Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-09-11
Republican Platform.
Adopted at Topeka. Sept, 4, 1890.

Adopted at Topeka. Sept, 4, 1890.
me Republicans of the State of Kansas,
now assembled in a convention composed
of more than 500 delegates, each county be-
ing represented by duly accredited mem
bers declare their continued adherence to
the cardinal principles of the National Re-
publican party; express their admiration
and gratitude for its past services and re-
cord their conviction that in its future ad-
mnistration of public affairs, it will quickly
respond to every demand of the people and
guided by the light of experience its legis'a-
tion will be dictated by thoughtful regard
for the best interests of the whole people of
this Nation.
The Republ can party was born of great
public necessity. Its early youth was spent
in successful opposition to the extension of
slavery. 1t c. mmenced its glorious legisla-
tive career by the passage of the Homestead
act, the most beneficial law in its results
ever framed by the American Congress. 1t
maintained National supremacy and pre-
served National unity against great rebel
lion at home and threatened interference
from abroad, through four years of the most
colossal warfare recorded in history.
By its guiding energies n gigantic rebel
lion was suppressed, an indestructible
union OF states perpetuated and the SUI
premacy Of the Union over til, States COM
p sing It forever established. Through its
efforts slavery went down in the ruins OF
ie Southern CO nfeGcracy. AslIve race was
emancfpatcd and gu raHteed all the rights
of American citiZ2nSi ip. 1t embodied the
political truths enumerated in the Declare
ton of independence in constitutional pro-
vi ions and Congressional enactments.
1t has extended our National domain
by the acquisition of Alaska and has
added TO the Union the magnificent
States of Kansas, West Virginia, Nevada,
Nebraska, Colorado North Dakota, South
Dakoti, Washington, Montana, Idaho and
Wyoming. 1t as maintained the public
credit in peace and war. has largely de-
creased the enormous public debt created
by the war and protected the issue of
greenbacks from judicial population.
1t has protected our infant industries, as
sisted material development and improved
the public service. The legislation of tho
State of Kansas is more efficient in the pro-
lection of the rights and more favorable to
the interests of the agricultural and labor
ing classes than that of any other State in
the Union.
The house and lot of the laborcr and the
farm Of the agriculturist are exempt from
forced sale. The school b oks, library,
pictures, musical instruments, all the wear
ing apparel of the families, the household
furniture, the meat, groceries, vegetables
and fuel, the horse, cow and all the neces-
sary tools of both are not subject to execu-
ton or attachment Tho earnings of a la
borer necessary to support of his family
are protected from creditors. span of
horses. two cows, ten hogs, twenty sheep
and his farming utensils are reserved to the
use of the farmer against all forced process
of the law. The exemption from all taxa
ton of 5000 of persO al property results en-
tirely to the benefit of the poor man.
Provision is made by law whereby rail
road contractors have to give bond for the
payment of the laborer. Every person per-
forming work or furnishing material for the
construction CT houses are assured payment
under the provisions Of a benefcent me-
chanics' lien law. Alllaborers must be paid
in lawful money of the United States and no
one is compelled tor. ceive a check, draft or
order on a store.
Stringent enac;mCnt5 are made for the
protection of the health and life of those
engaged in coal mining. The railroad COM
employe occasioned by the negligence of its
agents or other employees. The earnings of
a laborer are protected against garnish-
ment. Arbitration between the laborer
and employer is provided for. The
rights o: apprentices are carefully guarded.
Provision is made for the organization of
cooperative societies whereby they enjoy
all the rights, privileges and powers that
are conferred on other corporations.
This liberal legisl4 tion aided by the alb
sence of the open saloon and stimulated by
a magnificent system of common schools is
the primary cause of our rapid settlement
and most marvellous material development
The Republican party has had uninter- |
rupted control of the legislation of this State
ever since its admission into the Union, and |
these laws demonstrate its speedy response |
to every worthy demand made for the pro- |
lection of the rights of the people.
We are in favor of the principle of protec- |
ton as expounded by that great leader of |
Republican thought and policy, Hon. James |
g. Blaine, and its enforcement to the |
extent of giving the American citizen !
an advantage over the foreign producer |
thus enabling him to maintain his industry |
and to make such a fair profit as will induce |
Others to embark in the same business, be- |
ieving such policy increases the wages of |
labor, creates go; home market and re-
suits to the benefit of all classes. We want /
the same degree of protection to be given
agricultural products that is extended to all |
Other int rests. The C numerical and indus
trial Interests demand a tariff whose maxi
mum will not retard the growth of foreign /
trade or unnaturally stimulate prices at /
home, and whose minimum will afford ample
to every legitimate industry. /
arih beyond such a maximum is legislation
N the interest of a favored few, while a
ariff below such a minimum is legislation
against labor.
We believe 1t to be the highest dictate Of
The commercial policy of this country to
cultivate the most intimate as well as the
most extended commercial relations with
Dur sister republics of the two American
continents and that it would be wise and /
so TO adjust our tariff laws as to
promote this end, and at the same time to
adopt such legis alive policy as will com
pei ali countries that have exercised a de-
.ermined discrimination against American
n. mi
Of Kansas by reason Of its geographical DO
;ition and the character of its products Is
most favorabIy situated for the establish
nent cf a large and remunerative trade
With the neighborsng republic of Mexico,
md we favor the enactment of laws for fos-
er.ng and encouraging the interchange Of
he products of the two countries.