Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-05-22
0. T. MARSH, WOODSTOCK
POLITICAL PLATFORMS.
The First Que Was Built by the Demo-
CRITIC Party In 1889,

The FIRST ONO was Built by the Demo-
cratic Party In 1889.
No political party held national
convention prior to 1881 or adopted
platform of principles prior to
1882. Before these dates nomina-
tons were made by congressional
caucuses and by the several legisla-
lures.
The anti Masonic party was the
first to hold national convention.
This was convened in Baltimore
Sept. &c, 1881 1t named William
Writ for president, but adopted no
platform. This example was follow
ed by the Wings, who met in De-
cember of tho same year and pat
Henry Clay in nomination, but
framed no declaration of principles.
1t was not until the Democratic
party met in convention, also in
Baltimore, Harch %, 1882, that tho
modern custom of stating the issues
of the campaign was inaugursted.
In those days politicians were brief.
Here is the first national platform:
Resolved That an adequate protection to
American industry is Indispensable to the pros
perity OF The country, and that nn abandon
mcnt of TIC policy at this period would be
attended with consequences ruinous to the
best interests of the nation.
Resolved, That II uniform system of internal
imp ovcIiiuns sustained and supported by the
general govel nlncnt is calculated to secure, in
the highest degree, the harmony, the strength
and rermanency of the republic.
Resolved, That the indscliminate removal
of public officers for the mere difference Of pO
itical opinion is 81 oss abuse Of power, and
that the doctrine lately boldly preached in tho
United States senate that TO the victors be-
long the spells Of the vaEQuishcd is detri
mental TO nc interests, corrupting to the
morals and dangerous to the liberties Of the
country.
Here is the first platform of the
historic opponents of the Democrat.
ic party. The Wings adopted it in
1886, when they named Harrison
and Granger:
Resolved, That in support of our cause we
invite all citizens opposed to Martin Van Blu
rem and the Baltimore nominees.
Resolved, That Martin Van Buren,, by in
triguing with the executive TO obtain his in
fucncc TO elect Lin to the presidency, has set
an example danger ous TO our freedom and cor.
rIpting 10 our free institutions.
FL solved, That tho support We render to
William Fl. Harrison is by no means given 10
him solely on account of his brilliant and sue
ccssfrl services Us leader Of our armies during
the last war; but that III him we view also tho
man Of high intellect, the stern patriot I'M
contaminated by the machinery Of hacxneycd
politicians; Ian Of the school of Washington.
Resolved, That in Francis Granger recog
niZc one Of our most distinguished fellow citi-
zcns, whose talents we admire and whose
principles We sanction.
1t will be noticed that tho forego-
ing platform has more to say about
the personalities of candidates than
about issues OF principles.
The Wing platform of 1874 en-
bodied this concise declaration,
which has not been exceeded in
those qualities that go to make the
model controversial document:
Resolved That these principles may be sum-
med up as comprising well regulated ma
tional currency; tariff for revenue TO defray
the necessary expenses of the government, and
discriminating With special reference to the
protection Of lie domestic lalor Of the coun-
try, tho distlilU,icn of Tie proceeds from tho
sale Of public LANDS, y single term for the pres
idency, lciCill Ct executive usurI ion and
generally such an Gtln.nis,I aticn If tho affairs
of the country AZ slall imlart to every branch
Of the public sclviCc tie greatest practical
efficiency. controlled by we'll regulated and
wise economy.
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