Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-13
A Virginlan on the Platform.

The editor Of the Danyille Register, whe
was at the st. Louis Convention, sought an
interview with a member OF the Platform
Committee after the convention adjourned
and ascertalned the facts following.
"Mr. Watterson wanted to discard the
nlstform OF 1884 and 10 make President
Cleyelands message the basis OF the new
platform. Now the impression prevailed
that the President was opposed to the repeal
Of the internal revenue, and the German
party realized the fact that If the national
Democracy should declare against the repeal
OF the tobacco.tax, IL would cost the party
many votes Ia Virginia and North carolina
and other tobacco-growing States. The night
was made on this point, and the following
was finally agreed upon:
"Tho Democratic party OF the United states.
| in national convention assembled, rencWs the
pledge OF its fidelity 10 the Democratic faith and
reafirms the platform adopted by its representa-
tiyes in the convention OF 1854. and endorses Tue
views expressed by President Cleveland IN ms
| last earnest message 10 Congress as the correct
Interpretation Of that platform upon the question
OF tarif reduction; and also endorses the Efforts
| of our Democrats representatives in Congress
| 10 secure q reduction OF excessive taxation"
"Observe the exact language. And en-.
dorses the views expressed by President
|
the correct Interpretation OF the platform Of
| 1884 upon the question OF tariff reduction.
Nothing Is said about bis reference to the
| internal revenue, aud when 1t is remembered
| thai the convention afterwards endorsed the
Mills bill, which does provide for the repeal
| OF the tax on tobacco, there can be no
! question as TO the position OF the
| national Democracy on this question,
which so Intimately concerns the peo-
nile OF Virginia. We confess that the
| convention took a roundabout way to an
nounce It's position. but II got there Just the
same. And let us say TO our Democratic
friends who may be said to belong 10 the
Protection wing OF the party that in our
humble judgment there Is nothing IN the
platform they may not consistently endorse
| II they can endorse the Mills bin. 1t is not by
any means iree-trade platform. Look at
this paragraph clipped from the body OF the
| platform
" Our established domesti, industries and en-
| terprises should not, and need not, DO endan-
| gered by the reduction and correction OF the
| burdens OF taxation. On tho contrary. fair and
| careful revision Of our tax laws. with due allow
| ance Tor the difference between The wages OF
American aud foreign labor, must promote and
encourage every branch OF such Industries and
| enterprises by giving them assurances OF an ex-
tended market and steady and continuous ope-
rasions in the interests Of American labor, which
| should In no event be neglected.
"ltn't there enough protection in thai for
any Democrat IN the landI What more could
they ask? As FOR Virginia, the Mills bill
leaves the tariff on coal and iron ore and pro.
yldes for the repeal OF the tax on tobacco.
Let this bill pass as the first step in the way
| OF tax reduction, and as soon as practicable
we believe the entire internsl.reyenue system
| will be wiped out"