The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-09-25
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.

| REPUBLICAN, PLATFORM.
Adopted Unanimously by the Repub.
lican State Convention, at Lynch.
burg, July 3Oth, 1873.
The Republicans of Virginia, in state
convention assemled, do now formerly
announce their principles to the voters Of
the commonwealth. They reaffirm and reit.
crate their platform of 1872. They en-
dorse and approve the administration of
President Grant in the past, and pledge it
their support for the future.
TAXATION.
We are in favor of the ad valorem
| system of taxation, as adopted by
| the state convention, as the only Just and
equitable system, and pledge ourselves to
| 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 a tax upon any interest or
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 for the greatest
number, being one of the principles of
Republicans, we are in favor of such
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 every endcavor to secure its early COM
pletion. We also favor such a 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 financial policy as shall tend to
the payment of the public debt Of the state
without being oppressive upon her citizens.
regard the expenses of our state gov
ernment 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
4
ment, state and national; that we deem
the act known as the "funding bill'' as
impolitic, 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
|
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.
REFORM IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF
1sw JUSTICE.
We are in favor of reform in the
administration of justice in this state, and
an enforcement of the state constitution il.
this respect, which will secure impartial
Justice to all, irrespective of race, color.
condition or political sentiment.
We favor the election of the president,
vice-presdent, and all other officers of the
government, as far as possible, by the d.
rect vote of the people.
ARBITRATION.
We approve and endorse the noble
and humane policy inaugurated by Gene
raj Grants administration, whereby all
international disputes shall be made the
subject of arbitration, thereby preventing
the dread havoc of war.
FEDERAL COURTS OPEN TO ALL.
The Federal courts should be accessible,
in all the states, to all citizens on appea
for redress of wrongs or protection o
rights, in cases, where, upon a proper
showing, equity demands it.
REFORM IN STATE LAWS.
We demand reform in state laws il
; order TO secure fair elections, by tn
: abolition of partisan supervisors, TO enabl