Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-07-26
The yfrRtufa Demoeracy.

LYNCHBURG, VA, July 25.-The Demo-
cratic State Convention met in the Opera
house at noon, with Col. G. M. Reynolds pre-
siding as temporary chairman. Every county
in the State was fully represented, and the
building was scarcely large enough 10 accom-
modate the Convention with ease. The hall
was gaily decorated with the national and
State colors, and the buildings decorated
throughout the city. After temporary reor-
ganization a recess was taken.
Gen. J az. A. Walker, of Pulaski, wss then
make permant chairman, with q vice-presi-
dent from each Congressional district.
The Committee on Party Organization re-
ported plan for providing for the election
of chairman of the State Central Commit.
tee by the Convention, instead of by the
Safe Committee, making the chairman OF
the Central Committee chairman ez o6icio of
the State Executive Committee and incre az
ing the membership of the Central Commit
lee to five members from each congressional
district.
The Convention unanimously elected Jno.
s. Barbour chairman of the State Central
Committee.
Barbour was received with tremendous
cheering and applause, and in a brief speech
accepted the position.
The following declaration of principles
was then adopted:
THE PLATFORM. ------
The Democratic party of Virginia, ia Con-
ventien assembled, declares as follows:
First-We oppose any increase of taxa
tion whatever, directly or indirectly.
Second-The Democratic party accepts as
final the recent settlement of the public
debt pronounced constitutional by the courts
of last resort, State and Federal, and will
oppose all agitation of the question, or any
disturbance Of that settlement BY appeal or
otherwise.
Third-We favor the unconditional and
Immediate abolition of internal revenue. a
| menace 10 the freedom of election, an intol.
cradle burden on Taxpayers, a source of the
greatest corruption, and in its practical
operation special burden on this State and
her interests.
Fourth-We favor a tariff for revenue
limited to the necessities of the government
economically administered and so adjusted in
| Its application as to prevent unequal bur-
dens, encourage productive interests at home
and afford Just compensation to labor, but
| not TO create and foster m nopolies.
Fifth-The Democratic party of Virginia
having founded and organized a public
| school system and originated every act Of
legislation which secures efficiency, pledges
itself to its continued support until every
| child IA the oommouweaith, of whatever
| color, may receive the benefit of free edu-
| cation.
tiNt.H-rTr upposs rne mixing OF the wnIre
aud colored races in the public schools, and
| the placing of eolored trusiees and ieschers
| over white children. and We are iu favor of
| preserving the school organization for the
| two RACES IS seps- ate AID distinct as possi-
| bic, giving he colored people for their
schools al the preferences and privileges
| which We demand for the whites, including
colored trustees and teachers, and making no
discrimination in the dis ribution of school
funds on account of color, and we pledge the
| Democratic party TO perfect this plan as the
best for all concerned.
| Seventh demsnd and will expect
stric, economy in ali brsnches OF the gov
ernment, State and Federal, and that the
number Of officf rs and the amounts OF their
| salaries thall be reduced and kept within
the minimum requisite for the due perform
ance OF the public service.
Elghth-We demand such real Civil
Service reform rs will make merit the test
of official fitness and exclude the loathsome
| system OF bargain and sale of Offices, and
partisan preference for the ignorant, vicious
and corrupt, which is now the disgrace OF
| the State and Federal governments; and we
denounce the sham methods which have
heretofore been practiced, and which have
| rendered examination, iuvestig alton and
triad new -ouroev vf corruptiov aud new Oh
jects of just derisIon.
Ninth-We are infexibly opposed to the
ystem OF bossism, which BELTS only the
minions OF tyrsnts, and which is at war with
every priuciple of honor, manliness aud re-
publican freedom, which has recently been
introduced into Virgiuia only TO corruptly
degrade and difgrace her.
The final resolution srrdigus in strong
terms the administration of national auc
State affairs, especially between the President
and Wm. Malone.
After the adoption OF the platform, several
hours were CONSUMED in addresses byIpromi
inent delegates. Adjourned.