The Indianapolis journal., 1884-06-06
THE RBPUBLIoAN PLATFORM.

The platform unanimously adopted at Chi
cago, yesterday, will meet hearty indorse-
ment throughout the country. With no at
tempt at ''spread eagle" it states the purposes
of the Republican party in unequivocal Ian
guage, that will be easily understood by all
who read or hear it read. 1t rightfully gives
prominence to the question of tariff as means
of developing and protecting American indus
trial interests, mills and men alike. Without
attempting to dodge the issue or to juggle
words, it demands that ''the imposition of du
ties on foreign imports shall be made,
not for revenue only, but that in raising
the requisite revenue for the government
such duties shall be so levied as to afford Sc
curity to our diversified interests, and protec
ton to the rights and wages of the laborer."
Denouncing the failure of the Democratic
majority to relieve the people Of the burden
of unnecessary taxation, by a wise reduction
of the surplus, the platform pledges the Re
publican party ''to correct the inequalities of
the vicious indiscriminate process of horizon
tai reduction, but by such methods as will re-
lieve the taxpayer without injuring the Ia
borer, or the great productive interests of
the country" This is simply a reitera-
ton of a well-understood principle of the
party, that while it is in favor
of protective tariff, it is not
unmindful of the necessity and wisdom of so
| adjusting this tax as to produce the greatest
good without becoming burdensome to the
people. In harmony with this idea it has
been and is the purpose of the Republican
party to reduce tariff rates as rapidly as the
welfare of our manufacturing interests and of
those employed by them will permit.
Again, in the interest of the workingmen of
the country, the platform favors national
bureau Of labor and the enforcement
of the eight-hour law, and de-
nounces the importation of contract labor,
whether from Europe or Asia, as an ofense
against the spirit of American institutions
The speedy forfeiture is demanded of all
land grants which have lapsed by reason of
noncompliance with acts of incorporation in
all cases where there has been no attempt in
good faith to perform the condition of such
grants. The acquisition of large tracts of
lands by individuals or corporations is con-
demned and legislation is pledged that shall
correct this evil The regulation of interstate
commerce is urged and the platform favors
legislation that shall prevent unjust discrim-
nation and excessive charges for transporta-
ton, and that shall secure to the people and
the railways alike the fair and equal protec-
of the laws.
These are the principal paragraphs of popu-
lar interest. Their candid spirit, at least,
must receive general approval. The platform
meets all questions with ingenious fairness,
treating each on its merits and pronouncing
on each in language that admits of no doubt
as to its meaning. Lack of space forbids a
comprehensive review of it at this time. A
perusal of the platform must commend it to
| all fair minded men as a candid straight-for-
ward document while the wisdom of its
recommendations has been wrought out Of
actual experience in public affairs. The plat
form puts the party in fine fighting trim, and
is an augury that the Republican campaign
will be an aggressive one.