Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-10-01
SATURDAY. OCTOBER /. 1892.
Massachusetts Democratic Platform.

masStcuuSettS OemOCratlC EldtlOIiu'
When the Democrats Of Massachusetts,
Jay down platform they generally lay
down one which contains something
worthy OF consideration. They do not en-
ploy words 10 conceal their wishes or in
tentions, but TO express their convictions
as Democrats true to the principles of the
founders OF the republic and the trainers
of the Federal Constitution. For this rea-
son We have carefully read the platform
adopted by the Democratic State Conven-
ton Of Massachusetts, a few days ago. 1t
is document worthy to come from State
whose Democrats have remained true to
Jefiersonian principles under the most un-
favorable circumstances. Let IA note
some of its salient features.
The first thing that strikes US is the de-
msnd for longer free list. Massachusetts,
Is manufacturing State. but does not file
the plea that she has Infant industries
which need protection. On the contrary.
she demands for the true development OF
her "great industries that raw materials
shall be admitted free OF duty. She names
particularly wool, coal. iron, lumber, and
oil drugs, dyes, and chemicals used in her
manufacturing enterprises. There is no
discrimination here. but candid state
ment of what articles Massachusetts, de-
sires TO secure free of customs-duties.
The Massachusetts, Democracy do not
credit the ayerment OF the Republican
malignants that the force bill will not DO
pressed to its passage. but pronouDces 1t a
measure which menaces the political
liberties of all our people. North and South,
and predicts that that bill will be enacted
into law if the Republicans secure con-
troll of the Senate. House of Representa-
tives, and presidency.
Massachusetts, has been regarded as
State that was devoted to the national
banking system. We were rather sur
prised, therefore, TO find in the platform
of her Democracy the following plank. We
quote
ave believe that as tho circulating-note fea-
lures OF the national banking system are be-
coming obsolete In consequence OF the contrac-
tion Of the basis OF circulation, 1t Is
necessary that some expsdient should be
found for the issuance and Withdrawal as
the needs Of trade may demand, Of credit
as may be thought desirable. Hence we advo-
cato the issue and withdrawal Of credit notes
according 10 the necessities OF trade. We ad 90
cate the removal Of the national tar upon such
circulating notes OF state banks as are so Sc
cured that their prompt redemption in lawful
ynvney will always be certain"
We have mot seen our way clear TO the
advocacy of any new system of issuing
-
present banking system could be i'm
proved upon. But this resolution coming
from the Democracy OF the Old Bay State,
where sounder fnanciers may be found
than IN New York. suggests that the ma
tional tax,on the State circulating notes may
be safely removed in the case of all circu-
lating notes whose =" prompt redemption in
lawful money will always be certain" But
the Massachusetts, Democrats expressly
stipulate that whatever credit notes may
be Issued by the State banks must be is
sued under Federal supervision" This
is tlcklish question. and we will not DIS
cuss il. II has not taken such shape as
would Justify the Democrats of Virginia
in going farther than the Democrats of
Massachusetts, have gone. The Chicago
platform contains simply the plain decla-
ration that the national Democracy
favor the removal of the government tax
on the circulating notes of State banks.
The Democrats of Virginia will in due
time find work to do on the silver ques-
ton, and ON all the questions which are
involved in the proposition to abolish
the government tax on State-bank notes.
1t is worthy of mention that the Demo-
Gratis of Massachusetts, declare for the
repeal OF the dangerous Republican silver
act of 1890. We are with them in this
declaration. We claim that that act re-
duced silver to the condition of mere
commodity. and consequently that 1T will
be impossible to bring silver to an equality
with gold so long as that act remains in
force.
Altogether the Massachusetts, Demo-
cratic platform is good one.