New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-26
THE PENNSYLVANIA PLATFORM.

Democratic policies and leadership have been
for some years past so overwhelmingly discred-
ited in Pennsylvania that Republican candi-
dates for office have usually required for an
yelecton the merest identification az party NOM
linees. The hopeless variance of Democratic
tprincples with the States frmest and most
settled public convictions would probably have
guaranteed the acceptablity of almost any
tRepublican State ticket on almost any con-
,ceivable or recognizable Republican platform.
but the facility with which party ascendancy
fhas been maintained has at no time led the
!Republcans of Pennsylvania to neglect the
duty Of presenting in the clearest and most
'forcbe terms the political doctrines. State and
National. which IT upholds, and on which it ap-
,peals for continued popular support Pennsyl-
'vania platforms have always been marked
'by an aggressive and confident Interpretation
sof Republican principles, and though at times
S1heir rhetoric has been a trife turgid. their
;soundness has been, as rule, as conspicuous
nas their courage and energy in dealing with
current political issues have been abundant.
The platform adopted by the State Conven-
ton at Harrisburg on Thursday seems to meas
ure fully up TO customary standards. Its in
troductory statement of the conditions which
have resulted from the last three years of Re
publican Administration at Washington, and
which point with impressive logic to the re-
nomination of President Mckinley in 1900 Is
admirable In style and tone, while in its treat
ment Of the chief issues on which next years
campaign will be fOught-the money standard.
territorial and commercial expansion and the
National policy in the Phppnes-the platform
seems To offer a concise and highly satisfactory
summary Of up 10 date Republican doctrine.
The views Of the Pennsylvania Convention on
these three issues Of greatest National interest
are plainly worth summarizing. On the money
question the platform says, with frankness and
adequacy:
The Republican party OF Pennsylvania stands
unequivocally and unreservedy for sound money
and favors a currency with which to pay the
wages of labor and the earnings Of capital, the
soldier and pensioner. as good as gold the world
over To further these ends we believe in main
tanning the existing gold standard and are un.
alterably opposed to the free coinage OF silver
at the ratio of 10 10 i.
The party's attitude toward the new cues
tons arising out of the Spanish war is defined
in terms sufficiently explicit. doubtless, fol
present purposes, yet capable Of any modifica
ton which a complete development Of the stu
alton In the Far East may require. This dec
aration Is as follows:
We recognize the wisdom OF the policy Presi
dent Mckinley has inaugurated In the manage
ment of affairs in Cuba and Porto Rico, ant
promise him our faithful support in the prosecu
ton of the war in the Philippines In order tina
the supremacy OF the flag planted there by tn
valor Of our Army and Navy may be maintained
Finally. on the general question Of Nationa
expansion which has lntruded itself for goo'
into American politics, the platform makers
Harrisburg have this definite and aggressive
opinion 10 urge:
To give continued employment to the indus
try ingenuity and skill Of the American me
ehanic and laborer we must find new market
abroad for our surplus products The CONNER
eal control Of additional territory will affor'
new markets, which will necessarily increase on
commerce and develop our manufacturing in
terests. We must KEEP pace with other nations
IN seeking new fields for our commerce. and 4
this end we support the policy Of Industrial
commercial and National expansion.
The other features Of the platform reQuir'