Litchfield enquirer., 1878-06-13
New York, May 29, 1878.
Deacon Trimmer's Platform.

There have been several political "utteran- ces" within the last two or three weeks, and among them all the most timid and unsatistac- tory we are sorry to say, is that Of the Yer mont Republican Convention. Platforms do not indeed, command profound reverence but the Vermont Republicans are in a position to say precisely what they think, and as they really say nothing upon any great pubic q'les- tion except the investigation, it must be SUD- posed that they think nothing. The Vermont platform is ludicrously like the speech of Dea- con Trimmer, who desiring to secure a nom ination to the Legislature, was obliged to say something in town meeting about the proposed new road, upon the expedency of which the town was divided into two parties. But the deacon was equal to the occasion. ''Whlle on one hand, "said he, ''the road seems to me very desirable, on the other, 1 am aware of very se- rious objections; while, under some circum- stances, of which am not very clear, l should be in favor of the road yet. under, others, as to which l am in great doubt should be op- posed to it." And the good deacon wriggled dexetrously through, leaving each side wonder ing, but vaguely satisfied.
 The Vermont Convention was likewise equal to the occasion. While, on the one hand, says the platform, the motives of the President are undoubtedly good, yet, on the other, there may be great doubts as to his pol icy; while, on the one hand, we gladly recog- niZe the patriotism of those citizens in the Southern States who are patriotic, yet, on the other, we cannot approve the want of patriot ism in those other citizens who fail in patriot ic feeling; and while, on one hand, we do not shrink from investigation, yet, on the other, we regard the propose investigation as reprehen- sible and revolutionary. This was the utter ance" on the great question, and all others were absolutely ignored If platform is to be regarded as statement of principles or as a declaration of purposes, this one would not show what Republicans think or propose upon any question before the country, except that they condemn as revolutionary the Democrat ic investigation. The implication of such platform is that the party has no opinions up- on the finances, or the tariff, or reform, or op- on the issues and situation which have pro duced the National party. The platform de- clares, indeed, steady adherence '" to the off-declared principles of the party" Does that mean nOn-extenson of slavery into the Territories, or the vigorous prosecution of the war, or reconstruction with equal suffrage? When these were commanding questions the party was heartily agreed upon them, and plainly said SO. Its position was in accord with it's principles. What is it's position, in accord with it's principles upon the great ques- tion of to-day? That is the inquiry upon which Republican platform should shed some light. One plank of the Democratic platform of Pennsylvania is model of distinct expression, although, asplatfOrms go, 1t binds nobody:
 "Thorough investigation into the electoral frauds of 1876 should be made; fraud should be exposed pose any attack npon the Presidential title danger oLs to our institutions and fruitless in its resuits'
 If there must be platforms that is the tone in which they should speak and, as we have often said, their silence speaks very loudly. The Pennsylvania Republican platform, for instance, says nothing whatever about the Ad- ministration. It does not even refer to the revolutionary movement, and demands from the general government an equal and fair ballot for Southern Republicans. All this speaks just as plainly as if it said what it meant. The platform also declares that the party in Penn sylvania is ''uncompromisingly opposed to free trade in whatever disguise presented" There is no uncertain sound in that It has the tone of confidence which springs from absolute con- viction. It is not, on the one hand, in favor of revenue tariff, and, on the other, of incl dental protection. It may be doubted whetbe the National Convention would use the same uncompromising language. Yet the Republi- can is a national, not a Pennsylvanian party, and the tariff is a national question. We go to press before we can hear from Iowa. Ala bama, and Tennessee Democratic Conventions, which will have spoken when this paper is is- sued. But they will probably show, with the Conventions which have already spoken that there is no prominent question upon which the Democratic party is agreed, as the Repub- lican platforms will prove that the only issue upon which Republicans are heartily unit ed is opposition to the revolutionary assault up- on the Presidential title. AS that is in no prop CT sense party question, but one upon which all good citizens ought to take the same side, it is toerably clear that in the absence Of dc- fined difference between the parties upon great questions of public policy, the Democratic party has raised one that ought to insure de- feat by the cooperation of patriotic Demo ats.-HarpeT's Weekly.
 scDiake the face the mirror of the soul, says Dr. Holland. It is very unwise advice. 1T 1t were followed, there would be so many dread- ful countenances that all the horses would get frightened and run away.
 Wilson, the celebrated vocalist, was upset one day in his carriage near Edinburgh. X Scotch paper, after recording the accident, sad, ''We are happy to state he was able tO appear the following evening in three pieces. 'How did you come to know herr" asked a | mother of her little girl, as she saw her bid ding good-by to poorly dressed child at the church door. "Why, you sec mamma, she came into our Sunday school alone, and made place for her on my seat, and smiled and she smiled, and then we were acquainted"
 An obliging gentleman, who thinks that per- | sonal favors do not cost much. while they
 make friends, was applied to by negro for certificate of chracter, by which he might get
 a situation. The testimonial proving to he more complimentary than Scipo himself ex-
 pected. that worthy on recovering from his as
 ton;shment. exclaimed: Say Mr. -. won't
 won gib me something to do yourself on dat