Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-07-31
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

addressed to "Governor Ftzhugh Lee, of
Va"
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
The platform which was adopted by a
unanimous vote Of the recent democratic
State convention is as follows:
The democratic party of Virginia, in con-
veutnn assembled, congratulate the people
that they have at last triumphed oyer all
agencies of all corrupt power, and upon the
peace. security and good will that have
speedily followed in the train of their victo-
res. Again invoking the popular verdict in
it's behalf, we point with pride and conf
dence to the record ofpledges faithfully per
formed, and to the guarantees Of good gov
eminent which it offers.
We pledged our opposition TO any increase
of taxation, whether directly or indirectly,
n the convention of 1883, and, invested by
the people with legislative powers, have re-
deemed this pledge and faithfully admins
tered all trusts contided to ns.
The democratic party heretofore pledged
lis final acceptance OF the settlement of the
pubIic debt known as tho Ridd!ebergcr bill,
which had then been declared unconstitu
tional BY the courts, State and federal, and
question, or any disturbance of that settle
ment by repeal or otherwise. This pledge
was observed with scrupulous fidelity on the
part Of its representatives by the enactment
of all needful and proper measures Of legis
lation, and the State Of Virginia would have
been forever freed from the harassing de-
mands of public creditors but for the sudden
and iuequtabe reversal eff own decision
by a republican court, rendering still further
legislation necessary for the protection of
the State. To such further legislation and
as o part thereof, to the protection and idem
MITIGATION of the revenue officers ofthe State
for all official acts done in obedience to its
laws, the democratic party pledges itself.
We appeal TO the people to refuse wholly to
pay any tax in coupons, and thus at once,
by their own united patriotism and sovereign
will, rid tho Commonwealth Of this long and
baneful controversy.
The question of the State debt has ceased
to be one Of dollars and cents. 1t has be-
come one of Slate sovereignty. The ques-
ton is whether the Stale Of Virginia shall be
arraigned before federal courts controlled by
republican judges, adjudcating upon the
sovereign rights of State in the interest Of
bondholders, in defiance Of ono of the plain
est provisions of the federal constitution.
We appeal upon this question TO all men,
irrespective of party, and invite them to
unite with MS in defending the imperiled
rights of the Commonwealth.
We pledge the democratic party, as the
founder and organizer Of every legislative
act which secured the efficiency of the pub
lie school system in our State, to its con.
tiuued support until every child in the
Commonwealth, Of whatever race or color,
might secure the beDefls Of free education.
We renew the pledge and avouch the fact
that within the last two years under demo
cratic legislation $4,000 of arrearages to
the school fund have been paid besides the
regular appropriation, female normal
school established at Farmville and liberal
annuites granted to our institutions Of
learning.
1t is the cherished purpose of The demo.
cratic party to labor in this sacred work of
public enlightenment until country and
town .. Ike enjoy the full advantages of free
education.
.ge this end We favor the furnishing of free
dSxs 10 tho pupils of free schools, and an
!: appropriation for the benefit of the common
school system from the surplus revenues Of
the federal government by what is known as
the Blair bill, or some>better measure.
revenue laws as will require speedy settle
ments by collection officers of the Common
wealth, to the end that Accommodations of
large amounts in their hands aud consequent
danger OF loss may be avoided.
The railroads Of the State are in the ma
ture of public highways, and should be OPP
Grated not alone for purposes of private
gain, but for the interest and convenience of
The people as well, and it is the duty of the
Legislature to supervise the operations Of
such railroads and to prevent any unjust or
charges on the one hand, and
to allow fair and reasonable profit on the
other.
All reasonable facilities should be granted
for the construction of new railroads, but no
privilege should be granted to such new
roads or to existing corporations which may
interfere with the growth of Virginia's cities
DR. deprive them Of the trade to which their |
position entities them.
The foundation, under democratic legis-
|ation, of a new asylum for the helpless lu-
natics of the State. and the. completion of
another, aud The efficiency and economy
With which all asylums of the State have
been administered, command our approba-
ion. These establishments should continue
o receive the same the liberal support and
uch further appropriations and attention as
nay be needed TO bring them up to the
highest standards known among civilized
lations.
10 providing wisely for the instruction of
Is citizens, aud generously for the afflicted
n mind aud body, the Commonwealth
hould respect the sacred duty which it
ives to its confederate soldiers, disabled by
Wounds or disease. This, only hitherto in
.iated and observed by successive demo-
ratio LesisInlurts should he followed up
y some more Adequate provisions than have
ct been made. Al pi"p"r aid Should be !
iven those disabled veterans who are with