Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-18
THE PLATFORM ADOPTED.
The Paper IL on the Lines Already Indi-
Gated In the Dispatch.

Colonel Goode then submitted the report
OF this committee, which was received
with much interest, all things being con-
sidered. Below is given the platform of
the convention:
Tho representatives of the Democratic
party III Virginia, in convention assem-
bled. reaffirmlng their allegiance TO the
PRINCIPLES OF the party as formulated by
Mr. Jefferson and exemplified by long
line of illustrious Vlrglnians, and con-
graduating the people upon the benetceut
results of Democratic administration
whenever the Democratic party has had
control Of the State and Federal govern
ment. do declare:
/. The Democratic party, having founded
the public-school system of Virginia, and
having secured its efficiency by wise legis-
lation, pledges itself to the people that it
Will continue TO extend to that system q
loyal and generous support until every
child IN the Commonwealth shall receive
the benefits of an education.
PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS.
2. The Democratic party OF Virginia,
being largely composed of farmers. and
believing that the prosperity of the State
is dependent upon the success Of agncul-
ture, pledges itself that II Will. by the en-
couragement of desirable Immigration and
enactment or proper legislation. do all IN
agricultural interests ofthe State.
The Democratic party fsyors the most
rigid economy IN the administration OF the
State government. revision OF the laws
regulating the criminal expenses of the
State, and the enactment of such statutes
as will equalZe the assessments of pro-
perty returned for taxation. The meagre
returns from agriculture arouse the desire
to relieve as far as possible the lands of
tina State nv no ITDnOSit1On n taNaS Innn
ayocatlons. enterprises. and other inte-
rests which can better bear the burden,
THE OYSTER INTEREST.
A. The Democratic party Of Virginia, re-
garding the oyster industry as one OF ln-
estlmsble value TO the State. will foster IL
for the benefit or ITS own citizens: will
preserve to them the use of all natural
oyster-rocks, beds, and shoals, and will
oppose the transfer or surrender OF the
public rights therein TO individuals. cor
poratlons or syndicates. and we pledge
the patty to the correction OF all unequal
and unjust taxation which may exist upon
this great industry.
PENSIONS AND GOOD ROADS.
8. The Democratic party. OF Virginia, re.
membering the unselfish services OF her
patriotic defenders during the civil war.
and recognizing her sacred obligation To
care for her surviving sons who were
disabled during that great struggle, and
the widows of those who sacrificed their
lives, will continue to favor such liberal
appropriations within the resources OF the
State as will attend TO the accomplishment
of that end.
6. We believe that the construction OF
good roads Will largely promote the pros.
perity of our people by attracting imml-
grafton, enhancing the value OF real estate,
and securing better facilities for trans
portation tic market. We therefore ear
nestly recommend the enactment of such
legislation AS may be necessary for the i'm
provement of the condition OF the public
highways.
ENDORSE M'EIsSEY's ADMINISTRATIONS.
7. We cordially endorse the wise, patri-
otto, and judicious administration OF
Governor Mckinney We congratulate
the people OF Virginia that the settlement
of her State debt has been at last per-
fec,ed or terms alike acceptable TO her
creditors, honorable to the State, aud
within the limits OF her ability to pay.
The final and successful solution of tins
vexed question has been accomplished
under Democratic administration and
through the efforts of Democratic officials.
s. We denounce tho policy OF the Fede-
ral control Of elections to which the Re-
publican party has committed itself as
fraught with the gravest dangers. and we
demand the repeal of all congressional
legislation that countenances interference
with the freedom of elections by the APP
pointment OF Federal supervisors 20 revise
the registration iists and scrutinize the
ballots and Federal msrshals TO overaws
the people by their presence at the polls.
TARIFF REyoRM AND CURRENCY.
Q. While II 10 true that only State officers