The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1888-06-14
rna r,eks,-rhe Pla,form.

El0 1nVlnclDi0 auu eIauu oAo AoAo
cratic party. as the result of its work
in st. Louis, enter upon the National
contest of 1888, vital in its issue to the
OF good government in
in the interests and COM
mon welfare of the people, whose
voice is petent in decision as into
whose hands the guardianship OF the
shall be placed.
With Cleveland and Thurman as
It's chosen leaders, and platform upon
which every man in favor of honest
and efficient administration of gov
ernmental affairs can squarely stand,
the issue of the battle is scarcely prob
lematical. No amount of sophistfy
can blind the people as to the necessi-
ties of the hour. Tariff reform, and
the strong hand of authority to stay
the encroachments of monopolistic
avarice and greed, fattening upon the
rights and liberties of the people; 10y
alty to the interests of all sections,
thereby strengthening the bond OF
fraternal love, centralizing in Nation
al strength and concern for the welfare
of States, with diversified yet common
interests; wise provision, not only for
the present, but mindful of the future
growth and stability of government
based upon individual sovereignty;
q system of revenue justified by nec-
essary expenditure in defraying the
expenses of government; jealous
regard for industrial development and
strength, in all its callings; strength
ened by loyalty to the Interests of the
people, rather than by usurpation of
power, by those delegated with au'
tnorlty; all this is outlined in the pol
icy of the parry which has never trail.
ed its banner in defence of the rights
of the people. whose voice will be
heard in emphatic Endorsement of
past efficiency of, and confidence in
continued Democratic supremacy in
Executive authority.
The following is the
PLATFORM.
The Democratic party of the United States
in National convention assembled, renews the
pledge of its fidelity to the Democratic faith,
and reafirms the platform adopted by Its rep
rssentatives in the convention of 1894, and in :
dorses the views expressed by President Cleve
land in his last annual message to Congress. as
the correct Interpretation of that platform up
on the question OF tariff reduction; and also
1ndorses the efforts of our Democla attic Repre-
sentatives in Congress to secure a reduction OF
excessive taxation.
Chief among its principles of party faith are
the maintenance of an indissoluble Union OF
free and indestructible ates now about to
enter upon its serond century of unexampled
progress and renown; devotion to a plan o
government, regulated by a written cOnstitu
Eion strictly specifying every granted power
and expressly reserving to the States or people
the entire ungranted residue of power; the
encouragement of jealous popular vigilance
directed to all who have been chosen for brie
terms to enact and execute the laws. and are
charged with the duty of preserving peace
ensuring equality and establishing Justice.
The Democratic party welcomes exactine
scrutiny of the administration OF the executive
power which. four years ago was committed
10 its trust in the election of Grover Clevela nd
President of the United States. and it challen
ges the most searching inquiry concerning it,
fidelity and devotion to the pledges which thef
invited the suffrages Of the people. During 8
most critical period of our financial affairs
resulting from over-taxation. the anomalous
condition of our Currency. and q public debl
nnmatured. it has by the adoption of q wise
and conservative course, not only averted dis
aster, but greatly promoted the prosperity o.
the people.
Ithas reversed the unwise and improviden
policy Of the Republican party touching the
public domain, and has reclaimed from corpo
rations and syndicates. alien and domestic
and restored to the people nearly one hundred
millions of acres of valuable land to be sacred
ly held as homesteads for our citizens.
While carefully guarding the interests of tn,
tax payers and conforming strictly 10 the prin
ciples of justice and equity. it has paid ou
more for pensions and bounties to the soldier
and sailors OF the Republic than was ever paiC
before during an equal period.
By Intelligent management and judiciou
and economical expenditure of the public mon
ey 1t has set on foot the reconstruction OF tn,
American navy upon q system which forbid
zhe recuri ence of scandal, and insures success
ful results.
Is has adopted and consistently pursued
arm and prudent foreign policy, preservin,
peace with all nations while scrupulously m ain
4aining all the rights and interests of our owl
Government and people. at home and abroad
The exclusion from our shores of Chinese la
borers has been efectually secured under tn
provisions of treaty. the operation of whicl
has been postponed blythe action of Repub
1ican majority In the Senate.
Honest reform in the civil service has beel
Cleveland, and he has brought the public ser
vice to the highest standard of efficiency. no
only by rule and precept, but by the exampl
nf his own untiring and unselfish administra
fion of public affairs. In every branch AM
department of the Government under Demo
cratic control, the rights and the welfare of al
she people have been guarded and defended
every public interest has been protected. an,
the equality of all our citizens before the Law
without regard to race or color. has been stead
fastly maintained
Upon its record thus exhibited and upon tn
pledge of q CO Continuance to the people OF tn
benefits of good government. the National De
mocracy invokes a renewal of popular trus
by the e-election of a Chief NJ agistrate VIII,
mas been faithful. able and prudent. They in
yoke an addition 10 that trust by the transfer
10 the Democracy of the entire legislativ,
power.
The Republican party. controlling the senat,
and resisting in both Houses of Congress a re
formation of unjust and unequal lax laws
which have outlasted the necessities OF wal
and are now undermining the abundance oil
long peace, deny to the people equality before
she law and the fairness and the justice which
are their right. Thus the cry of American la
bor for better share of the rewards of indus
cry is stifed with false pretenses. enterprise is
xettered and bound down to home markets
capital is disturbed with doubt, and unequal
unjust laws can neither be properly amended
Or repealed.
The Democratic party will continue, with ali
Che power confided to it, the struggle to reform
fhese laws in accordance with the pledges Of ltd