The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1888-07-05
The Republican Platform.


1t was fitting that the vital principles of the
Republican party, as expressed in its platform
received higher honor from the Convention
and kindled greater enthusiasm, than the name
of any leader, living or dead. Grand were the
| responses OF affection and gratitude when the
names of Lincoln and Grant, Garfield, Arthur
aud Sheridan were uttered. But grander yet
by far, according to the testimony Of hostile
witnesses, was the outburst of loyal feeling
when Protection of American industries and
rights was proclaimed as the principle which
the Democratic party has assailed and upon
which the Republican party appeals to the
people. For. after all, the services of the
noblest man count for little in comparison
with the blessings secured to the Nation by
Republlcan principles during the last thirty
years. \ ct 1t was most appropriate that the
Convention should honor the glorious lives
and deeds Of men whose very names stand as
symbols for all that is grandest in the Nations
history. The work to which they gave their
lives is not yet completed, and those only are
anxious to forget the past who are false in the
present to the cause of Lincoln and of Grant.
The Convention has put Mr.. Blaine into its
platform, whatever candidates it may nomi-
nate. The principles for which he stands the
Ideas which make him strong with the Nation,
make this grand platform a lasting menento
of his brave spirit and wise leadership. There
is no timid tenderness here for the men who
and platitudinize about reform of tbe civil
Service. The main issue- Protectiou or Free
Trade, is met with the courage of men who
know that their principles have made the
growth and prosperity of the country great
beyond all precedent, and who believe that
American interests. The explicit declaration
against the Mills bill and against free trade in
wool, let it be noted by longressmen who hesi-
tate. was adopted unanimously. without a word
of dissent or debate, in a Convention which
represents the Republicans of every State and
Territory, and which. all observers admit. is
In peculiar degree deiberatiye BODY. The
issue which Mr., Cleyeland's convention made
with can(or the Republican party meets with
out the slightest hesitation or evasion. Ii wise
Iy adds the assurance that if power is entrusted
to Republicans all needed reduction of the Ma
tional revenue will be effected by renealino in
ternal taxes upon tobacco and mon spirits used
In the arts. by more effective protection of in
dustries now exposed to excessive foreign COM
petition, bv repeal of duties upon forei5n arti-
clcs which cannot be produced in this country
and. if there is still occasion, by the repeal of
all internal taxes. That is precisely the sol1-
tion which would be adopted in Congress at
once, by the union of many Democratic with
Republican members, but for the usurped die
tatorship of the President and the Speaker
WHICH uCpclNcS Democrats OF freedom to serve,
constituents.
1t is Il grand platform, again, because if nj
tiers plainly the hostility of the Republican party
to those trusts and combinations by which the
best fruits of the protective system are in some
eases denied to consumers. and to the importa-
ton of Chinese or contract labor, by which the
full fruits of the protective system have in some
localities been withheld from labo-, Ii is a
grand nIatform her,,1Se if ,;n,l;cotos tho pa
publican homestead policy. under which mill
lions of free settlers have been invited to free
lands, and exposes a fraudulent pretence of
this Administration by show ING that every acre
recovered by actual settlers from corporate
grants has been recovered under Republican
legislation. 1t is a grand platform because If
appeals to the people, with lust Indignation
against the continued disfranchisemeut. for
partisan reasons. Of more than Il million honest
settlers IN the Territories and STATES clearly
the ground upon which the admis~ sion of new
States is demanded as a matter of right. Denial
OF Justice to Kansas drove the Democratic nar1y
from power in 1860; it's first return to power is
marked by denial of justice to Dakota.
The plea for defence of sea-coasts calls from
his reStng-piace Mr. Tilden to witness against
Mr.. Cleveland and his party The vigorous
plea for defence of American rights against
foreign powers, and especially for defence Of
the rights of American fishers, will remind
every Republican that those served Great
Britain well who elected Mr., Cleveland The
plea for public education. and for Just pensions