The record-union., 1898-08-25
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.

The platform of the Republican State
Convention is too long by half. Such
documents should be concise, terse
brief, declaring principles rather than
making argument. But in this instance
the patriotic fervor of the day, the
spirit manifest throughout the conven-
ton, and the peculiar circumstances OF
the times justify the convention in in
dulging in laudation of the army and
the navy and of the Administration in
a platform and excuse rather extended
pIanks. Whatever of praise is accord
ed the soldiers and sailors, the calm and
wise acts Of the President and the pa
triotic self-sacrifice Of the people in the
late war appears in the platform will
receive hearty approval, though we
think it might all have been less word
lily expressed.
Coming to other matters, the platform
wisely and discreetly approves the late
railroad debt legislation of Congress
treats it as final adjustment, and calls
for strict enforcement of the law. II
is concurrence with Congress in that
in the President, who must approve or
disapprove whatever the Commission
ers arrive at in the process of settle
ment.
The declarations of the financial
plank of the national platform are af-
frmed and the distinct position taken
that we need a larger and better navy
The country is congratulated on the
marvellous increase of its commerce
and the great showing of balance of
trade made in our favor under Repub-
lican administration. All which is COM
mendable pride.
The declared policy Of the President
TO refuse to consider any suggestions
for the assumption of the Spanish Gu
ban debt is heartily approved, as also
the purpose of the Administration to
redeem it's promise to the world and
secure to the people of Cuba full op-
portunity to form stable government
for themselves. The retention of such
of the West Indies as we have taken
outside of Cuba, is demanded, as, also
of the Philippines, in the interest of our
commerce. the expansion of American
trade and the assertion of our rights as
a power.
1t demands the extension of the
American revenue system TO our new
acquisitions and the application of the
protective policy thereto. 1t takes oc-
casion to rebuke Senator White for his
opposition to the annexation of Hawaii
and demands construction Of the Mica
raugua Canal under control and pro-
lection of the United States. Concern
ing reduction of freights and fares II
is called for wherever practicable and
needed, and with fair regard to the
effect upon the wages of industry. II
immigration laws that the undesirable
elements may be restrained from COM
ing in, and home industry be, therefore
promoted, and 1t opposes distinctly i'm
Japanese or other-and calls for pro-
hibition Of immigration of Chinese OIL
japanese from Hawaii.
The party pledges Itself to economy
in State, city and county administra-
tions, that taxation may be reduced to
the lowest figure commensurate with
public necessity. Mr.. Maguires single
tax ism is directly asailed and con-
demned; the war revenue bill is ap-
proved and the policy of the popular
loan is contrasted with the uneconomic
bond issue system adopted by the late
Democratic Administration. The assault
of the fusionists upon the judiciary, and
the effort Of that commixion to cultivate
contempt of the law and the courts
are sharply and wisely rebuked.
Fair treatment for veteran soldiers
and sailors, first opportunity for EN-.
ployment TO these veterans, are declar.
ations which are simple. just recogni.
ton. The Democratic State admins.
tration is lengthily arraigned for It's
of the State series of school books, but
none too sharply; nor yet is the plat.
FORMS declaration concerning the
abrupt closing of the State Printing
Office too strong.
The suggestion that there may be ar
early future when school books will bt
furnished by the State free to all pu
pills in the public schools opens door
for honest difference Of opinion, since
1t is gravely doubted by many mind:
whether free textbooks would be a:
much in the interest of free popular
education as distribution at cost o.
production; whether free distribution
indeed, would not encourage habits O
wastefulness among the pupils.
The party Is repledged as the friend o.
the State University, perhaps an un
necessary declaration, since the Repub
lican party has ever been the friens