 In the eighteen months since the people of the United States and 
 Illinois returned the Republican Party to serve them in the executive branch 
 of the Federal government and the Lower House of the National Congress and 
 in the executive and legislative branches of Illinois, much has been accom- 
 plished. 
 
 Our aim now is as it w^s two years ago: To restore and preserve 
 constitutional government, keeping in proper balance the authority of 
 state and nation on the principles of federalism laid down by our founding 
 fathers. We rededicate ourselves to the service of our state and nation 
 to the end that Americans may live always under a government of laws and 
 not of men. 
 
 THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We hail with pride our President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Hampered 
 by the hidden commitments of twenty years of misrule. President Eisenhower 
 has worked steadily to restore the United States Government to the American 
 people. He has driven traitorous, immoral and corrupt men from the responsible 
 positions given them under the previous administrations. 
 
 He has brought to an end a war deliberately conducted by the T.ruman 
 Administration to be without end and without victory. He has ended the 
 slaughter in a conflict used by a Socialist administration to bolster a 
 sagging economy and to besmirch a great American soldier. 
 
 We take pride in the efforts of the President to lift from the backs 
 of the American people the horde of Federal payrollers. We commend him for 
 his unceasing efforts to reduce the cost of government. 
 
 We take pride in the institution of business-like methods in conducting 
 the business of the American people. 
 
 We take pride in the orderly achievement of our government in switching 
 our economy from that of war to peace. 
 
 That the billions paid by American workers and employers as social 
 security taxes may be properly returned, the Republican National Administration 
 
 ■348- 
 
Republican Platform of 1954 
 
 has removed numerous inequities in the operation of that program. It has 
 revised, broadened, strengthened, and perfected that program. We urge a 
 continuation of the Republican party policy to make the program actuarially 
 sound as an ultimate safeguard to the sacred trust. 
 
 The earnings of the farmer should be adequate to reward him and 
 encourage him as food producer. Such earnings should be based on sound 
 economy and not upon false remedies. The interdependence of the farm 
 earnings with the farm market — the wage earner — should be recognized, to 
 the end that industry should be encouraged to raise the production of labor 
 and stabilize employment. 
 
 We endorse and urge a continuation of the great principles laid down 
 at the 1952 National Convention of the Republican party in Chicago. 
 
 We recognize that the United States today is more than ever "the last 
 best hope of the earth." The United States must remain a bastion of freedom, 
 safe from Communism, subversion and disloyalty. It cannot do so if it must 
 fight at a time and place selected by others and for causes not of-'5ur making. 
 To destroy our goods and to decimate our population will leave us with our 
 homeland defenseless, our children fatherless, and the heritage of liberty 
 forever gone. 
 
 We pledge our support to the conduct of foreign affairs, policies 
 and acts in enlightened self-interest animated by courage, self-respect, 
 steadfastness, vision, purpose, confidence and spiritual faith. We promise 
 that America shall ever' be vigilant in self-defense, ready to strike and 
 prepared to do battle against those who threaten the liberties of free 
 Americans . 
 
 We commend the efforts of President Eisenhower to maintain peace. 
 He is faced with an enemy which was placed in position to attack and given 
 weapons by Socialists who had infiltrated the Democratic party and the 
 American government. Though our cities lie but hours from destruction, 
 he has with the courage of a soldier and the leadership arising from a 
 spiritual faith directed our nation in an era of danger that no President 
 has ever; before encountered. 
 
 Out of the tragedy of battle, he is aware--as none who has not 
 witnessed its horrors can be--of the terrors and waste of war. We are con- 
 fident that he will continue to use every resource at his disposal to avoid 
 armed conflict. 
 
 We pledge that Illinois Republicans will work with the National 
 Administration to the end that no treaty or agreement with other countries 
 sVall deprive our citizens of the rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitu* 
 tion. 
 
 ■349- 
 
Republican Platform of 1954 
 
 We urge that consideration be given to requiring that at least a 
 majority of the Senate be present, when it votes upon treaties. 
 
 We commend our distinguished United States Senator, the Honorable 
 Everett McKinley Dirksen, for his work in the national Congress and urge 
 that he be joined by the Honorable Joseph T. Meek. We conmend Mr. Meek 
 for his vigorous and forthright position against socialism. We feel that 
 the nation needs the service of his independent and fearless keen mind and 
 capable aggressive leadership. We commend the distinguished members of 
 the Republican delegation from Illinois in the House of Representatives of 
 the United States Congress and urge their re-election. 
 
 So that the crusade commended by our party in 1952 may be continued 
 and the benefits thereof insured for our children, we urge the election of 
 a Republican majority in each House of Congress. 
 
 We urge the voters of Illinois to do their part by electing Republican 
 candidates in every district. 
 
 THE STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 We invite attention of every citizen to the government of Illinois 
 by Republican officials under the leadership of Governor William G. Stratton. 
 We commend and thank for faithful and distinguished service each of the 
 elected State officers: Governor Stratton, Lieutenant Governor John William 
 Chapman, Secretary of State Charles F. Carpentier, Auditor of Public Accounts 
 Orville E. Hodge, State Treasurer Elmer Hoffman, Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction Vernon L, Nickell, Attorney General Latham Castle, and Supreme 
 Court Clerk Earle B. Searcy, Our administration, marked by a high degree of 
 cooperation among the elected state officials and aided by the General Assembly, 
 has attracted nation-wide attention for good government. 
 
 Wie pledge to the people to continue the work we have commenced and 
 consider ourselves bound by our platform of 1952. 
 
 The voters returned the Republican party to the administration of 
 thi« state on a promise of sound economy. Without any increase in tax rates, 
 Repi^lican officials have carried out that pledge, rendering greater service 
 in every department of the government by a sound fiscal policy. 
 
 During the past eighteen months, our highway system has grown more 
 than in any comparable period in the past twenty years. The administration 
 has developed primary, secondary, and farm-to-market roads. Republican 
 leadership has continued to develop super-highways to relieve congestion 
 in metropolitan areas, and is laying down a program of toll highways to 
 move commerce across our state. 
 
 ■350- 
 
Republican Platform of 1954 
 
 The state administration united to give Illinois a modern driver's 
 licensing law. By education, enforcement, and engineering, the administra- 
 tion has worked to promote safety on the highway, --it will continue to do 
 so. 
 
 This administration has provided adequate allotments for those unable 
 to igork and dependent upon the state for their subsistence. 
 
 The administration has improved the administration of welfare insti- 
 tutions at the institutional level. It has inaugurated a program of scientific 
 research to aid the mentally ill. 
 
 It has banned political activity in the civil service and merit 
 systems . 
 
 It has enacted legislation to protect the people against unfit and 
 uninspected food products and developed a strong Department of Agriculture 
 to protect the health of the people of Illinois and of its livestock. 
 
 It has worked with labor and management to preserve the right to 
 organize and bargain collectively without any interference, and has worked 
 to achieve uninterrupted production within this State. 
 
 lOfie Republican party pledges its administration to study unemployment 
 compensation payments, to the end that they may be readjusted on a basis 
 realistic in terms of need and in terms of capacity to make such payments. 
 We shall continue to re-examine indemnities to the casualties of industrial 
 accident and illness, so that such indemnities bear relationship to modern 
 day costs. We shall continue the program of study and legislation to conserve 
 the life and limb of every man and woman who works in industry in Illinois. 
 
 We pledge to labor that the Republican Administration shall continue 
 its endeavors to hold and attract a suitable market for labor's services 
 by assuring American industry that Illinois is a state free from excessive 
 or oppressive taxes and unburdened by Socialism. 
 
 The Republican party and its administration recognize the financial 
 needs of local governments within Illinois. It pledges itself to the develop- 
 ment of a program to enable local governments to meet their obligations in 
 an orderly fashion with the burden equitably spread. 
 
 The administration has worked with airlines and the Federal government 
 to enlarge the air service to communities of our State. 
 
 Under the leadership of the Republican appointed Commerce Commission, 
 steps are being taken to protect the people of Chicago and suburbs from 
 inadequate transportation and exorbitant fares. 
 
 The Republican administration has carried out the Republican program 
 of progressive aid to schools of the state under the outstanding leadership 
 
 -351- 
 
Republican Platform of 1954 
 
 of a great i^erican and educator, Vernon L. Nickell. This administration 
 appropriated more money to the common schools of the State than ai| any 
 time in its history. 
 
 The Republican party pledges that it will continue to recognize the 
 necessity for a constant study of the need for educational opportunities 
 for the youth of Illinois. It will work to the end that adequate educatioia 
 be available at all levels and that there be sufficient funds consistent 
 with the ability of the people to pay. 
 
 The adminls tration has continued aid to veterans including those 
 returning from Korea. We recommend the National Administration to do 
 likevrise. 
 
 It readjusted Illinois Truck License laws to remove inequitips and 
 inconsistencies, and has collected more than half of the $15,000,000 de~ 
 linquency in the 1952 truck payments left as a legacy to the people of 
 th« State of Illinois by the previous administration. 
 
 It has vigorously gi»arded the rights of every citizen without regard 
 to race, creed or color, and continued to battle discrimination, racial and 
 religious prejudice. 
 
 The Republican leadership in the state and in the nation have cmi- 
 sidered marit, not race or creed or color, as the basis for appointment to 
 office, setting an example which we connoend to all eoploycrs thsmighout 
 the state. 
 
 It has ma^e available the state police to work with the law abiding 
 citizens of the State in our fight against crime. 
 
 Believing that no people may be a free people unless it is made up 
 of informed citizens, the administrative branch of the state government 
 has stripped the veil of secrecy from the people's records. We pledge that 
 the Republican administration shall continue to make available the records 
 of its actions so that every citizen may know where his money goes and 
 what his servants, the officers and employees of the State of Illinois, are 
 doing. 
 
 A representative form of government demands equality of representation 
 balanced by recognition of geographical complexities of Illinois. Me urge 
 the people to adopt the Senatorial reapportionment amendment to the Const!" 
 tution of Illinois. 
 
 A free people must have access to the courts and there have a speedy 
 remedy for their wrongs. We shall work for the submission of a judicial 
 article to the people which will expedite the business of the courts, keep 
 the courts free from partisan influences aai make the judges responsible to 
 the people. 
 
 -352- 
 
Republican Platform of 1954 
 
 No greater problem faces ^the people of Illinois than the necessity 
 of piDvidtng a sound education for their children. That those children fljay 
 ben»fit, we deem it imperative that Honorable Vernon L. Nickell be retained 
 in office to carry forward the program he has conceived and developed over 
 the past twelve years, and we urge every citizen to rise above partisanship 
 in the interest of American youth and re-elect Vernon L. Nickell, Superinten- 
 dent of Public Instruction, 
 
 We urge the election of the Honorable Warren E. Wright of Park Ridge, 
 Illinois, as State Treasurer. He will bring to office experience as a banker 
 and a record of accomplishment as State Treasurer. 
 
 We urge the continuation of ^ Republican majority in each House of 
 the General Assembly, and urge the election of each Republican candidate 
 for the General Assembly, 
 
 The basis of govenunent is the grass roots of America. Both state 
 and national administrations rest on the undramatic but vital task of local 
 administration. In November, 1954, in each of 102 counties, officers of 
 great importance will be elected. 
 
 In the largest county of our state the county board, the Forest 
 Preserve District and the Sanitary District, each headed by a Republican, 
 have set marks, as have many other smaller Republican controlled administra-* 
 tions, by reducing tax levies. 
 
 We urge the election of the Republican candidates for each office 
 in each county of the State, 
 
 For United States Senator: 
 JOSEPH T. MEEK 
 
 For State Treasurer: 
 WARREN Eo WRIGHT 
 
 For Superintendent of Public Instruction: 
 VERNON Lo NICKELL 
 
 For University of Illinois Trustees: 
 VERNON L« HEATH 
 DRo RALPH Ho SCUNSXADIER 
 mURXCE OmtZEKS 
 
 SOURCES Illinois Republican State Central Committee. 
 
 .353- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFOKM OF 1954 
 (Adopted September 13, 1954) 
 
 THE NATION - FOREIGN AFFAIRS. 
 
 We, the duly elected representatives of the Democratic Party of the 
 State of Illinois, in convention assembled at Chicago, this 13th day of 
 September 1954, invite the citizens of our State to solemnly analyze the 
 effect of the change brought about by the last National election. 
 
 In January, 1953, a Republican President and Congress assumed control 
 of the affairs of our Country v/hich, in the twenty years of Democratic admin- 
 istration under the inspired leadership of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and 
 Harry S. Truman, had become the most liberal, the most unselfish and the 
 most prosperous nation in all human history. With the precious blood of 
 our young and with the expenditure of unheard of treasures we had helped 
 liberate Europe from the plagues of fascism and naziism. We then planned 
 and helped fashion a new instrument -- The United Nations — which, but for 
 the betrayal by communist Russia, contained real promise of peace and social 
 justice for the nations of the world. We then proceeded to pour out more 
 of our substance in an effort to aid the economic rehabilitation of all the 
 stricken peoples of the world without discrimination and to build up the 
 defenses of the democratic nations. The free world sought and acknowledged 
 our leadership in these respects and we enjoyed its undivided friendship 
 and confidence. We had become the symbol of hope for all the peoples who 
 were intent upon containing communism within its limited spheres. 
 
 Now, within less than two years of Republican rule, confusion and 
 chaos have replaced policy and determination. The "new look" turned out 
 to be a blurred vision. Not even its architects can penetrate the dark 
 and dangerous vistas lying before them. The loss of Indo-China, the death 
 of the European Defense Community (EDC) and the humiliating relegation of 
 our representatives to the sidelines in Geneva, have left our government in 
 such a state of helplessness and indecision that all of our gains and prestige 
 on the world scene are seriously threatened. As a result the power of the 
 United Nations to restrain further aggression on the part of the communists 
 and to work effectively for world peace hangs in the balance. These diplo- 
 matic failures have apparently stunned our national administrators and 
 exposed their incompetence. Obviously, they were too conceited to foresee 
 the possibility of such failures and to prepare plans to meet them. The 
 resulting losses to the free world and the obvious gains of the communist 
 states are as yet incalculable. Instead of progressing toward peace we 
 are treated to ugly visions of war particularly by what is happening around 
 Formosa. 
 
 DOMESTIC SET-BACKS 
 
 On the domestic scene, the "change" brought about by the election 
 of the Republican administration is no less frightening. Now we know that 
 by their 1952 campaign promises the Republican leaders practiced deceit 
 
 •355- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 knowingly. They never intended to honor their promises. Such credits as 
 the President claims all stem from policies and measures initiated by the 
 previous Democratic administration. Not a single welfare measure enacted 
 during the Roosevelt and Truman administration has been repealed. On the 
 contrary, the very acts which the Republican leadership denounced as socialism 
 they have now adopted and claim as their own. But even that is simply a 
 facade, for many of the social gains made under the Democratic administration 
 which have brought so much prosperity and happiness to the American people 
 are being administratively whittled away by the Republican hierarchy. 
 
 Our economic well-being which depends for its stability on the 
 purchasing power of the American families is being seriously threatened. 
 Within the last twenty months the unemployment figures have risen to threaten- 
 ing heights. Definite danger signals are flying around and particularly in 
 Illinois. The take-home pay of the average employed worker has been reduced 
 not only by the virtual disappearance of overtime work but also by reduction 
 in full=time employment. With the universal increase of rents and lowered 
 incomes the purchasing power of America's families is shrinking constantly. 
 For the first time since our recovery from the economic depression started 
 during the last Republican administration, standards of living are sliding 
 downward instead of marching upward. Perhaps there is some covert signifi- 
 cance in the sudden intimacy between President Eisenhower and his Republican 
 predecessor, Herbert Hoover, 
 
 Our world prestige has suffered from another strange Republican per- 
 formance. Disunity and demagogery are running rampant within that Party. 
 The Army-McCarthy clowning exhibition which was staged for the whole world 
 to see has made our government the laughing-stock of friends and foes. 
 Instead of the strong, purposeful government in Washington which the world 
 had come to know and respect, it now beholds a Republican government dis- 
 organized and confused, without sufficient strength to restrain the demagogaes 
 within its own Party, Instead of a government earnestly devoted to the task 
 of advancing the well-being of all its citizens, we find a captive govern- 
 ment in the service of special interests, reiterating the Hamiltonian 
 philosophy that if the rich have plenty, the crumbs from their tables will 
 be sufficient to care for the rest of us. Instead of a government zealously 
 guarding the treasures of the nation we have one embarked upon a course of 
 giving away wealth belonging to all the people. The give-away of the 
 billions of dollars worth of off-shore oil was a brazen economic and social 
 discrimination against 44 of the States, including Illinois, The royalties 
 from this God-given treasure to our land would have been ample to insure 
 stability and improvement of public education of our children for countless 
 generations to come. The "Tidelands Bill" was a free gift of the public's 
 wealth in compliance with an outrageous political promise in order to enrich 
 a few multi-millionaires and to create a few more. The give-away of the atomic 
 power development will enrich only the big power companies. Future generations 
 of electricity consumers will continue to pay untold millions in unconscious 
 rates. The Republican proposal to give away the nation's grazing lands under 
 special lease arrangements, and the discriminatory subsidy to the wealthy by 
 the Republican tax bill are additional items on the schedule of an administra- 
 tion which is committed to the proposition that, which is good for the rich 
 and powerful is fair for the country. 
 
 -356- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 The presidential veto of the bill authorizing increased diversion of 
 the waters of Lake Michigan, which was advocated and supported by every 
 Illinois Democrat in Congress and which would have greatly aided the health 
 and commerce of our State, is but an added demonstration that wealth, power 
 and special privilege rule the captive administration in Washington. We call 
 upon the citizens of our State to mobilize their strength for a battle to 
 check the progress of this public-be-damned- philosophy and to elect the 
 Senator and Congressmen who hold that government must be for the benefit of 
 all the people. We appeal to all the liberal and fair-minded men and women 
 of our State to join our Party in the ensuing struggle to recapture for our 
 nation the social, political and economic ideals of Thomas Jefferson, 
 Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. 
 
 We congratulate the Illinois Democratic members in Congress for their 
 service to the people of our country. Senator Paul H. Douglas has shed more 
 lustre upon our State than any first-term Senator in contemporary history. 
 He has become a force second to none, and has gained the admiration not only 
 of the Democratic and liberal Republican Senators but as well of those who 
 are not always in agreement with him. All respect him for his knowledge, his 
 clear and forceful presentation of his views and his complete devotion to 
 his duties. His support of certain measures advocated by the President has 
 marked him as a man of independence and courage and with but a single purpose 
 to serve his country and to give to that service the fullest measure of his 
 devotion. 
 
 Likewise, we congratulate the Danocratic members of the House of 
 Representatives whose records mark them as men of intelligence, integrity 
 and foresight -- men who understand the needs of our country and the role 
 it should play on the world scene, and who have dedicated themselves to 
 serve not alone the citizens of Illinois but all the people of these united 
 States o 
 
 THE STATE 
 
 Our State has beep. £<?rtuinate in having had as its Governor for four 
 eventful years America's great Statesman and Champion O'f human rights -- 
 Adiai Stevenson. His administration of the affairs of the State of Illinois 
 has written some of the brightest pages of its history. 
 
 Under the leadership of Governor Adlai Stevenson, Illinois had forged 
 its way to a position of leadership in the family of States. 
 
 The state welfare and penal institutions were improved from a position 
 among the worst in the nation to a position where they were praised by experts 
 from all over the lando The present administration has all but destroyed 
 this great program „ 
 
 The Democrats had revised civil service classifications which took 
 essential jobs out of politics. The Republicans have now adopted a policy 
 
 •357- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 of spoils politics without regard to the public they were elected to serve 
 or to the interest of the dedicated civil servants whom they have ruthlessly 
 sacrificed. 
 
 The Democrats had begun a far-flung desperately-needed highway improve- 
 ment program. The Republican administration has changed this to a give-away 
 program to the commercial trucking interests, and cast the burden of improving 
 our roads upon the average motorist. 
 
 The Stratton administration is responsible for the passage of the Park 
 Admission Fee Bill. 
 
 The parks of Illinois are the property of the taxpayers, and should 
 be immediately returned to the people of Illinois. 
 
 We pledge our Party to a State program which will recapture for Illinois 
 the lofty position it held under Governors Henry Homer and Adlai Stevenson. 
 
 COMMUNISM 
 
 1, We shall continue to stand in the forefront of the battle against com- 
 munism, both at home and abroad, and will support all efforts aimed at rooting 
 out communist activities. But we shall also guard against unwarranted attacks 
 upon innocent citizens by insisting that none be condemned by investigatory 
 processes or otherwise, without a full and complete hearing, in accordance 
 with the spirit of American justice. 
 
 2. Under Democratic administration ■== State and National -- the equality 
 of women was insured by law. Their rights of suffrage, to serve on juries 
 and to hold public office are now firmly rooted in our laws and traditions. 
 We stand J as we have stood in the past, for the fullest protection of those 
 rights, including their right to equal pay for equal work. 
 
 EDDCATION 
 
 3. The real wealth of our nation is its people. Every child who is 
 deprived of adequate education and training for useful living represents a 
 wastes not only of our material wealth but of our spiritual treasures as well. 
 We stand for much higher state financial aid to our schools, for adequate 
 salary for teachers, for ample school facilities so as to eliminate over- 
 crowding and the double=shift system. Each child in Illinois should enjoy 
 a maximum chance for a proper education. 
 
 We urge the Governor of Illinois to call a special session of the 
 general assembly. This session must consider the unjust and drastic financial 
 
 •358- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 school problem. The session must be called to deal with this problem since 
 the governor and his administration has failed to appropriate sufficient funds 
 to meet the minimum requirement of state aid to public schools » 
 
 And we charge that the Stratton administration has failed to meet the 
 minimum requirements of state aid to schools by their budget-making manipula- 
 tions. 
 
 THE BLUE BALLOT 
 
 4. The citizens of Illinois have been for many decades and are now deprived 
 of the basic feature of democracy -- equal representation in its legislative 
 halls. Now we are offered partial relief by the re-apportiomnent resolution 
 x/hich will appear on the Blue Ballot at the ensuing election. We pledge our 
 Party's ii^olehearted support of the proposed amendment to the Constitution. 
 
 JUDICIAL REFORM 
 
 5. Our Judicial System has become inadequate to serve the needs of our 
 ever-increasing population. This problem is the concern of every citizen and 
 those who seek to gain partisan political advantage out of the need of reform 
 betray the most sacred obligation of citizenship. We stand for an amendment 
 to the State Constitution designed to meet the present-day needs for prompt 
 and efficient administration of justice and to establish a modern judicial 
 system in our State. Such a system should embrace (1) a Supreme Court with 
 power to supervise the administrative aspects of all courts of this State; 
 
 (2) an intermediary appellate court with an enlarged jurisdictions and 
 
 (3) a unified trial court. We stand committed to defend the rights of the 
 people to elect their judges. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 6, The gains of labor under the Democratic Administrations, national and 
 local, have been the greatest contribution to the economic stability and 
 prosperity in our entire history. The Republican policy of containing labor's 
 ?.dv&nce and if possible to whittle a'Wiy the gains nade, constitute a serious 
 threat to the well-being of our entire country. We stand solidly on the pro- 
 gram that the improvement of the economics social and educational condition 
 of the mesii who toil in the field, factoryj mine and office is the greatest 
 insurance which our country can acquire for domestic tranquilitys health, 
 prosperity and devotion to the ideals inherent in the American way of life. 
 
 Therefore s we pledge our Party's unrelenting drive toward the achieve- 
 ment of the following objectives; 
 
 (a) Improved health and safety measures for all workers, including 
 
 insurance of adequate medical care for their families and for 
 all who are injured in or as a result of their work, 
 
 (b) Increase the minimum wage law. 
 
 =359- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 (c) A law providing for a system of cash sickness insurance to 
 offset wage losses. 
 
 (d) Strengthening unemployment benefits by extending it to all 
 groups of workers, increasing the maximum and minimum payments 
 and the number of weeks for which benefits are allowable and by 
 eliminating unreasonable disqualifications, waiting periods and 
 other penalties, and- 
 
 (f) Complete revision and modernization of the Workmen's Compensation 
 Act, including increased benefits for injuries and occupational 
 disease and comprehensive rehabilitation of injured and disabled 
 workers . 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 7o We pledge ourselves to continue our work toward the adoption of amend= 
 ments to the revenue provisions of our Constitution in order to insure more 
 equitable distribution of taxes. We shall continue to advocate the adoption 
 of laws designed to permit our local governments to acquire the additional 
 revenues necessary to meet their growing needs. 
 
 A COMPETENT PUBLIC SERVICE 
 
 8, The present Republican administration has demoralized the public service 
 and effected a return to spoils politics by arbitrary hiring and firing of 
 career State employees. The alarmingly high rate of employee turnover among 
 civil service and other employees has been wasteful and extremely costly. 
 The service rendered the public has seriously deteriorated. We pledge our- 
 selves to work for the restoration of integrity and competence to the admin= 
 istration of the public service of the State of Illinois. 
 
 9o We stand for a carefully planned program of highway construction which 
 has as its primary purpose the construction and maintenance of those roads 
 and highways which are most beneficial to all the people of Illinois. 
 
 Insofar as is possible, the people of Illinois are entitled to the 
 use of their highways without paying tolls. We do favor, however, a road 
 program which will require the imposition of tolls only in those areas where 
 
 need, traffic and revenue will justify such a course. 
 
 BETTER M ENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 
 
 10. We pledge to fight the Republican Administration's neglect and abuse 
 of almost SOgOOO ill and helpless citizens in our State mental hospitals, to 
 fight for a recapture of the benefits of the sound research program begun in 
 former years ^ and for the restoration of the former high standards of 
 
 =360- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 administration and care in our State mental health institutions. We shall 
 work for the establishment of a separate Department of Mental Health under 
 competent professional direction and free from political abuses. 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 11. We will not relent in our effort to eliminate discrimination among our 
 
 citizens. Some gains have already been made in that respect, but much --JsHS!? 
 
 remains to be done. We shall persist in our efforts to give to Illinois an 
 enforceable Fair Employment Practice Law. 
 
 CRIME MP DELINQUENCY 
 
 12. We stajid for the creation of an independent, impartial state crime 
 commission to investigate crime and juvenile delinquency in Illinois. 
 
 HOUSING 
 
 13. We pledge continuance of our support for an adequate housing program 
 and slum clearance and we will continue to fight efforts to cripple the 
 housing program. 
 
 BUSINESS 
 
 14. We will strive to maintain the reputation of Illinois as a good state 
 in which to do business -- both small and large business -- and the national 
 standing of Illinois as an economical, low- tax, low-spending state government. 
 
 TAFT-HARTLEY 
 
 15. We favor the repeal of the Taft-Hartley law, and are unalterably opposed 
 to the creation of any so-called "Little Taft-Hartley" law for Illinois. 
 
 CODE OF FAIR PROCEDURES 
 
 16. In order to insure orderly, efficient investigations and at the same 
 time preserve to the people of Illinois the basic guarantees of cur State 
 and Federal Constitutions j we urge the adoption of a Code of Fair Procedure 
 setting up uniform rules for investigations carried on by committees and 
 commissioas established by the General Assembly, 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 17. We are committed to the proposition that all citizens \^o have reached 
 the age of 18 should be permitted to vote. 
 
 -361- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1954 
 
 VETERANS 
 
 18. We will continue to recognize the special needs of all veterans and 
 society's obligation to them. 
 
 SALES TAX 
 
 19. We favor the repeal of the state sales tax on food. 
 
 MODERNIZING CITY GOVERNMENTS 
 
 20, We favor the modernization of municipal government and such revision 
 of the present Chicago city charter that will attain that end. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 21. We pledge continued recognition of agriculture as the basic industry 
 of Illinois, And we will continue our support of appropriations to state 
 educational institutions for agricultural research and advancement, ever 
 mindful that farm prosperity reflects the prosperity of Illinois and of the 
 United States. 
 
 CONSERVATION 
 
 22. We pledge continuation of the program for conservation of fish and 
 game, soil, water, forest and mineral resources of the state with special 
 emphasis on preventing pollution of our streams and lakes and of reforestation 
 of submarginal lands. We will maintain and improve our system of state parks 
 to provide recreational opportunities to all people in the State. 
 
 THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 We commend the Democratic members of the 68th General Assembly for 
 their fight in behalf of liberal, enlightened state government. 
 
 ^t.-t.^i-^>-.t..t.^i>.^a-.B. 
 
 We pledge our energetic support for the election of all Democratic 
 candidates for election on November 2, 1954. 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 -362- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS. 1956 
 
 Labor.) 
 
 Summary of 1956 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Socialist 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Count i£ 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carriec 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Dwight D. Eisenhower 
 
 2,623,327 
 
 1,293,223 
 
 1,330,104 
 
 97 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Adlai E. Stevenson 
 
 1,775,682 
 
 977,821 
 
 797,861 
 
 5 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 William G. Stratton 
 
 2,171,786 
 
 1,044,894 
 
 1,126,892 
 
 73 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Richard B. Austin 
 
 ^ - 
 
 2,134,909 
 
 1,189,993 
 
 944,916 
 
 29 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 . Issues 
 
 Other No . Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 66.4% 
 
 0. 
 
 ,07. 
 
 33.67. 
 
 2500 
 
 Democratic 
 
 64.1% 
 
 11. 
 
 ,97. 
 
 24.07. 
 
 3100 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1955-1956 
 
 State auditor Orville E. Hodge was ousted from office when investigation 
 proved he had misappropriated more than $1 million in state funds. He was sentence 
 in August 1956 to serve 12 to 15 years at the Menard state prison. 
 
 Reapportioning and redistricting of the Illinois General Assembly was ac- 
 complished in 1955, the first time since 1901. Cook County was given 30 districts 
 (23 for Chicago) in the lower house; the rest of the state, 29. Cook County 
 received 24 senate seats while the rest of the state was given 34. While the 
 senate districts were to remain permanent, the house districts were to be redrawn 
 to account for population changes in 1963 and every 10 years thereafter. 
 
 The legislature also increased the state sales tax from 2 cents to 2^ cents 
 and authorized cities to levy a one-half cent sales tax without referendum. A 
 record-breaking $339 million was appropriated to modernize Illinois highways; 
 proposed an amendment to revise revenue article of constitution (defeated in 1956 
 by voters); a new personnel bill that amended for the first time in 50 years the 
 state civil service code; and the state police force was increased from 500 to 
 600 men. Antisubversive measures known as the "Broyles bills" requiring state 
 and public school employees to sign loyalty oaths passed. The legislature adopted 
 "Land of Lincoln" as the state's official slogan. 
 
 Major gubernatorial vetoes included a Korean War veterans bonus and salary 
 increases for state employees. 
 
 Commonwealth Edison of Chicago announced in 1955 that a full scale 
 nuclear power plant was to be built in the Chicago area. The $45 million project 
 was to be financed by seven private companies. 
 
 -363- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1956 
 (Adopted May 29, 1956) 
 
 We, the delegates of the Republican Party constituting the 51st Repub- 
 lican State Convention assembled in the City of Bloomington on this 29th day 
 of May, 1956, hereby adopt the following platform: 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 The Republican Party has completed a century of service to the State 
 of Illinois and to the American Republic. It is fitting and proper that we 
 consider briefly this 100 years of progress. 
 
 In 1856 former Free Soil Democrats, former Whigs, and independents, 
 who believed the time had come to fight for human freedom and to strive to 
 extend liberty throughout the land, joined together in Illinois and in other 
 northern states to organize the Republican Party. 
 
 One of the keynote speakers at the first State convention held here 
 in Bloomington, was Abraham Lincoln. The Republican Party triumphed in 
 Illinois in 1856. Beginning with the administration of Governor Bissell, 
 the Republican Party has administered the government of Illinois for 80 out 
 of the last 100 years. In the first century of Republican Administration of 
 Illinois the population of the State has multiplied tenfold and the wealth 
 of the State has increased a hundredfold. We have been the party of peace, 
 progress and prosperity. 
 
 Now we begin the second century of service of the Republican Party 
 to the people of the State, not content to rest upon the laurels of the past, 
 but facing the problems of the present with confidence in the future. 
 
 We are completing a century vAiich began with Abraham Lincoln in the 
 White House. Today America is the greatest and wealthiest of Nations in 
 the World, and the hope of free peoples everywhere. 
 
 In the name of Dwight D. Eisenhower and in the spirit of Abraham 
 Lincoln we proudly present this Platform and Declaration of Principles to 
 the people of Illinois with our great State ticket headed by Governor William 
 Grant Stratton during whose administration more has been accomplished for the 
 people of Illinois than in any comparable period in the history of the State, 
 and who in his second administration, will commence a second century of prog- 
 ress for Illinois. 
 
 THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
 
 The great successes v*iich have crowned the first administration of 
 one of our greatest Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, appeal to all people. 
 Again in 1956 as in 1856, righteousness and truth are on the side of the 
 Republican Party. 
 
 -364- 
 
Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 President Dwight D. Eisenhower has brought peace to the nation 
 and to the world. The nation's economy flourishes and prosperity blooms, 
 and this without nourishing the soil with blood of American soldiers, sailors, 
 marines and airmen, and without watering the ground with the tears of grieving 
 mothers, widows and orphans. 
 
 Once more the world admires and respects America's conduct of foreign 
 affairs. In dealing with the nations of the world, the Eisenhower administra- 
 tion has manifested consideration, fairness and firmness of purpose, in a 
 spirit of moderation. 
 
 President Eisenhower has restored efficiency and integrity in the 
 administration of government. He has ended corruption in high places. His 
 first term in the White House has been and is honest and efficient. Its 
 gdiding spirit has been fairness toward all, and malice toward none. 
 
 The economic life of this State and nation may be compared to a team; 
 Labor, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Service, When each of these 
 great elements of the nation's life is prosperous, the nation collectively 
 is prosperous and healthy. By its fair treatment of industry, commerce and 
 labor, each of these groups has prospered during the last four years as never 
 before. Likewise, the service trades and professions have been and are 
 prosperous. This is good. 
 
 With the advice and co-operation of the leaders of the nation's farmers. 
 President Eisenhower has submitted to Congress a program which will solve the 
 farmers' problems and enable Agriculture to prosper equally with Industry, 
 Commerce, Labor and the Service trades and professions. This wise and well 
 considered program of conservation, of soil bank program payments 5 will restore 
 a sound balance of supply to demand and substantially increase farm income. 
 The Republicans of Illinois regret that partisan majorities in the Senate 
 and in the House of Representatives have refused tc accede to the President's 
 desire that these soil bank payments begin this year. We believe the farmers 
 of Illinois and those of other states understand that it is neither the Repub- 
 lican Party nor the President of the United States \iho are responsible for 
 the deferment of these payments which will bring prosperity in full measure 
 to agriculture. 
 
 We commend our United States Senator, the Honorable Everett McKinley 
 Dirksen, on the magnificent record he has made during his first term. He has 
 achieved and attained a great place of leadership in the Republican Party, 
 and his words carry great weight in the Senate of the United States, It 
 is essential that Senator Dirksen be re-elected for another six years of 
 service to all the people. 
 
 We commend the Representatives in Congress from Illinois for their 
 steadfast devotion to Republican principles and for their unceasing loyalty 
 to President Eisenhower and his legislative program. We urge the re-election 
 of each of them. We also congratulate the nominees selected by the voters 
 in the primary as candidates for Congress in the districts now represented 
 by members of the opposition party. We strongly urge the people of Illinois 
 
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Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 to elect a solid Republican delegation from Illinois which will solidly 
 support the administration of President Eisenhower and help to achieve the 
 complete triumph of his principles in foreign and domestic legislation. 
 
 THE STATE ADMINISTRATION AND ITS 1952 PLEDGES 
 
 In 1952 the 49th State Convention of the Republican Party joined 
 with members of the State ticket in proposing and adopting a Platform which 
 embraced the following: 
 
 1. A State administration of sound economy. 
 
 2. An adequate highway system of primary, secondary and farm to market 
 roads and super-highways to relieve the congestion which choked the 
 main arteries of transportation. 
 
 3. Adequate allotments for the aged, the dependent and the blind. 
 
 4. An honest civil service and merit system and clean politics. 
 
 5. A strong State Department of Agriculture to enforce pure food laws and 
 animal health laws, and thus protect the people and livestock industry. 
 
 6. To preserve the right of labor to organize and bargain collectively 
 without interference and to preserve and strengthen this right. 
 
 7. To solve the fiscal problems of local government. 
 
 8. To co-operate in the development of airports and other facilities to 
 promote the growth and safety of aviation. 
 
 9. To strengthen and continue the Republican program of progressive aid to 
 schools of the State, 
 
 10. To fulfill with grateful appreciation the obligation of the State to the 
 veterans of all wars. 
 
 11. To amend the Illinois truck license law, so as to remove inequities and 
 inconsistencies . 
 
 12. To zealously guard civil rights. 
 
 13. To eliminate discrimination to vigorously oppose racial and religious 
 prejudice, 
 
 14. To make our citizens fully secure in their persons and possessions by 
 a vigorous offensive against crime. 
 
 15. To reorganize the Courts of the State so that justice might no longer be 
 denied in consequence of unreasonable delays. 
 
 THE RECORD PERFORMANCE 
 
 We proudly review the performance of these promises v^iich have been 
 so amply fulfilled. 
 
 First ; The present administration has been and is an administration of sound 
 economy. Appropriations in many cases have been reduced, and where increased 
 as for schools, welfare and highways only those increases have been authorized 
 which the public welfare clearly made necessary. The Governor's determination 
 tD hold down the budget was unmistakably demonstrated by his vetoes of appro- 
 priations totalling more than $22,000,000, This set a record. In 1955, 
 Illinois and its local governments reduced taxes 60c per person from those 
 collected in 1954. 37 states collect more taxes per capita than Illinois. 
 
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Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 At the 1955 session the General Assembly voted to submit an amendment 
 to the Revenue Article of the Constitution, We recommend that this amendment 
 be ratified by the people at the November election. This will enable the 
 General Assembly in 1957 to enact a modem revenue law which will eliminate 
 injustice and make the assessment of taxes more equitable. 
 
 Second ; This has been the greatest period of highway building in the history 
 of the state. Greater safety has been insured and congestion eliminated by 
 well engineered and adequate highways and secondary roads and farm to market 
 highways have been greatly improved. $300,000,000 is now being spent on 
 better roads. To enable building in the metropolitan areas in 4 years of 
 roads which would otherwise require 20 years for completion. Cook County has 
 been authorized to issue $245,000,000 in bonds to be serviced and retired by 
 funds granted to the county by the state. 
 
 Third ; An Act was passed creating the Illinois Toll Road Commission. The 
 act has been upheld by the state and federal courts of last resort. The 
 bonds have been sold. The land is being acquired and before this summer ends 
 construction will be under way at several points. In two years, without cost 
 to the taxpayer, and without the levying of any additional taxes. Those who 
 desire to pay modest tolls for extra speed and safety may drive around the 
 congestion of the metropolitan area and be well on their way to and from the 
 west and the northwest in a fraction of the time now required. Completion 
 of this program will put Illinois in the forefront of highway progress. No 
 new taxation has been imposed to accomplish this great program. 
 
 Fourth ; Increased assistance has been granted the aged, the dependent and 
 the blind, and the administration of the laws for their benefit has been 
 and is humanitarian. 
 
 Fifth ; The strengthening by this administration of the merit system and honest 
 administration of the civil service laws have earned new respect for the 
 state government and its code departments. More civil service examinations have 
 b»ea held and more employees have been placed under civil service than ever 
 before. 
 
 Sixth ; The Pare Food Laws have been amended to better protect the people and 
 the livestock industry. Honest inspection and law enforcement has obtained 
 compliance with the law. There have been no "horsemeat" scandals in this 
 administration. 
 
 Seventh ; Labor has fully enjoyed its right to organize and bargain collectively 
 without interference and this right has been preserved and strengthened by 
 the administrative determination that the guaranteed annual wage plan entered 
 into by certain unions and employers does not deprive union members under such 
 a plan of the benefits provided by the Unemployment Compensation Act. Illinois 
 is one of the few industrial states in which no restrictive labor legislation 
 has been enacted in the last 4 years. During that period harmony has prevailed* 
 between labor and management as never before, A new mine safety record was 
 made. For the first time, the state has functioning a sound industrial safety 
 program. Workmen's compensation payments have been increased 50%. 
 
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Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 Eighth ; The Sales Tax Revenue is now being shared with more than 800 cities 
 and villages and is helping to solve the problems of local government. 
 
 Ninth ; The state distributive school fund has been increased from $120,000,000 
 to $200,000,000. This money is spent by the local school boards. It has 
 greatly improved our schools and aided the morale of the teachers. 
 
 Tenth; Higher education has been strongly supported by this administration. 
 Enrollment in the state universities and teachers colleges has doubled. More 
 than 2,000 new members has been added to the staffs of state supported educa- 
 tional institutions. The state is now contributing $100,00 per pupil in 
 junior colleges, the enrollment in which has greatly increased. 
 
 Eleventh ; New and improved airports and other facilities have improved the 
 safety of aviation and aided its ever increasing growth. 
 
 Twelfth ; A commission has been appointed and is now engaged in studies to 
 devise a constitutional and workable program for adjusted compensation 
 benefits for Korean war veterans. It Is the purpose of the administration 
 to submit an equitable program for a vote of the people at the earliest 
 possible date. 
 
 Thirteenth ; The Illinois truck act has been amended to remove inequities and 
 ellminste inconsistencies. Order has b«en brought out of chaos in the admin- 
 istration of Che law. 
 
 Fourta<£nth t A new drivers license law has been enacted which is the most 
 advanced of all state highway safety laws. The Secretary of State, Charles F. 
 Carpentier, has fairly and Juatly adminis tered the law and suspended or 
 withdrawn the privilege to drive an automobile from those i^o demonstrate 
 that they cannot or will not operate a car with care and caution and with 
 regard to the traffic laws. New style license plates conforming to the 
 national agreement between Secretaries of state and the automobile matmfacturers 
 have been Issued to vaote people in less time than ever before, and the plates 
 proudly proclaim that the car is from the "Land of Lincoln". 
 
 Fifteenth ; This administration has worked to promote highway safety. The 
 state police force has been Increased in number. Salaries have been Increased. 
 Radar Installations have been made In every police district, A bureau of traffic 
 safety studies every accident and its cause. As a result, in the face of a 
 national Increase of more than 12% in traffic fatalities, Illinois during the 
 last three years has shown a decline of 9% in traffic deaths. 
 
 Sixteenth s For the safety of Investors, a modern Securities law was enacted. 
 The Secretary of State under this law has prevented the sale to citizens of 
 Illinois of more than $100 million in questionable securities, and has secured 
 the refund to Investors of more than $2 millions paid by them for unlawful 
 securities unlawfully sold. 
 
 Seventeenth ; The State Auditor's office, in co'^operation with the Savings 
 and Loaa As8<»clatlons throu^out the State drafted a new Savings and Loan 
 
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Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 Association Act, The new law better protects investors in such associations, 
 and makes available an increasing reservoir of new capital to sustain the 
 current building boom. New legislation was enacted to expand and strengthen 
 the credit union ^stem. \ 
 
 We believe that it is greatly in the interest and for the benefit of 
 people of Illinois to adopt the new Banking Act which has been submitted by 
 unanimous action of the Legislature for approval at the general election on 
 November 6, 
 
 This act is the product of months of study and research by a non- 
 partisan committee of legislators and financial and legal experts appointed 
 by the State Auditor, Because of the additional protection it furnishes 
 bank depositors, its enactment is clearly in the public interest. In 
 addition, although the present state banking system is strong, events have 
 demonstrated the need for modernization and clarification of the existing 
 banking statute, which was adopted in 1920 and in substance dates back to 
 1887, 
 
 Accordingly, we pledge our full support in bringing about adoption 
 of the proposed new Illinois Banking Act at the November 6 referendum. 
 
 Eighteenth ; Civil Rights have been safeguarded. Successful prosecutions 
 have been waged in cases of violence by discriminating zealots. Today there 
 is not a single segregated school district in Illinois. Segregation in 
 inter-state commerce en railroads and other carriers has been completely 
 eliminated. An effective program has been administered by the Commission 
 on Human Relations \^ich has reduced discrimination and overcome racial and 
 religious prejudice. For the first time in the state's history the highest 
 state offices have been opened to all without regard to sex, race, color or 
 creed. Segregation has been abolished in all state institutions. We pledge 
 a continuing effort to increase understanding among and co-operation between 
 all races by example and by education. 
 
 Nineteenth ; The troublesome problem of re-apportioranent has been solved. 
 In 1953 under the leadership of Governor Stratton the General Assembly 
 approved an amendment to the Comstitutionj creating separate Senate and 
 Representative districts and prO'Viding that Senatorial Districts should be 
 laid out by the legislature on the basis of area as a prime consideration, 
 and that Representative districts should be substantially equal in population. 
 It was supported by men and women of good will without regard to- partisan 
 political considerations. At the 1954 election the amendment was adopted by 
 an overwhelming majority. At the 1955 session of the General Assembly, a 
 fair re-apportionment of both Senate and House districts was enacted. The 
 State Senate and the House of Representatives elected in 1956 will adequately 
 and fairly represent the people in every section of Illinois. 
 
 Twentieth ; We pledge continuiing effort to secure favorable consideration at 
 the next General Assembly of a constitutional amendment to reorganize and 
 improve our system of courts. 
 
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Republican Platform of 1956 
 
 CONTINUED AND IMPROVED GOOD GOVERNMENT 
 
 The performance of the pledges above set out by the Republican admin- 
 istration in Washington and by the Republican State administration in Illinois 
 guarantees the firmness of purpose of these administrations to complete and 
 expand these programs during the next four years. Our National and State 
 officials have made records which demonstrate their merit for re-election. 
 We respectfully urge the voters of Illinois to support the full Republican 
 ticket in November. Proudly we indorse them, and with them the candidates 
 of the Republican Party for local office throughout Illinois. 
 
 We express grateful appreciation of the hard and faithful efforts of 
 the precinct committeemen and women and irorkers of the Republican Party 
 throughout the State, 
 
 The following is a National and State ticket which should on the record 
 be overwhelmingly supported by the voters and with their victory should be 
 achieved victory of the fine local candidates; 
 
 For President and Vice-President; DWIOiT D. EISENHOWER and RICHARD NIXON 
 
 For United States Senator: EVERETT McKINLEY DIRKSEN 
 
 For Governors WILLIAM GRANT STRATTON 
 
 For Lieutenant Governor: JOHN WILLIAM CHAPMAN 
 
 For Secretary of State: CHARLES F, CARPENTIER 
 
 For Auditor of Public Accounts? ORVILLE E, HODGE 
 
 For Treasurer: ELMER J, HOFFMAN 
 
 For Attorney General: LATHAM CASTLE 
 
 For Clerk of the Supreme Court: MRS. EARLE BENJAMIN SEARCY 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Committee, 
 
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DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1956 
 
 Statement of Principles of the Democratic Party of Illinois - 1956 
 
 (Adopted September 10, 1956) 
 
 We, the duly elected representatives of the Democratic Party of the 
 State of Illinois in Convention assembled in Chicago on this 10th day of 
 September, 1956, declare and publish these principles as our State Platform. 
 
 We enthusiastically support the National Platform of the Democratic 
 Party, adopted in August, 1956 in Chicago, and we pledge our untiring efforts 
 to the achievements of the principles set out in that platform and to the 
 election of our distinguished and brilliant native son - Adlai E. Stevenson, 
 and our dynamic, industrious and capable Senator Estes Kefauver from Tennessee. 
 
 We are confident that under the leadership of Adlai E. Stevenson that 
 the battle for the common man and woman of America will be won by prompt action 
 and not through hypocritical, vilification and violation of American Civil 
 Liberties, 
 
 We, the Democrats of Illinois have stood in the past and stand now 
 with the Democratic Party of the nation, for all the social and economic gains 
 made under the inspiring leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and 
 President Harry S. Truman. 
 
 The second Presidential veto of the Bill authorizing increased diver- 
 sion of the waters of Lake Michigan, which was advocated and supported by 
 every Illinois Democrat in Congress and which would have greatly aided the 
 health and commerce of our State is but an added demonstration that wealth, 
 power and special privilege rule the captive administration in Washington. 
 
 We call upon the citizens of our State to mobilize their strength for 
 a battle to check the progress of this public-be-damned philosophy and elect 
 as United States Senator from Illinois - Richard Stengel — and Congressmen 
 who hold that a government is responsible for the benefit of all the people. 
 
 We congratulate the Illinois Democratic members in Congress for their 
 service to the people of our country. We congratulate Sen. Paul H. Douglas, 
 whose independence, courage and ability has won for him not only the admira- 
 tion of the Democrats and liberal Republican Senators, but the admiration of 
 those who are not always in agreement vrtth him. 
 
 THE STATE 
 
 We invite all the citizens of our State to solemnly and carefully 
 examine the record of the Republican State administration for the past four 
 years. 
 
 In 1952 Governor Stratton and his "team" assumed control of the govern- 
 ment of Illinois. During the past four years the people of Illinois have 
 witnessed a Republican administration steeped in graft, larceny, embezzlement, 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 arrogance, corruption, misfeasance, waste and inefficiency - the like of which 
 the people of Illinois have never witnessed in the history of this State. 
 This, to the extent that the Republican "team" of Stratton, Hodge and the rest 
 have far out-done and out-plundered the political biccaneers of the former 
 Republican regimes. 
 
 The gross betrayal of the public trust and thievery by the Republican 
 "team" of Stratton, Hodge, Epping, Hintz, Howell, Dunbar, Nickel and Brown - 
 has shocked the citizens of Illinois and of all the nation. 
 
 The efforts of the present Republican administration to avoid responsi- 
 bility for the Hodge scandal by "sweeping it under the rug" is as shocking 
 as the thefts themselves. 
 
 By rushing some of the wrong-doers to trial in order to avoid the impact 
 of the truth upon the voters at election time, a complete and full investiga- 
 tion has been torpedoed. 
 
 The Democratic Party will not cease in its efforts to uncover the 
 full magnitude of the wrong-doings of the Stratton-Hodge "team" in Springfield, 
 until it secures ^r the people of Illinois the answer to the question = "Who 
 got the money," 
 
 The Democratic Party faces the November election in an indignant, united, 
 militant and fighting mood, and we appeal to all citizens = Democrats, Repub- 
 licans and Independents = to join with us in this crusade to restore decency 
 and honesty in State government - to end corruption in Springfield = and to 
 place Illinois in a position of leadership in the family of States that it 
 enjoyed under Henry Horner and Adlai Stevenson, 
 
 We are committed to the proposition that an informed citizenry is 
 essential to the continued well-being of our democratic society. This demands 
 the publication of full and timely reports to the people by the government 
 and free access to public records. 
 
 We have fought, and we will continue to fight, attempts of the present 
 Republican administration to conceal from the people of Illinois basic in- 
 formation concerning our own State government. 
 
 Following the principle that the cornerstone of democratic government 
 is the right of its citizens to know its affairs, we shall press for the 
 enactment of legislation designed to clarify and strengthen this right, 
 
 AUDITOR OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS 
 
 The shocking dishonesty of Orville Hodge, one of the primary members 
 of the Stratton team, constituted a gross mockery of the public trust by an 
 elected office-holder. 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 Governor Stratton must bear his share of the blame for this scandal. 
 The failure of the Governor and his Director of Finance to require Orville 
 Hodge to file financial reports, as required by the Illinois Constitution, 
 led Hodge to believe he could get away with anything. 
 
 Although it was personal dishonesty and laxity of administration that 
 brought on the Hodge thefts, there are statutory changes that can and should 
 be made to prevent a repetition of such wholesale thievery by State officials. 
 
 The conviction of three individuals, not necessarily all of those 
 who profited from the wide-spread plundering, should not blind us to the 
 need for fundamental reforms which this matter has revealed to be necessary. 
 
 The enormous Hodge thefts were facilitated by the fact that Hodge 
 was authorized to approve his own vouchers. Further, he was led to believe 
 that he could escape retribution because there was no provision for audit 
 of his office by an independent agency. Finally, additional funds were at 
 the thieves' finger-tips because of lax scrutiny of appropriations by the 
 present Republican administration. 
 
 We the Democratic Party therefore recommend: 
 
 1. That vouchers of the Auditor, and all the other elected officials, 
 be approved prior to payment by the Department of Finance. 
 
 2. The records of the Auditor of Public Accounts be audited regularly 
 by the State Budgetary Commission or some other independent agency, such as 
 the creation of an independent Comptroller General who would be directly 
 responsible to the Legislature. 
 
 3. The Auditor and other elected officials be required to make 
 purchases through the Department of Finance to the same extent as the various 
 Code Departments. 
 
 4. Full and complete investigation by the Legislature to determine 
 what additional changes are needed to safe-guard the public funds, and insure 
 their proper expenditure. 
 
 COMMUNISM 
 
 We shall continue to stand in the forefront of the battle against 
 communism, both at home and abroad, and will support all efforts aimed at 
 rooting out communist activities. 
 
 Our hatred for communism shall not deter us from protecting unwarranted 
 attacks upon innocent citizens by insisting that none be condemned by investi- 
 gatory processes or otherwise, without a full and complete hearing, in 
 accordance with the spirit of American justice. 
 
 We will continue our fight to eliminate discrimination among our 
 citizens. Many gains were made under Democratic administration--much still 
 remains to be done. 
 
 ■373- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 We shall again present to the Illinois Legislature an enforceable Fair 
 Employment Practice Law prohibiting discrimination in employment because of 
 race, color, religion or national origin. 
 
 The Supreme Court of the United States is the law of the land, and 
 all citizens should and must support its decisions without reservation. 
 
 We condemn the Republican administration of this State for giving lip 
 service to the enactment of a Fair Employment Practice Act, whereas in truth 
 and in fact they work and vote against the enactment of such legislation. 
 
 CRIME 
 
 We stand for and support all laws which have for their purpose, the 
 suppression of crime in Illinois. 
 
 STATES ATTORNEY - ° John Gutknecht 
 
 We, the delegates of this Convention, as do all Democrats, congratulate 
 and compliment the record of our courageous and able States Attorney of Cook 
 County, John Gutknecht, for his impartial and vigorous enforcement of the 
 law. 
 
 We favor Judicial Reform, Our Judicial system has become inadequate 
 to serve the needs of our ever^increasing population. 
 
 We do not accept the proposition that the selection of Judges by a 
 (1) non-elected Commissions (2) appointment by the Governor; or (3) selection 
 by the Legislature; would guarantee the improvement of our Judicial system. 
 
 We stand committee to defend the rights of the people to elect their 
 Judges. We stand for an amendment to the State Constitution designed to 
 meet the present-day needs for prompt and efficient administration of justice 
 and to establish a modern judicial system in our State. Such a system should 
 embrace (1) a Supreme Court with power to supervise the administrative aspects 
 of all courts of this State; (2) an intermediary Appellate Court with an 
 enlarged jurisdiction, (3) a unified trial court and tenure. 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 The real wealth of our nation is its people. Every child who is 
 deprived of adequate education and training for useful living, represents a 
 waste, not only our material wealth but of our spiritual treasures as well. 
 
 We stand for an improved equal tax assessment to the end that proper 
 educational facilities may be established and maintained for our school 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 children, and we advocate an equalization program sufficient to provide 
 adequate education for all children. 
 
 We advocate increased state financial aid to our sdiools and an 
 increased legal minimum salary requirement for teachers in Illinois. 
 
 We pledge priority consideration to the establishment of a State 
 school revolving building fund authority which, when local resources are 
 insufficient to provide safe and adequate school building, could aid in 
 financing urgently needed school construction. 
 
 We pledge the restoration of the school lunch program which was 
 vetoed by Governor Stratton. 
 
 We pledge increased State aid and an adequate program for the 
 mentally and physically handicapped children of Illinois. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The gains of labor under the Democratic Administrations, national and 
 local, have been the greatest contribution to the economic stability and 
 prosperity in our entire history. The Republican policy of containing Labor's 
 advance and if possible to whittle away the gains made, constitute a serious 
 threat to the well-being of our entire country. We stand solidly on the 
 program that the improvement of the economics social and educational condi- 
 tion of the men who toil in the field, factory, mine, and office is the 
 greatest insurance which our country can acquire for domestic tranquility, 
 health, prosperity and devotion to the ideals inherent in the American way 
 of life. 
 
 Therefore, we pledge our Party's unrelenting drive toward the achieve- 
 ment of the following objectives: 
 
 (a) Improved health and safety measures for all workers, including 
 insurance of adequate medical care of their families and for all who 
 are injured in or as a result of their work. 
 
 (b) Increase the minimum wage law to at least 75 cents per hour for all 
 workers not covered by the Federal Minimum Wage Law. 
 
 (c) A law providing for a system of cash sickness insurance to offset 
 wage losses. 
 
 (d) Strengthening unemployment benefits by extending it to all groups of 
 workers, increasing the maximum and minimum payments and the number 
 of weeks for \Aich benefits are allowable, and by eliminating un- 
 reasonable disqualifications, waiting periods and other penalties and 
 
 (e) Complete revision and modernization of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 
 including increased benefits for injuries and occupational disease and 
 comprehensive rehabilitation of injured and disabled workers. 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 (f) Salary increases for state employees, coverage for state employees 
 under the Unemployment Compensation Act, and full recognition of Unions 
 of State employees and workers of County and Municipal governments. 
 
 (g) Increased appropriations to the Illinois Department of Labor to permit 
 more effective enforcement of safety codes and factory inspection laws, 
 as well as more effective enforcement of all state labor legislation. 
 
 We oppose the passage of State Legislation which in reality or design 
 would weaken and eventually destroy the right of working men and women to 
 organize. 
 
 TAFT-HARTLEY 
 
 We favor the repeal of the Taft=Hartley law, and are unalterably 
 opposed to the creation of any so-called "Little Taft-Hartley" law for 
 Illinois. 
 
 MUNICIPALITIES 
 
 We favor the modernization of municipal government and such revision 
 of the present Chicago city charter and all municipal laws which will attain 
 that end. 
 
 We support Home Rule for the municipalities of this State and for the 
 continued studies of the problems of the municipalities in Illinois. 
 
 URBAN AND REVENUE PROGRAM FOR CITIES 
 
 We stand for and recommend an increased fiscal role for the State of 
 Illinois in helping municipalities to help themselves by providing additional 
 sums of money on a matching basis for the redevelopment and conservation of 
 the cities of Illinois. 
 
 We urge that the Cities of Illinois be given power by the Legislature 
 to meet and deal with their own financial problems. 
 
 RICHARD J. DALEY '?: ,. 
 
 In 1955 the people of Chicago elected a new Mayor = a Democrat, 
 
 During his year and a half as Mayor of the second largest city in the 
 United States he has rekindled the spirit of the City of - "I WILL" - adding 
 to it action so, that now the spirit is "I WILL - I DO", 
 
 He has given to the city magnificent and outstanding leadership, 
 coupled with industry and the ability to accomplish big things=~not tomorrow, 
 but today. 
 
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Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 Ke is proud of the fact that he is a Democrat - proud of the fact that 
 he is Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Central Committee. His philos- 
 ophy of goverrmient as stated in his own words is "Good politics is good 
 government - and good governirient is good politics." 
 
 We the ladies and gentlemen of this Convention, as do all the people 
 of Chicago, salute Richard J. Daley for the luster which he has brought upon 
 his native city and for his accomplishments as Mayor of Chicago. 
 
 WOMEN 
 
 Under Democratic administration = State and National the equality of 
 women was insured by law. Their rights of suffrage, to serve on juries and 
 to hold public office are now firmly rooted in our laws and traditions. We 
 stand, as we have stood in the past, for the fullest protection of those 
 rights, including their right to equal pay for equal work. 
 
 TVie Democratic Party takes pride in its sponsorship of woman candidates 
 for piblic office. 
 
 MENTAL HEAT.,TH 
 
 Essential to the most effective care and treatment of patients in our 
 m-ental hospitals is high emplo^^ee morale and the employment of trained 
 personnel. Tliis was achieved to a large degree under a Democratic adminis- 
 tration. During the past four years of Republican misrule, the morale in 
 state institutions was undermined by gestapo methods of administration and 
 by unsupported charges which could not be established in fact. The humber 
 and quality of trained personnel have suffered because of raw political 
 administration. 
 
 We pledge to fight the Republican Administrations' neglect and abuse 
 of almost 50,000 ill and helpless citizens in our State hospitals, to fight 
 for a recapture of the benefits of the sound research program begun in 
 former years under the Democratic administration and establish sound morale 
 in these institutions, and will encourage the recruitment of trained personnel 
 on a professional basis. 
 
 During the last four years the mental hospitals have suffered seriously 
 from lack of adequate facilities. This we will overcome by careful planning 
 and by urging the necessary appropriations to enlarge and improve facilities 
 for the mentally ill. 
 
 We propose to make proper use of the Mental Health Fund which was 
 created under the "payment plan". Recently this has been misused to pay 
 salaries and wages x*iich properly should be paid out of appropriations from 
 general funds. We endorse the principle of using these funds to improve the 
 care of patients and to support community services which will assist in re- 
 ducing the number of persons vrtio must be admitted to our hospitals each year. 
 
 ■Ill- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 These community efforts will enable many people to remain in their own homes 
 and in some cases to continue to be effective members of our society. 
 
 PROBLEMS OF THE AGING AND AGED 
 
 In 1934 when he recommended passage of the Social Security legislation. 
 President Franklin D„ Roosevelt saids 
 
 "It is not a tragedy to grow old, but it is a tragedy to grow old 
 without means of support" 
 
 The Democratic Party will continue it s fight for legislation which 
 would permit our older citizens to live in decency and dignity. Nevertheless, 
 much remains to be done. 
 
 We must eliminate the unfair discrimination which exists against our 
 older people who can work and want to work. Age must not be the test of a 
 person's ability to perform a job. 
 
 We must make provision, too, for adequate housing and adequate income 
 for older people, for sufficient medical care, and better rehabilitation and 
 recreational facilities for them. We must take such steps as will permit 
 our older persons to achieve retirement with an income sufficient to protect 
 their health and to permit them to continue to participate in community life 
 as self-respecting citizens. 
 
 HIGHWAYS 
 
 We pledge ourselves to carry through a vigorous free highway construc- 
 tion program designed to eliminate deaths on our highways, relieve congestion 
 and traffic jams, and improve and modernize highway transportation where most 
 beneficial to all the people. We will avail ourselves fully of federal highway 
 construction funds recently appropriated for improvement of free highways. 
 
 Congress recently passed highway legislation appropriating funds to 
 pay up to 90% of the cost o£ modernising and improving the principal free 
 state highways. The Illinois Republican Administration's toll road program 
 is unnecessary, politically inspired and wastefully expensive. 
 
 We pledge to the people of Illinois a full and complete disclosure of 
 the toll road program both as to the issuance of bonds and as to its operation, 
 and will make certain it is run by responsible and qualified men, and admin- 
 istered primarily in the public interest. 
 
 We pledge that the toll roads shall become free roads as promptly as 
 possible. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 In consideration of the accelerated rate of the growth in population 
 in our State, and the consequent increase in the number of young people in 
 
 •378- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 the numerous communities vn.thin the boundaries of Illinois, and because 
 these young people constitute our greatest resource as the future citizens 
 of Illinois, we, therefore, pledge ourselves to a careful and thorough study 
 of the problems of youth and to the adoption of a positive program evolved 
 from such study for solutions to the special problems of young people of the 
 State and for the general betterment of influences and environmental factors 
 leading youth to useful adulthood and good citizenship. 
 
 We are committed to the proposi_tion--that all citizens who have reached 
 the age of 18, should be permitted to vote. 
 
 VETERANS 
 
 We continue to recognize the special needs of all Veterans and society's 
 obligation to them. The Democratic Legislators of Illinois introduced and 
 passed a Bill for the payment of a bonus to the Korean Veterans, who made 
 no less sacrifice than the Veterans of previous wars. Gov. Stratton vetoed 
 this Bill, but we will introduce it and fight for its passage. 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 We pledge ourselves to support the Blue Ballot Revenue Amendment on 
 November 6, 1956, and recommend its adoption by the voters of Illinois, 
 
 SALES TAX 
 
 We will continue to favor the Democratic measure to repeal the State 
 Sales Tax on food and prescribed medicines. 
 
 SMALL BUSINESS 
 
 We will strive to restore the reputation of Illinois as a good State 
 in which to do business — both small and large business — and the national 
 standing of Illinois as an economical low-tax, low-spending state government, 
 
 We do not subscribe to the proposition that what is good Big Business 
 is necessarily good for the citizens of Illinois. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We pledge continued recognition of agriculture as the basic industry of 
 Illinois. And we will continue our support of appropriations to state educa- 
 tional institutions for agricultural research and advancement, ever mindful 
 that farm prosperity reflects the prosperity of Illinois and of the United 
 States. 
 
 -379- 
 
Democratic Platforia of 1956 
 
 The recorcl oE the Deri>ocratic Party evidences our c(>«peration with 
 the small farmer in finding solutions to the problems of agriculture. 
 
 We pledge our Party to continue its efforts to halt the economic 
 deterioration of the small fanner which has occurred under recent Republican 
 administration. 
 
 CON SERVATION 
 
 We pledge continuation of the program for conservation of fish and 
 game, soil, vrater, forest and mineral resources of the State with special 
 emphasis on preventing pollution of our streams and lakes and of reforesta- 
 tion of submarginal lands. VJe will maintain and improve our system of state 
 parks to provide recreational opportunities to al 1 people in the state without 
 charge. 
 
 HOUSING 
 
 We pledge continuance of our support for an adequate housing program 
 and slum clearance, and we will continue to fight efforts to cripple the 
 housing program. 
 
 CODE OF FAIR PROCEDURES 
 
 In order to insure orderly, efficient investigations and at the same 
 tine •jreservc to the people of Illinois the basic guarantees of our State 
 and Federal Constitutions, we urge the adoption of a Code of Fair Procedure 
 setting up uniform rules for investigations carried on by committees and 
 commissions established by the General Assembly. 
 
 AID TO DEPRESSED AREAS 
 
 We stand committed to state cooperation with private industry, 
 localities and the federal government to help bring new industries and 
 plants into the depressed areas of Illinois which have high unemployment or 
 low farm income. 
 
 THE LEGISLATURE 
 
 We commend the Democratic members of the 69th General Assembly for 
 their fight in behalf of liberal, enlightened State Government. 
 
 We pledge our energetic support for the election of all Democratic 
 candidates on November 6, 1956. 
 
 ■380- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1956 
 
 As our candidate for Governor of Illinois we proudly present to the 
 people a man of ability, courage, industry and of unquestioned integrity - 
 Richard B. Austin - the next Governor of Illinois. 
 
 Under his vigorous leadership and with the aid and assistance of all 
 of the other able and capable candidates on the Democratic ticket, he will 
 lead us to overwhelming victory in November. 
 
 RESOLUTION 
 
 We, the duly elected representatives of the Democratic Party of the 
 State of Illinois in Convention assembled in Chicago on this 10th day of 
 September, 1956, do hereby resolve, 
 
 That - We look forward to the day when the German people will realize 
 their fervent wish for the unification of West Germany and East Germany. 
 
 That - We await the time, too, when the liberties of the proud people 
 of Poland will be restored to them, and when the friendly peoples living 
 in other Soviet-dominated lands such as Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Rumania, 
 Bulgaria, Albania, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia will breathe the air of 
 freedom again and take their rightful place in the community of free nations. 
 
 That - We look forward to the early settlement of the armed conflict 
 in Cyprus, and to the opportunity for self-determination by the Cypriots. 
 
 That - We anticipate continued assistance to Israel so that she may 
 fulfill her humanitarian mission of providing shelter and sanctuary for her 
 homeless Jewish refugees while strengthening her economic development. 
 
 We urge the shipment of arms to Israel in order to permit her to defend 
 herself against aggression. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Democratic State Central Committee, 
 
 •381- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1958 
 
 Summary of 1958 Elections | 
 
 Candidate 
 State Treasurer 
 
 Republican Warren E. Wright 
 Democratic Joseph D. Lohman 
 
 Total Vote Cook County Downs tate 
 
 1,548,902 
 1,688,809 
 
 723,619 
 1,014,735 
 
 825,283 
 674,074 
 
 Counti< 
 Carriei 
 
 70 
 32 
 
 Platform Content 
 
 Republican 
 Democratic 
 
 State Issues 
 
 70.27, 
 70.6% 
 
 National Issues Other 
 
 13.4% 16.4 
 
 16,4% 12.9% 
 
 No. Words 
 
 2433 
 2496 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1957-1958 
 
 One major focus of the 1957 session of the General Assembly was upon con- 
 sideration of proposals to prevent a recurrence of the Hodge scandal, in which the 
 former state auditor embezzled over $1 million in state funds. An office of auditc 
 general was established to perform the postauditing functions in state government; 
 the iit ernal structure of the Department of Finance was reorganized; "right to 
 know" and limited "conflict of interest" laws were enacted, and a new Department 
 of Financial Institutions as well as Legislative Audit Commission were created. 
 Proposals to abolish the elective office of auditor and treasurer were defeated. 
 
 The legislature also adopted the first statewide speed-limit law (at 65-mph)- 
 a lobby registration law and a program of state-financed scholarships to private 
 colleges. The first Illinois budget authorizing $1 billion a year was approved. 
 
 Voters in November 1958 soundly defeated a proposed bonus for Korean War 
 veterans and a constitutional amendment permitting county sheriffs and treasurers 
 to succeed themselves. Defeated by close votes was an educational and mental 
 institutions bond issue and a new judicial article to the constitution. 
 
 At its first special session since 1950, the legislature in the summer of 
 1958 voted to extend unemployment benefits and add funds to the public assistance 
 program to combat the recession. 
 
 Democrats won all statewide contests in 1958, electing State House officials 
 and the state House of Representatives for the first time since 1948. 
 
 Chicago, as usual, was affected by legislative enactment: one measure 
 compelled a merger of the city and county welfare departments under county admin- 
 istration, over the strong opposition of the city's political leaders; because of 
 legislative unwillingness to subsidize the Chicago Transit Authority, subway and 
 bus fares increased from 20 to 25 cents. 
 
 -383- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFOm^I OF 1958 
 (Adopted August 22, 1958) 
 
 We, the Republican Party in Illinois stand for these things: 
 
 A. The primary right and duty of each state is to solve its own 
 problems. We must accept responsibility for self government 
 
 at home. Federal grants of money to states, except only in cases 
 of temporary emergency, violate the principles of self government. 
 
 B. Those who labor have the inherent right to organize, and to 
 bargain, and to freely participate in all matters affecting 
 their well being within their several organizations. Further- 
 more, they have the right to be protected in the management 
 
 of all fiscal affairs connected with such organizations. Illinois 
 must be ready to protect those rights within the limits of its 
 constitutional powers. 
 
 C. The lawful pursuits of all citizens in Illinois must be protected 
 against predatory crime. To accomplish this, we urge that existing 
 laws be extended or new laws passed to accomplish the following: 
 
 1. The Attorney General must be empowered to locally investigate 
 and prosecute crime in those areas in Illinois where law 
 enforcement has broken down or crime otherwise flourishes 
 unpunished. 
 
 2. Racketeer picketing and other forms of extortion against both 
 labor and management must stop. Those who labor and those who 
 risk their capital must not be required to pay tribute to 
 crime in Illinois. 
 
 3. Syndicated crime is a cancer upon the body of society. It 
 must be driven out of Illinois. 
 
 D. We oppose any state income tax. One income tax is plenty. 
 
 E. We believe in the human rights of every citizen of Illinois to 
 carry out the pursuit of his o^jn happiness and welfare, irrespective 
 of race, creed, color or sex. 
 
 F. The Republican Party is opposed to deficit spending on either the 
 State or National level. Deficit spending leads only to destructive 
 inflation. We are convinced that President Eisenhower could have 
 kept the expenditures of the Federal Government within budgetary 
 bounds with the aid of a Republican majority in Congress. 
 
 -384- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 G. Illinois is grateful for the sacrifices by its sons and daughters 
 in times of National emergency and the Republican Party believes 
 that a grateful state should recognize these sacrifices by com- 
 pensating them as an expression of this gratitude, and we there- 
 fore favor the approval by the electorate of Illinois of the 
 means provided by the General Assembly of Illinois to carry out 
 this expression when it provided for a bond issue to cover the 
 expense of providing a bonus for their sacrifices in the Korean 
 War, 
 
 H. Illinois must keep pace with modern progress in the fields of 
 mental health and education. There is a crying need for plant 
 improvements and new construction at state institutions covering 
 these fields. The legislature on the recommendation of this 
 Republican State Administration has provided a means to obtain 
 these necessary improvements by the proposed $248,000,000 bond 
 issue. We urge the electorate to approve this bond issue. 
 
 I, Modern fiscal safeguards have removed the ancient reasons for 
 denying to County Treasurers and Sheriffs the right to run for 
 successive terms. The ultimate decision is local. We believe 
 that the electorate in each locality should have an opportunity 
 to determine the matter of succession in local offices. We 
 therefore recommend to the electorate that they vote favorably 
 on this proposition. 
 
 J, A special referendum is required in order to bring banks, together 
 with all other financial institutions in Illinois under the juris- 
 diction of the new Department of Financial Institutions, This 
 accords with our Republican policy of streamlining all govern- 
 mental operations in the state. We urge the support of the elec- 
 torate on this special proposition, 
 
 K, Through the leadership of Governor Stratton and the Republican 
 members of the Legislature the people of Illinois will have the 
 opportunity to vote on a proposed amendment to the Judicial 
 Article of the Constitution at the November 4 election. We 
 hereby reaffirm our position for judicial reform. 
 
 PROOF OF PERFORMANCE 
 
 The Republican Party will further pursue its policy of continuing 
 improvement in the fields of education, Government economy, public works, 
 health, safety and the general welfare of the citizens of this state. As 
 a guarantee of the faithful performance of these and the foregoing pledges, 
 we cite the following accomplishments of the Republican Administration in 
 Illinois under the leadership of Governor William G. Stratton, 
 
 -385- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 The Republican Party has and will continue to be the champion of edu- 
 cation. Our past record shows this to be true. A Republican Administration 
 provided for community unit school districts. This enabled the people 
 locally to control the education of their children. It left to the people 
 the matter of determination of the size and scope of their school districts; 
 and to show that the people themselves will act on a local level if given the 
 opportunity they, the people of Illinois, reduced the number of obsolete and 
 ineffectual school districts within the period of the past twelve years from 
 over 11,000 to about 1800. All this was done by local action, local referendum 
 and the local election of school boards. This is local responsibility in 
 action aided by Republican State Administrations giving people the right 
 locally and the means to assume local educational responsibility. 
 
 That past pledges of the Republican Party to aid local schools will 
 continue to be carried out is best illustrated by comparison of Democrat 
 action as against Republican action. These are the figures. The average 
 appropriations covering biennial 1949 - 1951 (Democrat) for common school 
 purposes were $138,798,573.00. In the 1953 - 1955 - 1957 bienniums (Repub- 
 lican) they averaged $218,052,777,00 per biennium. 
 
 In addition to this, our Republican Administration for the first time 
 in history: 
 
 (a) Provided aid to Illinois Junior Colleges to the extent of $200 
 per pupil per year. 
 
 (b) Made available to students in both Public and Private colleges, 
 scholarships based on student need and tuition cost in each 
 college to a maximum of $600 per scholarship. That gives to 
 the student the choice of college - whether public or private. 
 
 For the past six years, our administration has steadily increased 
 appropriations for State Universities and Colleges. While it has thus met 
 the financial demand for educational purposes, there yet remains the problems 
 of needed additional buildings. For this purpose, there is included in the 
 pending bond issue, above recommended, the item of $167,000,000 for additional 
 buildings at the State Universities and Teachers Colleges. 
 
 We believe that Federal aid to education is unnecessary. Our State 
 Republican Administration provided a $10,000,000 emergency fund for the pur- 
 pose of aiding school districts that had exhausted their bonding limits. 
 Only one-half of this money was used. The other half was not needed - hence 
 not used. This is cited to show that local school authorities can and will 
 meet local educational requirements without Federal aid. 
 
 ECONOMY IN STATE GOVERNMENT 
 
 The Republican Party, in the administration of State Government, 
 practices economy. Only one other state in the Nation has a lower per 
 capita tax rate as related to per capita income. 
 
 ■386- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 The wisdom with which our Administration has discharged the task of 
 anticipating by its budget, the immediate and long range financial needs of 
 the state, and the amount of revenue reasonably available therefore, is 
 demonstrated by these facts: 
 
 1. Every Republican budget has remained in balance, 
 
 2. When economic stress created unemployment in Illinois and many 
 citizens in Illinois had exhausted their benefits under our 
 Unemployment Compensation Act, the Governor called a special 
 session of the legislature which extended unemployment benefits 
 and provided additional funds for relief agencies without the 
 necessity of levying any new tax. Additional disbursements 
 created by these emergencies were made out of funds already 
 collected and carefully husbanded against the day of need. 
 
 Furthermore, our Administration has reorganized and streamlined the 
 Departments of the State Government with the result that efficiency has been 
 increased and waste stopped at its source. 
 
 PUBLIC SAFETY 
 
 During this administration, laws have been enacted for the protection 
 and safety of health and lives. Among these laws are those providing for an 
 absolute speed limit and the doubling of the State Highway Patrol to a total 
 strength of 1200, to assure more effective policing; those to establish new 
 drunken driving controls, the establishing of an effective driver's license 
 law and the provisions of state aid for high school driver training, and the 
 establishment of a Division of Traffic Safety to coordinate statewide traffic 
 safety efforts. 
 
 We point out that traffic safety regulations have resulted in saving 
 many lives. In the period from July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1957, when our 
 Safety Driving law became effective, there were 2236 traffic deaths; this 
 decreased from July 1, 1957, to June 30, 1958, to 1838 deaths. Thus, by the 
 enactment of safety laws, 368 lives were saved in one year. These 368 people 
 are alive today in spite of the increased number of vehicles and increased 
 miles of travel in the last twelve months. Traffic death rate has been 
 reduced from 7 to 5 for each 100 million miles of vehicular traffic in Illinois. 
 
 LABOR AND INDUSTRY 
 
 In the field of labor and management, our Republican Administration 
 has fostered a period of peaceful relationship unexcelled anywhere. It 
 passed and enforced the mine safety code which resulted in 203 fewer injuries 
 in 1957 as compared to 1956. Industry has been attracted to Illinois because 
 of the Illinois low tax rate, and its peaceful industrial atmosphere. Full 
 credit for these and many other fine accomplishments in the field of labor 
 and management also must be given to those dedicated and responsible leaders, 
 both of labor and industry, who have devoted themselves to the common welfare 
 of Illinois. 
 
 ■387- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 PUBLIC WORKS 
 
 A lasting monument to the achievements of our Republican Administra- 
 tion is its public works. 
 
 We note the completed U.S. Route #66 leaving from St. Louis through 
 the heartland of Illinois to our great metropolis, Chicago. This great 
 artery of travel and commerce is so expertly conceived and built for safety 
 that on last July 4th holiday period not one fatality was suffered by the 
 teaming thousands using this modern facility. 
 
 We note that day before yesterday, our Governor cut the ribbon on the 
 first completed phase of a modern Toll Road system conceived by our Republican 
 Administration, When completed in 1958 it will provide quick, safe and con- 
 venient access to the millions of people and thriving commerce of Northern 
 Illinois. It will represent more than $400 million dollars worth of modern 
 highway improvement without spending one tax dollar. 
 
 We note further highway extension and improvement now in progress 
 thoughout Illinois. All of which is being paid for from normal revenues and 
 without bond issues. We have and will spend on our roads the following: 
 1955 - $100,000,000; 1956 - $227,000,000; 1957 - $220,000,000; 1958 - $278,000,000, 
 
 In addition, our Administration has constructed many public buildings 
 and monuments and just recently won the fight to permit the construction of 
 a great civic building and auditorium on the lake front of Chicago. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS 
 
 No recital of the great accomplishments of our Republican Administra- 
 tion would be complete without briefly mentioning these. It has: 
 
 1. Saved the taxpayers $1,000,000 in the cost of construction of 
 the new state office building, and saved $400,000 in the last 
 biennium on rental paid to house state agencies in private 
 buildings . 
 
 2. Restored and expanded wild life areas for public recreation. 
 
 3. Increased to 74 the number of state parks and memorials. 
 
 4. Took note of the havoc of alcoholism by creating a state 
 division for its study and cure. 
 
 5. Reapportioned the state of Illinois for the first time in fifty 
 years and thereby granted equal franchise to all citizens. 
 
 6. Modernized and strengthened the state financial control system 
 and added new departments to handle auditing and control of 
 financial institutions. 
 
 7. Provided additional revenues to the extent of $150,000,000 per 
 year to cities thereby enabling the cities to improve fire and 
 police protection and extend the cities' services. 
 
 8. Adopted new regulations for the letting of public contracts based 
 on competitive bidding, and centralized purchasing for all state 
 departments resulting in very material dollar savings. 
 
 •388- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 9, Created a division of narcotic control to improve enforcement of 
 our narcotic laws. 
 
 10. Established the Illinois Youth Commission to meet problems of 
 juvenile delinquency both from the standpoint of prevention, 
 punishment and cure. 
 
 11. Improved the administration of prisons. 
 
 12. To aid in stamping out crime, it adopted a regulation that any 
 license issued by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to a 
 person holding a federal gambling stamp would be automatically 
 revoked. 
 
 13. Instituted a statewide brucellosis plan for cattle under which 
 the rate of brucellosis in cattle in Illinois has decreased from 
 87o in 1952 to less than 1% in 1957, 
 
 14. Improved and strengthened food grading and inspection laws to 
 prevent the sale and distribution of adulterated food for human 
 consumption. 
 
 15. Established the 40-hour week for employees in state mental health 
 institutions and provided new and modern services for the mentally 
 ill. 
 
 These magnificent accomplishments of our State Government are the direct 
 product of the administrative genius of our Governor, the Honorable William G. 
 Stratton, with the cooperation and assistance of the Honorable John W. Chapman, 
 Lt. Governor, the Honorable Charles F. Carpentier, Secretary of State, the 
 Honorable Elbert S. Smith, State Auditor, the Honorable Elmer J. Hoffman, State 
 Treasurer, the Honorable Vernon L. Nickell, Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
 the Honorable Latham Castle, Attorney General, and the Honorable Mrs. Earle 
 Benjamin Searcy, Clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court. 
 
 Furthermore, these accomplishments would not have been possible except 
 for the patriotic devotion to duty of all Republican State Senators and Repre- 
 sentatives to the General Assembly. 
 
 Continued progress in our State Government makes necessary the election 
 on November 4th of all State Officers, namely Warren E. Wright, candidate for 
 State Treasurer, and Gerald W. Smith, candidate for Superintendent of Public 
 Instruction, also the election of each and every Republican candidate for 
 State Senator and Representative to the General Assembly, 
 
 Good Government throughout Illinois makes necessary the election of 
 Republican candidates to all County and Local offices. The strength of the 
 Republican Party in Illinois is the sum total of its strength in each of the 
 102 counties. 
 
 Victory is the product of united effort of all Republicans everywhere 
 in Illinois. We pay tribute to the volunteer Republican organizations in 
 Illinois, the Republican Women's Federation, Young Republicans, Republican 
 Veterans, Women's Workshops, Women's Volunteers, the United Republican Fund, 
 and the many other groups and organizations of men and women devoted to the 
 cause of good Government in Illinois through the medium of the Republican 
 Party. Their unselfish efforts inspire us all. 
 
 -389- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 We also pay tribute to the Republican State Central Conunittee, County 
 Chairmen and to the most important Republican of us all, the precinct com- 
 mitteeman. 
 
 NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS 
 
 We particularly commend President Eisenhower, Senator Dirksen and the 
 Republican members of Congress from Illinois for the solid record of accomplish- 
 ment on the National Scene, 
 
 That administration has redeemed its pledge to the American people. 
 Among other things : 
 
 A. It stopped one war and prevented others; 
 
 B. It reduced taxes - more than 7% billion per year since 1954, 
 of which 62% was kept by individuals, 38% by corporations; 
 
 C. Opened the markets of the world to the Midwest through the 
 St. Lawrence River; 
 
 D. Promoted industrial peace - strike idleness in 1957 was 72% 
 below 1952; 
 
 E. Demonstrated that the Republican Party is the real friend of all 
 classes, races and creeds. It does not speak with one tongue in 
 the north and another in the south; 
 
 F. Led agriculture out of the wilderness created by the cynics and 
 socialist planners into the clear atmosphere of expanded markets, 
 lower surpluses, greater farmer independence, and higher profits - 
 the highest in all history and still rising; 
 
 G. Streamlined and modernized our National Defense. In the missile 
 field it accomplished in 3 years, 8 years of work; it has met and 
 will surpass the threat of Russia in that field; 
 
 H. Has stopped the territorial expansion of communism and demonstrated 
 its determination that communism shall not expand either directly 
 or indirectly. 
 
 We particularly commend the President for his courageous defense of 
 our national economy against the threat of depression, against the wail of 
 doom and panic from the Democrats and their demand for wild reckless spending 
 of money as the only cure for economic ills. The President calmly voiced 
 his faith in our system of free economy and its ability to remedy its own 
 ills without WPA'S, PWA'S or any other initiative strangling device. The 
 nation rallied to his challenge. We now witness the gradual withdrawal of 
 an economic ghost v^ich against a lesser champion might have destroyed us. 
 
 ■390- 
 
Republican Platform of 1958 
 
 The contest is not over yet. At this very moment in the closing hours 
 of the 85th Congress, the Democrats by measure after measure are seeking to 
 appropriate more and more needless dollars that can only add to deficits, 
 spiral inflation and destroy our economy. We salute you, Mr. President, for 
 holding the line, for stopping by your veto those insidious treasury raids 
 against which our outnumbered but courageous Republican Senators and Congress- 
 men had fought in vain. 
 
 We particularly salute the Honorable Richard M. Nixon, the greatest 
 Vice-President of modern time - our courageous ambassador of good will 
 throughout the world. 
 
 We salute you. Senator Everett M. Dirksen, Congressmen Emmett F. Byrne, 
 Harold R. Collier, Timothy P. Sheehan, Marguerite Stitt Church, Noah M. Mason, 
 Leo E. Allen, Leslie C. Arends , Robert H. Michel, Robert B. Chiperfield, Sid 
 Simpson, William L. Springer, and Charles W. Vursell for your devoted services 
 to America and the Republican Party. We now pledge to you that your numbers 
 of Republican Congressmen in the 86th Congress will be increased, and to that 
 end earnestly urge all voters to actively support and vote for all Republican 
 candidates for Congress in all the Districts of Illinois. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Committee. 
 
 -391- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1958 
 (Adopted September 8, 1958) 
 
 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ILLINOIS - 1958 
 
 Throughout the State the people are turning to the Democratic Party. 
 Our party has demonstrated that it is united in bringing to the people 
 government which serves the interests of all the citizens--regardless of 
 their economic status, their occupation, their race, creed or color. 
 
 This devotion to a common purpose--this unwavering unity has enabled 
 the Democratic Party to provide the political leadership which is the funda- 
 mental responsibility of political parties. 
 
 This leadership has madp the Democratic Party of Illinois a vehicle 
 of service to the people. Under the Democratic party leadership in the 
 state, county, and in local governments our party has contributed directly 
 to better government and better representation for all the people of our 
 state. 
 
 We, the delegates of the party of the people, assembled at the 1958 
 Democratic Convention of the State of Illinois hereby reaffirm the principles 
 of our party and rededicate ourselves to providing good government for the 
 people of our State. 
 
 JUDICIAL REFORM 
 
 We favor the adoption of the proposed amendmeit to the Judicial Article 
 of the Constitution. We pledge our wholehearted and untiring efforts through 
 support of this amendment to improve the administration of justice and to 
 modernize the courts of Illinois. 
 
 We urge the people of Illinois to vote "Yes" for the Judicial Amendment, 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 We favor an increase in the present inadequate state contribution to 
 the common school fund. We urge the restoration of the School Lunch program, 
 vetoed by Governor Stratton. We urge increased State aid to establish an 
 adequate program for additional facilities for handicapped children. 
 
 We favor a more realistic and fair School tax assessment system and 
 
 a reasonable formula for allocating state aid so that a school's grant is not 
 reduced through a student's illness or epidemic. We recommend improvement 
 
 of the teachers' pension law. We favor adequate financial support for 
 colleges and universities. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois believes that a good public school 
 system is the basis for a strong, free America. We favor high professional 
 
 ■393- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 standards for teachers and we strongly recommend curricula designed to 
 provide students with a thorough and well rounded education. 
 
 We condemn the action of Governor Stratton and the Republican members 
 of the 70th General Assembly for failing their great responsibility of pro- 
 viding an adequate education and sufficient financial aid for the school 
 children of our state. 
 
 WELFARE 
 
 We favor a realistic budget to raise the standard of care and treat- 
 ment of the aged, needy, sick, mentally ill and the mentally retarded persons 
 of Illinois. 
 
 We propose to improve the care and treatment of all patients of Illinois 
 hospitals and mental hospitals to provide the greatest opportunity for these 
 people to be restored to normal active lives. We recognize the need of 
 securing community level services for the mentally retarded. 
 
 We propose to restore adequate medical and psychiatric staffs in 
 state hospitals through raising salaries, vigorous recruitment and initiating 
 higher standards of care and administration. 
 
 We will again propose the creation of a Department of Mental Health, 
 headed by a superintendent with the highest professional qualifications, so 
 as to raise Illinois' treatment of its ill and needy to the ranks of the 
 foremost in the nation. 
 
 We condemn the Republican administration for its neglect of the aged, 
 needy, ill, mentally ill and mentally retarded persons of Illinois. 
 
 We condemn the Republican administration for its unreasonable reduction 
 in financial assistance to local governments in their treatment and cure of 
 the victims of tuberculosis. 
 
 TAXES 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois opposes any State Income Tax. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois urges an increase in the State 
 minimum wage and the expansion of this law to cover all workers not covered 
 by Federal Wage laws. 
 
 We are opposed to all racketeering in the field of labor relations - 
 whether on the part of employers or employees or by collusive agreements 
 between both. We will oppose any curb on the right of labor unions to 
 improve the welfare of working people. 
 
 ■394- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 We favor full recognition of union and employers rights in collective 
 bargaining and the creation of an Illinois Labor Relations Board. 
 
 We oppose so-called "right to work" laws aimed primarily at destroying 
 effective union representation of working people's legitimate rights. 
 
 We favor improvement of the Workmen's Compensation laws to include 
 adequate medical care, safety and health regulations, family support and 
 vocational rehabilitation for workers injured in employment. 
 
 SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 We urge better housing, health, vocational and recreational services 
 for the aged to permit them to lead a proud, productive and independent life 
 throughout their years. 
 
 We favor improved programs for the rehabilitation for the physically 
 or mentally disabled, and the intensified medical research aimed at diseases 
 of later years. 
 
 We urge the removal of any discrimination in employment because of 
 age. 
 
 STATE AIMINISTRATION 
 
 To prevent another Hodge scandal - in the State of Illinois, we urge 
 additional legislation such as was introduced by the Democratic Party in the 
 last session of the state legislature. 
 
 We favor an independent legislative commission to conduct a thorough 
 investigation of all the facts surrounding Hodge's financial manipulations. 
 We favor measures to give increased strength to the legislative budgetary 
 commission including an adequate technical staff. 
 
 We favor legislation providing for a state executive performance 
 budget, which will disclose to the people of Illinois, clearly and simply, 
 the costs of programs and services carried on by the State. 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 We favor continuous and vigorous efforts to bring to all citizens the 
 full enjoyment of those civil rights guaranteed under the Constitutions of 
 the United States and the State of Illinois. 
 
 To this end, we will continue to fight in the General Assembly for 
 the enactment of a Fair Employment Practices Act, which has been twice 
 defeated by a Republican-controlled State Senate. 
 
 •395- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 In contrast to the "lip service only" and "slow down" attitude and 
 expressions of the Republicans, the Democratic Party pledges to continue 
 its efforts to abolish discrimination and segregation based on race, color, 
 religion or national origin in schools, hospitals, housing and in the use 
 of facilities and acoaranodations open to the public. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 We urge a positive and thorough program by the Illinois Youth Com- 
 mission to provide leadership and expert assistance to local communities to 
 improve the welfare of their youth. 
 
 We favor greater recognition and incentive to the accomplishments 
 and citizenship of the vast majority of wholesome, law-abiding and civic- 
 spirited youth of our State. 
 
 TRAFFIC SAFETY 
 
 We urge a broader and more intensive State Traffic Safety program. 
 We recommend the addition of new programs to protect the lives of our 
 children and aged citizens. 
 
 We deplore the lack of proper regulation of Motor Scooters and favor 
 State and Local measures to provide adequate regulation and reduction of 
 accidents and tragedies in their use. 
 
 GREATER LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT 
 
 We favor legislation to give local governments authority to improve 
 the management of their own affairs. 
 
 URBAN RENEWAL, CONSERVATION and SLUM CLEARANCE 
 
 Increased state aid and cooperation in programs of urban renewal, 
 conservation and slum clearance in the municipalities of our State. 
 
 CRIME 
 
 To combat crime we urge greater cooperation by national, state and 
 local law enforcement authorities. We recommend the adoption of legislation 
 to improve law enforcement and prevent crime. 
 
 COMMUNISM 
 
 We pledge vigorous and untiring efforts to combat communistic activi- 
 ties and increase the appreciation, devotion and participation of our people 
 in the free, democratic government of our State and Nation. 
 
 -396- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 Our opposition to communism shall not deter us from protecting 
 unwarranted attacks upon innocent citizens by insisting that none be con- 
 demned by investigatory processes or otherwise, without a full and complete 
 hearing, in accordance with the spirit of American justice. 
 
 KOREAN BONUS 
 
 We urge the passage by referendum of the Korean Veterans Bonus. 
 
 SHERIFF-TREASURER AMENDMENT 
 
 We favor the adoption of the proposed Amendment to Article X Section 8, 
 of the Illinois Constitution, \*hich will allow County Treasurers and County 
 Sheriffs to succeed themselves in office. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 We call for the continued recognition of agriculture as the basic 
 industry of Illinois, mindful that farm prosperity reflects the prosperity 
 of our State; we favor cooperation with the small farmer in finding solu- 
 tions to the problems of agriculture; we favor legislative program aimed 
 at placing the farmer on economic equality with other groups and a more 
 efficient and economical administration of the Illinois Department of Agri- 
 culture. 
 
 FLOOD CONTROL 
 
 We urge cooperation by the State of Illinois with the Federal Govern- 
 ment in furnishing financial aid to areas where drainage problems are beyond 
 the control of the local districts. 
 
 BUSINESS 
 
 We recommend a program to attract business and industry to Illinois; 
 We favor recognition of the small retail merchant as an important factor in 
 our economy. 
 
 TAX MULTIPLIER 
 
 We urge an honest application of the real estate and property "tax 
 multiplier" law, and condemn the present administrations abuse by the Depart- 
 ment of Revenue of the "tax multiplier" to avoid the State's responsibility 
 and obligation to its schools, by placing that financial burden on the 
 property taxpayers of the State. 
 
 ■397- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON NATIONAL AFFAIRS 
 
 Illinois' Democratic members of the Senate and the House of Repre- 
 sentatives have shared fully in creating the record of solid and constructive 
 accomplishment of the Eighty-fifth Congress. 
 
 To meet the needs of the people, this Democratic Congress increased 
 Social Security benefits; provided a one billion dollar defense education 
 bill; raised the salaries of federal employees, postal workers, and the 
 armed forces; and enacted for the first time in 82 years a major civil 
 rights bill. 
 
 To expand and improve the defense of our nation, at a time when the 
 danger from communist imperialism has reached new heights, this Democratic 
 Congress reorganized and modernized the Department of Defense, increased 
 the strength of our Armed Forces, extended the Reciprocal Trade Act, and 
 rejuvenated the lagging missile programo 
 
 Keeping faith with the people of Alaska, this Democratic Congress 
 passed legislation admitting Alaska as a state. 
 
 To combat unemployment, and to maintain our high standard of living, 
 the Democratic Congress enacted a 1,8 billion dollar emergency housing bill 
 and extended unemployment compensation for jobless workers. 
 
 Significant benefits for small business were provided by passage of 
 beneficial amendments to the tax law and by enacting the Small Business 
 Equity Financing Act. 
 
 It is notewDrthy that this record of achievement was written without 
 having exceeded the President's budget. As a matter of fact, the Congress 
 was able to reduce the President's budget request by one-half billion dollars. 
 
 The Democratic candidates for Congress pledge to continue this out- 
 standing record of service to the nation. 
 
 We will continue to improve our national defense in order to meet 
 any aggression or threat to our nation. 
 
 We will redouble our efforts to secure increased diversion of th^ 
 waters of Lake Michigan. Under the leadership of Congressman Tom O'Brien, 
 we will leave nothing undone to effect passage of this legislation vital 
 to the health and well-being of the people of Cook County and Illinois. 
 
 We will continue to fight for passage of a labor law which will permit 
 management and labor to determine wage rates, pension and welfare plans and 
 conditions of employment through free collective bargaining processes. 
 Passage of the Kennedy-Ives Bill would have done much to eliminate many of 
 the abuses in the field of labor relations. Every Democratic member of 
 Congress from Illinois voted for the bill. It was defeated when 77% of the 
 Republican members of the House voted against it. 
 
 ■398- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 As we have in the past, we will work for statehood for Hawaii. 
 
 We will continue to press for legislation to close unfair and dis- 
 criminatory loopholes in the tax laws. 
 
 We favor further strengthening of the Social Security program. 
 
 We will continue to press for the elimination of discrimination 
 and segregation based on race, color, religion, or national origin in schools, 
 hospitals, housing, and the use of facilities and acoonmodations open to the 
 public. 
 
 We will oppose monopolistic price fixing and practices which have 
 contributed to increasing inflation and continued rises in living costs. 
 
 We favor repeal of the harsh and discriminatory provisions of the 
 McCarron-Walter immigration law. 
 
 CITATION OF MERIT 
 
 The Democratic Party acclaims the administration of Mayor Richard J. 
 Daley. 
 
 His adminis tration is based on the philosophy that the real strength 
 of a city is in its people. The accomplishments of his administration are 
 not only in the building of expressways and bridges, tunnels and skyscrapers; 
 but also in providing a better safer and healthier city and renewing and 
 revitalizing the spirit of the neighborhoods, the communities and all the 
 people. 
 
 Under the leadership of Mayor Daley, Chicago's vital housekeeping 
 services of police, fire, sanitation and recreation has been expanded; public 
 works have been speeded; better planning and coordination of improvements 
 have been instituted; new procedures, techniques and training programs, 
 leading to greater efficiency and economy have been inaugurated and new street 
 lights, traffic programs, and street resurfacing programs have been extended 
 throughout the city. The city's cleanup program, safety program, neighborhood 
 conservation and youth welfare programs have become models for municipalities 
 throughout the country. 
 
 The bold and enlightened Central Area program, recently announced by 
 the Mayor, is the first, most comprehensive and most sweeping plan proposed 
 by any city in America to renew its vital downtown area. 
 
 The wise policies and vigorous leadership of Mayor Richard J. Daley 
 have sped Chicago far toward its destiny of becoming the leading city of the 
 world. His administration has received commendation throughout the nation. 
 
 He has faithfully and fully carried out the pledge which he made to 
 the people of Chicago in 1955 upon assuming office: "We must concentrate 
 
 -399- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1958 
 
 our efforts on city services which are essential to keep the people of 
 Chicago the healthiest, best protected and most propserous in the nation," 
 
 RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREAS, the voters of the Democratic Party of the State of Illinois 
 at the Primary on April 8th, 1958 and the Delegates to the Democratic Con- 
 vention session in Springfield on June 25, 1958, nominated the following 
 candidates : 
 
 State Treasurer, Joseph D. Lohman 
 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction, George T. Wilkins 
 
 For Trustees of the University of Illinois 
 
 Howard W, Clement 
 
 Richard Harewood 
 
 Harold Pogue 
 
 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Democratic Party of Illinois, 
 in Convention assembled this 8th day of September, 1958, do hereby enthusi- 
 astically and energetically endorse the above mentioned candidates for their 
 respective offices; 
 
 AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we Democrats are confident that with 
 the help of the people of Illinois these men will be elected overwhelmingly 
 in the election, November 4th, 1958. 
 
 RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREASj the Democratic members in Congress from the State of Illinois 
 have served with great distinction as members of the House of Representatives; 
 and 
 
 WHEREAS, during their legislative career have been unfailing and forth- 
 right champions of progressive, liberal government; and 
 
 WHEREAS, they have given tirelessly of their energies and wisdom to 
 the service of the people of Illinois promoting the welfare of business, 
 labor, agriculture, industry and have contributed notably to the advancement 
 of measures designed to benefit all people; and 
 
 VffiEREAS, they are regarded by the people of their own state as endowed 
 with capacities of leadership; and 
 
 WHEREAS, they have in harmony with party policies and principles, 
 given intelligent, faithful, and forceful implementation to every measure 
 calculated to strengthen and broaden their humanitarian ideals; and 
 
 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party of Illinois 
 in Convention assembled this 8th day of September, 1958 expresses admiring 
 
 -400- 
 
Democratic fiacrorm or ly^o 
 
 appreciation of the signal service these great Democrats have given the State 
 of Illinois, always reflecting credit upon the Party and bringing immeasurable 
 public acceptance to the candidates and the principles which our party proudly 
 presents to the state. We pledge to these Congressmen and to all of the 
 Democratic nominees for Congress in the 25 Congressional Districts in our 
 state, our complete and energetic support. 
 
 RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREAS, the Senior Senator from Illinois, Honorable Paul Douglas, 
 has represented the best interests of the people of Illinois in the United 
 States Senate, with ability and devotion; and 
 
 WHEREAS, he has fought tenaciously for economy in government, the 
 extension and strengthening of civil rights; and 
 
 WHEREAS, he has been in the forefront of all progressive legislation 
 to advance the welfare not only of the people of Illinois, but of the entire 
 nation; and 
 
 WHEREAS, he has given the most vigorous support to the advancement 
 of the welfare of labor, agriculture, industry, small business; and 
 
 WHEREAS, he has worked tirelessly for a more effective and larger 
 military defense to protect American freedom and preserve our democratic 
 ideals ; 
 
 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party of Illinois 
 hereby commends the Honorable Paul Douglas for his outstanding service to 
 the people of Illinois, his contributions to the welfare of our nation and 
 the strengthening of our democratic way of life and supports his continued 
 efforts to achieve justice and prosperity for the people of America. 
 
 RESOLUTION 
 
 WHEREAS, The Democratic members of the State Senate led by Wm. J. Lynch 
 in the regular session and Donald J. O'Brien in the special session, and the 
 Democratic members of the Illinois House led by Representative Joe DeLaCour 
 and Minority Whip Clyde Choate have done a magnificent job in the past Session 
 of the Legislature; and, 
 
 WHEREAS, these men have always backed measures for the best interest 
 of all citizens of Illinois; and 
 
 t'JHEREAS, the Democratic Party owes these men their profound thanks 
 for standing as a minority on issues which were for the people; and 
 
 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Democratic Party of Illinois 
 in Convention assembled this 8th day of September, 1958, commend and applaud 
 the Democratic members of the House and the Senate and their leaders for their 
 fighting spirit in behalf of good government - or opposed to Republican mis- 
 government . 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 -AOl- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1960 
 
 Labor.) 
 
 Summary of 1960 Elections (Minor party on the ballot was the Socialist 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Countiei 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Richard M. Nixon 
 
 2,368,988 
 
 1,059,607 
 
 1,309,381 
 
 93 
 
 Democratic 
 
 John F . Kennedy 
 
 2,377,846 
 
 1,378,343 
 
 999,503 
 
 9 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 William G. Stratton 
 
 2,070,459 
 
 937,625 
 
 1,132,854 
 
 63 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Otto Kerner 
 
 2,594,731 
 
 1,455,674 
 
 1,139,057 
 
 39 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 . Issues 
 
 Other No. Words 
 
 Republican 
 
 91.17c 
 
 0. 
 
 0% 
 
 8.97. 
 
 3407 
 
 Democratic 
 
 84.97, 
 
 0. 
 
 ,07o 
 
 15.17. 
 
 1785 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1959-1960 
 
 Charges in 1960 by a petty thief that eight Chicago policemen helped him 
 collect over $100,000 worth of stolen goods highlighted a pdlice scandal. Chicago 
 mayor Richard Daley appointed Orlando Wilson, noted criminology professor in 
 California, as new police superintendent. 
 
 The General Assembly in 1959 increased the state sales tax by one-half cent 
 up to 3 cents and allowed counties to levy a one-half cent sales tax just as 
 cities had been allowed years before. The tax on liquor was increased, but a 
 Democratic proposal to increase the corporation tax and an administration plan to 
 broaden the base of the sales tax were both defeated. At a special session in May 
 1960 the legislature appropriated $35 million for the "broke" public assistance 
 programs. One expert on Illinois affairs noted that this need for a special appro- 
 priation "may be a forerunner of further major fiscal problems for the state." 
 
 The legislature enacted significant changes in the state's judiciary. A 
 position of court administrator was created to speed up the flow of litigation. 
 The number of justices of the peaces was to be substantially reduced in 1961 and 
 they were to be put on a salary rather than fee basis. Uniform state daylight 
 savings time was approved by the legislature also. 
 
 A high degree of ticket splitting marked the 1960 elections. Democrat 
 Otto Kerner defeated incumbent governor William G. Stratton by 500,000 votes while 
 Republican incumbent secretary of state Charles F. Carpentier was re-elected by 
 a 350,000 vote margin. Illinois voters also approved two bond issues, a $195 millic 
 issue for state university expansion (by a 2% to 1 margin) and a $150 million issue 
 for the construction and improvement of mental hospitals (by a 4 to 1 margin). 
 
 -403- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFOiy^ OF 1960 
 (Adopted June 18, 1960) 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 The national platform of the Republican Party is based on a record of 
 solid accomplishments. Sound programs are being developed which make and 
 will maintain America as the strongest nation in the world -- militarily, 
 economically and spiritually. 
 
 We are proud to accept and support the national platform of the 
 Republican Party. We firmly stand with President Eisenhower in his deter- 
 mined efforts to keep the United States first in military might, first in 
 economic power and first in moral leadership. 
 
 To maintain this supremacy, we must elect Richard Nixon and Henry 
 Cabot Lodge. Their experience, their world outlook and their integrity are 
 known to our friends and enemies alike. Under Nixon-Lodge leadership, 
 American supremacy will never be shaken by Communist threats, Communist 
 blackmail or Communist trade wars. 
 
 The experience which Vice President Nixon has derived from his active 
 participation in the Eisenhower administration, and the experience which 
 Ambassador Lodge has derived from his duties with the United Nations, have 
 set these men apart. No one can match their understanding of world problems, 
 and courageous leadership. They will carry forward those policies which 
 maintain our peace and protect our interests everywhere. 
 
 We strongly denounce the Democrat Party for fabricating the myth 
 that America is a second-class power. Fortunately, Communist Russia is not 
 being misled by this political opportunism. We are at peace only because the 
 Soviet Union knows and respects our military and industrial superiority 
 built up in the last eight years. 
 
 Our abundance is the envy of our enemies, and furnishes our govern- 
 ment with a powerful weapon in the ideological and economic struggle in 
 which we are engaged. 
 
 The Republican Party is pledged to protect the rights of labor, 
 agriculture and business to the fruits of their production and to an 
 increasingly higher standard of living so that our material abundance may 
 continue to be the envy of the world. 
 
 The Republican Party in Illinois is proud of its contribution to 
 our national strength. 
 
 ■404- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 IDEAL INDUSTRIAL CLIMATE 
 
 Governor Stratton and his administration have created an ideal indus- 
 trial climate. The annual value of manufactured products in this state, places 
 Illinois among the leaders in the nation, A survey by Mill & Factory in July, 
 1959, puts Illinois in first place as to choice among industrial firms for 
 new plant location. Illinois factory employment, according to the Bureau of 
 the Census, has increased in greater percentage than in the northern industrial 
 states such as New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts 
 There is no substitute for a job in our free society. Our healthy, ideal in- 
 dustrial climate has meant more industry in Illinois, more jobs, and at all 
 time high wages. 
 
 Under Governor Stratton, Illinois has gained national recognition for 
 its high level of government service and its low rate of taxes. While Illinois 
 has the lowest tax rate of any of the six bordering states, and the third 
 lowest in the nation, the City of Chicago, under a Democrat administration, 
 has the highest cost-of-living index of any city in the United States. This 
 was reported in August, 1960, in our daily newspapers. 
 
 The Illinois low tax rate has been achieved by efficient and streamlined 
 State administration. For example, in 1958, a federal census study showed 
 Illinois had fewer state employees per 10,000 population than any other state. 
 Nonetheless, the governmental services in Illinois have been singled out by 
 the Taxpayers' Federation as of the highest quality in the country. 
 
 As the Taxpayers' Federation bulletin points out: 
 
 "Complementing the low-tax burden in Illinois is the high quality 
 of governmental services. Schools rank among the best in the 
 nation. " 
 
 The Republican Party pledges to continue to maintain in the future, 
 as it has in the past, this ideal industrial climate. 
 
 STATE TAXES 
 
 The Republican Party pledges to oppose unalterably any new form of 
 state taxes. The Republican Party is unequivocably opposed to a state income 
 tax, and submits that the Democrat Party's alleged opposition to such taxation 
 is mere lip service. The Republican Party will fight any attempt by the 
 Democrats to impose this additional tax burden on the people. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 The Republican Party is pledged to an ever-improved school system 
 throughout every school district in the state, and on every college and uni- 
 versity campus in Illinois. We pledge Illinois' continued leadership in 
 every area of education to assure a citadel of liberty from which the fruits 
 of freedom may be carried to all people everywhere. 
 
 •405- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 Governor Stratton has increased state educational expenditures by 
 264 per cent in less than eight years -- for more classrooms, for higher 
 pay for teachers, for new scholarships for Illinois students, for the highest 
 state aid for local schools in the history of the state. State aid has been 
 increased from $160 to $252 per pupil and the flat grants have been increased 
 from $7 to $32 per pupil for high schools and $22 to $47 for grade schools, 
 
 Chicago and Cook County will receive approximately $25 million more 
 in state aid for public schools in 1960 than in 1959 as a result of Governor 
 Stratton's legislative program at the last regular session. 
 
 This has not only aided local communities in providing additional and 
 more modern schools, but also in increasing salaries for teachers. The average 
 pay of classroom teachers has been increased from $3,850 to more than $5,000. 
 
 It should be noted that the State of Illinois does not share in real 
 estate or personal property taxes collected. Such taxes go entirely to our 
 local governments. Were it not for state aid to schools provided by the 
 Stratton administration, real estate and personal property taxes would be 
 30 per cent higher. 
 
 For the first time in the State's history, the Stratton administration 
 provided $10,000,000 for use by school districts which had exhausted their 
 bonding power, but which needed funds for new school buildings. 
 
 Also for the first time in the history of Illinois, aid to Illinois 
 junior colleges is being provided to the extent of $200 per pupil per year. 
 And still another first in Illinois history == & scholarship program to 
 provide $600 per year for 4,000 students to be used at an Illinois college 
 of their choice. 
 
 We feel that the higher education program can be supplemented and aided 
 by the building of additional Junior College buildings and that state funds 
 might well be used for these purposes to relieve the load on the local prop- 
 erty taxpayers. 
 
 For higher education, the Stratton administration has increased 
 appropriations as need increased, and has opened 104 new college and univer- 
 sity buildings at the six state= supported schools of higher education. We 
 pledge to continue this policy of Increasing educational opportunity for the 
 youth of Illinois, 
 
 MENTAL HEALTH 
 
 In mental health, great improvements were achieved under the Stratton 
 administration. Four state hospitals were completely overhauled and restaffed. 
 Three new mental hospitals were built ,,. the first since 1930, The 480-bed 
 Tinley Park State Hospital was built and opened. The new 434-bed Illinois 
 Psychiatric Institute was built and opened in Chicago's medical center, A 
 research laboratory, costing over a half-million dollars was built and opened 
 at Elgin State Hospital, 
 
 ■406- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 Nearing completion is the $5.5 million, 7-story, 585 crib Pediatric 
 Institute for retarded children under 6 years old in the Chicago Medical 
 Center. It is the first institution built for the mentally retarded in 82 
 years. A new $11 million hospital for mentally retarded children is now 
 being built at the edge of Centralia in Clinton County. 
 
 Three additional institutions for the mentally retarded to cost 
 approximately $3 million dollars each are now in the planning stage. 
 
 Today every patient has a bed. During former Governor Stevenson's 
 administration, more than 800 patients slept on the floor. 
 
 Hospital crowding has been reduced substantially, 'jhile the dis- 
 charge rate, reflecting better treatment, has reached an all-time high. 
 Care and treatment facilities embracing an additional 2,055 beds have been 
 added, and the patient population has been decreased 1,571. 
 
 Patients eat the same good food the staff eats. Recruitment, training 
 and education of personnel has been vastly expanded and improved. Personnel 
 has been increased by 2,915 more employees an increase of 317o over 1952. A 
 40-hour work week has been established and we now appropriate 102.5% more for 
 personnel in the Department of Mental Health than was appropriated in 1952. 
 
 Patients are daily receiving more and better care and treatment from 
 more and better trained personnel than ever before in state history. 
 
 Mental care is an area of major responsibility of government in 
 Illinois. The Republican Party pledges continued support of an enlightened 
 and expanded mental health program. 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 The Republican record on civil rights is a record of progress--not 
 merely promises. 
 
 The greatest civil rights progress was made under the Eisenhower 
 administration nationally, and Governor Stratton's administration in Illinois. 
 
 The Republican Party has never faltered in its fierce determination 
 to VTipe out racial discrimination in the voting booths, or in the schools, 
 or in any segment of American life. 
 
 We stand firmly in support of the civil rights plank of the Republican 
 National Platform. 
 
 THE WAGE EARNERS 
 
 In the field of labor and management, our Republican administration 
 has fostered a period of peaceful relationship unexcelled anywhere. During 
 the Stratton administration, Illinois has been one of the few industrial 
 
 ■407- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 states in which no restrictive labor legislation has been enacted. 
 
 Unemployment Compensation has been increased up to 13 more weeks 
 during periods of abnormal unemployment. When Governor Stratton took office, 
 the highest weekly benefit was $27. Today the range is $32 to $52 per week-- 
 an increase of 85%. The base of the Unemployment Compensation Act was 
 extended to include establishments withas few as four employees. 
 
 In 1955, the Republican administration established a division of 
 safety inspection and education to curtail factory accidents. As a result 
 of measures taken by the Stratton administration, and thorough enforcement 
 of safety rules, new records in the protection of miners have been established, 
 
 Workmens ' Compensation maximum weekly benefits have been increased an 
 average of 737o. 
 
 The wage earner in Illinois has greater job opportunities, greater 
 protection on the job, and greater income security -- than in any other 
 industrial state in the nation. 
 
 The Republican Party pledges a continued and expanded program of 
 labor opportunities and benefits. 
 
 ROADS AND HIGHWAYS 
 
 The Republican administration, in the last eight years, has succeeded 
 in building more new roads and improving old highways than any previous 
 administration in the history of the state. 
 
 Between 1953-1959, more than 7s057 miles of new roadways were con- 
 structed. Also 638 new bridges were built and 713 others widened. The 
 expressway system in Chicago was revitalized and put under construction 
 after 30 years of delay. The Congress Expressway is a reality; the North- 
 west Highway is near completion, 
 
 U. S, Route 66 was converted into a modern four-lane divided expressway 
 between Chicagj and St, Louis. In addition to the regular highway construc- 
 tion during the last eight years, more than $500,000,000 was allocated from 
 the state motor fuel tax, to Chicagj , other cities ^ townships and all counties 
 for road construction under state supervision. 
 
 The present Republican administration initiated and constructed the 
 $415,000,000 Illinois Toll Road,, thus putting the state in the forefront 
 of turnpike construction. This toll route network of 193 miles is financed 
 entirely by a self-liquidating bond issue at no cost to the taxpayer. The 
 bonds will be retired from funds collected only from those who use the 
 turnpikes. Already these toll roads have demonstrated their popularity with 
 the motoring public and have sparked a notable increase in industrial and 
 residential development in the areas they serve and are operating in the 
 black. 
 
 ■ 408- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 We invite comparison between the highly successful and profitable 
 Illinois Toll Road system built by the Stratton administration, and the 
 almost bankrupt Calumet Skyway Toll Road, built and operated by the City 
 of Chicago under Democrat City Hall machine management. 
 
 The Republican Party pledges to keep Illinois in the forefront of 
 the nation, and will improve the roads and highways of the state in every 
 direction. 
 
 HIGHWAY SAFETY 
 
 The Republican administration has established a program of highway 
 safety which has received national acclaim and awards. 
 
 The traffic safety program has resulted in the saving of many lives. 
 This, in turn, contributed to a statewide drop in auto insurance costs (5% 
 cut in physical damage rates and 37, cut in liability and property damage 
 rates). This reverses the rise in auto insurance rates that began in 1945. 
 
 The Republican Party will strive constantly to enact measures to 
 increase public safety on the highways. 
 
 HARBOR FACILITIES AND WATERWAYS 
 
 Until the administration of Governor Stratton, the harbor facilities 
 in this great state were neglected and forgotten. Under the Stratton admin- 
 istration, the Chicago Port Authority was established, which provides for 
 the first time in Illinois a modern efficient port for the "Bread Basket of 
 the World." The Port of Chicago has facilities which connect to inland 
 Illinois for the east marketing throughout the world of the grain and farm 
 produce produced by the Illinois farmers and for the industrial products of 
 the metropolitan area. 
 
 The Port of Waukegan has been established which effectively produces 
 an auxiliary facility for this traffic. We pledge to maintain and extend 
 this forward-looking program. 
 
 PUBLIC AID 
 
 The Stratton administration has established a record of enlightened 
 approach to public aid problems. The essential problem is how to relieve 
 human misery and meet increasing needs -- without burdening the taxpayers 
 unreasonably. The Republican Party is pledged to meet this responsibility, 
 and, to support a humane aid program which will make decent provision for 
 all those in need, but eliminate all cheats, frauds and chiselers. 
 
 -409- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 The Republican Party in Illinois hails the new federal legislation 
 signed by President Eisenhower to provide funds for medical aid for our 
 senior citizens. We pledge Illinois shall enact such legislation as will be 
 necessary to secure the maximum benefits under this program. 
 
 PUBLIC HEALTH 
 
 The Stratton administration has been most vigilant in the field 
 of public health. 
 
 The Stratton administration has provided a comprehensive public 
 health program for all segments of our population. Since 1953, hundreds of 
 thousands of school children have been furnished with dental care, Asian 
 Flu vaccine, and free polio vaccine. 
 
 In addition, the Stratton administration provided the means by which 
 cities and villages were able to build long=needed sewer systems, new water 
 works and new sewage treatment systems. More than 987o of the urban population 
 now is served by public water supplies; 90 new municipal sewage treatment 
 plants were built since 1953, and 87 plants enlarged. State funds have been 
 appropriated and plans made to assist in relieving the serious flood condi- 
 tions vAiich exist in Cook County and many other communities throughout the 
 state. 
 
 The Republican Party is determined to maintain for Illinois a public 
 health record second to none. 
 
 THE FARMER 
 
 The welfare of the farmer has been a prime concern of the Stratton 
 administration. 
 
 Strict and honest enforcement of food laws and inspection has banished 
 horse meat and other illegal foods. There were no horse meat scandals in 
 this administration, A new law sponsored by the Stratton administration 
 established for the first time pre-mortem state inspection of meat and poultry 
 produced in plants not subject to federal inspection. For the first time all 
 meat processors are inspected. 
 
 T.B. in livestock has been held down to the former low levels of in- 
 fection, while in other states the instance of T.B. has greatly increased. 
 
 In inspection and analysis of feed and fertilizer, three times as 
 many samples are being taken now and analyzed for the protection of the 
 farmer-buyer as compared with the Stevenson administration. 
 
 The cooperative program between the federal department and the state 
 department in the promotion of milk as a food for school children has gone a 
 
 -410- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 long way in the nourishment of ou: children, and our studies show that the 
 scholastic standing of the child is directly connected with the nourishment 
 in his meals. 
 
 Governor Stratton originated state financial aid to soil conservation 
 districts and the Republican Party favors greater activity in soil and water 
 conservation, for they are the great national resources which we must preserve 
 for posterity. 
 
 An efficient system of enforcement of interstate movement of animals 
 is now protecting the Illinois farmers from importing infected animals, 
 whereas under the Stevenson administration, there was no adequate protection. 
 
 New marketing research programs, which will increase farm income in 
 Illinois, were started. 
 
 The Stratton administration has developed insect control methods that 
 between 1953-1959 saved farm crops valued well in excess of $50 million. 
 
 A statewide compulsory anti-brucellosis program for cattle was insti- 
 tuted and the infection rate has dropped to less than 1 per cent, and 60 
 counties are now free of brucellosis. 
 
 The official inspections of grain in the Chicago and St. Louis markets 
 have been made more efficient in spite of the fact they have increased in 
 quantity, due to the Seaway coming into Chicago and the increasing barge 
 shipments to the south from St, Louis, The harbors of Chicago and other 
 Illinois cities are being protected against insect pests, plant diseases and 
 livestock diseases because the Illinois department is supplementing the work 
 of the federal department in the inspection of all steamers touching Illinois 
 ports. 
 
 The Illinois State Fair was expanded until the volume of livestock 
 and general agricultural entries now is exceeded by no other state. 
 
 The welfare and material benefits of the farmer, like that of the 
 employee and the businessman, will continue to be protected and improved 
 by the Republican Party, 
 
 RECREATION AND CONSERVATION 
 
 The growth of our cities has increased our need for more recreational 
 areas. The Stratton administration has placed Illinois in the forefront of 
 recreational facilities. 
 
 Illinois families have more leisure time than ever before to pursue 
 healthful recreation, to "pl^y away" the tensions of fast-paced modem life. 
 Realizing this, the administration of Governor Stratton has acquired more than 
 60,000 acres of land for new parks, camp sites, picnic grounds, scenic trails, 
 wild life refuges. This is an unprecedented record. 
 
 •411- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 Since 1953, more than 10,000 acres have been added to wildlife 
 refuges (controlled hunting areas); pheasant, quail and duck production 
 has been increased; through fish management principles, more than 500 
 water areas have been rehabilitated; 14 new Conservation Lakes have been 
 established, land for 11 additional lakes acquired; and deer hunting 
 (the first in 50 >e ars) has been restored in Illinois. 
 
 Conditions on waterways were improved for boat enthusiasts. This 
 was done by building locks and dams, deepening channels, cutting weeds, and 
 setting up boat safety regulations. 
 
 The Republican Party pledges more and improved recreational areas 
 for Illinois families and tourists. 
 
 JUDICIAL REFORM 
 
 The Republican Party reaffirms its support of a judicial reform 
 program. 
 
 We favor submission of a constitutional amendment to the voters 
 which vrLll provide for modernization of our courts, and will eliminate the 
 delay of justice in Cook County which results in its denial. 
 
 THE REVENUE ARTICLE 
 
 The Republican Party deplores our antiquated "horse and buggy" 
 Revenue Article of the Illinois Constitution of 1870, Under this Article, 
 it has been impossible to give relief to the overburdened real estate and 
 personal property taxpayer. 
 
 Under our present Revenue Article, a tax must be levied against all 
 property equally. We consider unfair and outmoded that a home must bear 
 the same rate of real estate tax as a factory, and that the owner of a 
 private automobile must pay a personal property tax at the same rate as that 
 levied on a commercial vehicle. 
 
 We favor submission of a constitutional amendment to the voters to 
 provide a new Revenue Article which will permit classification of property 
 for taxation, and afford real estate tax relief to the homeowner, and 
 personal property tax relief to all. 
 
 BOND ISSUES 
 
 The Stratton administration obtained passage of legislation for $195 
 million bond issue to be voted on in November for the construction of much 
 needed higher education buildings at our state universities and colleges. 
 These new buildings are vitally needed to maintain and improve the high 
 quality of our state college and university educational system. 
 
 ■412- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 The Stratton administration obtained legislation for a referendum 
 vote in the November election, on bond issues for capital improvements at 
 state welfare institutions. Old buildings should be replaced or modernized, 
 it is acknowledged, but it must be remembered this administration inherited 
 the old structures, it did not build them. 
 
 While great capital improvements have been made by the Stratton admin- 
 istration both in mental institution buildings and in buildings for higher 
 educational purposes, yet, to complete the job on the bond issues provide 
 funds now to meet vital needs. We urge all voters to take this opportunity 
 to provide these needed funds by voting for the two bond issues on November 8. 
 
 THE DEMOCRAT CHICAGO ADMINIS TRATION 
 
 The Democrat administration in Chicago was termed "Chicago's Rotten 
 System" in an editorial in the Chicago Sun Times on February 14, 1960, which 
 read; 
 
 "What is Chicago's Rotten System? 
 
 "It is control of the Police Department by venal, cynical politi- 
 cians. It is the ability of a politician with a 'clout' to hand out 
 a job on the force or a promotion for acquiescence in corruption. It 
 is the untouchability of those gamblers, crooks, vice merchants, rack- 
 eteers who have 'connections.' It is, because of these things, the 
 frustration, the cynicism, the ultimate shrug of the shoulder of the 
 decent cop who finds he can't do his job. 
 
 "It is the ability of politicians to block reform, to palm off 
 short-range cures that cure nothing; to rant and snort and orate against 
 sin and through it all to cling to their prerogatives, their patronage, 
 their clout, and outwait a public that can usually be depended upon 
 to get bored with the whole messy business and forget it." 
 
 This rotten system in Chicago produced a shock which was felt around 
 the world - the Chicago police scandal which rocked not only Illinois but 
 the nation and the world as well. 
 
 It produced a tremendous scandal in Chicago's traffic court which cost 
 the City of Chicago $750,000 annually =- an estimated twenty-two and a half 
 million dollars over a thirty-year period, from traffic money collected from 
 motorists who use the streets of Chicago, which went into the pockets of 
 Democrat politicians instead of into the City treasury. 
 
 It produced a bail bond scandal which wiped out 1,768 forfeited bail 
 bonds, totally more than $250,000. This system resulted in the employment 
 of hoodlums, ex-convicts and chiselers who loaf on the City of Chicago payroll 
 at the expense of the Chicago taxpayers. After pressure brought by Chicago 
 newspapers, 8 City employees who did nothing to merit their annual salaries, 
 which totalled $46,296 were discharged, 9 employees who drew a total of 
 
 -413- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 $55,560 annually, were suspended for loafing, 50 workers in the Chicago 
 City Bureau of Electricity were suspended for collecting overtime pay for 
 work which they did not perform. The salaries of these men totalled 
 $258,000 annually. 
 
 On top of this pyramid - this monument of government corruption - sits 
 Richard J. Daley, Mayor of Chicago > Chairman of the Democrat party in Cook 
 County and political boss of the Democrat party in Illinois, which has hand- 
 picked the candidates for State office, including the candidate for Governor. 
 
 The cost of this "rotten" system of government runs high, as is 
 reflected in the fact that Chicago's cost-of-living index is the highest 
 of any major city in the United States. 
 
 This wasted money in part is provided by an exorbitant real estate 
 and property tax which has no limits because in the 1955 session of the 
 General Assembly the Chicago Democrats in the legislature managed by an 
 adroit legislative maneuver to remove the tax rate ceiling for the corporate 
 fund of the City of Chicago, 
 
 Repeated efforts to restore the tax rate ceiling advocated by the 
 Civic Federation of Chicago have been bottled up and defeated by Democrat 
 opposition on orders of Boss Daley, 
 
 Chicago is the only City in Illinois which has no statutory protection 
 against exorbitant rates and real estate and personal property taxes that 
 can be imposed on its residents by a wasteful, extravagant system. 
 
 The Chicago rotten system runs the city jail - The Bridewell - which 
 has been exposed by a Chicago newspaper as '*rhe House of Corruption," a 
 place of filth, bugs and brutality. 
 
 To insure that the utmost is done to alleviate the conditions existing 
 under this "rotten" system, a pyramid on top of which sits Richard J„ Daley, 
 we pledge; 
 
 Legislation to legally reform the Chicago Police Department 
 by again presenting to the legislature bills which were defeated 
 by the Democrat House of Representatives at Daley's command in 
 a special session called by Governor Stratton to establish an 
 independent police force with a five=man Board who shall appoint 
 a politically independent Superintendent of Police who will be 
 responsible only to them and not to the Mayor of Chicago, 
 
 t^egislation to re-establish a tax rate ceiling for the City of 
 Chicago for the protection of every Chicago taxpayer. 
 
 Legislation necessary to end the mess in City Jail = The Bridewell - 
 to make the 'feouse of Corruption" once again a true House of Correction. 
 
 •414- 
 
Republican Platform of 1960 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 To these ends we pledge ourselves, and we offer to the people of 
 Illinois assurances based on the record that we shall devote ourselves 
 to these purposes, and that we shall deliver with action and performance 
 rather than promises and evasions. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Coinraittee, 
 
 -415- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1960 
 
 Statement of Principles of the Democratic Party of Illinois - 1960 
 
 (Adopted September 7, 1960) 
 
 The 1960 platform of the Democratic Party adopted at our convention 
 stands as one of the most progressive and constructive declarations of "The 
 Rights of Man" ever prepared by a political party for the people of our 
 country. The Democratic Party of Illinois proudly and firmly approves and 
 adopts its principles. 
 
 We pledge oursleves to do everything within our power to bring such 
 principles to fulfillment. 
 
 The progressive and permanent social gains achieved for all the 
 people of our nation during the administration of President Franklin D. 
 Roosevelt and President Harry S. Truman must be continued. They will be 
 carried forward vigorously under the spirited and dynamic leadership of 
 John F. Kennedy, as President of the United States, and Lyndon B. Johnson, 
 as Vice President. 
 
 The people of this state are turning to the Democratic Party to 
 provide effective and inspiring leadership in their state and federal govern- 
 ment. They believe that the philosophy, programs, and principles advocated 
 by our party will best promote and advance the interests of all the citizens 
 of this great state of every race, creed, color, economic status or occupation. 
 
 We condemn the Republican Administration of this state for its complete 
 failure during the past eight years to provide the people with responsible 
 government . 
 
 We favor adequate, honest budgeting and appropriations which are 
 devoted to the real needs of the people. We will put an end to political 
 budgeting which has led to special legislative sessions and costly deficiency 
 appropriations . 
 
 We, the delegates of the Democratic Party of Illinois, in convention 
 assembled this 7th day of September, 1960, hereby REAFFIRM the principles 
 and goals of our party and we rededicate ourselves to carrying into effect 
 its program, so that the people may regain responsible, efficient and honest 
 government. 
 
 THE COURTS 
 
 The Democratic Party takes pride in the v^olehearted support and 
 leadership which it gave to the 1958 effort to amend the Judicial Article to 
 the State Constitution. The insincerity of the Republican administration in 
 failing to give effective support to the Amendment led to the defeat of this 
 vitally needed reform. 
 
 •417- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 We believe the people should retain their right to elect initially 
 their judges. 
 
 We deplore the Stratton administration's failure to end the court 
 backlog. This disgraceful condition could have been greatly alleviated had 
 legislation for additional judges received Stratton's support. 
 
 The Democratic Party will introduce and support legislation authorizing 
 the election of additional judges and such other legislation that will improve 
 the administration of the courts and the reduction of the backlog. 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois believes that a good public school 
 system is the basis for a strong, free America. 
 
 Our local communities have undertaken a great financial burden and 
 pay a disproportionate share of the cost of education. We believe that the 
 increasing school population of our state requires greater aid in school 
 construction and a higher level of state aid for local school districts. 
 
 The Democratic Party stands for adequate levels of compensation for 
 all school teachers. 
 
 BOND ISSUES 
 
 We support the Welfare and State University Building Bond issues. 
 
 We believe that the lack of leadership, planning and foresight by 
 the Stratton Administration have been the cause of the serious failure of the 
 State to take care of our citizens' needs in expanding and improving our 
 welfare institutions and state universities. 
 
 We pledge that the Democratic Administration will provide proper 
 capital planning and expenditures to insure that the needed expansions will 
 be financed on a sound economical basis. 
 
 WELFARE 
 
 It is the duty of the State Administration to provide the best medical 
 treatment possible for the care and rehabilitation of all patients in our 
 state hospitals. 
 
 We favor a realistic budget to raise the standard of care and treatment 
 of the aged, needy, sick, mentally ill and the mentally retarded persons of 
 Illinois . 
 
 •418. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 We propose to improve the care and treatment of all patients of 
 Illinois hospitals to provide the greatest opportunity for these people to 
 be restored to normal active lives. 
 
 We propose to restore adequate medical and psychiatric staffs in 
 state hospitals through raising salaries, vigorous recruitment and initiating 
 higher standards of care and administration. 
 
 We condemn the Republican administration for its neglect of the aged, 
 needy, ill, mentally ill and mentally retarded persons of Illinois. 
 
 MENTAL HEALTH 
 
 Periodic exposes of the poor conditions of our state institutions under 
 the present governor emphasize that increased appropriations to provide better 
 care and treatment for the 47,000 patients in Illinois mental hospitals and 
 schools for the mentally deficient, and for the residents of other state welfare 
 institutions are absolutely essential. 
 
 We pledge our best efforts to meet the critical need for more trained 
 personnel -- psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists at all levels 
 of the state's mental health program. 
 
 Only by re-establishing an atmosphere of professional competence and 
 dedication can Illinois attract able and competent people to this important 
 state service and thereby provide the caliber of treatment capable of rehabil- 
 itating patients and restoring them to their families and to active, useful 
 lives. 
 
 We will encourage and support the establishment of additional community 
 clinics and other services to aid in the prevention and early treatment of 
 mental illness. 
 
 The Democratic Party is cognizant that in many instances parents of 
 children v^o are patients in hospitals for the mentally retarded cannot meet 
 with the continuing economic burden of their care. 
 
 We will support legislation to relieve the financial burden of those 
 parents who are economically unable to pay for the support of their mentally 
 retarded children. 
 
 TAXES 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois opposes a State income tax. 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 The State of Illinois during the next biennium faces a financial 
 crisis. The crisis results from fiscal mismanagement, postponements of 
 
 -419- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 necessary capital expenditures and intentional bad budgeting causing recurring 
 deficiency appropriations. 
 
 The Democratic Party insists that the burdens of taxation must be 
 equitably distributed. To promote a modern, efficient and and fair system 
 of taxation under present conditions, we favor revision of the out-dated 
 Revenue Article of the 1870 Constitution. 
 
 FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY 
 
 The citizens of Illinois have a right to know how their tax dollars 
 are being spent. The budgetary procedures of the Republican Administration 
 do not disclose the facts which the citizens of Illinois have a right to 
 know. The Democratic Party favors the adoption of an executive-prepared 
 performance budget which will fully disclose how public funds are being used. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Democratic Party favors the establishment of a basic Minimum Wage 
 Law in Illinois. We strongly favor an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage 
 Law and an expansion of its coverage. 
 
 We urge that there be established an Illinois Labor Relations Board 
 to foster full recognition of the rights of workers and management in their 
 collective bargaining with each other. 
 
 We are against any kind of racketeering in labor-management relations, 
 We oppose this practice whether on the part of employers or employees or by 
 both acting in collusion. 
 
 We believe the Workmen's Compensation Laws should be strengthened in 
 the field of safety and health regulations, and consideration given to 
 increased benefits, vocational rehabilitation and medical care. 
 
 We oppose any so-called "right to work" laws, which would destroy 
 effective representation of workers through their union representatives. 
 
 SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 In the field of medical care for the elderly, we support the national 
 Democratic Party's position that medical care for the aged should be expanded 
 and become an integral part of the Social Security System. 
 
 We urge better housing, health, vocational and recreational services 
 for our senior citizens. We favor improved programs for the rehabilitation 
 of the physically or mentally disabled and intensified medical research 
 specializing in diseases of the aged. We urge the removal of any discrimina- 
 tion in employment because of age. 
 
 =420- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 The Democratic Party favors a central agency where services for our 
 senior citizens can be brought together and coordinatedo 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that the civil rights of every individual 
 which are guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the State 
 of Illinois must be vigorously protected. We support the enactment of legis- 
 lation to guarantee equal job opportunities, 
 
 F„E,PoC, legislation has been defeated in three successive sessions 
 by the Stratton State Administration, We condemn the failure of the Republican 
 Administration to rally support among the Republican members of the General 
 Assembly for the enactment of this legislation. 
 
 We enthusiastically adopt the expression on Civil Rights contained in 
 the 1960 Democratic National Platform, 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 It is imperative that in this critical period of world turmoil and 
 uncertainties, that we dedicate ourselves to helping our young people. The 
 Illinois Youth Commission must be revitalized through the appointment of 
 trained and organized personnel qualified in this important work. 
 
 GREATER LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT 
 
 The Democratic P'arty favors legislation to give cities, villages and 
 incorporated towns greater powers to regulate and conduct their local govern- 
 ments to meet the needs of their citizens. 
 
 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 
 
 In many sections of Illinois, eight years of Stratton neglect have 
 resulted in fewer jobs and poorer prospects for the future. The Democratic 
 Party favors the establishment of a separate State Department of Industrial 
 Development, charged with the specific task of bringing new industry to 
 Illinois communities in order to provide increased employment. 
 
 This initiative on the part of our State government will result in 
 more jobs at better pay for the citizens of the State of Illinois, 
 
 SMALL BUSINESS 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois upholds the right of every businessman 
 to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition, restraint or 
 monopolistic domination. 
 
 •421- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois recognizes the importance of agri- 
 culture in its contribution to the economy of Illinois. We support our 
 National Party Platform which recognizes "the right of every farmer to 
 raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family 
 a decent living." 
 
 To this end we favor improvement of local and protective services of 
 the Illinois Department of Agriculture, enforcement of the water pollution 
 laws, increased research both in areas of farm production and marketing, 
 soil conservation, soil erosion and flood control. 
 
 MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that urban renewal and neighborhood 
 conservation are vital to the progress and welfare of the municipalities of 
 Illinois. We believe these programs deserve the full attention and whole- 
 hearted cooperation of a state government dedicated to the public interest. 
 
 The Democratic Party favors legislation to give cities, villages and 
 incorporated towns greater powers to regulate and conduct their local govern- 
 ments to meet the needs of their citizens. 
 
 We pledge study and action in solving problems affecting the cities 
 and villages of our state, such as mass transportation, expressways, flood 
 control, air pollution, zoning, drainage and traffic. 
 
 TAX MULTIPLIER 
 
 * 
 
 The Democratic Party urges an honest application of the real estate 
 and property "tax multiplier" law, and condemns the abuses by the Administra- 
 tion's Department of Revenue in the application of the "tax multiplier" in 
 order to avoid the State's responsibility and obligations to its schools, 
 which results in placing that financial burden on the property taxpayers 
 of the State. 
 
 STATE ADMINISTRATION 
 
 The efforts of the present Republican administration to avoid 
 responsibility for the Hodge scandal of "sweeping it under the rug" is 
 being repeated in the conduct of the Downey investigation. 
 
 Further scandals have been brought to light which demonstrate con- 
 clusively the utter rejection by the present administration of the principle 
 that public office is a public trust. 
 
 -422- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1960 
 
 In recent months Illinois citizens have been disturbed at revelations 
 concerning land acquisition for the toll road system. The manipulation of 
 land ownership for the favored few is contrary to every concept of good 
 government . 
 
 The administration of our state institutions housing 50,000 patients 
 is a grave responsibility of the state government. We find it shocking that 
 the Stratton administration has done nothing to correct illegal and improper 
 purchasing practices in the Department of Public Welfare as revealed by 
 sworn testimony. 
 
 The 1959 House Investigation of this scandal showed a need for a 
 prompt and complete change in purchasing procedures to prevent rigged bidding 
 and special favoritism to insiders. 
 
 The diversion to private profit of valuable machinery intended for use 
 by the civil defense of our state by a former Republican state official is 
 another example of a flagrant violation of public trust. 
 
 And, now, the people of Illinois are confronted with the sordid 
 spectacle of the Governor pretending that an income tax scandal involving 
 a member of his personal staff -- William "Smoky" Downey-- does not concern 
 himi This is typical of Stratton's attitude toward public office. The 
 people have yet to learn the facts of the Hodge case--and they have yet to 
 learn the facts of the Downey case. 
 
 LEADERSHIP 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges to provide the people of Illinois with 
 responsible and farsighted programs; with alert and aggressive leadership; 
 and with devotion to the principle that a public office is a sacred public 
 trust. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Democratic State Central Committee, 
 
 -423- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS, 1962 
 
 Summary of 1962 Elections 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook. County 
 
 Downstate 
 
 Carried 
 
 Senator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican Everett M, Dirksen 
 
 1,961,202 
 
 
 956,884 
 
 1,004,318 
 
 86 
 
 Democratic Sidney R. Yates 
 
 1,748,007 
 
 
 1,007,947 
 
 740,060 
 
 16 
 
 State Treasurer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican William J, Scott 
 
 1,831,925 
 
 
 890,681 
 
 941,234 
 
 71 
 
 Democratic Francis S. Lorenz 
 
 1,776,090 
 
 
 1,027,059 
 
 749,031 
 
 31 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other Nc 
 
 ) . Words 
 
 Republican 75.2% 
 
 10 
 
 o37o 
 
 14.47, 
 
 1260 
 
 Democratic 92.7 
 
 
 
 
 ,0% 
 
 7,3% 
 
 1931 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1961-1962 
 
 The General Assembly in its regular session in 1961 adopted for submission 
 to the voters in 1962 a constitutional amendment providing for a fundamental re- 
 organization of the state's judiciary. Despite strong Downstate opposition, the 
 proposal was approved by the voters by virtue of its support in Cook County where 
 some courts were several years behind in hearing cases. The new judicial article 
 consolidated the state's many courts into a single trial court under the admin- 
 istrative supervision of the state supreme court, 
 
 A 19-year effort for legislation to prohibit discrimination in private 
 employment culminated in legis lative establishment in 1961 of the Fair Emplojmient 
 Practices Commission, The legislature also increased the state sales tax from 
 3 per cent to 3% per cent and broadened the sales tax base. Other important 
 new laws included a completely revised criminal code, adoption of uniform com- 
 mercial code, and the establishment of a Department of Mental Health, 
 
 As a result of charges of fraud in the 1960 presidential election in 
 Chicago, several hundred precinct election officials were indicted, but after 
 drawn out court proceedings, all were freed. 
 
 The state government remained in fiscal danger in 1962 as a result of in- 
 sufficient revenues and an estimated deficit of $131 million in the biennial 
 appropriation for public assistance. At a special session the legislature 
 refused Governor Kerner's request for the transfer of motor fuel tax funds, 
 earmarked for roads, to public aid. A running battle developed in 1962 between 
 Kerner and the Public Aid Coamission, The governor was critical of the commission's 
 administration and at one point unsuccessfully advocated across-the-board cuts in 
 public aid recipient payments. A proposal that the government disseminates birth 
 control information was adopted despite strong protests from Roman Catholics. 
 
 -425- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1962 
 (Adopted October 12, 1962) 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois, in convention duly 
 assembled, offers this statement of principles and declaration of policies 
 as our platform to be a guidepost for the people of this sovereign state 
 to follow on the road back to government responsibility, so that the younger 
 generation will not be saddled with paying for the spendthrift recklessness 
 of the Democrat State and National Administrations. 
 
 The conduct of our government must be such as will command the respect 
 of the governed. The elected official must administer his duties with such 
 honesty and skill as will maintain the confidence of the governed. 
 
 The stewardship of our state and nation was taken over by the Demo- 
 crat Party two years ago. Our citizens are now called upon to decide whether 
 or not the responsibilities of that stewardship have been discharged. 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois submits to the people, 
 for fair and impartial appraisal, the record of past performance, present 
 position, and future promise of both major political parties. 
 
 TAXES - GOVERNMENT WASTE ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois is dedicated in its 
 opposition to a State Income Tax in any form or any new or unnecessary taxes. 
 We object to any constitutional amendments which could be used for the im- 
 position of such taxes upon the people of our state, but the burden of taxes 
 must be more fairly spread and we advocate a new revenue article to accomplish 
 this. 
 
 We condemn the present Democrat state administration which has levied 
 an increase tax burden in excess of $289,000,000,00 dollars this biennium, 
 and has increased the cost of government without a proportionate increase 
 in services to the taxpayers. 
 
 We condemn the present Democrat state administration for fostering 
 waste, extravagance, payroll padding and inefficiency, all of which have 
 shaken the confidence of the people in their government. We pledge the 
 elimination of these abuses. 
 
 We point with pride to the able and efficient Republican Administra- 
 tion of the Office of Secretary of State, by the Honorable Charles F, Carpentier, 
 and the Office of Clerk of the Supreme Court, by Mrs. Earle Benjamin Searcy, 
 whose conduct of such offices has been free from charges of waste, extrava- 
 gance and corruption. 
 
 =426- 
 
Republican Platform of 1962 
 
 We propose to accomplish a 10% reduction in appropriations for 
 personnel in all state offices in which, in the coming election, we are 
 given the privilege of serving the people. 
 
 STATE SOVEREIGNTY ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois reaffirms its historic 
 position that powers not delegated to the Federal Government by the State, 
 are reserved to the State and the people o 
 
 We condemn the ever-growing Democrat government bureaucracy for its 
 utter disregard for the individual citizen's rights by the restrictions 
 imposed upon his freedoms. 
 
 We urge a return from the Democrat path of socialism to the philos- 
 ophies of this nation's founding fathers. 
 
 PUBLIC WELFARE ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois advocates and urges a 
 fair, equitable, and adequate program for the relief of needy citizens 
 within our state. We believe that such a program, administered with economy 
 and caution will afford more aid for the deserving. 
 
 We propose to take the waste out of relief by eliminating the fraud, 
 the cheat, and the undeserving, and to take the immorality out of the Aid 
 for Dependent Children programs. 
 
 We condemn the Democrat Party for making political pawns of our needy 
 citizens in the present administration of the relief programs. 
 
 We believe the solution of the welfare program in a conservative, 
 free society, can be achieved by the encouragement of a climate for free 
 enterprise in which business and industry can profit, thereby creating new 
 jobs; and where payroll checks take the place of relief checks. The economy 
 can be improved by the expansion of business and industry which will provide 
 more jobs and reduce the number of people dependent on welfare assistance. 
 
 FOREIGN POLICY ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois condemns the Democrat 
 party for failures in the conduct of the foreign policy of our nation, 
 resulting in an all time low in our world prestige. 
 
 We condemn the indecision and bungling which has marked the Democrat 
 conduct of foreign affairs the last two years which has permitted a Communist 
 fortress of agression in Cubaj only 90 miles from our shores in violation 
 of the Monroe Doctrine | which has allowed the division of Berlin by the 
 erection of a Communist wall of stone, shame and infamy. 
 
 '427 
 
Republican Platform of 1962 
 
 We condemn the Democrat waste and extravagance in foreign aid. 
 
 We advocate a reappraisal of the entire foreign aid program both as 
 to cost and results. We believe economy in this area will provide extra 
 income for domestic use and make America strong at home. 
 
 We support a strong stand, not just strong words, in the conduct of 
 foreign affairs. 
 
 We reaffirm our historic position of "Millions for Defense, but Not 
 One Cent for Tribute." 
 
 PLEDGE TO YOUTH ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois believes in providing 
 educational, political and economic opportunities for the youth of our State. 
 
 We continue to support our system of local responsibility for our 
 children's education without Federal dictation or controlled program designed 
 to limit the personal achievement of our young people. 
 
 We condemn the spiral of increasing National Debt and Unbalanced 
 
 Budgets engendered by the irresponsible spending policies of state and 
 
 national Democrat administrations. We believe such policies are designed 
 to place the youth of today in economic slavery tomorrow. 
 
 We commend the untiring efforts of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen 
 as minority leader of the United States Senate and our Republican Congressmen 
 for their constant struggle for fiscal stability today for the youth of 
 tomorrow. 
 
 ONE PARTY RULE ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois deplores and condemns 
 the Chicago Daley political machine for its domination of the state govern- 
 ment of Illinois. 
 
 The unprincipled, unrestrained and unbridled conduct of the Daley 
 Democrat organization has resulted in such control of our State government 
 that the lives and business of ten million persons have become subject to 
 the whim and caprice of one man. 
 
 We believe that the people of this state are entitled to choose their 
 government representatives and officials in free and open elections with no 
 fear of reprisal of taint of reward. 
 
 One-party government in Chicago and Cook County has impaired the 
 freedom of the ballot and the right of every American to have his vote counted 
 as cast. Deliberate vote frauds, vote thievery and vote buying are accepted 
 patterns of political behavior by the Daley machine. 
 
 -428" 
 
Republican Platform of 1962 
 
 We advocate stronger election laws and more rigid non=partisan en- 
 forcement of present election laws to return to the people of the State of 
 Illinois elected officials responsible to every voting citizen and not one 
 small group of willful individuals. 
 
 FARMER ; 
 
 The Repib lican Party of the State c£ Illinois pledges itself against 
 the Democrat philosophy of regimentation of the farmer, and supports the 
 economic survival cf our farming communities . 
 
 We advocate the administration of State and Federal agricultural 
 programs by people qualified and experienced in farming. 
 
 We believe in increased emphasis on new uses for farm products and 
 improved marketing distribution practices. 
 
 We support programs designed to feed the needy in order that the 
 full blessings of productive capacity of our farms may be realized. 
 
 SMALL BUSINESS ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois supports the small 
 businessman in his right to be free from undue interference and unfair 
 competition from "Big Government." 
 
 We pledge ourselves to fight any discrimination against, and remove 
 all oppressive practices now being used against the small businessman. 
 
 We believe the present tax structure on the national and state level 
 is oppressive. 
 
 LABOR ; 
 
 The Republican Party of the State of Illinois applauds the efforts 
 of working people everywhere to secure for themselves dignified working 
 conditions and a fair return for their labors. We would expand that system 
 of disputes settlement where, by agreement between employers and employees, 
 individual grievances are given respectful hearing and impartial judgment. 
 We recognize that working people pay the greatest share of the expenses 
 of govennmer.t and we cendemn costly schemes which tempt the worker with 
 promises of benefits, but actually deprive him of his freedom by confis- 
 cating an ever-increasing portion of his income. 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ; 
 
 The Republican Party takes pride in the fact that the Republican 
 leadership and membership of the legislature first in 1958 and again in 1962, 
 
 ■429- 
 
Republican Platform of 1962 
 
 has given the people of Illinois the opportunity to vote on the proposed 
 amendment to the judicial article of the constitution, just as the Republican 
 Party under Republican leadership in a Republican Administration gave the 
 people the opportunity to vote for legislative reapportionment in 1954 for 
 the first time in 51 years. We reaffirm our position for the judicial amend- 
 ment to the Constitution, 
 
 CONCLUSION ; 
 
 We dedicate ourselves to these purposes and pledge affirmative action 
 in pursuit of our principles in this Republican Platform, We give assurance 
 to the people of the State of Illinois of our devotion to the cause of good 
 government and submit our policies, our Republican candidates and the issues 
 for their consideration. 
 
 SOURCE; Illinois Republican State Central Committee. 
 
 -430- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1962. 
 (Adopted September 10, 1962) 
 
 LEADERSHIP 
 
 The Democratic Party is proud of its role in providing leadership at 
 the National, State, and local level to carry forward vath vigor and imagi- 
 nation programs designed to improve the welfare of all Americans. 
 
 The Democratic Party is confident that this leadership will success- 
 fully solve the problems that confront our nation and state and move America 
 further towards the opportunities and the advantages of this modern age. 
 
 The Democratic Party has been, and always will be, the source of new 
 ideas, new programs, and fresh vigor in contrast to the consistent obstruct- 
 ionism, special interest pleading, and pessimism of the Republican Party. 
 
 The Democratic Party looks forward with confidence, assured that the 
 future will witness the resolution of today's problems because the Democratic 
 Party stands for positive programs, service to the public, and dedication to 
 the Democratic form of government and is not fettered by domination of special 
 interest groups, wealthy corporations, 19th century ideas, and reactionary 
 philosophies of government. 
 
 JUDICIAL REFORM 
 
 The Democratic Party favors the adoption of the proposed amendment 
 to the judicial article of the Illinois Constitution. 
 
 The Democratic Party takes pride in the wholehearted support and 
 leadership which it gave to the 1958 effort to accomplish this objective. 
 We call upon the Republican Party to take equally sincere and aggressive 
 steps to promote the adoption of the judicial amendment. 
 
 We pledge to continue our vigorous and untiring efforts to bring 
 about the approval of the judicial article in the November referendum. We 
 urge the people of Illinois to vote yes for the judicial amendment. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois favors the improvement and expansion 
 of the public school system to provide an education for Illinois youth which 
 will meet the needs of a dynamic America. 
 
 We support the expansion of high school, junior college and college 
 facilities, faculties and curricula, to encompass the great increase in 
 student enrollment that will take place in the coming years. 
 
 -431- 
 
De^cratic Platform of 1962 
 
 We condemn the actions of the Republican members of the Illinois 
 Senate in refusing the school children of the City of Chicago equal trans- 
 portation benefits to those enjoyed by the school children throughout the 
 rest of the state. 
 
 For more than 50 years there has been an urgent need for a branch of 
 the University of Illinois to serve the youth of Chicago and the Chicago 
 metropolitan area. 
 
 We hail the establishment of a four year branch of the University of 
 Illinois in a location which will provide the greatest cfiportunity for higher 
 education to our young citizens. 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 The Democratic Party recognizes the critical need for improvement in 
 the inequitable tax structure which burdens the people of Illinois and which 
 has resulted from the restrictioms of an archaic aad outmoded revenue article. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois opposes a state income tax„ 
 
 It is apparent and imperative that the revenue article of the consti- 
 tution be amended to provide more equitable treatment for the small homeowner 
 and taxpayer and more adequate resources to support the revenue needs of the 
 State and local government. 
 
 COMMUNISM 
 
 We pledge our untiring efforts to combate communistic activity. Our 
 opposition to «WB»mism shall not deter us from protecting innocent citizens 
 from unwarranted attacks by extremists who, under the guise of patriotism, 
 would seek to destroy the rights and liberties guaranteed to the individual 
 under the United States Constitution. 
 
 MEDICAL CARE FOR T HE AGED 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois wholeheartedly and enthusiastically 
 supports>'?resident Kennedy's program for medical care for the aged under 
 social security. 
 
 The high and rapidly rising medical costs make it imperative that 
 all of our citizens b'e guaranteed low cost hospital and nursing care in their 
 older age. 
 
 We denounce the Republican Party \diich combined with special interest 
 groups to defeat thii program and which insists on subjecting our senior 
 citizens to the indignity of a means test to obtadn adequate medical care. 
 
 =432- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1962 
 
 CREDIT REFORM 
 
 The Democratic Party takes great pride in the accomplishment made in 
 the field of consumer protection which resulted from its interest and concern 
 for those people brazenly exploited and victimized by unscrupulous credit 
 practices and fraudulent merchandising. 
 
 Through the leadership and vigorous support of Democratic local and 
 state officials, legislation was prepared and passed providing effective 
 safeguards for the people of Illinois. 
 
 HOME RULE 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that local government is best administered 
 by those officials who are elected specifically to manage local affairs and 
 who are directly responsible to the people affected by their administration. 
 
 We believe that the citizens of every Municipality within the State 
 of Illinois should have the authority to manage their own local affairs. 
 
 ECONOMY IN GOVERNMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges continuous efforts to increase the effi- 
 ciency and economy of state and local government and to achieve the fullest 
 advantages of modern business methods and techniques. 
 
 We take pride in the adoption under a Democratic Governor, Otto Kerner, 
 of a performance budget which will provide, for the first time, to the citizens 
 of Illinois a clear and understandable account of how their tax money is spent. 
 
 PEACE CORPS 
 
 We commend the program of the President of the United States in 
 establishing the Peace Corps. Never before has so imaginative an innovation 
 been proposed and carried out to demonstrate the interest and concern which 
 the United States has for under=developed countries of the world. 
 
 We commend the youth of Illinois ^o have responded so generously to the 
 call of the President of the United States for volunteers to serve in the 
 Peace Corps, and we urge the continued interest of the youth of Illinois in 
 this important mission for world peace. 
 
 We commend the state administration for its official recognition of 
 the importance of the Peace Corps by its full protection of seniority rights 
 in State Employment for those state employees who volunteer to serve in this 
 vital program. 
 
 .433. 
 
Democratic Platform of 1962 
 
 CIVIL RICaTS 
 
 The Democratic Party takes pride that under the leadership of a Demo- 
 cratic Governor, Otto Kemer, an historic step forward was taken in passing 
 fair employment practices legislation. Through this legislation, we have 
 guaranteed to the people of Illinois the opportunity to earn their livelihood 
 without discrimination because of race, creed or color. 
 
 The Democratic Party favors the strengthening of the F. E. P. C, legis- 
 lation by expanding its coverage to provide equal employment opportunities 
 for all people and to broaden the powers of the Commission to include the 
 right to initiate action against discrimination wherever it is found. 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges to continue its efforts to secure for all 
 people, regardless of race, color, religion or national origin, equal oppor- 
 tunity in schools, hospitals, housing, and in the use of facilities and 
 acconmiodations open to the public. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AFFAIRS 
 
 The growth of municipalities throughout Illinois and the nation calls 
 for direct representation in the President's cabinet. 
 
 The establishment of a Department of Urban Affairs would give the 
 citizens of municipalities throughout the state responsible representation 
 in the national government. 
 
 We urge the creation of this department. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois favors the establishment of a State 
 Minimum Wage Law and the broadening of the coverage of the Federal Minimum 
 Wage Law. 
 
 We believe that the effects of automation and the advances of science 
 and technology must not result in economic hardship but should produce a 
 fuller and more useful life for all people. We call upon business, labor, 
 and all elements of the community to cooperate in meeting this challenge. 
 
 We commend the work of Governor Kemer °s special Committee on Un- 
 employment for its pioneering efforts to study the effects of automation 
 and technological change, increased technical and vocational skills which are 
 required in modern industry, school dropouts, and the measures which the 
 Governor's committee recommends to ease the plight of working people affected 
 by these changes. 
 
 We oppose so called "right to work" legislation and any other measures 
 designed to destroy affective representation of workers through their union 
 representatives , 
 
 '434- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1962 
 
 We support the principla of equal pay for equal work regardless of 
 sex. 
 
 MENTAL HEALTH 
 
 The Democratic Party takes great pride that under the present Demo- 
 cratic administration a new Department of Mental Health was established 
 under a psychiatrist of outstanding ability with the single responsibility 
 of improving the standards and quality of the care and treatment of the men- 
 tally ill. 
 
 It has instituted new programs of community in-patient and out-patient 
 clinics to bring mental health services closer to the people, providing earlier 
 treatment for the mentally ill and the mentally retarded. 
 
 A program of providing for badly needed new facilities is now in progress 
 using the proceeds of the voter approved $150,000,000 mental health bond issue 
 to overcome years of neglect and indifference by the Republican Administration. 
 
 We pledge to continue our efforts to meet the critical need for more 
 trained personnel -- psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists at all 
 levels of the state's mental health program. 
 
 FLOOD CONTROL 
 
 We pledge an extensive flood and water pollution control program by 
 the State of Illinois and all units of local government in cooperation with 
 the federal government to meet the needs of our growing population and industry. 
 
 PUBLIC AID 
 
 The Democratic Party has always supported a fair and adequate program 
 of public aid to people who are in need. We pledge continuous and stringent 
 enforcement of the program to insure that public funds are received only by 
 the truly deserving. 
 
 The overwhelming majority of recipients of assistance are victims of 
 automations, lack of skills, physical disabilities, and iSisctimination. 
 
 We condemn the misconceptions fostered by the Republican Party that 
 the unfortunate and unemployed are willingly and intentionally exploiting 
 relief and welfare programs. 
 
 Under the Democratic administration, new programs of job retraining, 
 industrial developments and job finding have been instituted to provide new 
 opportunities for public aid recipients. 
 
 •435- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1962 
 
 We condemn the Republican leadership in the legislature for pre- 
 cipitating the present emergency in relief and public assistance by their 
 failure to support legislation which would have met the minimum requirements 
 of those in need. 
 
 SMALL BUSINESS 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois upholds the right of every business- 
 man to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition, restraint 
 or monopolistic domination. 
 
 SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 The population of our elderly citizens is steadily increasing. 
 
 We believe that every American is entitled to enjoy his later years 
 in the comfort and dignity which his contribution to America's progress and 
 development merits. 
 
 We pledge the establishment of programs to provide for expanded housing, 
 health, vocational, and recreational services for our senior citizens. We 
 favor improved programs for physical rehabilitation and intensified medical 
 research specializing in diseases of the aged. 
 
 We commend the programs pioneered by the City of Chicago in cooperation 
 with the federal government in providing low and moderate income housing to 
 meet the special needs of senior citizens and the programs of guidance and 
 recreational services which have been Instituted. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that providing leadership and inspiration 
 to the youth of Illinois towards more responsible citizenship and greater 
 participation in community life is of the utmost importance to our State and 
 nation. 
 
 One of the most critical problems of our day is the substantial number 
 of young people who fail to complete -trheir basic education and impairing their 
 economic future. We commend the programs initiated by the State and the City 
 of Chicago which seek to reduce the number of school dropouts and expand 
 employment opportunities for young people. 
 
 We commend the inauguration in Chicago of an extensive plan of neighbor- 
 hood and City-wide programs to provide recreation, guidance, and leadership 
 for the youth of the Chicago area. 
 
 Under Democratic leadership, the improvement in the procedures and in 
 the methods of the Illinois Youth Commission have brought about great advances 
 in rehabilitation of youth, 
 
 -436- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1962 
 
 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party takes pride in the creation of a Board of Economic 
 Development which provides assistance and leadership to communities throughout 
 the state in planning for urban growth and industrial development. 
 
 Through this board, commercial and industrial loans have been made to 
 communities and new employment has been brought to many economically depressed 
 areas in the state „ 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 Illinois Agriculture with more than two billion dollars annual pro- 
 duction, is our state's largest industry. Our objective is to improve this 
 great farm production and to preserve for the future our efficient family 
 type farming. 
 
 We pledge to work for improved marketing techniques and coordination 
 of all transportation facilities. 
 
 It is our goal to advance agriculture to a position of equality of 
 income of the farmer with the income of those in other fields of our economy. 
 
 DRUG CONTROL 
 
 The necessity for improvement in restrictions against the distribution 
 of harmful drugs was emphasized by President Kennedy in his Consumer Protection 
 message last March, He called attention to the inadequacy of existing drug 
 laws and the inefficiency of the administrative program to enforce those laws. 
 
 We condemn the action of Senator Everett Dirksen in fighting to cripple 
 the provisions of the legislation proposed to protect the public from harmful 
 drugs. We heartily support President Kennedy's recommendation for adequate 
 consumer protection. . 
 
 FISCAL INTEGRITY 
 
 We accuse the opposition party of a complete lack of fiscal integrity 
 in the State government from 1953 to 1961. When the present Democratic 
 state administration began its tenure in Springfield it found the surpluses 
 left by Governor Stevenson dissipated and a deficit of millions in the state 
 treasury. In eight years the opposition spent many millions more than they 
 collected. We pledge to continue to work diligently to obtain fiscal in- 
 tegrity in Illinois, 
 
 SOURCES Illinois Democratic State Central Committee. 
 
 -437- 
 
ILLINOIS MAJOR PARTY PLATFORMS ^ 1964 
 
 Summary of 1964 Elections 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Counties 
 
 
 Candidate 
 
 Total Vote 
 
 
 Cook County 
 
 Downs tate 
 
 Carried 
 
 President 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Barry M. Goldwater 
 
 1,905,946 
 
 
 895,718 
 
 1,010,228 
 
 23 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Lyndon Bo Johnson 
 
 2,796,833 
 
 
 1,537,181 
 
 1,259,652 
 
 79 
 
 Governor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Republican 
 
 Charles H, Percy 
 
 2,239,095 
 
 
 1,094,279 
 
 1,144,816 
 
 59 
 
 Democratic 
 
 Otto Kerner 
 
 2,418,394 
 
 
 1,317,595 
 
 1,100,799 
 
 43 
 
 Platform Content State Issues 
 
 National 
 
 Issues 
 
 Other No, Words 
 
 Republicaa 
 
 92.87. 
 
 
 
 
 ,07, 
 
 7,27o 
 
 4157 
 
 Democratic 
 
 91.6% 
 
 
 1 
 
 .5% 
 
 6.97, 
 
 2703 
 
 Highlights of State Activities, 1963-1964 
 
 Following the 1963 legislative session, a Republican-passed reapportionment 
 of the state house of representatives was vetoed by Governor Kerner, a Democrat, 
 A bipartisan commission failed to draw a new map and thus a unique election-at-large 
 was held in 1964 for all 177 seats. To prevent either party from winning more than 
 a two-thirds majority, the parties agreed to nominate only 118 candidates each. 
 Both parties nominated several "blue ribbon candidates, including Republican 
 Earl Eisenhower, brother of the former President, and Democrat Adlai E, Stevenson II 
 son of the late U, N, ambassador. Voters were presented with a 3% foot orange papei 
 ballot listing 236 candidates. Democrats won a two-thirds majority in the election. 
 
 Public aid controversy took much of the time of the legislature. Members 
 of the General Assembly tried to countermand an order of the Public Aid Commission 
 permitting the dissemination of birth control information at state expense to marrie 
 women and unmarried mothers on relief roles. After passing the senate the legislati 
 was bottled up in the house, Arnold Maremont, Public Aid Commission Chairman, was 
 confirmed by the senate on April 30, 1963, in his chairmanship but the confirmation 
 was later rescinded by that body after Maremont leveled a blast at Republican senate 
 
 A biennial budget of $4 billion, including $760 million for education, was 
 approvedo One of the major failures of the session was the defeat again of all 
 proposed amendments to the revenue article of the state constitution. 
 
 Civil rights groups protested "de facto" school segregation in Chicago by 
 picketing the offices of the city's board of education and holding a school boycott. 
 In 1963 1,000 whites demonstrated against a Negro family moving into a previously 
 all-white section of Chicago, There was rioting in integrated suburban Dixmoor 
 in 1964 following a Negro-White argument. Fifty persons, mostly white, were 
 injured. 
 
 •439- 
 
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM OF 1964 
 (Adopted September 25, 1964) 
 
 Illinois Republican State Platform. A Program to Put Illinois First! 
 
 PREAMBLE 
 
 The Republican Party of Illinois is proud of its historic record of 
 progress based on the principles of individual freedom and responsibility, 
 equal opportunity and the American free enterprise system. In this 1964 
 Platform, the Republican Party of Illinois puts forth its principles and pro- 
 grams in a reasoned appeal to the desire of all citizens for better govern- 
 ment in Illinois. 
 
 We appeal to the good sense and inherent spirit of justice of the 
 people of our state. 
 
 The Republican Party affirms its position as the party for all the 
 people of Illinois. We are not subject to the domination of Chicago machine 
 politics or any sectional interests. We pledge our continued dedication to 
 seek responsible solutions to problems in Illinois which may vary from region 
 to region with programs which benefit all. 
 
 We call for the election of all Republican candidates. We enthusias- 
 tically support the Republican Presidential - Vice Presidential ticket of 
 Sen. Barry Goldwater and Rep, William Miller. We are confident that the 
 desire of the people of Illinois for sound government and dynamic leadership 
 will elect to office our outstanding state ticket headed by Charles H. Percy, 
 our state senatorial candidates and the blue ribbon ticket of the "118 Respon- 
 sibles", who will be responsible to the people of Illinois and not to the 
 Chicago political machine, for the House of Representatives. 
 
 We seek the support of all men and women v^o wish to join in the task 
 of improving the quality of life in Illinois; men and women who will co-operate 
 for the good of the community as a whole; men and women who will work with us 
 for worthy goals in a responsible and peaceful manner, with a decent respect 
 for law and order, and for the rights and good names of other law-abiding 
 citizens who might differ with us. 
 
 The Republican Party has always been, and will continue to be, a Party 
 of all the people, devoted to the cause of liberty and justice for all. 
 
 ELEVEN REPUBLICAN KEYS TO PROGRESS, PROSPERITY AND SOUND GOVERNMENT 
 
 Economic Growth . The Republican Party will immediately take concrete 
 steps to restore growth and vitality to the lagging economy of Illinois. We 
 propose specific programs which will permit state government to work with 
 private business^.find labor to stimulate economic growth without meddling with 
 our great free enterprise system. 
 
 -440" 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 Crime and Violence , The Republican Party deplores the rampant increase 
 of crime and violence » We condemn the failure of Democrat law enforcement 
 officers to keep the streets safe for our wives and children and we offer 
 the people vigorous law enforcement under Republicans. We have purged our 
 legislative ticket and underscore that the Democrats have done nothing to 
 sever the link with syndicate elements. 
 
 Big City Machine Domination . Under Republicans the state government 
 will no longer be dominated by Mayor Daley. We offer to the people of Illinois 
 an independent administration concerned only with the welfare and prosperity 
 of the entire state. 
 
 Legislative Apportionment . Republicans will fairly reapportion the 
 legislature according to the standards of the Illinois Constitution. We 
 place full responsibility for the costly and confusing at large legislative 
 election on the machine-dominated Democrat Party's refusal to follow these 
 constitutional standards. We support the right of each state to determine 
 its own method of legislative apportionment and will work to preserve for 
 Illinois a legislature in which one house is apportioned on population and 
 the other on a geographic basis. 
 
 Civil Rights . Republicans reaffirm their historic support of a free 
 society in which all may participate equally based on merit and without 
 regard to race, religion or national origin. Believing that the right to 
 use and dispose of one's property is a fundamental one and that experience 
 has demonstrated that legal compulsion has not brought about an effective 
 solution to discrimination in housing, we oppose enactment of open occupancy 
 legislation. 
 
 Education . The Republican Party pledges to make Illinois schools and 
 job training programs second to none. We will start by restoring the increase 
 in school aid vetoed by the Democrat Governor in the face of his promise to 
 give top priority to education. We commend the work of the State Board of 
 Higher Education in developing the "Master Plan" and will work for the ex- 
 pansion of higher education on a fiscally sound basis. 
 
 Taxes & Revenue Reform, The Republican Party supports revision of 
 the revenue article of the Illinois Constitution to permit classification of 
 property for tax purposes, and removal of the present discrimination against 
 the farmer and homeowner. We favor restoration of a property tax ceiling for 
 Chicago, We oppose a state income tax. We also oppose any increase in the 
 sales tax rate, a point on which the Danocrats are ominously silent. 
 
 Election Reform. The Republican Party pledges to enact election 
 reform legislation to halt big city machine election abuses and safeguard 
 the right of each citizen to a secret ballot and to have his vote counted 
 as he casts it. 
 
 Agriculture , Republicans pledge to work for the eradication of 
 discriminatory property taxation of the farmer and to assist the farmer to 
 share equally in the fruits of the economy of this state. 
 
 =441 = 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 Human Needs , The Republican Party will continue its responsible 
 efforts to provide for the needy \*iile emphasizing programs designed to take 
 people off relief rolls and put them on payrolls. We will expedite completion 
 of urgently needed mental health facilities which have languished on the 
 drawing boards under the Democrats and will take prompt action to improve 
 medical and other programs for our senior citizens. 
 
 Government Spending . The Republican Party offers Illinois a govern- 
 ment bound by the principles of fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. 
 Illinois can no longer afford the Democrat itch to spend the taxpayer's 
 money which has produced a billion d> liar budget increase and added 14,000 
 state pay rollers. 
 
 ECONOMIC GROWTH 
 
 A state lacking economic growth and expansion is a state which will 
 not adequately satisfy the educational, cultural and human needs of its 
 citizens. The Republican Party believes that no task is more important than 
 encouraging and promoting the growth of Illinois' economy and pledges to 
 work with business, labor, the educational community, local governments, and 
 the people to achieve for Illinois the prosperity which it must have. 
 
 The Republican Commitment to a Prosperous Illinois . The Republican 
 Party pledges to take immediate and concrete steps to insure the economic 
 growth upon which prosperity and jobs of the people of Illinois depend. We 
 oppose any taxes which will stifle investment or productive economic activity. 
 We recommends 
 
 1, Creation of a code department to promote vigorous growth in 
 Illinois within the framework of our free enterprise system. This depart- 
 ment will encourage the expansion in Illinois of existing industry (where 
 90% of the new jobs come from), help coordinate community economic develop- 
 ment, assist in guiding those who wish to establish or expand small business, 
 and coordinate the academic and industrial community in research efforts to 
 determine the most fruitful areas of economic expansion, 
 
 2, Establishment of a privately owned for profit corporation, of the 
 type successfully used in other states, to provide risk capital for Illinois 
 business not available from usual financial sources. 
 
 3, Coordination of a privately financed development team of railroads, 
 airlines, truckers, utilities, and commercial and community groups to attract 
 new industry, 
 
 4, Active development of the tourism industry in Illinois, We take 
 note that almost 507c of Wisconsin's tourist revenue is from Illinois citizens, 
 and that Illinois ranks 47th among the 50 states in the development of parks 
 and recreational areas. We think that investment in tourism will be returned 
 many times over in tourist dollars tAiich will have a particularly significant 
 impact on the economy of the southern part of Illinois, 
 
 ■442- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 5„ An aggressive program to improve the highways and waterways of 
 Illinois upon which the success of commerce, industry and tourism depend. 
 We recognize that realization of the potential in natural resources of 
 southern Illinois requires dredging and canalization of waterways and 
 highway improvement » 
 
 Democrat Failure to Read the Economic Handwriting on the Wall . i 
 Illinois is not getting its fair share of the nation's economic growth. 
 The growth of Illinois" non-farm employment, comparing the first quarters 
 in 1961 and 1964, was 35Z less than the U. So average and is substantially 
 less than our neighboring states of Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, Each 
 year the prospects for our economy dim through a significant exodus from 
 Illinois to other states of the critical 18-44 year age group. Over 80% 
 of the PhD°s educated in scientific fields in Illinois find their first 
 employment outside this state. Democrat boasting of prosperity in this state 
 ignores these facts completely, facts which point to a bleak economic future 
 for Illinois unless there is a change in leadership, 
 
 CRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT 
 
 The Republican Party views with alarm the shocking increase in crime, 
 violence and lawlessness. According to the latest FoBoI, statistics, Illinois 
 has the 4th highest crime rate of the 50 states and ranks only behind California 
 of the industrial states. Our streets are no longer safe for our wives and 
 children. We deplore this evidence of moral decay, 
 
 Tne Republican Pledge . The Republicans pledge that the law enforce- 
 ment officers of their party will put an end to bungling and ineffective 
 law enforcement. We put as the first order of government the maintenance 
 of law and order to make streets safe again, and to crack down on all those 
 who riot, plunder and practice violence regardless of motive. 
 
 We are proud of purging our legislative ticket of persons who opposed 
 
 anti-crime legislation. The Republicans are proud of their sponsorship of 
 legislation to establish the state crime commissions, and we pledge tc provide 
 
 it with funds necessary to increase its effectiveness and expand its opera- 
 tions , 
 
 We believe that effective law enforcement officers should be permitted 
 to continue in office and, therefore, favor a Constitutional amendment to 
 permit county sheriffs to succeed themselves in office. 
 
 Crime and the Democrats . We condemn the Democratic party and Demo- 
 cratic law enforcement officers for failing to keep Chicago a place where 
 honest businessmen and law-abiding citizens can live and work in peace. The 
 occurrence of over seventy unsolved bombings and buirnings during the Demo- 
 cratic administration is clear evidence of their inability to meet the 
 problem of lawlessness. We condemn the Democratic party for opposing Repub- 
 lican initiated legislation establishing a state crime commission. We condemn 
 the Democratic party for failure to cleanse from its legislative ticket indi- 
 viduals who close their eyes to syndicate operations. Shouldn't the fact that 
 
 -443- 
 
Republican Platfcrn of 1964 
 
 the Dezccratic machine has had control of the city of Chicago, the Mayor's 
 office and the Felice Department since 1931 and the State's Attorney's 
 office for 2S years of that period be ample evidence of the inability of the 
 Chicago laachine politicians to eliminate the operations of the syndicate? 
 
 XMIXAIION 
 
 OF 5IAIE 
 
 GO'.iRXKZyi 
 
 3Y 
 
 CHICAGO DEJCCRAI 
 
 HAQiI>.T 
 
 The 
 
 Republican Partv 
 
 pie 
 
 idees 
 
 to aove the so- 
 
 .•emor 's 
 
 Chicago's ( 
 
 :itv Hall 
 
 back te 
 
 5pr 
 
 ■insf i 
 
 .eld where it belontiS. 
 
 office from 
 
 Tne people of 
 
 Illinois are tired of the Iferocrat ."ersion of "home rule" - the domination 
 of the highest executive office m the state froE the home of Mayor Daley 
 in City Hall. Time and again during the Democrat Governor's term in office 
 vital decisions which affect the welfare of the people of Illinois have been 
 dictated by the party boss in Chicago. 
 
 We need to elect to the Governor's chair a laan like Charles H. Percy, 
 «ho is independent of political machine domination, and who will, with a 
 Kepublican legislature, give Illinois energetic leadership after four years 
 of Deaocrat inaction on critical problems, excessive spending and lagging 
 ecoooBic growth. 
 
 LEGISLATIVE A??C":C}r>{Zy7 
 
 Republicans Pledge Constitutional Appcrtion=:ent . The Republicans 
 promise the voters of Illinois to reapportion the legislature fairly and 
 in accordance with the standards set up by the Illinois Constitution. 
 
 r. 5. 5u?re:=e Court A:?,-r:irr,r:er^: Decisions . The Republican Party 
 categorically rejects t-.e rr.r.ciples of the recent U. S. Supreme Court de- 
 cisions hcldi-g that r::-. .-.:-5£s of state legislatures must be apportioned 
 on the basis of population. He believe that the principle on which the 
 Founding Fathers set up our national legislature - one house apportioned on 
 the basis of population, the other on a geographic basis, is sound and is 
 necessary to provide balanced representation which will protect the rights 
 of all the citizens of Illinois, We pledge our supp-ort to an amendment to 
 the Constitution of the United States which will preserve for the states 
 the right to detersiine their owa systai of legislative apportionment, and 
 will fight for the continuance of a "little Federal system" in Illinois. 
 
 rr.e De=cc rat Double Standard . We place full responsibility for the 
 at-large election of the -embers of the General Assembly on Mayor Daley, 
 the Democrat Governor, and the Deaocrat Party. We bring to the attention 
 of all citizens the fact that the Democrats have deprived them of their 
 right to elect representatives from their own areas, who are familiar with 
 and responsive to the problais of the district from which elected -- to say 
 nothing of the tremendous cost and confusion created by the at-large election. 
 Under the thumb of 3oss Daley, the Governor vetoed a reapportionment bill 
 which was passed by both houses of the legislature with the CoasticuCional 
 standards established overwhelmingly by the people of Illinois. 
 
 -444- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 Despite the fact that the Illinois Constitution clearly required, 
 because of the population shift, that Chicago lose two districts to the sub- 
 urbs, Mayor Daley's representatives on the reapportionment Commission in- 
 sisted on an unconstitutional plan which would have kept these districts 
 for Chicago. But vrtien he thought it to his political advantage to do so. 
 Mayor Daley completely changed his tune and shortly thereafter he argued 
 before a Congressional Committee that the Supreme Court's "one man - one 
 vote" decisions benefited the suburbs by giving them the representation 
 that their population growth entitled them to -- a principle he wholly 
 ignored when he forced the Governor to veto the apportionment bill. 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 The party of Abraham Lincoln is proud to reaffirm its traditional 
 stand in support of equal opportunity for all and the right to participate 
 freely in our society and economy without regard to race, religion, or 
 national origin. 
 
 We pledge our continued efforts to work for human understanding and 
 to provide for all the education and skills necessary to enable all persons 
 to share in the fruits of our economy. 
 
 We support the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Commission in its 
 present form, as established in 1961 by a Republican-sponsored bill, but 
 oppose any broadening or extension of its power. 
 
 We subscribe wholeheartedly to the proposition that no man should 
 be denied the opportunity to live where he wishes because of his race, reli- 
 gion or national origin. We believe, however, that the right of an individual 
 to use and dispose of his own property as he wishes is one of the fundamental 
 concepts on which this nation is founded. For this reason, and because 
 experience has shown that the solution to the problem of discrimination in 
 housing is not advanced by legal compulsion, we oppose the enactment of any 
 open occupancy legislation, in contrast to the Democrat Party, vjhich favors 
 such legislation. 
 
 We believe that the real advancement of equal rights for all will be 
 secured through positive programs designed to provide economic growth, educa- 
 tion, and human understanding through community cooperation. 
 
 EDUCATION 
 
 Education - A Republican Priority . Republicans regard education as 
 the principal tool for tomorrow and the foundation on which the economy, 
 culture and welfare of this state will depend, Charles H. Percy, as Governor, 
 will find the funds necessary to increase state aid to schools, and we will 
 fight to provide prompt increases in state aid to schools in at least the 
 amount vetoed by the present Governor. We pledge to work for the finest 
 public school system in the nation, and to coordinate and expand job re- 
 training and vocational education programs to stem the tragic waste of human 
 resources caused by school dropouts and the absence of job skills in many of 
 our citizens. 
 
 ■^■45- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 We favor legislation and a constitutional amendment to provide for a 
 state board of education and an appointive state superintendent of public 
 instruction. 
 
 The Republican Party praises the outstanding service performed by the 
 State Board of Higher Education, and supports in general the objects and 
 recommendations of the Master Plan for Higher Education, but we believe that 
 the student should contribute to the cost of his education. We support ex- 
 pansion of four year and junior colleges in Illinois, so that thousands of 
 qualified students will not be turned away. We favor supervision of all 
 state junior colleges by a single board. 
 
 We commend the outstanding administration of the state's educational 
 system under Ray Page, the Republican State Superintendent for Public Instruc- 
 tion, and note in particular his institution of a curriculum study in Illinois 
 secondary schools directed to providing objective analysis of communism and 
 other modern totalitarian systems so as to better equip our citizens to combat 
 the subtle cold war tactics of the communists. 
 
 More Democrat Broken Promises . In 1960 candidate Kerner promised 
 increased state aid to schools, terming it an item of highest priority. The 
 1962 Democrat platform stated that the party "favors the improvement and 
 expansion of the public school system." In spite of these promises and a 
 critical need for additional state aid to schools, the Democrat Governor 
 vetoed in 1963 a bill passed overwhelmingly by both houses of the Legislature 
 to raise per pupil state aid to schools. He became the first governor since 
 the depression to veto a measure to increase the aid formula for our state 
 educational system. His excuse was that the funds were not in his budget; 
 yet he found himself able to approve $37,000,000 in other items not in his 
 budget and now boasts of a surplus in the general revenue fund. So we find 
 ourselves in 1964 in circumstances where the state provides only 20% of the 
 school costs (the national average is 40%), and local taxpayers bear the rest 
 of the burden; where Illinois has slipped in both absolute dollar amount and 
 relative national ranking in total per pupil aid (while the U.S. average has 
 risen); and where over one=third of our students leave school before graduating 
 from high school. 
 
 REVENUE AND TAXES 
 
 The key to economic grow^th and prosperity is a favorable tax climate 
 and an equitable system of taxation for the farmer, the home owner, the 
 working man, and the businessman. The Republican Party pledges to maintain 
 the Illinois tax climate as one which will attract business from outside the 
 state and encourage expansion within. We acknowledge that great inequities 
 exist in the assessment, levy and collection of personal property taxes, and 
 pledge our efforts to insure for all the people of the State of Illinois fair 
 treatment in shouldering the tax burden and a vigorous, healthy, and stable 
 free enterprise system. 
 
 The Republican Program , We pledge prompt action to amend the revenue 
 article of the Illinois Constitution to permit classification of property for 
 tax purposes and to take action to remove present tax discrimination against 
 the farmer and home owner. Classifications should be based on the nature 
 
 -446- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 and use of the property and prohibit unreasonable disparity in tax rates 
 between the various classifications. 
 
 We pledge no increase in the rate of state, county or municipal sales 
 taxes which now constitute a tremendous burden on the families of Illinois. 
 
 We condemn the Democrat Governor's veto of the Republican sponsored 
 property tax ceiling for Chicago, We pledge to restore the property tax 
 ceiling for Chicago, giving its citizens the same protection enjoyed by res- 
 idents of other municipalities. 
 
 We oppose a state income tax. 
 
 Democrat Duplicity on Taxes . Governor Kemer boasts of "no new taxes". 
 However, the Governor's budget message in 1961 called for new taxes designed 
 to raise $378,000,000 for the biennium. At his insistence the sales tax was 
 increased by more than 16%, the sales tax was broadened, and numerous increases 
 in license fees were enacted. The cigarette tax was re-established and new 
 taxes on motel and hotel receipts were signed into law by him. The people 
 of Illinois are now paying these taxes and have been since 1961. The Repub- 
 lican elephant and the people of Illinois have long memories and we flatly 
 state that the Democrat Governor has raised taxes during his administration. 
 
 The Democrat Governor pledged revision of the revenue article, but 
 his words were followed by no action. 
 
 ELECTION REFORM 
 
 Republican Pledge for Election Reform . The Republican Party believes 
 that the people of Illinois will not stand for further perversion by the 
 Democrats of the election processes and pledges to fight for honest elections 
 and for the enactment of election laws which will; 
 
 1. Curb the abuses of the voter assistance and instruction. 
 
 2. Insure that election judges in every precinct are representatives 
 of the party they are supposed to represent, 
 
 3. Establish a County Election Commission for counties over 500,000 
 with employees not subject to political discipline. 
 
 Democrat resistance to honest elections . Depriving a qualified 
 citizen of his right to vote in a federal election is a crime under federal 
 law. Yet, in Chicago thousands are deprived of this right through the elec- 
 tion irregularities of the servants of the Democrat=Daley big city machine. 
 The 1960 vote fraud scandals brought national shame on our state and the 
 honest efforts of a special prosecutor to bring to justice hundreds of elec- 
 tion officials accused of violating the election laws were thwarted in a 
 cynical whitewash. 
 
 Because of big city boss influence on Democrat legislators, not one 
 Democrat vote was cast in favor of a number of responsible election reform 
 
 =447- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 bills introduced by citizens groups and legislators during this administra- 
 tion, all of which failed to pass because of this oppositiono 
 
 OUR FARMERS 
 
 Republican Pledge for Fair Treatment of Farmers » The Republican 
 Party pledges to work for an end to the present property tax discrimination 
 against the Illinois farmer through revenue reform. We further pledge an 
 increase in state aid to public schools to provide the needed funds vetoed 
 by the Democrat Governor and thereby, help lighten the local property tax- 
 payer's burden, which falls so heavily on the farmer. 
 
 We will work for the complete eradication of hog cholera, which costs 
 our nation's farmers over $50,000,000 annually. 
 
 Above all, we will bend our efforts in any way possible to remove the 
 heavy hand of government from the farmer's freedom. 
 
 Waning Farm Prosperity under the Democrats . Although Illinois Farmers 
 are among the most productive and efficient in the nation, they receive only 
 2%7e of the annual personal income in Illinois, while constituting 5%7o of the 
 state's population. They are discriminated against by carrying the burden 
 of 13% of Illinois property taxes, more than twice as much per person as the 
 rest of the citizens in the state. Finally, they have through the federal 
 programs initiated and administered by the Democrats, been deprived of the 
 benefits of a free agricultural market and have seen waste and inefficiency 
 skyrocket U. S. Department of Agriculture expenses while farm income has 
 failed to rise and the farm population has declined. We praise the independ- 
 ence of the Illinois farmer in overwhelmingly opposing the 1963 wheat bill 
 and condemn the Democrat Illinois Congressional delegation which, with two 
 exceptions, voted for the oppressive 1964 federal wheat and cotton bills. 
 
 MENTAL HEALTH 
 
 The Republican Party will devote its untiring efforts to improving 
 the facilities and the quality of care for the mentally ill in Illinois. We 
 
 are dedicated to making Illinois the leading state in the area of mental 
 health. 
 
 Although $150,000,000 of bond issue funds for mental health have been 
 available to the Democrat Governor since he took office, the progress in 
 constructing critically needed mental health facilities has been shockingly 
 slow. Of seven clinics to be built with the bond issue funds, four have not 
 been started, none is complete and only one is as much as 50% built. We 
 pledge an accelleration of the program to complete these urgently needed 
 facilities. 
 
 ■448- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND THE BUDGET 
 
 Republican Fiscal Responsibility o We recognize the obligation to use 
 the taxpayer's dollar prudentlyo Government must be run as economically as 
 a business or a household with responsible spending and a balanced budget « 
 The Republican party pledges its continued efforts to achieve economy in 
 government. 
 
 Republicans believe that there are immediate steps which can be taken 
 to cut state government spending here in Illinois, among them; the transfer 
 of the functions of the Illinois Athletic Commission to other agencies, the 
 institution of charges to cover the cost of numerous state publications, 
 closer scrutiny of the procurement and use of state owned automobiles, re- 
 vision of the "prevailing wage" structure to correct situations where those 
 performing the same work in state government are paid substantially more than 
 those in other government agencies and private industry, the institution of 
 modern computer data processing equipment, improvement through the use of 
 experts of the budget planning machinery, and there are many others. 
 
 Republicans recommend the creation of a commission of prominent 
 citizens and experts to analyze present state government organization and 
 practices, identify new areas for economizing, and update a similar study 
 made over ten years ago„ 
 
 "Spartan Economy" - Democrat Version „ The people of Illinois were 
 promised a "Spartan Economy" by candidate Kerner in 1960 o In the face of 
 this promise we have seen during his administrations a state budget increase 
 of over one billion dollars; an increase of 35% in the dollar amount of the 
 state payroll and the addition of 14,000 employees despite payroll reductions 
 in responsibly administered departments such as that of the Republican State 
 Treasurer; and an increase in the number of employees who are the direct 
 responsibility of the Governor of over 7,200 from June 1961 to June 1964, for 
 a dollar increase of 397.C, The people of Illinois should be aware of this 
 excessive spending, a trend which the Governor's own Revenue Commission 
 predicts will result in a $400,000,000 annual budget deficit by the 1969-1971 
 biennium., This is the Democrat version of "Spartan Economy/' 
 
 Illinois State Fairo Republicans are proud of the Illinois State Fair, 
 but point out that the Fair has had over a $2;, 000, 000 deficit during the three 
 years of the Democrat admiiiiistration„ The fairs of our neighboring states 
 of Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota show significant annual profllfts. Part of the 
 poor financial showing is no doubt due to the Democrat practice of allowing 
 state officials free housing on the fair grounds and permitting political 
 favorites to hold state payroll jobs at the Fair while at the same time 
 conducting profitable fair concessions for their own private gaino The Repub- 
 lican Party pledges to take immediate steps to put the Illinois State Fair 
 on a money-making basis as our sister states dOo 
 
 PUBLIC AID 
 
 The Re publican Approach, Republicans oppose the use of public aid 
 as a political tool and view it as a program to provide interim assistance 
 
 449. 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 so that the temporarily needy can get back on their feet. We believe that 
 the key to reduction of public aid is education, job training, and rehabil- 
 itation to enable people to become productive members of society. We pledge 
 our efforts to expand and increase this emphasis in the public aid program 
 and to provide the necessary economic growth in Illinois so that those able 
 to work--can. 
 
 In 1963 the Republicans in the legislature introduced and passed over 
 concerted Democrat opposition a bill providing ceilings on public aid payments. 
 Without depriving the needy, the Republican program has resulted in savings 
 of approximately $25,000,000 in public aid appropriations and has helped to 
 restore direction and moral fiber to the public aid program. We pledge the 
 continuance of the ceilings. 
 
 There is ample room to tighten the administration of the Illinois 
 public aid program, particularly in the area of nursing home costs for those 
 on public aid, favoritism in referrals to nursing homes and doctors, reduction 
 of rising costs of medical assistance, and revamping of the ineffective 
 Illinois Employment Service Department of the State Department of Labor. 
 
 Public Aid Under the Democrats , Before the institution of Republican- 
 sponsored public aid ceilings in 1963, the 1961-1963 biennual ADC appropria- 
 tion had increased 66% from the previous biennium, while the population had 
 only increased about 4%„ Average per family ADC payments were the highest 
 in the U. S. and over 10,000 families on ADC in Illinois received lOOZ more 
 than the U. S. average. Public aid was becoming the fastest growing industry 
 in Illinois. 
 
 THE WORKING MAN 
 
 The Republican Party affirms its commitment to protect the free and 
 fair collective bargaining process. We believe that the fundamental protec- 
 tion and prosperity of our working men and wamen lies in a strong, growing 
 economy which will provide job opportunities for all, and we are dedicated 
 to building a prosperous Illinois. 
 
 OUR SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 Consistent with its unwavering fight to protect the freedom and 
 dignity of the individual, the Republican Party pledges its support of pro- 
 grams which will enable our senior citizens to continue full lives and 
 participate in a useful way in the community,. We do not believe that the 
 date of a person's birth determines his usefulness to society. 
 
 In the area of medical assistance to senior citizens, we condemn the 
 Democrats for failing to utilize fully the benefit programs available under 
 the existing Kerr-Mills legislation designed to help senior citizens preserve 
 their independence when illness strikes, pointing out that their inefficient 
 
 •450- 
 
Republican Platform of 1964 
 
 and indifferent administration of these sound programs has left unspent 
 millions of dollars in funds appropriated for this purpose by the Republican 
 legislature. We pledge to correct this situation promptly. 
 
 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION 
 
 Republicans will not shirk the responsibility of providing a free 
 flow of information to the press and other news media. Our candidates 
 pledge their full cooperation in making the facts of their public trust 
 available to the citizenry at all times. 
 
 SOURCE: Illinois Republican State Central Committee. 
 
 -451- 
 
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM OF 1964 
 (Adopted September 14, 1964) 
 
 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illiuois throughout its history, has brought 
 to the people, government which serves the interests of all citizens--of 
 every race, creed, color and national origin--of every economic status and 
 occupation. 
 
 This dedication to a common cause, this unwavering unity of purpose 
 has enabled our party to provide the political leadership which is the 
 fundamental responsibility of political parties. 
 
 Representatives from the Democratic Party have led the cause of 
 labor, expanded economic opportunity, defended individual freedom, advanced 
 community welfare, and broadened educational opportunity. 
 
 We believe in the victory of peace--and the force of understanding. 
 The promises of the future, not the shadows of the past have always been 
 our guide posts. 
 
 People from every walk of life are represented by the progressive and 
 liberal policies that are set forth in this platform. It is a declaration 
 of motive and intention that clearly reflects the essential spirit of our 
 Democracy. It is a pledge of this Party and its candidates to carry out 
 these principles. 
 
 Working together as true Democrats, as a party unit'.nl by our faith 
 in the people, and inspired by their faith in us, we shall roiitinue to strive 
 for the goal set by President Lyndon B. Johnson- -THE GREAT SOCIETY. 
 
 EXTREMISM 
 
 The greatness of America is the triumph of democracy over the forces 
 of extremism-"whether from the right or from the left. 
 
 We pledge our untiring efforts to oppose the extreme tactics of such 
 organizations as the Communist Party, the Ku Klux Klan and the John Birch 
 Society, which under the guise of freedom and patriotism seek to destroy 
 the rights and liberties guaranteed to the individual under the United 
 States Constitution. 
 
 ECONOMY AND EFFICIENCY IN GOVERNMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois commends Governor Kerner for an 
 outstanding and efficient administration, which has resulted in the collection 
 of additional millions of dollars for the 1961-63 biennium, and for enforce- 
 ment of existing revenue laws which will result in an increased collection 
 of vJ70-million during the 1963-65 biennium. 
 
 ■453- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 Under the Kerner Administration, cooperative arrangements were set 
 up with neighboring states for sales and use tax collection which will 
 bring in an amount over $15-million per biennium. 
 
 Under the efficient management c£ Governor Kerner, the State of Illinois 
 has seen its first biennium without the need for the imposition of additional 
 tax revenue or increase in existing taxes. 
 
 Whereas, the previous Republican Administration became noted for 
 deficiency appropriations because of lax budgeting and inefficient adminis- 
 tration, Illinois — under the Kerner Administration — will go into the 1965 
 biennium in an excellent financial condition. 
 
 Today, Illinois is lauded by the Tax Federation, the State Chamber of 
 Commerce, the Illinois Federation of Labor, the Illinois Retail Merchants 
 Association, and the Illinois Munufacturers Association, for having a healthy 
 economic climate. 
 
 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party is proud of the assistance and leadership which 
 the Board of Economic Development has provided to the communities throughout 
 the State in planning for urban growth and industrial development. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois pledges to work for the elevation 
 of the Board of Economic Development to the status of a code department. 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges to establish a Washington office to co- 
 ordinate economic and industrial development fdr the State of Illinois. 
 
 Under Governor Kemer's leadership over 14,000 new job opportunities 
 have been created==many in the State's previously industrially deprived 
 areas. The Governor's program to attract new and retain existing industries 
 is of vital importance to the economy of our State. 
 
 Tourism in Illinois has become alive because of Governor Kemer's 
 programs. Extensive expansion and improvement of the State's recreational 
 facilities and an all-out effort to develop and promote the State's natural, 
 cultural and historical assets has brought thousands of visitors and millions 
 of dollars annually into the State, 
 
 CIVIL RIGHTS 
 
 The Democratic Party pays tribute to the leadership of the late 
 President John F„ Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson and Senator Hubert 
 Humphrey in securing the passage of the Civil Rights law, a most significant 
 step for^^ird in achieving equality of citizenship for all Americans. We 
 call for swift and effective enforcement of this newly enacted law. 
 
 -454- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois takes great pride in the enactment 
 of the Fair Employment Practices Act under the leadership of Governor Kerner 
 and pledges to work for the strengthening of this law by expanding its 
 coverage to provide equal emplojrment opportunities for all people, and to 
 broaden the powers of the Commission to include the right to initiate action 
 against discrimination wherever it is found. 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges to continue its efforts to secure for all 
 people equal opportunities in employment, schools, hospitals, housing and 
 public accommodations. 
 
 ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS 
 
 The Democratic Party urges the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment 
 to be voted upon on Nov„ 3 which provides for an annual session of the State 
 legislature, rather than meeting once in two years. 
 
 The legislative demands of modern government require and deserve 
 attention to revenue and budgeting matters based on current economic data 
 rather than long-range speculation. 
 
 AIR POLLUTION 
 
 We commend the efforts of Governor Kerner in recognizing the need for 
 regulatory legislation in the field of air pollution control. Under the 
 leadership of Governor Kerner the 1963 session of the General Assembly enacted 
 legislation creating the Illinois Air Pollution Control Board. 
 
 We compliment the leadership of Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago 
 for having instituted programs which have won the commendations of the U.S. 
 Public Health Service and the U.S. Senate for its innovations and aggressive 
 program. The Air Pollution Control ordinance of the City of Chicago has 
 long served as a model for the nation. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AFFAIRS 
 
 With the great majority of t±ie American people living in metropolitan 
 areas throughout Illinois and the nation, the establishment of a Department 
 of Urban Affairs would give the citizens of metropolitan areas throughout 
 the State and the nation responsible representation in the national govern- 
 ment. 
 
 We urge the creation of this department. 
 
 REAPPORTIONMENT 
 
 The Democratic Party urges the redistricting of the Illinois Senate 
 in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
 
 •455- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 which has directed that the vote of each citizen be equal to the vote of 
 every other citizen. 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that each voter is entitled to equal 
 representation in both the Illinois House and Senate and believes that both 
 should be apportioned according to population. 
 
 We believe there can be no justification for making one house of the 
 Legislature reflect the will of all the voters and the other to reflect the 
 will of particular regions or classes. We condemn those who would seek to 
 mislead the citizens of Illinois by stating that it is the central city which 
 will benefit from the Supreme Court's ruling on reapportionment. The fact 
 is that the citizens vrtio are being denied fair representation are those who 
 reside in the counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, Peoria, St. Clair, Will, 
 Winnebago and Cook (particularly the suburban areas) as well as in other 
 populous counties within the State of Illinois. 
 
 We urge the enactment of a Senate redistricting bill based on popula- 
 tion which will provide at least one or more Senate districts for these 
 populous areas of our state. 
 
 We urge the enactment of the principle of Fair Representative Govern- 
 ment in all legislative bodies. 
 
 WAR ON POVERTY 
 
 The Democratic Party commends President Johnson for directing the 
 resources of the entire country on the most pressing problem facing America 
 today in declaring an all-out war on poverty, its causes and roots. 
 
 In the true Democratic tradition, this program seeks to create a 
 nation in which there will be employment for all who are capable and desirous 
 of obtaining employment and which will seek to educate and train all young 
 Americans to be capable of obtaining employment and re-train workers dis- 
 placed by technology and automation. 
 
 The economic opportunity provided for by the President's program will 
 establish a job corps, work-training programs, work study programs, urban 
 and rural community action programs and employment and investment incentives 
 to assist small business, and vrill establish higher standards of living for 
 more than one-fifth of our population. 
 
 YOUTH 
 
 The Democratic Party believes that providing leadership and inspiration 
 to the youth of Illinois towards more responsible citizenship and greater 
 participation in community life is of the utmost importance to our state and 
 
 natxon. 
 
 .456- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 We commend Governor Kerner for the vigorous and imaginative programs 
 that have been initiated by the Illinois Youth Commission during the past 
 four years. We pledge to intensify programs which will encourage continua- 
 tion of educational and vocational training. We point with pride to the 
 outstanding professional staff which has been attracted to state and local 
 governmental service by the professional challenges presented in such 
 forward-looking programs. 
 
 LABOR 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois favors the establishment of a state 
 minimum wage law and a broadening of the coverage of the Federal minimum 
 xrage law. We oppose the so-called "right -to -work" legislation and any other 
 measures designed to destroy effective representation of workers through 
 their unions. 
 
 We support the principle of equal pay for equal work*-regardless of 
 
 sex. 
 
 We believe that the effects of automation and the advances of science 
 and technology must not result in economic hardship, but should produce a fuller 
 and more useful life for all people. We call upon business, labor and all 
 elements of the community to cooperate in meeting this challenge. 
 
 We commend the foresight of Governor Kerner in creating a special 
 committee on unemployment to create opportunities for jobs for all our 
 citizens. Under his leadership the Committee is conducting a searching 
 inquiry into the effects of automation and techn»k«gic«l cJa*j»g« aiSthe need 
 for increased technical and vocational skills now required in modern industry. 
 
 SCHOOLS 
 
 The Democratic Party believes in providing the best possible education 
 for the youth of Illinois. 
 
 The Democratic Party supports the expansion of high school, junior 
 college and college facilities, faculties and curricula, to meet the great 
 increase in student enrollment that will take place in the coming years. 
 
 We commend Governor Kerner 's establishment of a Board of Higher Edu- 
 cation and pledge our continued support of his program for gifted children, 
 vocational training and a tutoring corps for dropouts. 
 
 Without new or increased taxes, but through efficient collection, 
 the Kerner Administration has increased state expenditures for education by 
 40 per cent, and has helped local school districts raise teachers' salaries 
 so that they are now the fifth highest paid in the nation. 
 
 •457- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 We condemn the actions of the Republican members of the Illinois 
 Senate for refusing the school children of the City of Chicago equal trans- 
 portation benefits to those enjoyed by school children throughout the rest 
 of the State. We support equal transportation benefits to school children 
 vAiether they reside in rural or urban communities. 
 
 MASS TRANSPORTATION 
 
 A good mass transportation system is vital to the economy and well 
 being of our metropolitan areas. The Democratic Party urges legislative 
 assistance from both the State and Federal governments to aid the improve- 
 mant of this essential service. 
 
 SENIOR CITIZENS 
 
 We believe that every American is entitled to enjoy his later years 
 
 in the comfort and dignity which his contribution to America's progress 
 and development merits. 
 
 We pledge to continue programs providing for expanded housing, health, 
 
 vocational, and recreational services for our senior citizens. We favor 
 improved programs for physical rehabilitation and intensified medical research 
 specializing in diseases of the aged. 
 
 We commend the programs pioneered by Mayor Daley and the City of 
 
 Chicago, in cooperation with the Federal gover'nment in providing law and 
 moderate income housing to meet the special needs of senior citizens and the 
 programs of guidance and recreational services which have been instituted. 
 
 JUDICIAL REFORM 
 
 Under the leadership of Governor Kerner and Democratic legislators ^ 
 we take pride that Illinois now has the most streamliaed and modern courts 
 in the nation. 
 
 To further advance Illinois' judicial pre=eminence, the first modern= 
 ization of criminal law in the 20th century was adopted. 
 
 We are proud of the magnificent achievement of the Clerk of the 
 Circuit Court of Cook Countyj, Joseph J. McDo-noughg in accomplishing the 
 implementation of the Judicial Article in the most populous area in Illinois 
 in a most efficient manner which has won for him and his party the highest 
 compliments of the members of the bench and bar. 
 
 AGRICULTURE 
 
 The Democratic Party is proud of the efforts of the Democratic State 
 Administration in bringing Illinois up to the No, 1 agricultural exporting 
 
 •458- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 state in the nation. Under the leadership of Governor Kemer, the Depart- 
 ment of Agriculture has established the finest livestock disease eradicating 
 service in the history of Illinois. The agricultural productivity in 
 Illinois has far outstripped the gains made nationally. 
 
 The Democratic Party will continue to concentrate its efforts in 
 improving programs of disease control, technological assistance to enhance 
 farm productivity and work toward further expansion of foreign markets for 
 agricultural products through its newly created Division of Markets, 
 
 We recognize the plight of the small farmer in Illinois who sells 
 primarily the fruits of his own labor and that of his family and who must 
 compete with labor which is imported and employed at a deplorably low wage 
 and forced to accept shocking working conditions. 
 
 We urge the enactment of legislation which will bring about decent 
 standards of wages and living conditions for the migrant worker and correspond- 
 ingly raise the standard of living of the family farmer. 
 
 ELECTIONS 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois believes that election laws should 
 be designed to facilitate rather than to impede the right of all citizens 
 to vote. 
 
 The Democratic Party opposes any legislation x»hich seeks to establish 
 literacy tests as a qualification for exercising the right to vote. 
 
 To promote the efficiency and integrity with which elections are 
 conducted, we urge the voluntary acquisition of voting machines for every 
 county in Illinois. 
 
 ANTI-CRIME MEASURES 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois pledges to support legislation which 
 is needed to aid law enforcement agencies in their fight against organized 
 crime. 
 
 The Democratic Party will continue to support the Illinois Crime 
 Commission; the enactment of a wire-tapping law with sufficient safeguards 
 to protect the rights of individual private citizens as well as legislation 
 making syndicate gambling a major crime, and other measures to facilitate 
 investigation, detection and conviction of criminals and criminal activities. 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION 
 
 Our present state constitution was adopted in 1870. Its rigid 
 structure and detail does not meet the needs of the people of a rapidly 
 growing industrial state. 
 
 •459- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 There are many defects in the constitution which might be cited as 
 evidence for the need for basic change: the many elected officials in the 
 executive department, the division of financial responsibility among many 
 officials and departments, the restrictive revenue article, the body of 
 detail for regulating business corporations j banks and railroads, and a 
 local government article which does not encourage flexibility in dealing 
 with growing community needs. A modern state constitution could best be 
 provided through a convention. 
 
 The Democratic Party urges the adoption of a resolution calling 
 for a constitutional convention after the state has been properly reappor- 
 tioned in accordance with the Supreme Court of the United States. 
 
 INTEGRITY 
 
 The Democratic Party is proud of the record of honesty and integrity 
 which Governor Kemer has brought to State government. 
 
 The moral tone of his leadership and that of other Democratic State 
 officials has earned the admirations confidence and respect of all Illinoisans, 
 
 Governor Kerner's administration has provided an inspiring contrast 
 to the former Republican Administration and the Democratic Party will dis- 
 charge the duties of public office in keeping with the public trust bestowed 
 upon them by the people of this great state. 
 
 CONTINUITY OF GOVERI^MENI OPERATION 
 
 The Democratic Party urges the adoption of the Constitutional Amend- 
 ment to be voted upon on Nov, 3, which provides continuity of governmental 
 
 operations in case of emergencies such as might result from a nuclear attack. 
 
 Forty-eight of our sister states have given special attention to the 
 operation of government in time of emergency and we endorse this course 
 rather than a reliance upon uncertainty in times of crisis. 
 
 CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION 
 
 The Democratic Party takes great pride in the accomplishment made in 
 the field of consumer protection which resulted from its interest and concern 
 for those people brazenly exploited and victimized by unscrupulous credit 
 
 practices and fraudulent merchandising. 
 
 Through the leadership of Attorney General William Clark and vigorous 
 support of Democratic local and state officials » legislation was prepared and 
 passed, providing effective safeguards for the people of Illinois. 
 
 -460= 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 However, we recognize that the sensitive area of consumer credit must 
 be constantly watched to insure to the wage earner protection against discharge 
 due to legal entanglements stemming from credit Involvement. 
 
 We pledge to continue to work for fair and equitable credit laws for 
 the State of Illinois. 
 
 REVENUE 
 
 The Democratic Party pledges to work for the enactment of a new revenue 
 
 article to the constitution which will provide more equitable treatment for 
 
 the small home owner and taxpayer and more adequate resources to support the 
 revenue needs of the State and local governments. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois opposes the State income tax. 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois supports the enactment of a revenue 
 article which will permit the classification of property for tax purposes and 
 bring about a fair distribution of the burden of supporting government in 
 Illinois at all levels. 
 
 It is imperative that the present archaic and outmoded revenue article 
 of the constitution be amended to provide more equitable treatment for the 
 small home owner and taxpayer. 
 
 MENTAL HEALTH 
 
 The Democratic Party takes great pride that under the Kerner Administra- 
 tion a new Department of Mental Health was established under a psychiatrist 
 of outstanding ability with the single responsibility of improving the standards 
 and quality of care and treatment of the mentally ill. 
 
 Under Governor Kerner 's direction the Department has instituted new 
 programs of building new facilities to house community in-patient and out- 
 patient clinics in order to bring mental health services closer to the people, 
 providing earlier treatment for the mentally ill and the mentally retarded. 
 
 We pledge to continue our efforts to meet the critical need for more 
 trained personnel-=psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists, at all 
 levels of the State's mental health program. 
 
 MEDICAL CARE FOR THE AGED 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois v*ioleheartedly and enthusiastically 
 supports the late President John F. Kennedy and President Johnson's program 
 for medical insurance for the aged under Social Security. The high and 
 rapidly rising medical costs make it imperative that all of our citizens be 
 guaranteed low cost hospital and nursing care in their old age. Medical 
 Insurance would also relieve the burdensome cost of medical care from the 
 shoulders of our younger people who must assume the care of the elderly. 
 
 -461- 
 
Democratic Platform of 1964 
 
 We shall continue to work for these programs, and oppose programs 
 which subject our senior citizens to the indignity of a pauper's test to 
 obtain adequate medical care. 
 
 HOME RULE 
 
 The Democratic Party of Illinois believes that local government is 
 best administered by those officials who are elected specifically to manage 
 local affairs and who are directly responsible to the people affected by 
 their administration. 
 
 SOURCE: The News-Gazette, Champaign, Illinois, October 22, 1964. 
 
 ■462-