Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-08
THE PLATFORM or 'e6.
Not a New Deiiverance, but Platform
Broad Enough for Ary Eeuubficsr.

wv u new DcltCI2ECes Dut -
Broad Enough for Any Republican.
The Republican National platform of 1883
is before the people. 1t is not a new
deliverance. II does not contradict any
former platform, nor is it an interpreta-
ton OF the platforms that have preceded 1t.
The principles cherished by the Republican
party from the beginning are reaffrmed IN
the declaration of their logical results,
shaped by the progress Of Nstional eEents,
applied TO the present conditions OF the
country-the whole is rehearsal of the past
and pledge for the future. Such as Re
publieanism was at the grand uprising
against slavery, and when it appeared armed
and paaopiied TO overthrow rebellion, ii IS !;
and such it Will continue 10 be. but enliCht-
ened by experience. developed by progress.
directed by change IN times and cIcuEa-
stances, but moving ever forward. with a
wider sweep, with Denetceot purposes and
with unfaltering courage.
The two leading and conspicuous features
OF the platform says the Chicago Journal,
are its declarations in support or free and
pure suffrage, and OF protection In the
tariff as the basis OF al legislation on that
subject. II has no double meanings nor
eQuivocal phrases. It Is for protection
protection Of the elective franchise and the
protection of labor. Il contains nothin g
that may mean many things or may De
meaningless. No free-trader can construe
II as encouraging d tendency toward his
false theories, now or az any future time
II fayors tariff revision, not on Iree-trade
lines, but on protection lines; TO curtail the
revenue where needed by such protection
tor American products as will exclude rev
enue-paylng imports, and by removing the
duties on articles with which American
products do not cene in competition That
Is true tariff reform as contrasted Win
spurious free-trade tariff reform.
The portions Of the platform relating to
CIvli-Servlce reform; TO pernIcious Mormon
politics; to gold and silver coinage; to the
admission Of Territories as States; when
they are 1T and ready; to oppressive Eonop-
olies and trusts; to American ship interests,
to the fisheries treaty ard 10 other questions
are timely, just and OF the highest import
The platform is n all lis parts intensely
American. It's patriotism Is superb IN its
glow and eioouence. Each Of its sonorogs
periods Is an inspiration, and stIrs the blood
Ike trumpet call TO action. Ii denounceS
as treacherous 10 the country and scandal
Gus the Democratic surrender TO British
and other foreign influences and interests.
which has been evident in the diplomacy Of
the Administration and by the legislation
which the partisan and sectional majority
in Congress has attempted. These portions
OF the platform breathe the very spirit OF
the Declaration OF Independence.
The tribute 10 the dead military and civic
heroes OF the Republican party, and to Sher-
idan On his bed Of illness, Is affecting and
worthy the names of those whom it eulo-
gizes. A better preparation for the clauses
OF the platform that follow could not have
been devised. 1t is a dirge-lke prelude
solemnizing the highest appeals TO the con-
science and to tAe popular sense Of patriotic
duty. The resolution II behalf OF the vet
eran soldiers IS APPLY just and appropriate
Any candidate can stand on this platform.
1t commends Itself to every voter. 1t is an
epitoDe Of Americaaism II lays the
groundwork Of the labor before us. 1t calls
every good citizen TO the conflict. Il is the
issue between parties-oetgeen the friends
of the country ana its eneTl-es, between
good government and bad government.