The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-09-01


rich, Iii base, un-Amcrican and anti
social effort 10 obtain votes by CREATING
ana stimulating a passionate CQuss-
hatred among our people. We appeal to
our Democratic fellowc.tizens seriously
to consider this which IS the gyavest fea-
ture of the pending elections. How long
can our Democratic institutions en(.ure
IL this assault upon them succeeds? The
Ch.cago platform attacks the constitu-
ton both in it's letter and spirit. 1T
threatens to overcome decisions OF the
Supr> me court displeasinE to the party
caucus by packing the court through an
increase of the number of judges. thus.
striking a deadly blow at the vital con-
stitu,ional principle of the independence
or the judiciary. In the guise of resent
ing the exercise of the constitutional
powers of the Federal Executive to pro-
tect the transportation OF the mails, TO
several states and 10 Snforce the de-
crees of the Federal courts when re-
sisted by force and riot.
In proposing to open the mints of the
United States to the free coinage OF
silver at the ratio OF 16 to /, whsn the
relative market values of silver and
gold are now in the proportion of SO to /,
the chicago platform threatens a par
tial reputation of that public - BIT.
the validity of which the constitution
declares shall not be questioned"
1t contomDtuously omits all reference
10 the administration of the only Demo-
crat who in this generation has had the
Presidential office and whose integrity
OF purpose and firm determination to
maintain the national honor has been
acknowledged by all classes OF his fell
low citizens.
We heartily commend the admins
tration of Grover Cleveland. lie has
been loval to the principles of true
Democracy. His administration has
been efficient. honorable and economi-
cal. He deserves the thanks of the
whole people and he will receive the
praise OF grateful poxterity.
We hold that it is the duty of the
Government of the United States in the
exercise of its constitutional functions
in respect to coinage and currency 10
follow and not to force the preferences
of the people. The gold standard is a
monetary fact which cannot be changed
Dv act of Congress. In the face of long
continued existence of that standard in
the United States and the unmiatakable
worldwide selection of gold in prefer
cnce to silver as n monetary standard
anV attempt to tamper wit that Sta i'd
ard is vicious in principle. dishonest in
practice. destructive of confidence and
Thoroughly n-Dcmocratic. We are
therefore. in favor of n firm and uuVary-
ing maintenance of the present gold
standard OF value SO long as that stand
ard continues to be monetary fact.
We l!eve that the Federal govern
Hic!it sHOulu pe divorced from the DuS!-
ness of banking: and therefore demand
the repeal of all laws authorizing the is-
sue OF legal tender or treasury not : by
the government or the relssuing of such
notes when they have only been redeem-
ID in gold We favor the enactment by
Congress of such legislation as Will per-
init the establishment of q banking cur
rcncy ample In volume for the needs
OF business, readily adjusting itself TO
such needs, absolutely secure in every
contingency and Il; ell times redeema BILE
In gold.
We are opposed to Republican pro-
lection. We recognize in protection, by
which tho Federal power of taxation on
imports Is exercised for the benefit of a
class. the mainstay of trust. the parent
OF monopoly, the fruitful source of the
present political dangers which threa ten
the nation. The silv + agitation began
in the efforts of the producers of silver TO
obtain higher price for the product;
and they have as much right TO seek
the influence of the governm mt in their
behalf thowever fruitless ii may bel as
have the manufacturers of steel or cot
tons
The Rlamd-Allson act of 1878 and the
so-called Sherman act Of 1880 were meas
ures largely designed 10 afford protec-
ton to the producers OF silver; and the
latter act under which from 1890 to 1893,
The government. of the United States
purchaS monthly 100000 ounces OF
silver nearly SIX tons daily, and issued
treasury notes therefor and thereby pro-
duced such distrust of the power Of
the government to maintain the stand
crd of value that to ii far more than to
any other influ nee is due the business
depression Of the los. three years and
the consequent free silver agitation which
finds in that depression its only hope
of success.
We beliave the enforcement OF the sill
Yer service laws is essential 10 an efHc-
lent administration OF the public bus!-
ness and we commend the extension OF
those laws by President CT veland to
the remainder of the un-classhed SER
vice.
AS Democrats loyal to the mainte-
nance of the Constitution and Jealous
in our support OF the credit and honor
of our country we cannot endorse the
candidates nominated at Chicago. nor
the champion of Republican prohibltory
protection nominated al 81. Louis.
We declare, therefore, that the ap-
preaching convention at Indianapolis
should nominate on a Democratic plat
form Democratic candidates to whom
we pledge our hearty support and we
instruct the delegates to that convent ton
to use every effort TO bring abou. such
nominations.
After the adoption of the platform
electors at large and delegates to In
dianapolis were selected. Among the
latter are: Patrick ]. Gleason Horat.o
c. King, Perry Belmont. Theodore Su-
tro. John Dewitt Warner. John II. Eel
lows. Oscar s. Strauss, Charles r. Mil.
Ter, and Simon Stern.
a Ton, ATrA