Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1884-07-17

policy, we demand In behalf Of the American
Democracy an American policy; instead Of
the Republican partys discredited scheme and
false pretense OF friendship for American
labor, expressed by imposing taxes, we de-
mand in behalf OF Democracy freedom for
American labor by reducing taxes to the end
that these United States may compete with
unhindered powers for the primacy among
nations in all the arts Of peace and fruits OF
liberty.
With profound regret we have been ap-
prised by the venerable statesman, through
whose person was struck that blow at the
vital principle Of republics (acquiescence in
the will OF the majority. that he cannot per-
NIT US again to place in his hands the lead
ership Of the Democratic hosts, for the reason
that the achieyemontpf reform in the admin
istration Of the Federal government is an un-
dertaking now too heavy for his age and
failing strength. Rejoicing that his life has
been prolonged until the general judgment
Of our fellow-countrymen is united In the
wish that that wrong were righted in his per-
son for the Democracy Of the United
States, we offer to him in his
withdrawal from public cares not only our
respectful sympathy and esteem but also that
best homage Of freemen-the pledge Of our
devotion TO the principles and the cause now
inseparable in the history OF the republic
from the labors and the name Of Samuel J.
Tilden. With this statement Of the hopes,
principles and purposes Of the Democratic
party the great issue OF reform and change
in administration ia submitted to the people,
in calm confidence that the popular voice will
pronounce in favor Of new men and new and
more favorable conditions for the growth of
industry, tho extension Of trade the employ
ment and due reward Of labor and Of capital,
and the general welfare Of the whole country.
BUTLRR's PLATFORM.
Mr.. Morrison said he would yield to
General Butler TO present minority re-
port. He would then allow Gen. Butler
80 minutes to discuss his report. He
would also allow 16 minutes to Mr.. Con-
verse, Ohio, and five minutes to Mr.. Wat
terson, and then he would move the
previous question and ask for vote.
General Butler said that most things in
the platform he agreed to; GONE things
ought to be added TO Il, and one thing
especially ought to be ohsnged-that he
would submit to the better Judgment Of
the convention. He asked the clerk to
read his report.
The clerk commenced by enunoiating
slowly and very distinctly the words
General Buffers PLATFORM" which
caused q general laugh. The document
Ia as follows:
The various Offices Of the government be-
| long to the people thereof, and who rightfully
demand to exercise and hll the same when
ever they are fitted by capacity, integrity and
energy, the last two qualifications never to be
tested by any scholastic examination. We
hold that frequent changes Of Federal officials
are shown to be necessary First-To coun-
| teract the growing aristocratic tendencies to
/ q cast of life Offices Second-Experience
having shown that all investigation is useless
while the incumbent and his associates hold
their places, frequent change Of officers is
necessary to the discovery and punishment Of
| frauds, peculations, defalcations and en-
bezzlements Of the public money.
ResolUed. That we adhere to and affirm the
/ doctrine enunciated and established by
Jackson, that the government alone has the
power to establish and issue money for the
people that the issue Of legal tender notes
made by the government as method OF
borrowing money to carry on the war, in the
exercise Of q constitutional power, has become
the fixed currency of the United States, equal
to coined gold and silver that neither policy
ror duty calls for any meddling with it.
Gen. Butler addressed the convention
in advocacy Of his resolution, until his
allotted half hour expired. He elicited
considerable laughter, some applause and
some derisive opposition. He was followed
by Mr.. Converse Of Ohio, who urged that
the majority report was made by repre-
sentatives Of the 81 states the dissent.
ing report was from but a single state.
Mr.. Watterson OF Kentucky followed in
support Of the platform reported, after
which the vote was taken on Q PROPOSE
tion to substitute Gen. Buffers tariff
plank resulting in 97t yeas to 7l4t nays.
Senator Voorhees, stated during the vote
that he wished specially to be recorded as
voting in the affirmative.
The majority report was adopted almost
unanimously, and on motion the conven'
tion proceeded TO ballot for . candidate
for Preaidant