1946
University DAILY KANSAN STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1946
44th Year No. 26
Lawrence, Kansas
Know Your Political Platforms, K.U. Voters Are Urged
The Democrats: 'End Prohibition, Stop Machine, Help Housing'
High points of the Democratic platform are as follows:
Prohibition Repeal and Law Enforcement—We demand the repeal of constitutional prohibition to end the present intolerable bootlegging situation in Kansas.
We insist that saloons be prohibited and "speakeasies" eliminatec from our State.
We suggest state-owned and state- operated stores in which liquor will be sold only in unbroken packages under a permit system.
We recommend county option. Li-
quor must not be sold in any county
against the will of the majority of
the voters of that county.
- We pledge that liquor will not be sold to miners.
We are unalterably committed to the strict enforcement at all times of laws governing or prohibiting the sale of liquor.
Machines and Bossism—We favot eliminating all machines and bosses from the politics of Kansas. We urge all honest citizens to aid in the fight to re-establish political freedom in our state.
We condemn the practice of hand picking candidates by political bosses and machines.
Veterans—We demand maximum state effort in solving the presen critical housing shortage for veteran in their home and college towns.
We insist on a non-political decentralized State Veterans Administration with representatives in every county.
we condemn the present Republican State Veterans Advisory Committee for its political administration of veterans affairs.
We pledge preference to veterans for all state appointments and employment.
Votes for Youth—We advocate that the right to vote be given to all Kansans reaching the age of 18.
We recommend examinations to be held for all state jobs filled during the war, to afford veterans an opportunity to compete for these positions.
One-Cent Gasoline Tax—We demand the repeal of the 1-cent gasoline tax.
We condemn the Republican legislation which levies a tax upon tractor and other fuels used off the highway.
Education—We demand general increases in pay for all teachers, elementary, high school and college.
We pledge adequate retirement benefits for all teachers.
We will provide for balloting within the affected school districts on every proposed reorganization or consolidation.
We recommend repeal of the mandatory provisions of the so-called "school reorganization law."
We believe in a constant effort to improve the education system of Kansas. To this end we promise a continuous schoolbuilding program. This program must include new classrooms, dormitories, and other structures for the institutions of higher learning.
We favor free school text-books.
We advocate an adequate system of farm-to-school roads. We favor modernization of the school transportation system.
We stand for adequate pay and a retirement plan for school bus drivers and other school employees.
Social Security—We advocate a minimum pension under the Social
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Harry H. Woodring, the Democratic candidate for governor.
The Prohibitionists:
'Cut Beer Strength To 1/2 Per Cent, Keep Kansas Dry Laws'
High points of the Prohibitionist platform are as follows:
State Prohibitory Policy—We believe that the proposal of any question for the purpose of obtaining votes constitutes an issue. When any such issue concerns a moral question and involves the welfare of all the people of the state, we condemn the attitude of any party or candidate who fails to take a definite stand on such issue. We are definitely opposed to resumission and repeal of the prohibition amendment.
The false definition of intoxicating liquor now on the statute books of Kansas has created resorts of dissipation, disorder and crime, known known as beer joints and night clubs. We demand that the legislature of 1947 replace this law, commonly known as the 3.2 law, with an enactment defining intoxicating liquor as any beverage containing more than one-half of one per cent of alcohol by volume.
We stand for the enforcement of all laws, with emphasis on those laws which relate to the moral conduct and well-being of society, among such laws as those requiring the teaching of the history of prohibition in Kansas and the teaching of the evil effects of alcohol and narcotics, and statutes providing for high moral standards for teachers.
Government Economy—We pledge more economy in Government and elimination of extravagance. We favor the merit system rather than the spoils system in hiring state employees.
Social Security-We favor adequate old age pensions and an efficient plan for social security.
Agriculture—We deplore the uncertainty and confusion that has been thrown upon agriculture as well as other lines of industry by the present national administration. We believe co-operatives should be encouraged, and we do not favor discrimination against them.
Gasoline Tax—We favor the removal of the recently enacted gas tax from gasoline used solely for agricultural purposes.
Schools—We pledge the maintenance of our public school system at as high a standard of efficiency as can be practically accomplished.
Labor—We go on record as endorsing the rights of labor as defined in our national platform.
Interpret'Planks Of Each Party Bureau Urges
Veterans—We favor a proper compensation to Kansans who served in the military service of World War II.
Just a week from today, voters including many K.U. students—go to the polls to choose the state government of Kansas for the coming two years.
Because too many citizens too often are only partially informed about the pledges the party candidates have made before election, the Daily Kansan today takes its entire front page to present the platforms of the four political parties which will be represented in the election.
All voting hours are from 6 a.m.
to 8 p.m.
The material here has been condensed from a bulletin of the University's bureau of government research. It originally was published under the direction of Prof. Ethan P. Allen, political science department head, and the bureau director.
If you registered in Douglas county, you will cast your ballot at the City hall.
As a reminder, here are the places where you can vote:
"Like any statement of purpose, party platforms have to be interpreted and explained." Professor Allen pointed out in his foreword. "This is generally the function of the candidates representing the party.
If you registered in your home town or if you live in a city or county where registration is not required, you may cast an absentee ballot in the drill hall of the Military Science building.
"Party candidates explain their interpretation of the official party position. These speeches are often more revealing of possible future action than the official party platforms.
"The vigilant citizen will follow these speeches closely to reach a better understanding of the answers likely to be given to issues before the public."
"But sometimes campaigns are won or lost on issues concerning which party platform are silent. As the campaign progresses, new issues may become more clearly defined.
"The wise wiser will look for these new issues, and will endeavor to secure from each candidate a statement of his position on them."
It is for the same purpose that the Daily Kansan prints them today.
The original publication was made "as a contribution to the creation of a more fully informed electorate," Professor Allen declared.
Politics is dynamic, and "no party can ignore the public's demand for a statement of objectives," he declared.
DR. ETHAN P. ALLEN
Frank Carlson, the Republican candidate for governor.
High points of the Socialist platform are as follows:
The Socialists:
'Eliminate Private Profit System, Have Social Ownership'
The Socialist Party of Kansas reaffirms its historic belief that the private profit system is the root of all political and economic evils. It believes that social ownership and democratic control of the commanding heights of our economy are essential to the solution of such desperate social problems as war, unemployment and all forms of insecurity. We favor:
Operation of government-owned war plants in the state as public corporations to produce goods and raise the standards of living.
Passage of a law such as Nebraska now has, directing purchase and operation by the state of all private power plants.
A state enabling act authorizing establishment of a Housing Authority to make low cost homes available not only to G.I.'s, but to all who need them.
The increase of unemployment, old age and disability compensations and public health service extension.
Support for labor in its effort to maintain high levels of production through low prices and high levels of consumption.
Decreasing farm tenancy and absentee ownership, greater security and adequate reward to the working farm owner.
Passage of a state law establishing a fair employment practices commission.
Repeal of the state sales tax
Keeping cooperatives free from unfair taxation,
The Socialist Party foresees a "bust" following the present boom. Depression and economic stagnation is the inevitable result of an economy motivated by unregulated greed, euphemistically called "free enterprise."
The Socialist party points to the dangers of the establishment of a fascist state during this economic crisis. Monopolists who are growing rapidly stronger due to the increasing and uncontrolled concentration of industry will be moved to maintain their domination by assuming control of government in actuality. All the ingredients of racism now are present, militarism, race hate, monopolies, and controlled news.
The only lasting solution to this dangerous problem is the ultimate election of the party dedicated to the objections previously stated. The economic system must be made democratic.
The Republicans: 'Drop Controls Continue Good State Leaders'
High points of the Republican platform are as follows:
National Issues—We are shocked and amazed that now our national administration still clamps rigid controls on all our people; still maintains thousands of federal pay rolls in positions created for the war emergency only; still regiments by countless directives and decrees the daily lives of all; still denies to our farmers and our stock the right to free and open markets.
To increase the effectiveness of unemployment compensation.
State Policy—During ar years, a Republ' ion has directed our st ent. It gave its pledges to the people of Kansas that it would be guided by honesty, efficiency and economy. This pledge has been faithfully kept. Our house is in order. Our budgets are in balance. Our state is solvent.
Veterans-We unhesitatingly pledge ourselves as a party to sponsor in the future as in the past any and all legislation which may be deemed necessary or desirable for the benefit of our veterans and to give the utmost consideration to any program which the veterans themselves recommend.
Housing—The question of adequate housing facilities for veterans of World War II is one which deserves immediate attention. Suitable provision in the office of veteran's affairs should be made for an agency to aid and facilitate local communities in arranging for the acquisition of all available facilities.
Labor—We pledge: To protect the rights of labor to organize and bargain collectively thru representatives of its own choosing.
To support and further sane, helpful and consistent labor legislation that will be beneficial to all Kansas labor.
To maintain an adequate force of competent industrial inspectors to minimize industrial hazards, and the resultant accidents to workers.
To promote and encourage apprentice training in the skilled trades.
To enlarge opportunities for regular full-time employment of labor, thru industrial development.
Social Welfare—We must give utmost recognition to the economic situation of our aged citizens who are in need and those of our people who are so unfortunate as to be disabled, physically or otherwise, so that they are unable to earn a sufficient living for themselves and those dependent upon them.
The form of assistance to which we must subscribe under present federal laws is that of social welfare.
Increased Assistance Grants—We must see to it that assistance to our aged and other citizens in need is raised, and raised adequately so they may live in health and decency. To accomplish our purpose, we propose to use sales tax funds as the source from which increased state participation in the welfare financial program will raise the assistance grants.
Education—School district organization through local committees should be continued by judicious application of the school reorganization law enacted by the 1945 legislature. We favor such changes in this law as may be needed to correct any defects that have appeared in its application.
We recognize the increasing im-
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