Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-05-27


wards bringing about an absolutely equal di-
vision of the delegation and everything that
was implied between these two forces, and
that the forces known as the Cleveland forces
were to have the organization of this conven-
ton. Both sides had the impression that they
controlled the convention. L had my indi-
vidual belief, which is probably pretty we'll
known to you; but believed that compro-
mise was absolutely essential.
This is not an election, gentlemen, as it
would seem many of you have so considered.
This is mere preliminary to it, and harmony
is infinitely more essential and important
than any OF these things which we are willing
to sacrifice, or the advantage that some of us
thought we coul' ,ssess. This is the under
standing as near as the English language is
capable of clearly and plainly stating it. and
If any of us are capable of comprehending the
English language, that is what it is; that this
body of seven men decided they would use
their influence with their friends to bring
about this condition Of affairs.
Now, if this same bad blood is to be brought
up, for one don't want to be delegate
under such circumstances. don't want any,
thing to do with it. II I am not Cleveland
man there is not Cleveland man here. l
would vote for Cleveland as long as l could
stand and utter my vote. That is my posi-
tion and nobody who has known me has ever
doubted it, but think if Cleveland himself
was here, he would take this very stand, and
any friend of his who goes further than that
does SO without authority. But do not wish
to be considered as in the attitude of die
tating.
Colonel Fulkerson Did not the delegates
at the Theatre pass this agreement, OF resolu-
ton, that we would adopt this agreement with
this resolution? We are all bound by that
What are we going to do with it? (Cries OF
sit DOWN.
Mr. Gordon resuming: I was not there
am not qualified to speak. l do not speak in
representative capacity. 1 appeal to you
simply for what work I may have done in the
past and Just merely asking you to believe
me as an ordinary, honest man. That was
the understanding, So far as know it, and
do not think it would be good faith for any
OF US who are pledged to keep that agreement
to deviate from this plan prolonged
cheers.)
Gen. Fitz. Lee followed in the same strain.
The Chair finally put Judge Rhea's motion
to reconsider the resolution adopted in the
morning. Colonel Thomas Smith of Fauquier,
moved to lay the matter on the table, The
motion was carried by large majority.
RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT FOR MIR.
BARBOUR.
A resolution of respect for the memory Ct
the late Senator Barbour was adopted.
THE PLATFORM.
The following platform was reported by
the committee:
We, the representatives of the Democratic
party OF Virginia in convention assembled, in
ed in the approaching presidential election,
and remembering that the success of the cause
which we hold so dear can only be achieved
through united and harmonious action and by
the cultivation OF spirit of unselfish and dis
interested patriotism, do declare
/. That in our deliberate Judgment it is alb
solutely essential to the success Of our candi-
dates and our principles in the coming presi-
Dental contest, that all personal rvalries and
jealousieS among our leaders ana their adj
herentS should be buried and forgotten; that
the practice Of elimination and recrimination
already too much INDUCED in, should no long
er be tolerated; that as brethren of the same
| political household, and cherishing the same
political faith, we should cultivate spirit of
Cancellation, concession and compromise, and
| that our watchword should be Everything
| for the cause and nothing for men,
ADHERE TO CARDINAL PRINCIPLES.
| 2. We still maintain our allegiance to those
cardinal principles of government which we
| have been taught to cherish as the sheet
| anchor OF our safety and the palladium of our
| liberties We do not believe that all the bar
riers of the Constitution have been broken
down, that all its limitations of power have
| been removed, that the federal character of
the republic has been destroyed and that the
government of Well-deflned and limited pow
erS created by our fathers has been converted
into consolidated empire. We believe that
the Union is to be indissoluble but that it is
to be an indissoluble Union Of free and indie
structble States''
| s. That there has never been time in our
history when it was more important to oppose
the centralizing tendencies of the General
| Government and to maintain the States
rights doctrine of strict construction. If we
would preserve our liberties we must guard
with ceaseless vigilance the right of local
| self-gOvernment and the reserved powers Of
the States III under the Constitution While
are overthrown the republic will perish.
THE FORCE BILL CONDEMNED.
4. That we desire to place upon record our
| earnest protest and solemn remonstrance
| against any renewal of the attempt by those
in authority to secure the passage of the
s'Force bill" believing as we do that the en-
actment OF that unconstitutional and infa-
nous measure would not only be wholly de-
| Structive of the autonomy of the States and
utterly subversive of the liberties of the peo-
pie, but that it would seriously imperil the
| peace of our homes and the safety of our soci-
ETY..
| 5. That tariff is a tax, that all unnecessa-
| ny taxation is unjust taxation, that the Gov
eminent has no power under the Constitution
to collect from the people any money except
what is necessary to defray the expenses OF
| its economical administration, that one class
| of our people should not be required to paw
| tribute money for the benefit of another class,
and that the burden of government should be
imposed upou the luXuries and not upon the
necessarieS Of life.
6. That we favor the unconditional and i'm
mediate abolition of the internal revenue sys-
tem-a nursery for spies and infOrmers, a
menace to the freedom of elections, an intol-
cradle burden on the taxpayers, source of
the greatest corruption in its practical opera
tions, special burden on the State and her
interests
THE OLD PLATFORM REAFFIRMED.
7. That we reafirm the Virginia Democrat.
ic platform OF 1889, upon which Philip W.
Nc chimney was elected Governor of Virginia,
and all the provisions thereof. We congratu-
late our Governor upon his excellent admin
istration, and especially upon the fact that it
has been signalized by the settlement through
wise legislation Of the long-veXed issue, the
State debt: We reattirm. also, the national
Democratic platform of 1884 and 1888, and
upon which we believe the Democratic party
of the whole country can and will unite and
elect President. 1.-THE Virginia platform of
1889 advocates free silver and the National
platform OF 1888 heartily endorses Grover
Cleveland.-ED. VINDICATOR7
8. Regarding the agricultural interest as
the basis OF natural prosperity we favor ma
tional policy calculated to foster and encour-
age it, and, to this end, we reafflrm our belief
in tariff reform, and demand an increase in
the volume of currency to an extent sufficient
| for the commercial and agricultural needs OF
the country.
9. That we invoke the candid Judgment of
| the American people upon the wasteful and
reckless extravagance Of the Fifty first Con-
greSs OF the United States, commonly known
| as the Billion Dollar Congress- which so
quickly squandered the surplus which had
been accumulated in the Treasury by the last
Democratic Administration.
10. That we endorse the wise economy, the
clean and honest methods, and the non-sec-