The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1892-07-16

ON the American CONTINENT, whose
destiny is closely linked with our
own. and we view with alarm the
tendency to policy of irritation
and bluster which is liable any
time to confront US with kumiil-
alton or war. We favor the main
tenance of a navy strong enough
for all purposes of national defence,
and to properly maintain the hon.
or and dignity OF the country
abroad.
IL. This country has always been
the refuge of the oppressed from
eyery land, exiles for conciences
sake. and in the spirit of the foun-
ders of our government we con-
denim the oppression practiced by
the Russian government upon us
Lutheran and Jewish subjects, and
we call upon our national govern
ment in the interest of justice and
humanity, by all just and proper
means, to use its prompt and best
efforts to bring about cessation
of these cruel prosecutions In the
dominions of the Gar, and to Sc
cure to the oppressed equal rights
We tender our profound and ear.
nest sympathy with those lovers OF
freedom who are struggling for
home rule and the great cause OF
local self-government in Ireland:
IL We heartily approve all le-
gitimate efforts to prevent the
United States from being used as
the dumping ground for the known
criminals and professional paupers
of Europe, and we demand the rig
id enforcement of the laws against
Chinese immigration or the impor-
tation of foreign workmen under
contract, to degrade American la
Dor and lessen the wages; but we
condemn and denounce any and all
attempts to restrict the immigra-
ton of the industrious and worthy
of foreign lands.
ID. This convention hereby re-
news the expression of apprecia-
ton of the patriotism of the sol
diers and sailors of the Union in
the war for it's preservation, and
we favor just and liberal pensions
for all disabled Union soldiers,
their widows and dependents; but
we demand that the work of the
Pension Office shall be done indus
triously, impartially and honestly.
We denounce the present admins
tration of that Office as incompe-
tent, corrupt and dishonest.
Ia. The Federal government should
care for and improve the Mississippi NV
or and other great waterways of the Re-
public, SO as to secure for the interior
States easy and cheap transportation to
tide water. When any waterway Of the
republic is of sufficient importance to
demand aid of the government. such aid
should be extended in a definite plan of
continuous work unit: permanent inn
prOvement is secured.
Is. For purposes OF national defense
and the promotion Of commerce between
the States, we recognize the early con-
struction Of the Nicaragua canal and its
protection against foreign control as OF
great importance to the United States.
16 Recognizing the Worlds Columbian
Exposition as a national undertaking OF
vast importance, in which the general
government has invited the cooperation
Of all the powers of the world, aud, APP
preciating the acceptance by many OF
~ 80 f~x ,kof nxfocs1oJ
and the broad, liberal efforts being made
by them to contribute to the grandeur
Of the undertaking, we are of the opinion
that Congress should make such necces-
sary financial provision as shall be requir-
ed for the maintenance vi the national
honor and public faith.
II. Popular education being the only
safe basis OF popular suffrage, we recon-
mend to the public most liberal approp-
riations to Che public schools. Free COM
mon schools are the nursery OF good gov
eminent, and they have always received
the fostering care of the Democratic
party, which favors every means of in
creasiDg intelligence. Freedom and ed
ucation being an essential of civil and re-
ligious liberty, as we'll as a necessity for
the development of intelligence, must
not be interfered with under any pretext
whatever. We are opposed to State in
reference with parental rights AMI rights
Of conscience in the education of children
as an infringement of the fundamental
Democratic doctrine that the largest in
dividual liberty consistent with the rights
of others insures highest type OF Ameri-
can citizenship aud the best government.
Is. We approve the action Of the pre-
sent House Of Representatives in passing
bills for the admission into the Union as
States OF the Territories OF New Mexico
and Arizona, aud We favor the early ad-
mission Of all the Territories having nee
essary population sufficient TO entitT.
them to Statehood, and while they re-
main Territories we hold that the officials
appointed to administer the government