The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-02-23
THE GREENBACKERS.
NATIONAL CONVENTION AT
TOLEDO.
A Characteristic Platform Adopted

TOLEDO, Feb. 22-The Greenback party of
the United States met at the first regular COD
vention at 10 80 this morning.
1t was called to order by DR.. D. B. Sturgeon
OF Toledo, who read the call for the convention.
he briefly stated the objects sought, their i'm
poItance, and alluded to the widespread inter
est in the greenback movement
He then nominated r. T. Trevelick of De-
troit as temporary chairman; j. Smith of
Terre Haute and j. Scott of Toledo as secreta-
ries.
A motion was carried that one person be
dominated by each State delegation here repre-
sented to constitute the committee on creden-
tals; that nc person who has any present affili-
alton with either political party shall be APP
pointed on this committee
A call OF the States was taken and the csm-
mittee on credentials appointed, among whom
was W. W. Perry of Maine
The convention at 1880 adjourned till 2.3O
p. IA,
Upon resssembling, the committee not being
present, the convention was entertained by the
singing OF Greenback songs.
Mr.. Harper of illinois, made a speech. and
Mr.. Allen presented the views of the Green
back State Central Committee Of Wisconsin,.
The committee on Credentials reported that
% States were represented.
The committee on permanent organization
reported for President Judge Francis W.
Hughes OF Pennsylvania, and Vice-P Preside MT
from each State.
The following is the platform:
That the circulating medium, whether of
metal or paper, shall be issued By the govern
ment and made full legal tender for all debts,
duties and taxes in the United States at its
stamped value.
That the coinage of silver be placed on the
same footing as that of gold.
That government bonds and money should be
taxed precisely as other property, and gradual
income tax should be levied for the support of
the government and payment of debts.
That DubliC lands Shonl1 he donated fo tho
actual settlers in limited quantities
That the government should by general en-
actments encourage the development of our
agricultural, mineral, mechanical, manufacture
ing and commercial resources, to the end that
labor may be fully and protitably employed, but
no monopolies should be legalized.
That all useless offices should be abolished.
the most rigid economy favored in every branch
Of public service.
That the number of hours of daily toll be re-
duced, giving to the working classes more leis-
ure for mental improvement and enjoyment
and saving them from premature decay and
death.
That National and State governments should
establish bureaus of labor and industrial statis-
tics clothed with the power of gathering and
publishing of the same.
That the contract system of employing labor
in our prisons and reformatory institutions
works great injustice to our mechanics aud ar
tzans and should ba prohibited.
That the importation of servile labor into
the United States from China is problem of
most serious importance and we recommend
legislation to its suppression.
The whole platform was Immediately adopt
cd without debate by unanimous vote A
national executive committee composed of a
delegate from each state was appointed,