The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-08-20
THE PLATFORM
Adopted By the Democratic Convention.

! the Democratic State convention:
"Thc Democrats OF the State OF Nir-
ginia in convention assembled reafIrm
their allegiance and unlaltering devotion
To the national Democratic party, and
declare their admiration for its leaders,
from Jefferson TO Bryan, who have borne
the party standards in victory and
defeat
I'VE commend the administration Of
Governor Tyler ~ eminently wise, patri-
otto and efficient.
As "A convincing assurance OF the re-
suits which may be expected from the
continued control and management Of
the affairs Of the State by the Democratic
party. whose membership embraces the
great mass of white people Of Virginia,
we point To the record Of what it has al
ready accomplished within n recent pc
riod Since 1885, the public debt has
been satisfactorily settled, and now the
annually accruing interest has been
promptly met and the market value of
the bonds is nearly par. The credit Of
the State has been placed beyond
question.
There haA been net gain Of over
100000 in the gross yearly revenue,
without any increase OF the rate of taxa
tion and without any increase in the
average assessed value Of agricultural
lands.
THE public school system has been
steadly maintained and improved. In
1855 there were 300 schools, while in
1901 they number 725S. In 1885 the
annual expenditure, State and local, for
public school purposes was about
81 100, 900. while in 1901 it will exceed
g. 100 900.
Disabled Confederate soldiers and the
widows OF those who were killed have
been as literally cared for as the re-
sources of the State would permit. The
annual outlay for pensions and for the
Soldiers Home il not less than 81 40 900.
An Agricultural Department has been
established and also n Bureau OF Labor.
Notwithstanding several years of severe
financial depression the population has
grown. cities and towns have been estab-
lished, trade and commerce have ad-
yanced, lands heretofore vacant are being
occupied. the volume OF farm products is
constantly increasing, capital already in
vested is yielding profitable returns and
outside capital is seeking investment.
1T is n settled and untlagging purpose
of the party tofurther improve the public
school system, to extend the greatest
possible aid to deserving pensioners and
to omit nothing in the way OF enact
ment and execution of the laws that
will tend to promote the intellectual
and material progress Of the Common
wealth.
I'VE promise that in all departments
of the government rigid economy shall
be practiced, which the taxpayers are
entitled to demand.
"The condition of public roads is n
matter of serious Importance to all citi-
zens, and we are in favor of the adoption
of effective measures to secure the OBJ
vious and manifold advantages to be eff
fected by their speedy and permanent
Improvement at the expense of the coun-
ties in which they are located.
1--WE are in favor of the enactment by
the General Assembly Of bill modifying
the fellow servant doctrine so as to i'm
pose just and reasonable liability upon
hazardous transportation companies in
respect TO their employees.
I'VE declare unalterable opposition to
the criminal trusts and to every illegal
combination of capital We denounce
such trusts IA serious menace to public
welfare, restricting the opportunities and
absorbing the substance OF the people.
They are the direct product OF partial and
unjust legislation and a reckless multipli-
cation of corporations, without suitable
provisions for their control. The rights
of American freemen must not be sacri-
feed in the interest OF corporations band
ed together for their destruction. We ar
raign the Republican party both for its
failure to enforce existing laws and to
enact Others against the trusts.
"The Democratic party recognizes, az
it ever has done, the great Importance Of
the fish and oyster industry of the State
of Virginia, and it pledges itself to foster
and encourage these industries by all
necessary legislation, and that the pub
lie rocks and bottoms shall be held for the
exclusive use Of our own citizens.
1--WE declare ourselves as favoring the
principle of the selection of party candi-
dates, by primary election, believing
this to be the snrest method OF arriving
at the will of the people and maintain
ing Democratic institutions. Weaccord-
ingly direct the State Central Committee
to provide a primary election plan for
the choice of party candidates for the
L. S. Senate and for all elective State
officers, and for the members OF the House
OF Representatives of the United States,
for members OF the General Assembly
and for county and municipal officers,
except where no party nominations are
made, and except in the case OF county
and municipal officers where for spec
ial reasons the local party au-
thorities shall deem it inexpedient.
And the party plan Of organizing, in so
far as the same may conflict with any OF