Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-29
REPUBLICAN DOCTRINE.
The Platform Adopted by the Saratoga
Convention.

he Platform A0Opte0 Dy the SarAtOEu
Convention.
Resolved, That the Republican party of
New York has no new doctrine to present
upon the questions which have heretofore
occupied much Of public attention, such as
honest money, pure elections, the regulation
of the traffic in intoxicating liquors. the pro-
lection of home industry and the necessity Of
restricting the power and influence OF cor
pora,ions. 1t is content to be Judged by its
past declarations and acts.
Resolved, That equitable taxation, reaching
corporations as well as persons, is approved
as a correct system which should be perfect
ed and that the practical results OF recent
legislation upon the subject fully justify the
action of the Republican party in its adop-
ton.
Resolved, That monopolies depressing the
people or unfairly discriminating against local
interests are wrong in principle, and should
not be tolerated.
Resolved, That stringent legislation should
be enacted 10 secure the purity and honesty
of primary elections and that all possible
safeguards should be thrown about these
sources of the political action of the people,
Resolved, That the practice OF appealing
to the Legislature to override the action Of
the local authorities when combining them
selves within the powers conferred upon
them should be discouraged both by the Leg
islature and the Governor, and should be re-
sorted to only in extreme cases.
Resolved, That changes in the fundamcnt-
al law should not ordinarily be the subject of
party action, but they should when proposed
always be carefully scrutinized by the peo-
pie, who should signify their wishes with
reference to them as generally us they do in
their selection of their representatives.
We, therefore, urge the people of the State
without reference TO party; to examine with
intelligent care the constitutional amendments
submitted to them and to give full expression
at the polls to their Judgment and wishes
thereon:
Resolved, That while there are varying
opinions on the sale of liquor, We subscribe
to the principle that propositions on that sub
iect, like all other propositions for change in
the fundamental law, ought to be submitted
to the popular vote.
Resolved, that the conduct of the democra-
cy in this State during this year anew and
emphatically attest their signal unworthiness
OF public confidence. They signalized their
return to power in the Legislature by wan
tonly sacrificing the public interests upon
| the altar of greedy and reckless partizanship.
A party which could devote nearly two
months to quarrel OF its factions for srols,
but could give no time to equalization of tax
alton aud to other questions vitality affecting
| the welfare OF our people, insults the intel
| ligence Of the electors Of New York when 1t
asks them to approve its fragrant abuse of
| legislative powers by handing over to II the
executive branch Of the State government.
Resolved, That the financial achievements
| of the Republican administration are next In
importance to its work of the preservation of
| the Nation itself, as they are attended by the
rapid liquidation OF great public debt, in
Cured to meet the National emergency, and
by the reduction OF the rate of interest to its
present low figures; and that it Is the policy
of the party to bring taxation within the low
est practical limits and by the strictest sys-
TEN OF economy reduce the governmental
expenses and the number OF those employed
in the collection OF the revenue. thus reliev-
ing the people Of all unnecessary burden.
Resolved, That the civil service should be
placed upou proper basis by adequate leg
islation, so as to give facilities for the exc
cution Of the law now upon the statute book,
with competitive tests for admission to the
service so arranged as to secure the neces-
sary qualifications for the positions sought,
together with q fixed term for incumbents,
removal from Office during the term OF ap-
pointment to be only for cause.
Resolved, That the recent law OF Congress
designed TO suppress polygamy. which offends
the moral sense of mankind and prevents the
administering of justice through the usual in
strumentalties Of Jaw, approves itself to the
people, and that II should be supplemented
by such laws as may be necessary to attain
| the object in view.
Resolved That the economy and efficiency
of the present Republican State administra-
ton entities its members to the highest praise.
Governor Cornell's fearless and firm exercise
| of the veto power, while it has naturally
brought down upon him hostile criticism, has
shown his determination to protect the inter
es,s of the State and the people, alike against
| individuals and corporations.
Resolved That we tender to President
Chester A. Arthur our assurance of confid-
ence in his administration and our approval
| of the wise and patriotic course pursued by
him under the embarrassing circumstances
of his accession to Office. His courage in re-
sisting the enactment of the River and Hat
Dor bill, which violated the accepted rules
of constitutional power, and which, while
authorizing many needed public improve
ments, carried with it large and wasteful
appropriation for works Of neither national
nor public good, has secured for him the ad-
miration even of his enemies
Resolved, That hearty support be
pledged to the nominees Of this Convention,
whose records 10 public life, distinguished
abilities and special fitness commend them
to the peoples approval ut the ballot box.