National Politics: the 1900 Elections

The Republican Platform.

Shortly after the Democrats issued their platform, Republican newspapers began discussing the GOP platform adopted in Philadelphia. The Republican platform was interesting for what it did not include as much as for what remained. Senator Hanna's pet project of subsidies for enlarging the merchant marine, which would help overseas business expansion, had been dropped because of midwestern opposition. A statement affirming that Congress has power over territories that belong to the United States had been left out. Other controversial issues, such as a statement about civilservice reform, were also removed to prevent injury to Republican chances. McKinley, who had favored all three proposals, expressed his support for the most important, stating that Congress has "full legislative power over territory belonging to the United States" and adding, "This doctrine, first proclaimed in the cause of freedom, will...

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