The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1897-05-16
POLITICAL PLATFORMS.
The First One H&s Built by the Demo-
cratic Party In Ih3g.

A"e Eirse One " a. Built by the Demo-
cratic Party In IS32.
No political party held a national
convention prior to 1881 or adopted
platform of principles prior to
1882. Before these dates nomina-
tlons We're made by congressional
caucuses and by the several legisla-
lures.
The and-Masonic party was the
first to held national convention.
This was convened in Baltimore
Sept. 26, 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 the same year and rut
Henry Clay in nomination, but
framed no declaration of principles.
1t was not until the Democratic
party met in convention, also in
Baltimore, March %, 1882, that the
modern custom of stating the issues
of the campaign was inaugurated.
In those days politicians were brief.
Here is the FIRST national platform:
Resolved, That an adequate protection TO
American industry j. Indispensable to the pros
perity Of the country, and that an abandon
ment Of the policy Rt this period would Dc
attended with consequences ruinous to the
best interests of the nation.
Resolved, That uniform system Of internal
Improvements sustained and supported by the
general government is calculated TO secure. in
| the highest degree, the harmony, the strength
and permanency Of the republic.
- rirr,frt n
of public officers for the mere difference OF po-
litical opinion is a gross abuse Of power. and
that the doctrine lately boldly preached In the
| United States senate that TO the victors be-
/ long the spoils Of the vanquishcd Is dctri-
/ mental to the interests corrupting 10 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
1896, when they named Harrison
and Granger:
Resolved, That in support Of our cause we
| invite all citizens opposed TO Martin Van Blu
rem ard the Baltimore nominees.
Resolved, That Martin Van Burcn. by in
| triguing with the executive 10 obtain his in
| fuence 10 elect HIM to the presidency, has SCI
| an example dangerous TO our freedom and cor
! rupting TO our free institutions.
Resolved, That the support VIC render e
| William H. Harrison Is By no means given q
him solely on account Of his brilliant and sue
ccssful services Is leader Of our armies during
the last war, but that in him view also IA,
man Of high intcllcct, the stern patriot, un
contaminated hy the machinery 81 haclncyct
politicians-a man Of the school % Washington
| Resolved, That in Francis Granger we rccug
nize one Of our most distinguished fellow citi
zens whose talents we admire and who's,
/ principles we sanction.
1t will be noticed that the fOrCgo
ing platform has more To say about
the personalities of candidates thar
about issues or principles.
The Wing platform of 1914 EN-
bodied this concise declaration
which has not been exceeded il
those qualities that go to make tn,
model controversial document:
Resolved, That these principles may lc sum
med up comprising a well regulated ua
tional currency; n tariff for revenue 20 dcfrsl,
the necessary expenses Of the government am
discriminating with special reference 90 In
! protection Of the domestic labor ~ the cuuu
try, the distribution of the proceeds from tn
sale Of public lands single term FOR tho prt-
idency, reform Of executive usurpation am
generally such administration ~ tho affair
Of the country rs shall impart To every branc
of the public service the greatest practica
efficiency, controlled hy well regulated AN
wise economy.
New York Mail and Express.