The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-06-20

s'ou VI WV 'u'not'y AePoAs 40 Suoasisu's
for the report, and. the question being on
the adoption of the substitute, Mr.. Here
ford renewed DR., Patrick's motion, and
spoke at considerable length in opposition
to the minority report.
The gentleman characterized tho ques-
lion before the Convention as one Of tue
most important that had ever been before
any Democratic Convention in this State,
and. perhaps, more important than any
that would have to bc decided, hereafter.
The substance of his argument was that
by the adoption of the "Flick Amend
ment'' the party strength in this State
would be increased by $4,000 votes.
Mr.. Walker replied in a very brilliant
speech. He said those who favored the
P"Flick amendment" would sacrifice true
Democratic principles for the sake Of par
ty gain. and for his part, be would enter
into no dirty Political barter. Democrats
would not have negro suffrage crammed
down their throats, as would be the case
were this amendment adopted. If the
negro must vote, Democrats couldn't help
it, but they would continue to protest
against iii the future as they had done
in the past. By the fragrant violation Of
their sworn pledges the Republican party
had added strength to tho Democratic
party in the State, and tho adoption Of
the amendment was not at
all necessary to secure Democratic ascen.
dency. He was in favor Of inscribing
upon our banners that the white race is
the ruling race of this republic. It'xas
the duty Of Democrats to maintain .he
honor and dignity of the Caucasian race,
and, as this is white mans country, SO
it ought to be white mans government.
The sentiments Of the speaker elected
immense and long continued applause.
Col. D. D. johnson Of Tyler, replied.
The vote on the adoption Of the substi-
.ute stood 1924 for and 242 against, so the
substitute was adopted. and tho Demo-
cratic party in this State now stand upon
the following platform Of principles:
The Democratic and Conservative citizens Of
West Virginia, desiring to aid in preserving
her government and in promoting the best in
ierests Of State and country, present to the
voters Of the State the following declaration Of
principles and invite their cooperation in CIV
Ing them effect.
ist. That tho Federal Government has no
right 10 deny to States Of this Union the privil-
cge Of equal participation In its affairs, and that
all distinction against the representatives Of
States in Congress, and all Federal interference
in the purely domestic concerns Of the States,
Is unwarrantcd by the Federal Constitution and
ought to cease.
"a. That the present system Of taxation,
raising, rs it does, the bulk Of the Federal rev.
tnue from the labor, rather than ftt m Il e
wealth Of the country, Is unjust
and oppressive, and that this system should be
so reformed as 10 relieve the industry Of the
country from It's unjust burdens, abolish the
unnecessary and vexdtious features Of stamp,
license and income taxes, dispense with the SER
vices OF Federal spies, that pry into the private
business Of the people, eating out their sub
stance, and provide for the collection of the
Federal revenue by State and county officers.
Sd. That the Republican party by voting TO
ratify the Fifteenth Amendment to tue Consti
tuition, las shamefuly violated lis pledges, that
The question Of suffrage should be retained
within the control Of the people Of the States.
Calling to political power an alien and inferior
class, II llas declared The white race incapable
of sclcgovcrnmcnt In opposition 10 this mon.
strous doctrine we invite all intelligent white
men 10 upitc with us in asserting the principle
that the white race is the ruling race Of this re-
puyie' 4th. rha. the bilHo enforce the Fifteenth
Amendment lately passed by Congress /, cor
rupting TO public morals in that II offers preni-
ulns for perjury, subvcrsive Of the States in that
II gives Federal authority control o f State af.
fairs, aud destructive of the peace Of the country
in that itinvests the negroes With exclusive and
peculiar privileges, lifting them 10 power and
dignity through the degradation Of the whites
5ih. That VIC are unalterably opposed to the
bill lately introduced into the United States
Senate for enforcing the social equality OF The
races, placing negroes upon juries and abolish
ing nll distinctions between t G races.
eth. That for the advancement. Of West Yir-
gina in ali her interests and especially to secure
good government to her people, we demand
thorough reform in our system Of LEGAL Office!
and The greatest reduction in the number o
such offices that may be consistent with th,
public interests.
Prompt collection of the large balances Il
favor of the State, which, through Republican
iuefliciency have accumulated in the hands .
delinquent sheriifs such faithful management
Of the State finances, rs will prevent farther de
6ciencies In the revenue md such economy il
appropriation as will secure the administrator
OF the Government, at the least cost TO the tax
payers of the State.
A public policy that will invite immigration
capital and enterprise into our State, in lieu o
the measures Of the dominant party. that har
driven these elements Of growth aud greatnes
from our midst.
The continued exclusion ofnegroes from th
public schools, attended By white children. In
opposition to the l,adcnl policy Of mingling tht
races In these institutions, and Of destroyint
dur educational system, for the benefit OF th'
blacks.
/ Full protection, 10 the people, against th,
oulrares provided for by the registration law
md constantly cotumtted.by registration oil
GERS.
The prompt abolition oferery Test Oath upor
the statute books of the State.