Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-29
PLATFORM OR NO PLATFORM .
THAT'S THE QUESTION.

The solicitude manifested by the Wing pa
pers of Virginia in relation to the action ofthe
State Democratic Convention soon to assemble
in Staunton, evinces lofty political charity
worthy of the philanthropic spirit Of the age.
These Wing journals feel so tender and SO
lively an interest in the success of Democratic
principles that they fill their columns day after
day with advice to the Democratic party. They
tell them that when they assemble in Staunton
they must promulge their platform Of principles,
and even venture to hint as to the proper char
acter ofthose principles. Their righteous souls
are vexed that there should be in the ranks Of
the Virginia Democracy any men SO forgetful
of time-honored usages, so oblivious of the
palmy days Of 1879; SO wanting in respectfor
themselves and their party, and soinsensible to
the anxious wishes of the very disinterested
Wing politicians of Virginia as to mediate adj
iourning the Staunton Convention, without
issuing a long formal and comprehensive pro-
nunciamento and an equally long and circum-
stantial platform Of principles.
No doubt if the Wing managers who are so
prudent and so stubborn in the concealment
of their views, Of their candidates, and of their
plans and purposes, could but have the direc-
ton Of the proceedings of the Democrats, it
would be great help to suffering Whiggery.
They would not only order platform, but they
would order long platform, containing the
most unpopular and the most odious features
that they could stamp upon it. No doubt the
prayer of the man of old hourly rises from their
pious ips-a0 that mine enemy would write
book"
The Democracy Of the Old Dominion, it
must be supposed, estimate at its full value the
officious benevolence Of the Wing managers,
but we rather think that they viii beg leave
to decline all help, however disinterested, from
that source. 1t is, perhaps, not claiming too
much for the Democrats of Virginia, to say
that they can manage their own affairs without
taxing the kind Offices of the Wings.
But the Wing journals Of Virginia are not
alone engaged in the good work Of pointing
out to the Democrats what is best to be done.
They have foreign help. Our metropolitan
Wing neighbor, the National btelligeacer has
appeared as an auxiliary force and in its issue
of yesterday laments, with much pathos, the ap.
pearance of those ugly signs that denote de
parture from the usages of the good old days
of 1873.
We viii not presume to tender advice TO the
Democrats of Virginia as to whether they shall
or shall not adopt platform. They have for
long time taken care Of themselves and man
aged their affairs with more than ordinary
ability. Nor can we suppose that in these peri.
lous times, when caution is more than ever
needed, they will call in their ancient enemies,
the Wings, to take counsel Of them. But be-
fore closing, as reciprocity is fair and ought not
TO give offence, we would respectfully inquire
as to the plans and purposes Of the Wings Of
Virginia. viii they publish platform, and
what will they recognize as the test Of fitness
for Office? Who will be their candidates for
governor, acknowledgement, and attorney
general?