The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-10-23
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
Adopted Unanimously by the RepuI
lfcan State Convention, at Lynch
burg, July 3Oth, 1873.

} Ourgs July 3Oth, 1873.
The Republicans of Virginia, in stat
convention assemled, do now formerl
announce their principles to the voters 9
the commonwealth. They reaffirm and reit
crate their platform of 1872. They en-
dorse and approve the administration @
President Grant in the past, and pledge
their support for tire future.
TAXATION.
We are in favor of the ad valoren
system Of taxation, as adopted b,
the state convention, as the only Just anc
equitable system, and pledge ourselves tt
its support and enforcement.
The tide-water population OF the state
have paid without complaint the taxes
necessary for the support of the state
debt contracted. for public Improvement
from which they derive no local advantage,
and are entitled to demand repeal of any
law levying tax upon any interest OF
property not general IN this common
wealth..
| Resolved, That the Republican party OF
| Virginia, through its representatives in the
state and national government. recommend
the total abolition Of the tax on tobacco as
| soon as it can be done without detriment
to the national finances.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
The greatest good tor the greatest
number, being one Of the principles of
Republicans, we are in favor Of such q
system of public Improvement as shall
best secure that result. The necessities of
not only Virginia, but of the whole coun-
try demand increased facilities for cheap
transportation. We are therefore in favor
Of the early completion of the James
River and Kanawha canal, and call
upon the Congress of the United States to
take this matter into consideration at the
next session, and make an appropriation for
the same. Believing it to be a national ne
cessity. it should be national highway.
We pledge the Republicans of Virginia to
use everv endeavor to secure its early COM
pletion. We also favor such liberal
system Of railroad improvement as shall
tend to develop all sections of our state,
and we call upon the voters of this COM
monwealth to unite with us in securing
these desired results.
THE PUBLIC DEBT.
The Republican party OF Virginia, in
common with the national Republican par
ty, is opposed to all forms of Reputation, land
favor such a financial policy as shall tend to
the payment Of the public debt of the state
without being oppressive upon her citizens.
We regard the expenses of our state gov
eminent as disproportioned to the available
resources of the people, and demand that
they shall be made more fully to confirm
thereto. We disapprove all extra COM
pensation, and favor economy in govern
ment, state and national that we deem
the act known as the funding bill'' as
mpolitic, unjust and oppressive, and en-
acted solely in the interest of bondholders,
regardless of the condition of the state re-
sources and we are IN favor of and
demand the submission of the question of
the financial obligation of West Virginia to
Virginia to the supreme court of the United
States for decision.
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT.
We are in favor of the development
of the material resources of our state,
which, urder the rule of the Conservative
party and its predecessors, have lain DOR
mant. The mines of coal, iron and other
minerals, the vast water-power, and the
many other material resources of the |
state, which exist in rich profusion on every
hand, need but enterprise and capital to
develop them, and thus make Virginia one |
of the greatest manufacturing states in the |
Union. To this end, we are in favor of |
such liberal legislation as shall tend to en-
courge the investment of capital in mining
and manufacturing operations, and of gen.
eral laws of incorporation, together with
such liberal spirit on the part of our peo-
pie as shall invite men of enterprise to
come and dwell among us.
JUSTICE.
We are in favor of reform in the
of justice in this state, and
an enforcement of the state constitution in
this respect, which will secure impartial
Justice to all, irrespective of race, color,
or political sentiment.
We favor the election of the president,
vice president, and all other officers of the
government, as far as possible, by the di-
rect vote of the people.
ARBITRATION.
We approve and endorse the noble
md humane policy inaugurated by Gene
ral Grants administration, whereby all
disputes shall be made the
subject of arbitration, thereby preventing
he dread havoc of war.
FEDERAL COURTS OPEN TO ALL.
The Federal courts should be accessible
n all the states, to all citizens on appeal
or redress of wrongs or protection of
rights, in cases, where, upon a proper
showing, equity demands it.
REFORM IN STATE LAWS.
We demand reform in state laws in
order to secure fair elections, by the
abolition of partisan srDeryisors IN enahla