Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-05
The Platform

Ms the Iynchbulg H0trH'f processes
70 think that we have seen new light on
the question Of the platform to be
adopted at Norfolk we beg leave to re-
produce the compromise on which the
Dispatch and the state agreed on the
18th Of February last. We quote
The .Stafc and tho Dispatch are now
upon the same platform. - Dispatch.
And we believe that 10y proper conccs-
EiOns we can compromise our differences
80 as to stand together on that platform
for some time 10 come. IL would be
madness for those who differ only on the
tariff question, and neither class Of whom
are extremists on that question, to give
victory by their own divisions 10 an
enemy with whom they differ radically,
not only on the tariff hut on every other
question. Our friendly contest with the
Irotectionists in the Democratic party
in Virginia IS simply to keep them from
securing too many concessions from n
majority of the party concessions that
would commit the Democracy of this
State 10 policy antagonistic to that of
the Democratic party in the whole cOun-
try, and that would inevitably result, rs
it has resulted in Pennsylvania, in making
this State largely Republican.
We hope. however, that all in the
Democratic party who differ on this sub
iect will reason out their differences as
satisfactorily and come to as satisfactory
an agreement as the Dispatch and the
StGfc.-NQfc.
Our news to a dot.-Diapatca.
We have had no occasion to change
our opinion on tins subject. The more
We study the platforms laid down i'll
other States and the speeches made in
Congress, the more firmly persuaded are
we that, as the state 50 well says cit !
would he madness for those who differ |
only on the tariff question TO give vic
tory by their own divisions to ali enemy |
with whom they differ radically, not only |
on the tariff but every other question.
The exceeding cautiOusness with |
which the tariff is approached in nearly |
all tbo Democratic State Conventions in
the North ought to convince our friend
o. the Adc1ncc that il would be suicidal
for the Democrats of Virginia 10 commit
themselves 10 any ultra doctrines. Read
the New Jersey resolution adopted day
before Yesterday
at rcadopts as its rule OF political
faith and practice the resolutions of the
last Democratic National Convention.
promulgated 10y the representatives. from
every section Of the country and affirmed
by the people Of the United States in the
election OF the Democratic candidate, aB
emhodying all the doctrines and prnci-
pies necessary for the proper conduct OF
national affairs demanded by the eXl-
gencies of the present time. 1t urges
upon the representatives, of the Demo
cratic party IN Congress- the early fulfil
ment of the pledges aud promises OF
those resolutions according to their let
ter and spirit. and more especially those
wherein are demanded a reduction OF
the redundant revenue of the Govern
ment and the revision OF the tariff, UiM
due rcg0ri TO the interests Of the aOri-
cultural and manufacturing Industries
and Of labor aHd capital to be affected
Mcrc6y."
But few days ago MIR. FORAN, of
Ohio, leading Democrat, made strong
speech against tho MILLS bill. On
Thursday last Mr.. MCKINNEY. of New
Hampshire, another Democrat, did like
wise. We quote:
"He rMr Mckinney believed that
the best means of collecting the funds
necessary for the support Of the Govern
ment was by tax on imports, but he
believed that that tax should DO levied,
as far as might be, on Injuries, and that,
as far as might be- the necessaries of
life should be placed on the free list
HE was not III favor of any radical
change in the tariff laws, for the bust
ness of the country was now on a high
tariff basis, and any radical and sudden
change would disturb the business in
terests.
Even MIR. O'FERRALL declares for
tariff upon iron ore and coal, and no j
doubt favors protecting sumac, peanuts,
manufactured tobacco and other Virgil
MIA articles. 6
The Democrats OF Virginia must be as
wise as those of Connecticut, New Jer-
sey, and other States where the tariff is /
dangerous question to fool with. G