The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-05-29

How stand the Democrats OF Virginia
on the question Of raising the tarin issue
in the approaching presidential campaign
Let The proceedings Of the late Democratic
State Convention answer. Hon. JOHN I.
HARMS. Captain CAMx PArrEsoN, and
Hon. WALLER II. STAPLES ridiculed mer-
cilessly the attempt to divide the Demo
Gratis OF Virginia on this dlstracting ques-
ton. Hon. GEORGE ID. WISE, the only
Virginia congressman who voted to kill the
MORRISON bill, was complimented before a
crowded audience because Of his boldness
in casting that vote, and was Immediately
called out to make speech. His remarks
were received with every demonstration
OF satisfaction. Before the Convention
met We sent out circulars 20 the chairmen
of the Democratic county committees, ask
ing wha: was the state OF pubhc opinion
in each OF their counties on this subject.
The answers received went to show that
there was great unanimity OF opinion
against raising any such issue in this
State.
But we have positive proof as to what
the Virginia Democrats desire. they in
convention assembled passed the following
resolution. Ii was not done thoughtlessly
nor without purpose, but was reported to
the Convention by committee composed
OF the very flower OF the Democracy OF this
State. II was reported, too, after 1t had
been fully discussed before the people, and
after il had for ten months been part OF
the platform Of the Virginia Democracy.
We quote the resolution:
Seventh. That we favor a tariff for reye-
nue., limited TO the necessities OF govern
ment economically administered, and SO adj
justed In its application as to prevent I'M
equal burdens, encourage productive inter-
estS at home, and afford just compensation
TO labor, but not TO create or foster monop-
olies.
That resolution originated in Ohio. IL
has been adopted by Democratic State
Conventions in Pennsylvania, Virginia,
West Virginia, New Jersey. and Ohio.
1t has IA well-known meaning. 1t was
adopted by the Virginia Convention OF
last year and the Virginia Convention OF
this year, with full knowledge OF its his
tory and meaning. That resolution is the
law OF the Democratic party in Virginia,
II this party has any law. Certainly every
man who was a member OF the recent
State Convention will be expected to stand
by that resolution. II declares unmistaka-
bly not for tariff for revenue only. not
for tariff SO adjusted as to produce the
largest revenue without reference to its
effects upon the productive interests OF
the country. but for tariff so adjusted in
its application as to " encourage productive
interests at hOme."
This resolution OF the Virginia Demo
cratic State Convention speaks. we believe,
the wishes in this regard Of nine-tenths OF
the Democrats Of Virginia. Nevertheless,
we do not deem it best for the welfare OF
the anti-MAHoNE party in Virginia that the
upholders of that resolution should insist
too uncompromisingly upon its acceptance
In its full meaning by the Carlisleites in
this State. This to our good friend OF the
Clinch- Valley Ne,oS, who reproyes us mild
ly rs follows:
Our friend OF the Richmond Dispatch
is a good deal too tender with that class OF
so-calied Democrats who propose to read
out Of the party all who differ with them
on the tariff or any other minor issue.
Among Christians who agree upon cardi-
nal points of doctrine we don't hear any
OF this senseless ianaticism about forms and
,obscryances. The tariff is the least OF a
dozen questions that divide the parties, and
aside from this. ii is question that will be
adjusted by immutable laws OF trade.
Because one Democrat is a fanatic on free
trade is no reason why better Democrat
NAV not favor modified protection. a
large majority Ioh. MOI OF the States have
declared for a platform like that oil ONO
and our own here in Virginia, and the
Democrat or Republican, either, who cam
not subscribe to il cares less about the
country than he does for the interests OF
himself or his faction"
Shall Virginia Democrats go to Wash
ington and consult caucus there to learn
what measures they are to advocate before
the people OF this old Commonwealth 7
Are we bound by the action OF con-
gressional caucus may, Of caucus OF
one house |? 1t is said that a large major
ity OF the caucus alluded to was for making
the tariff an issue. Admit the fact, and
what does it prove? Are the Democrats
OF any State 10 look to Washington Tor
instruction rs 10 their duty or their
political or party creed! Nay. verify.
The people OF this State will coun-
tenauce no attempt on the part OF pub
lie servants TO play the role OF masters.
Let the Democratic National Convention,
composed of delegates fresh from the peo-
pie of the whole country, formulate the
creed of the party, and we need not fear
but they will agree with the recent Viz
ginia State Democratic Convention com
posed OF delegates fresh from the people OF
this honored old Commonwealth.
--
at was the Cat"
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