The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1898-07-07
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
The Chicago Platform Reiterated
With Emphasis On 10 to l.
Pledged to Reduction Of Official Salaries and
Reforms In Judicial Expenses and
Coal Oil Fees.

The democratic party Of Tennessee,
in convention assembled, declares its
abiding faith in the great fundamental
principles that gave it birth.
/. We hereby endorse the enuRcia-
ton Of principles contained in the
democratic platform adopted by the
national democratic convention at Chi
cago 1896, it being true expression Of
the democratic creed We especially
reafIirm our demand for the restitution
of the money of the Constitution by
law providing for the free and I'M
limited coinage Of gold and silver at
ratio Of 16 TO I, without waiting for the
consent Of any other nation.
2. We oppose the increase of the pub
lie debt by the issuance of interest
bearing bonds, and condemn the actisn
Of the present republican administra-
tion in the issuance of such bonds in
stead Of treasury warrants, which war
rants would furnish a circulation me-
dunn and would be taxable, while in
terest- bearing bonds are not taxable
and will not circulate as currency.
3. We demand that all obligations Of
the United States shall be discharged
according to the terms of the contract
in either gold Or silver, at the option of
the government, and at the option Of
the creditor.
4. The democracy demands the lare-
est individual freedom consistent with
the general welfare
5. The jealous preservation Of the
rights Of local self-government and con
slant opposition to the enci oachment
of the general government upon the
reserved rights of the people Of the
state are democratic principles; and we
condemn any unauthorized Federal in
reference with the taxing power Of the
statewhereby the state is crippled in
its existence and prevented from rails
ing its necessary revenue to pay its ex-
penses and debts.
6. We demand the repeal of the 10
per cent. tax on issue of state banks
levied by the national government for
the express purpose Of destroying state
banks, and not for the purpose ef rails
ing revenue.
Z. We demand that all state taxation
shall be strictly and only for revenue
for the support Of an economically ad-
ministered government, and we con-
denim the policy of the republican par
ty in prostituting the taxing power to
enrich the few at the expense Of the
many.
| s. We demand the enactment Of laws
taxing incomes, in order that those who
enjoy the largest measures Of govern
meat protection shall be required to
bear their share Of the public burden.
| o. The United States is engaged In q
foreign war with Spain, inaugnrated in
the name Of humanity and for the free
dom Of Cuba and endorse the action oi
our senators aud Representatives in
congress in voting to institute this war
for these big purposes. We urge ite
vigorous prosecution, TO the end that
it may be speedily terminated and the
blessings Of peace restored to our coun
Try. We recognize the Monroe doc
trine az a cardinal tenet OF the demo.
cratic party and part Of the public
policy of the national government and
favor its strict observance.
10. Adhering to that cardinal prinei-
, pie Of democracy that has alwayl
prompted US to guard the interest 0
labsr, we hereby heartily endorse an
approve the many wholesom laws here
tofose passed by the democratic legis
lature Of the State Of Tennessee in th
interest Of the laboring classes Of on
people, and congratulate them upon th
fact that the deAocratic party in il
legislation has always sought to NEE
all Of the just demands made by th
laboring class upon the law-makin
power Of the State Of Tennessee.
II. We approve the course Of the la'
. legislature in the enactment Of laws Il
the reduction Of criminal costs as a VII
i, and patriotic step in thefight direction
and plsgde the people that the polio
Of Democratic party in the fature wi
:, be as far az possible TO extend and pei
feet these laws in such ways as can !
. legitinately done, having in view Il
, protection Of the people against unne
essary and wrongful expenditure Of Il
money in this regard, but at the san
time zealously striving to 70 oinaugura
- these reforms that unnecessary burde
may not be pla ced upon any class.
= 12. We now favor, as ye have fave
ed, liberal aud efficient public scho
system for the education Of the youi
of the country, aad strict supervisi,
OF collection All disbursement Of 4
public school fund. The chaEiiiat
institutions .of the state have alsa
ior fostered by the democratic party, a
alt We pledge tie people Of the state Ii
ed We shall always carefully foster a
TN support them. however, enfofc
es, strict economy
ed II. The viri0us republican fuane
- q .