The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-08-05
FOR PLAIN STATEMENT.

FOR PLAIN Nifi y h'--N'.
In an editorial published in this paper
Yesterday. attention was called to what
has been termed the anarchy plank of
the Chicago platform. and it was stated
that in our opinion the history and pur-
pose Of that plank were not understood
bv the vast majority Of voters who sup
ported that platform That these voters
were law-abiding citizens whose represen-
tatives had placed them in a false posi-
ton. and that the true intent of Altgeld
and Debs was not known to the Demo
cratic voters st has been stated. without
contradiction. so far as we know. that
Altgcld insisted upon the plank which
denounced government by injunction as
a new and highly dangerous form of op-
press On" and promised that with that
plank in the platform, he could carry the
state Of Illinois FOR the Chicago
party.
It is also well known that when Debs
and his followers were destroying the
railroads OF Chicago. and threatening in
terstate commerce throughout the United
States. that he was enjoined from per
forming these unlawful acts by the au-
thority OF the United States Court. It
was this action which stopped the career
of blood and fire which he had inaugu-
rated. and restored peace. leaving every
man to ntigats his right at the law.
The denunclaton Of this action, (Which
was hailed by all the law abiding clti-
gems as the very salvation Of the country
brought upon this plank of the Chicago
platform the odium of being subservient
10 the wishes of those who were known TO
be I'm sympathy with the utmost lawless-
ness.
We are told that this was not the inten-
ton Of the Chicago platform, that that
branch OF the Democratic party is not
Justly liable TO any such impuiation ii
this denial is true, it is high time that it
was being made in authoritative form,
and the opportunity will be given at Roa-
noke for The Virginia free silver Demo
Gratis to say in unmistakable language
really what they do mean.
II they have been unjustly charged with
this great onense against civilization. The
Times. for one. will most joyfully an
nounce the fact, though we must think
that they ought to have stated it much
sooner.
A silverite friend declares that while
he would have advocated an explanation
il il had not been demanded of him. he
will not give a reason under compul-
sion" and that The Times in asking what
is the meaning of this disputed plank, is
.hwarting the very object 1t has in view
Of ascertainng what are the principles of
the Virginia silver Democrats. These, it
is understood. Will accept any Pythan
juggle of words capable OF mephitic inter-
probation. before they VIII condescend to
bring forth their righteousness as the
light or their judgment as the noon-day."
why cannot these Virginia gentlemen
who win be at the Roanoke State Conven-
ton distinctly say what they really mean.
so that the people can understand them?
There is no childish dare in asking for
an Interpretation OF doubtful language.
There are people Of this Commonwealth
who want to know, and are reasonably
entitled 10 know. And while they are
giving explanations they might as well
include that provision of their platform,
which provides for another Constitution
OF the Supreme Court Of the United
States. and for the reversal of the income
tax decision.
Now we are for an income tax. but we
are not for revolutionizing the supreme
Court in order to accomplish our wishes.
IL would have been very easy to have
made all this matter plain. and now that
these subjects are in doubt, il will be very
easy for the doubts to be resolved if there
is any desire to DO 50.