The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-02-20
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
1t win Sc Based on the Policy OF the
Present Administration

NEW YORK, Feb. 49, The Herald
quotes Senator Plat OF New York as
saying in an interview:
While the republican platform upon
which we will make our next cam
paign has not been definitely decided
upon, it is pretty well understood that
We will make our fight on the line OF
policy Of the present administration.
The campaign is being shaped every
day. and the democrats are entitled TO
all the camfort they are able to derive
from what they seem delighted to call
republican mistakes.
The ridiculous exhibition OF incapa-
city on the part OF the democrat lead
ers while the financial bill was pending
in congress was sufficient TO convince
all observing perosns that they are
hardly capable Of conducting the bust
ness affairs Of this great nation in a
manner acceptable to the American
people.
Il understand the democratic lead
ers are declaring that We weakened on
the silver question by adopting a BIZ
metallic amendment to the financial
bill in the senate and they propose to
make that one OF their campaign is
sues. They also assert that they will
draw heavily upon our forces il the
refunding provision Of the financial bill
becomes a law.
Some Of my constituents are troubled
about the bimetallic amendment and
1 have received several letters on the
subject asking if the republicans had
not lowered their colors TO the silver
hosts by the adoption OF that amend
ment. My reply has invariably been
that there was no lowering Of c0lors TO
the silver forces or no substantial de-
Walton from the former policy Of the
republican party relative TO the subject
Of bimetallism.
The senate amendment to ths fnan-
cial bill which was offered by Senator
Aldrich at the instance OF the commit
tee on finance, was simply declara-
ton or a reafirmatiOn Of the party
principles on that subject as laid down
III AllF lcL1L ldLlbldl DldLLbl III VI tue re-
publican party.
"As to our colonial policy, that Is
being formed now, and have not given
the subject sufficient investigation to
discuss It at this time. Our policy to-
ward Hawaii Is pretty well defined, and
before the coming week expires we
may have a pretty good idea what we
intend 10 10 with regard TO Puerto
Rico. In the discussion Of the Puerto
Rican question the whole question Of
our colonial possessions VIII come up
and as there Is a wide difference OF
opinion on the subject 1t would be pre-
mature to attempt to build a party
platform 80 far in advance of the meet
ing Of the national convention.
AT the proper time President Nc
Kinley and Senator Hanna, chairman
Of the republican national committee, f.
will call party conference Of the par
ty leaders, with view TO determining
upon what lines it may be deemed ad- !
yisaDle 10 make the campaign. / have |
not been consulted by either President !
Mckinley or Mr.. Hanna on the subject /
and ] don't know that / shall be, but 1
my interests in the success Of the par |
ty induces me to try and keep posted /,
as 10 what Is going on within our lines, |
and when | get chance / take a peep |
into the enemy's camp.
Il depreciate anything that savors |
Of OyerconfdeDce in political contest !
and therefore / am not going to follow |
the example Of the democratic leaders |
by making lot Of rash predictions as
to the future. In my Judgment, the |
majority Of the people in this country 1
are satisfied that their interests are |
better protected by the republican par
ty than they would be If the admins
tartiOn were turned over to the demo- |
Gratis. rely upon the intelligence Of |
the American people to choose between |
Mckinley and Rryan"