New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-04


lcntless opposition to the Republican policy OF
proiiigatc expenditure. which, in the short space
of two years. has squandered an enormous sur
plus and empted an overlooking Treasury after
Iiling new burdens of taxation upon the already
| overtaXed labor of the country"
Second-"We denounce Republican protection
fraud. robbery Of the great majority OK
the American people for the benefit of the few.
We declare it to be fundamental principle OF
the Democratic party that the Federal Govern
ment has no constitutional power to impose ana
collect tariff duties, except for the purpose OF
revenue only, and We demand that the collection
Of such taxes shall be limited to the necessities
of the Government, when honestly and economic
cay administered. We denOuncc the Mckinley
Tariff law. enacted by the List Congress, as the
eliminating atrOcty OF class legislation De-
MED also that there had been any increase or
prosperity under Protection and declared that
the homes and farms OF the country had, under
that system, become burdened with mortgage
debt OF S250OOOOOOO
Third-Denounced the sham reciprocity OF
establishing closer relations between country
whose exports were almost exclusively agricul-
tural and other agricultural countries, whle
erecting a custom house barrier against coup-
tries which stood ready to take our entire syfplus
Of products in exchange for the necessaries and
comforts Of life among our people,
Fourth--Opposed trusts.
Fifth--Denounced the Republican party for
land grants to railroads and claimed FOR the
Democratic party the credit OF having forfeited
nearly 1OO,0O.OOO acres Of unearned land grants
and restored them to the public domain. -
Sixth-Denounced the Sherman Silver law as
'cOwardy makeshft." Held to the coinage OF
both gold and silver. without discrimination or
charge for mintage, but declared that silver and
gold dollars must be of equal intrinsic and ex,
changeable value. Favored international
conference or such legislation would maintain
the parity Of gold and silver.
Seventh Recommends repeal of the III per
cent tax State banks.
Eighth-Reaffirmed devotion to Civil Service
reform and denounced the denomination OF Pres
dent Harrison by delegations composed large
ly Of oflice-holders
Ninth-Favored friendly relations with foreign
Powers. viewed with alarm policy of irrita-
ton and buster. and favored n Navy strong
enough for National defence
-Sympathized with Home Rule in Ire
land. and with the oppressed LutEerans and
Jews in Russia.
Eleventh-O Opposed criminal paupor and con-
tract immigration.
Twelfth-Favored just and liberal pensions,
hut denounced the present Pension Office as in
competent, corrupt and dishonest
Thirteenth--Favored Improvement of all the
great waterways Of the Republic.
Fourteenth--:'ayored protection of the Mica
ragua Canal against foreign control.
Ffteenth-Favored aid for the Worlds Fair.
SiXteenth-Favorcd free common schools and
opposed State interference with parental rights
and rights Of conscience in the education of chill
drcn
seventeenth-Favored early admission of all
the Territories and appointment of Federal off-
Gals from the residents thereof
Eighteenth-Favored protection to life and
limb of railroad employees denounced the sweat
ing system, contract ccrvict labor, and employ
ment in factories of children under fifteen years
of age.
an interference with the individual rights Of
the citizen.
PEOPLES PARTY.
For Presdent-General James b. Weaver. OF
Iowa, formerly Greenback Imitation Member
For Vice Presdent-James c. Field of Virginia.
Convention held in Omaha July =. and D, 1882.
PLATFORM
First-Declared in long preamble that the
Nation had been brought to the verge of political
and material ruin. The people were demoraliZed
by intimidation or bribery: the newspapers were
largely subsidized muZzed; business was
Frustrated and homes were covered with mort
cages; urban workmen were denied the right to
organize for self protection: imported pauperS
beat down wages; hireling army was employed
Ia shoot down workngmen: the fruits OF toll were
boldly stolen to build colossal fortunes for
few: the country was breeding 'trabnpS and
mionail,s": the public debt had been funded
into gold hearing bonds to enrich bondholders;
silver had been demonetized: vast conspiracy
had been organized on two continents to drown
the uproar Of pundered people in sham battle
over the tariff; prices were falling; the currency
was inadequate; rings and combines oppressed
the poor. etc.
Second-Demanded a National currency. safe.
sound and flexible to be full legal tender for
all debts without the use of banking corpora
tons. and the loan of this money to the people
at . per cent, provided In the Sub-Treasury
plan of the Farmers Alliance Demanded un.
limited free coinage OF silver at the ratio OF III
TO l. the circulation to be Increased to 900 per
capita a graduated income tax, revenues to be
limited to the necessities Of the Government, and
establishment Of postal savings banks
Third-Demanded Government ownership OK
railroads telegraph and telephone lines.
Fourth-Demanded reclamation OF all lands
held by aliens and by railroads In excess OF their
actual needs To be held for actual settlers only.
Fifth--Demanded free ballot, without FED
erai Interference and favored the Australian
system. ,,,,
siOns.