The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-07-18
THE PLATFORM.

L EOhoWlhB 10 buo btAb VI bue plhb-
form of the Democratic Party of
Pennsylvania, adopted at Scranton:
The Democrats of Pennsylvania, by
their representatives in state conven-
ton assembled, renewing their former
pledges Of fidelity and deYotion to the
sacred rights of the people and the
state, do declare:
First--That ballot reform is neces-
sary, and TO this end the necessity for the
assembling of national constitutional
convention for the purpose Of remov-
ing the marked ballot clause Of the
constitution, 80 that the laws may be
constitutionally enacted for the assur-
anoe of the secrecy of the ballot and
the freedom of the voter, is recognized
as imperative and unavoidable.
Second-That tariff reform is nee
essary in order that manufacturers
may be freed from the burden of un-
necessary taxes on raw materials, the
laborer relieved from taxation on the
necessities of life, aud the consuming
millions disburdened of the incubus of
excessive revenues laid only for the
production of surplus which becomes
the spoil Of party parasites and public
plunderers.
Third-That local tax reform is ne
cessary in order that the taxation for
county, municipal and township pur-
oses may be equalized, that unjust
discrimination against land values and
in favor Of certain kinds of personal
property under existing laws may be
corrected, and that the farmer may be
relieved of the double tax on the val
ne of his farm and the principal of the
mortgage which may stand against it.
Fourth-That the law requiring
that the surplus in the state treasury
shall be invested in state or United
States bonds must be observed and
executed.
Fiith-That we recur with pride to
the administration of ex-President
Grover Cleveland and challenge COM
parison of the courage, fidelity and in
tegrity of that administration, with
the duplicity, vacillation and corrupt
surroundings of that now in power.
Sixth-The silence of M. s. Quay
under the charges which have been
made against him through the public
press can only be interpreted as con-
fession of his guilt, and his retention
of seat in the United States senate
while refusing to demand legal in
vestigation is national scandal.
Seventh-That the right to be APP
prenticed to trade should not be sub
iect to the restriction of race or nativ-
ity, but should be enjoyed equally by
the youth Of state without distinction,
except as to merit.
Eighth-That we deprecate aud de-
nounce unequal apportionment of the
districts for the election of Representa-.
tives in congress, and believe that the
voters of the state should be allowed
to make their own apportionmeuts,
which they could do if no apportion-
ments were made by law ana each vot-
er were permitted to cast one vote for
one candidate for congress and no
more.
We accept the issue of Quayism ten
dered by the late Republican conven-
ton, and we array the Republican
party for its usurpition of powers in
the administration of the federal gov
ernment which the people of the states
have not granted; for placing in the
hands of dictator, in the chair of the
speaker of the federal house of repre-
sentative, the power to legislate for
the representatives of the whole peo
pie, for its open disregard for the pro-
visions of the civil service law, whicE
the president of its choice was solemn
ly pledged to support; for its failure to
fulfil its promises to the honorably dis
charged soldier of the Union; for its
| ceaseless efforts to promote sectional
strife and disturb the tranquility of
the country; for the lavish and reckless
expenditure of the public moneys; for
the passage through the house of re-
presentatives of tariff bill which in
creases the taxes on necessaries, re-
duces only those laid upon luxuries,
and is calculated to promote and fos-
ter trusts; for its failure to enforce the
llsws against the importation of con-
tract and pauper laborers; for its at
tempt to pass federal election law
designed to excite a race war; aud,
| uudily anu espsCldll1, lOi lLb lnulhcl-
ence to the rights of labor; its defeat
of the labor bills in the last legislature;
its failure to enforce Articles 16 and
27 of the constitution by proper legis-
lation; its corrupt methods IN popular
elections, and its cringing Subserviency
of party boss, who stands mute be-
fore the most terrible inculpation ever
charged against public official.
Recalling with pride the glories OF
the partys past, rejoicing in the maj
esty of its present strength and look
ing forward to its speedy triumph
throughout the country, we confident
ly appeal to the intelligence and integ-
rity of the people of Pennsylvania for
their active aud enthusiastic support
of the political reforms this day in
scribed upon the standard of united,
progressive and aggressive Democracy
| We sympathize with the relatives
> and friends of the victims of the ap-
8 palling disaster at the Hill Farm mine
. and demand of the Legislature the
, prompt enactment of measures for the
. more effectual protection of the labor
ers in the mines.
, We commend favorsbly to the con
sideration of our senators and repre-
a sentatives in congress the claims ot
the citizens of our border counties fol
losses sustained during the rebellion