The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1888-06-12
TIE PLATEORNI.

morning at tho Southern hotel. The sub-com-
mittee appointed to draft platform entered
the room afterwards looking exceedingly worn
by their long session of last night. They re-
ported their inability to agree, the point at is
sue being the question of reatiirming the tariff
plank i'll the platform of 1884. The sub-com-
mittee had listened to earnest appeals last night
in favor of and opposed to reatlirmation and
could not agree.
Mr. German proposed the reaflrmation of
the tariff plank in 1884 and n general in
dorsement of the policy of reduction as indica-
ted in the presidents tariff message, and Mr..
Watterson opposed any allusion to the 1884
platform, which he deemed equiyocal and in
direct.
Mr.. German addressed the committee for an
hour on the political expediencies Of mode
rate tariff policy. While he considered the
prospects of democratic success in New York
much better than they were four years ago, he
regarded Indiana, and he appealed to Senator
Turpie to confirm his statement. New Jersey
and Connecticut were doubtful, and he would
hive no hope of his party carrying them upon
q tariff for revenue only platform. Mr.. Cor
man argued in conclusion that the platform OF
1884 was one upon which Cleveland was elect
ed that he accepted the nomination upon it,
and has, Mr.. German stated, been content
to administer the executive office in
accordance with It's principles. 1t
has ample latitude, as much as the adminstra-
ton itself desires, and it would be impolitic at
this time to make it more emphatic.
Mr.. Watterson responded in an address of
about one hours duration. The platform of
four years ago, he said, was straddle and was
so accepted by the committee on resolutions In
the convention of 1884 Its advocates had said:
"Let us get into power and then we can frame
policy to suit our party's views" The issue
of that election, said Mr.. Watterson, did not
prove the wisdom of all equivocal policy 1t
was not policy pleasing to
our popular American manhood. 1t
came to be stigmatized rs straddle. There
was an odium attached to 1t from which it
could not be freed. The campaign, fortunately
for the democratic party, by the nomination of
Mr.. Blaine, had become one of personalities,
and that Mr.. Cleveland had been elected did
not prove the strength OF the 1884 platform,
and did not justify the faith of the advocates
of the straddlng policy. In his judgment,
there was no craftsmanship in the duplication.
1t would, he thought, be wise to take an ag-
gressive stand as the democratic party had
now been committed to the policy of hori-
Zontal reduction by President Cleve-
lands last message and by the utteranoes
of majority of the democratic party in the
house Of Representatives From that posi-
ton, said Mr.. Watterson, there can be no
retreat, our position is clearly announced. 1t
is known to our opponents and the people.
He believed, moreover that the bold manly
tone of the Cleveland message had a very hap
Ply effect.
Utter candor OF expression characterized
the remarks of both Mr.. Watterson and Senator
German, and perfect good feeling was main
tanned throughout, But it soon became evil
dent that their relative positions upon the
point at issue would be maintained, and it be-
came quite as clear chat a majority Of the
committee had been impressed with Senator
Germans candid statement of the political ex-
pediency involved in tho question.
Throughout the discussion members Of the
committee listened with eager attention and
though the heat Of the committee room was
almost unsufferable. not chair was vacant
during the long session. The doors were kept
carefully locked all the morning, and throngs
of prominent gentlemen, among whom was
Morrison, OF Illinois, waited impatiently in
the corridor for any information that could be
cleaned OF the proceedings from any member
of the committee who might appear in the
corridor for momentary breath OF fresh air.
At noon the general debate was begun upon
the question of reaffrming the platform
of 1884, ten minutes to be allowed
each state, and the vote to be had
at ] 80. The debate, however, was prolonged
till after o'clock. BY vote of % to 10, the
committee agreed to Senator Germans propo-
stion to indorse and reiterate the tariff plat
form of 1884. 1t is understood there will be no
serious division upon other planks in the plat
form.
The committee reassembled tonight for con-
sideration of the platform sections.
Mr.. Watterson received several kilograms
from Washington today To the effect that an
effort to indorse the Mills bill in the conven-
ton may defeat it in congress.
Twenty hours exactly is the time it took to
prepare q tariff plank that could be agreed
upon for the campaign Of 1888. Mr.. Waiter
son told reporter tonight in substance chat
we renew our fealty to democratic principles,
and reaffirm the platform OF 1884, and indorse
the last annual message Of the president, and
declare ii a correct Interpretation Of the plat
form, and approve the efforts Of our demo-
cratic representatives in congress to secure re-
duced taxation. In separate resolution to
be offered to the convention tomorrow we
commend the Mills bill, urging its passage at
an early day."
"Was there anything else, Mr.. WattersonW
ventured the reporter TO his patient but nearly
exhausted victim. "What about slyer?"
"Oh, id silyer!" shouted Mr.. Watterson,
unable to submit longer. and, bursting away
from his pnrsuers, he was gone.