Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-07-31
PARTY ORGANIZATION.

The report of the committee on the or
ganization of the party in the State was
adopted. 1t provides for the appointment
of Central Committee, to be composed OF
five members from each congressional dis
trict, instead of three members, as hereto
| fore. An Executive Committee of five
members is also provided for, of which the
chairman of the State Central Committee
shall also be chairman.
Nominations for chairman of the State
| Central Committee being in order, the
names of Hon. John S. Barbour, Maj. John
W. Daniel, and Col. Thos. Croxton were
| presented, but those of Messrs. Daniel and
Croxton were withdrawn, and Mr.. Barbour
was elected with great unanimity. His ap-
pearance on the stage was greeted with
deafening applause. He disclaimed having
aspired to the position, but accepted it as a
duty to party representing the integrity,
intelligence, character, and property OF the
State. He distrusted his own abilities to
discharge the onerous and laborious duties
of the position, and would have preferred
| the election of younger man; but young
or old, when the great democratic party OF
the State called on him for any service, he
felt it his duty to. obey. In his conduct OF
the canvass he expected the earnest coop
Grafton and support of the democratic par
| ty. He did not believe in losing the fight.
| The party could not afford to let the coali-
tionists win in November. The fight must
be made in dead earnest or else surrender
| The strength of the adversary, which will
be directed by ''the most adroit' political
manager produced in the South since the
war, must not be underestimated. This
contest is to be matter of business. They
frN+ nj TOOL
and he supposed the fact that he had the
reputation of being practical man had
something to do with his selection. Secure
the next Legislature at all hazards. The
country is anxiously watching the result in
| Virginia in view of its effect on the next
presidential election.
The venerable DIR. Uriel Terrell, of Or
ange county, aged 81 years, then addressed
the convention in vigorous denunciation OF
the readjuster legislation.
The plan of party organization provides
for a full registration, mass meetings, etc.
1t also provides for efficient district organi-
cations, as well as canvass by Counties
The report was adopted. While awaiting
the report of the committee on resolutions,
addresses were delivered by Capt. S. I'll.
Newberry and Hon. J. Randolph Tucker.
Both declared the State debt settled, and
advocated an uncompromising war on Ma
hone and his methods.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.
Hon. John Goode, chairman of the COM
mittee on resolutions, in making the report
of that committee, said that the committee
after long discussion, much Cancellation and
compromise, had arrived at a report with
perfect unanimity. They felt that it was
their duty to organize for victory, and they
sacrificed personal opinion to that end. He
said the report would be read by Hon. John
w. Daniel. [Cheers ]
THE PLATFORM.
The following is the platform:
The Democratic party of Virginia in
Convention assembled declares as follows:
FIRsT-TAxATIoN.
eve oppose any increase of taxation
whatsoever, directly or indirectly.
sECoND-THE STATE DEBT.
The Democratic party accepts as final
tue recent settlement of the public debt
pronounced constitutional by the courts of
last resort, State and Federal and will op-
pose all agitation of the question:. or any
disturbance of that settlement by appeal
Or otherwise.
THI2D--INTERNAL REVENUE.
We favor unconditional and immediate
abolition of the internal revenue system-a
of spies and informeEsy a menace
to the freedom of elections; an iRboserable
burden ON the Taxpayers; source OF theS
greatest corruption, and in It's practical OPP
Grafton is special burden on this State and
her interests.
FOURTH-TARIFF.
We favor p tariff for revenue limited to
the necessities Of government economi-
cally administered, and so adjusted in its
application as to prevent ,uneeu2l burthen;
productive interests at hoHae end
afford just compensation to labor, but notE
to create or foster monopolies. Il
FIFTH-FREE EDUCATION.
The Democratic party of Virginia, hav-
ing founded and organized the public
school system, and originated every act of
,he Legislature which secures its efficiency, |