Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-31

Dir. Brent declared himself Henry
man, and Mr.. Ashton was for Ayres.
THB BALLOT.
The first ballot ended with Walker
ahead but lacking majority. Ayres
had run well, and before the ballot
could be announced Charles City led off
by changing its tote from Henry to
Ayres. The example was contagious,
and changes followed from Henry and
Walker to Ayres as rapidly as the
clerks could make them.
There were cries OF "Mr. Chair
man." and more confusion than had
been seen at any time before was OBJ
servable.
Several members moved at different
times to make the nomination unani-
nous. Finally this was done with
vim.
On motion of Mr.. Williams COM
mittee Of three was appointed to wait
on Mr.. Ayres and inform him of his
nomination, and ask his presence be-
fore the Convention.
STATE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES.
On motion of Mr.. John ID. Horsely,
Of Nelson county, Hon. John S. Bar
bour was unanimously elected chair
man Of the State and Executive Com
mittees.
The Platform.
Mr.. John Bell Bigger, secretary Of
the Convention, read the report OF the
Committee on Resolutions, as follows
The Democratic party OF Virginia in Con-
vention assembled, congratulates the peop'e
that they have at last triumphed over all
the agencies OF corrupt power and upon the
peace, security, and goodwill that have
speedily followed In the train Of their vic
tories. Again invoking the popular verdict
on its behalf, We point with pride aud con-
fidence 10 n record OF pledges faithfully
performed. and TO the guarantee OF good
government which it offers.
TAXATION.
We pledged our opposition 10 any in
crease OF taxes whether directly or In
directly. in the Convention OF 1888, and.
invested by the people with legislative
powers. have redeemed this pledge and
faithfully administered all trusts conhded
TO US.
THE PUBLIC DEBT.
The Democratic party heretofore pledged
as final us acceptance Of the settlement OF
the public debt known as the Riddle berger
bill" which had then been declared con-
stltutional by the courts, State and Fede-
raj. and It's opposition 10 all further agita-
ton OF the question or any disturbance or
that settlement, by repeal or otherwise.
This pledge was observed with scrupulous
fldelityo on the part 0fOur representatives by
the enactment Of all needful and proper
measures Of legislation. aud the State OF
Virginia would have been forever freed from
the harasslDg demands OF the public credi-
tors but for the sudden and inequltable re-
versal OF It's own decision by a Republican
court, rendering still further legislation ne
cessary for the protection OF the State. Te
such further egislatlOn. and as a part there
OF, TO the protection and decentralization @f
the revenue officers Of the State for all OIL
cial acts done In obedience to its laws. the
Democratic party pledges Itself. We appeal
10 the people TO refuse wholly to pay any
tax in coupons, and thus at once. by their
own united patriotism and sovereign will,
10 rid the Commonwealth of this long and
baneful controversy.
The question Of the State debt he's ceased
to be one OF dollars and cents IL has be-
come one Of state sovereignty. The ques-
ton IL whether the State OF Virginia shall
he arITilgned before the Federal courts con-
tTOlled by Republican judges. adjudcating
upon tho sovereign rights OF the State in
the interest Of the bondhoiders in defiance
Of one OF the plainest provisions Of the
Federal Constitution. Neappeal upon this
question TO all men. irrespective Of party
and invite them 10 unite with us in de-
Tending the imperilled rights OF the Conn
mOnWealth.
FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION.
We pledged the Democratic party. as the
founder and organizer Of the public
school system and as the originator
OF every legislative act which Sc
cured lis efficiency in our State. to
lis continued support until every child
in the Commonwealth. OF whatever race or
color might secure the benefits of free
education.
We renew this pledge and avOuch the fact
that within the last two years. under Dem.
Ocatic legislation, $4,000 Of arrearases
to school funds have been paid besides
all regular appropriations; a female normal
school established at tarmville. and liberal
snnuities granted TO our other institutions
OF learning.
II IS the cherished purpose Of the Demo-
cratic party to labor IN this sacred work of
public enlightenment until country and
town shall alike enjoy the full advantages
Of free education.
Tothis end we favor the furnishing Of
free books 10 the pupils Of the free schools.
and al 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 better
measure.
REFORM ~ THE REVENUE LAWS
We recommend such changes I'm our state
revenue laws as Will require speedy settle
mcnts by the collecting officers OF the Com
monwealth. to the end that accumulation
OF large amounts in their hands and cOhse-
quent danger Of loss may DE avoided.
RAILROADS.
The railroads of the State are in the ma
ture OF public highways, and should be ope-
rated not alone for purposes OF private gain.
but for the interest and convenience OF the
people as well, and II Is the duty of the Lee
gislaiure tosupervise the operations OF such
railroads and TO prevent any unjust or dis
eliminating charges on the one hand and
allow a fair and reasonable profit on the
other.
All reasonable facilities should be granted
for the construction OF new railroads, but
no privileges should be granted 10 such new
roads or TO existing corporations which
may interfere with the growth of Virginia
cities or deprive them OF trade to whIcl
their position entities them.
AsYLUMs.
The foundation under Democratic legisla-
ton of new asylum for the helpless luna
tics OF the state, the completion Of another
and the efficiency and economy with when
all the asylums OF the state have been adj
miDistered. command our approDation.
These establishments should continue to
receive the same liberal support and such
further appropriations and attention as
may be needed 10 bring them up TO the
highest standards known amOng civilized
nations,
DISABLED SOLDIERS.
In providing wisely for the instruction Of
it's citizens and generously for the afflicted
In mind and body, the Commonwealth
should respect the sacred duty which
II owes 10 IFS needy Confederate SOL
ders, disabled by wounds or disease.
This. only hitherto initiated and OBJ
served by successive Democratic LegiS-
latuIes should DO followed up by some more
ADEQUATE provision than has yet been
made. All proper aid should be given these
disabled veterans who are without the gov
ernmental support which they freely vote 20
sccCid their former foes. aud who In the
course OF nature must ere many years have
passed cease TO tread the soil OF virginia,
which isforever consecrattd by their daunt-
less VaIor and devotion.
RESPECTING SALE OF ARDENT SPIRITS.
Reaffirming the traditional opposition OF
The Democratic party to all sumptuary
laws or avs unduIy interfering with indi-
vidusl liberty. we recommend 10 the Gene
Ial Assembly 10 Laa such laws aS " Ill per-
init each county or district, al special cleo
tion held for the purpose, under proper
regulations, for ascertanlng the popular
will, to determine for Itself whether the
sale Of spirituous liquors shall be legally
permitted within It's limits.
OYSTERS.
We favor such amendment OF the existing
oyster laws as will reconcile conflicting IN
terests and TO that end suggest a cOnven-
ton to be composed OF representative men
from the counties interested, who Will re-
commend to the General Assembly such
legislation upon the subject as may be pro-
nor