The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-24
MONDAY. AUGUST. % 1897.
THE ROANOKE CONVENTION AND
THE TARIFF.

II there IS one principle that has become
a fixed tenet Of true Democratic faith by
repeated declarations Of platforms both
state and national. it is that tariff taxa
ton should be "for the purpose Of revenue
ONLY" 1t has been around this prln-
chile that the great battles Of Democracy
have been fought. and in its defense that
its victories have been won But the
Chicago Convention. in its blind devotion
10 free silver, and in its anxiety to build
a platform upon which not only silver
Democrats, but Populists, Silver Protection
Republicans any any other mongrel poll
teal organization willing TO support free
silver. could stand, abandoned this good
old Democratic doctrine, and now that
action has been endorsed by the Roanoke
convention not only in general terms but
in the specific declaration that tariff
duty should be levied for revenue pur-
poses" instead OF for revenue "ONLY."
In view of the persistent claim of its fol-
lowers that the Chicago platform which
has recently been so heartily endorsed at
Roanoke. embOdies the true principles or
Democracy, let us notice briefly the pre-
yious declarations of the Democratic
party on this subject of tariff taxation.
From 1876 to 1860 the declarations OF the
national Democratic conventions were
for progressive free trade" From 1860
TO 1876 the national platforms were devot-
ed almost entirely TO questions involved
I'm the civil war and the reconstruction
OF the Union, but the convention OF 1876
stated tho position Of the party on the
tariff in the declaration. I'VE demand
that all custom house taxation shall be
ONLY for revenue" The convention of
1880 declared for "A tariff for revenue
ONLY" and this demand was repeated
in the platforms Of 1881, 1883 and 1892 1t
was repudiated for the first time in 1886
when the word only" was dropped.
In order 10 show even more clearly the
position of the Democratic party on this
question we will quote from the platforms
OF some Of the Democratic State conven-
lions In different sections OF the country
New Heampshire. 1876. I'VE favor
tariff for revenue ONLY
Vermont, 1876. a tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Massachusetts 1871. I'VE demand a
tariff for revenue ONLY"
Connecticut. 1876. THE tariff law should
be adjusted for the purpose OF revenue
ONLY"
New York. 1871. Government should lay
no tax on imports EXCEPT FOR REV
leNUE PURPOSES"
New York 1874. Federal taxation for
revenue ONLY
New York. 1877. 1873 and 1850. "a tariff
for revenue ONLY"
Ohio. 1871. I'VE are In favor Of a
STRICTLY REVENUE TARIFF"
Ohio, 1876 I'VE are in favor Of tariff
for revenue ONLY"
Indiana. 1870 I'VE are in favor of a tariff
Tor revenue ONLY
Michigan. 1874 I'VE demand a tariff for
revenue ONLY"
Iowa. 1871 and 1873. "A tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Minnesota. 1874, "A tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Wisconsin 1871 and 1876 "A tariff for
revenue ONLY"
Kansas. 1875 "A tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Nebraska. 1874. "A tariff FOR revenue
ONLY.
Nevada. 1878. "a tariff for revenue
ONLY"
oregon. 1872. "a tariff TO raise money
ONLY for the necessary expenses Of the
government
California, 1876. "a tariff for revenue
ONLY.
Missouri 1874. "A tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Kentucky. 1876. "A tariff for revenue
ONLY"
Texas, 1882. "a tariff for revenue
ONLY
GEORGIA. 1894 and 1896. "a tariff for
revenue ONLY"
Tho dropping Of the word "only" is
practically a population OF this Demo
cratic doctrine and an endorsement Of
tho Republican policy OF protection for
all tariffs for revenue" That this ac-
ton OF the Chicago convention was so re-
garded is shown by the speeches OF a
number OF silver Democrats in the recent
tariff debate. On June 9th Mr. Mills. Of
Texas In speech in the Senate. said:
we are told that Democratic doctrine
was the doctrine proclaimed at Chicago
by striking out the word only" In other
words. that taxation Is for the purpose
OF protection against competition and
building UP Of rich and powerful class.