Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-07-10
Republican Platform.


principles adopted by the Repub-
lican State Convention which met
at Grafton last week:
C. d. Hubbard, chairman of the
| Committee on Resolutions. read
the platform, which is as follows
The Republicans oil West Viz
ginia, in convention assembled,
declare that the Democratic party
of West Virginia has proven false
to its many pledges of reform, re-
duction of taxes, and the inaugua-
ton of a policy for the develop
ment of the State.
1t has forced upon the State
cumbersome, expensive and alb
struse constitution of difficult end
uncertain Interpretation, and more
difficult execution.
1t has created system of Coun-
| ty Courts that has made the en-
forcement of law and the redress of
private wrongs difficult. costly and
uncertain and that has brought
the administration of justice into
contempt. gf,a
1t has impaired the efficiency of
the public schools of the State by
hostile legislation and an indiffer-
ent administration of the offices
connected Herewith. Ia
1t has enforced a burdensome.
unequal and inefficient system of
road laws.
1t has increased offices, salaries
and governmental expenses, with
out any adequate return to the tax.
payer. ~ saa ,e
1t has made no earnest effort to
promote immigration and encour-
age capital to develop the re-
sources and wealth of the State.
1t has not restrained and limit
ed railway and other monopolies
to the legitimate sphere OF their
corporate powers, and has not held
them to q rigid accountability for
the exercises of their rights for the
good of the citizen and the State.
1t has bid for the keeping OF
criminals of other States, and by
the contract system of convict la
Dor deprecated the wages of hon.
est workers. 4s ll .gs3ial
It has shown itself indi ffernent
to the interest of the taxpayer, la
borer and producer and shipper OF
the State, and that 1t is controlled
by a reactionary and old-time poll
icy, and incapable of conceiving or
executing a wise, liberal or pro-
gressiye policy in the government
Of the State. sH.J R'slH5t lo
The Republican party pledges
itself to reform in State affairs, the
reduction oftaxation, salaries, fees,
and the number of officers to the
fullest extent consistent with the
proper administration of the laws.
To the legal control of all monop-
olies, while protecting the vested
rights of those whose capital is
asked to aid in developing the
great natural resources of the
| State. ,ftrol4H A
It declares itself in favor of the
abolition of County Courts as now
constituted and administered, and
will endeavor to secure a nOn-par-
tizan and able judiciary. ~
1t declares that the best inter-
ests of the State require that every
encouragement by way of liberal
laws relative to homesteads, ex-
emptions, industrial associations
and mechanics liens should be
held out to induce thrift, economy
and investment in homes by every
citizen. .t.s.sf .. v..r ast 81
1t pledges itself to secure more
perfect regulations for the protec-
ton of miners and workers In all
the dangerous occupations. l
1t will guard and improve the
system of free schools as the most
efficient means for the education
of all classes and the security of
good government and good NOR
| ais. 1f
1t will endeavor to simplify leg
islation.and the administration of
State and county affairs, and at
the same time secure their best
results. ,r.,.t,i A .l.t
The Democratic party, pretend
ing to great political wisdom, fore
ed the Constitution of 1872 on the
people by fraud and chicanery,
Thereby reviving that Anticipated
legal monstrosity called the Coun-
ty Court, which, for eight years,
| has caused the tax-ridden people
to such an extent that the same
party has been compelled, by pop
ular groans, to submit a loose. in
sufficient and muddy constitution
al amendment to rid us of the
present court system, VIII ich
amendment, without assuming
| anyiresponsibility for 1t, our peo-
Pile should support for the line
being, and until the Republi can
- ~ =, 10 auoLlod Nv x,~ovo, lor,; ola