Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-08-06
The Platform Of 1888.

A member oil the Democratic state
Convention Of 1883 writes us as follows
To NE Editor of the Dispatch: Do
you not think it worth the space in
your valuable paper to publish the
platform of the Democratic Convention
Of July, 1883? Its illusions to the
Malone measures which threatened US
then, and threaten us now with ten
fold fury, would exert not an unwhOle-
some effect, think.
The following is the platform. There
were also resolution applauding the
"Big Four" one arraigning the national
Republican party, and one declaring al
legiance to the national Democratic
platform. But these it is hardly neces-
sary to publish:
The Democratic Platform
ADOPTED BY TIE LYNCHBURG con-
VENTION.
The Democratic party of Virginia in
Convention assembled declares as fol-
lows:
FIRST-TAXATION.
We oppose any increase of taxation
whatsoever, directly or indirectly.
sECoND-THE STATE DEBT.
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 ques-
ton, or any disturbance of that settle
ment by repeal or otherwise.
THIRD-INTERNAL REVENUE.
We favor unconditional and imme-
date abolition Of the internal-revenue
system-a nursery of spies and inform
ers; menace to freedom Of elections
an intolerable burden on the tax
payers; a source Of the greatest cor
ruption, and in its practical operation is
special burden on this State and her
interests.
OURTH-TARTFF.
We favor a tariff for revenue limited
to the necessities of a government eco
nomically administered, and so adjusted
in its application as to prevent unequal
burthen, encourage productive indus
tries at home, and afford Just compen-
sation to labor, but not to create or
foster mOnopolies.
FIFTH FREE EDUCATION.
The Democratic party of Virginia,
having founded and organized the pub
lic-school system, and originated every
act Of the Legislature which secures its
efficiency, pledges itself to its continued
support until every child in the Com
monwealth, of whatever color, may Sc
cure the benefits of free education.
sIXTH-NO MINED SCHOOLS.
We oppose the mixing of the white
and cOlored races in the public schools,
and the placing of cOlored trustees and
teachers over white children, and are in
favor of preserving the school organize
ton for the two races as separate and
distinct as possible, giving to the COL
ored people for their schools all the
preferences and privileges which we
demand for the whites, including COL
ored trustees and teachers, and making
no discrimination in the distribution of
school fund on account Of color, and
we pledge the Democratic party to
adopt all necessary legislation to per-
feet this plan as best for all concerned.
sEvENTH-sTRICT ECONOMY.
We demand and will exact strict
economy in all the branches Of the
Government-State and Federal--and
that the number of officers and the
amounts Of their salaries shall be re.
duced and kept within the minimum re-
quisite for the due performance of the
public service.
EIGHpH-REAL CIvIL-sERvICE RE.
FORM.
We demand such real ciyil-seryice re-
form as will make merit the test Of Of
fetal fitness and exclude the losthsome
system Of bargain and sale of office,
and the partisan preference for the igno-
rant, vicious, and corrupted. which is
now the disgrace Of the State and Fede-
raj Governments; and we denounce the
sham methods which have heretofore
been practiced, and which have render
ed examinations, Investigations, and
trials new sources Of corruption and
new objects of just derision.
NINTH--0PPosITION TO BossIsM.
We are inilexibly opposed to the sys-
tern of bossism, which BELTS only the
minions Of tyrsnt, which is at war
with every principle Of honor, manli-
ness, and republican freedom, and has
been but recently introduced in Vir-
ginis only to corrupt, degrade, and dis
grace her.
RING RULE IN VIRGINIA.
We denounce the ring now in power
in Virginia and masquerading under such
DISCUSSES as Liberal and Coslitionist,
and charge it before the people
|. For betraying the Democrats who
voted the Hancock electoral ticket put
forth as the only true Democratic ticket
into the hands Of the people.
2. For supporting the partisen vote