The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-07-13
THE TEXAS PLATFORM.

State democratic conventions that have been held
far this have been marked by pronounced con
servatcm with respect to the questions which lately
disturbed the party. Naturally there more or less
sensitive feeling which would be irrtaed by radical
action.
The great masses of the party are already reunited
Gold men and silver men, recognizing that commercial
conditions have removed the old disputed policy from
present consideration, touching elbows in a com
and there in isolated instances OF intolerance some
one insists upon reading Mr. Bryan of the party
scourging Mr.. Cleveland back into the opposition
But such obstinacy receives cold comfort The party
is marching against evils.
Coming down to Texas the situation Is quite the
same So far county instructions or expressions in
dicate, the Galveston convention will be another occa
sion of party harmony and good will There have been
some extremist suggestions of repudatng the Kansas
City platform but Of that is a mere vaporing
The only diferenceif there is any difference at all
is matter of opinion as to whether the platform
should be mentioned in express terms On the one
hand 1t may be contended that silence will be con
strued reputation, and the other that express
affirmation will be construed effort revive the
free silver issue Such approximations grow out of the
anxiety to avoid irritating expressions.
Under ordinary circumstances It would be imma
terial in an off year whether the last National conven
ton were Endorsed or not To do so would be a simple
expression of party loyalty neglect to do so would
be only the omission of a formay. All things consid
cred it would be we'll at this time to reafrm the prn
cipes Of the last National declaration. 1t would be
pertinent indeed to recite the fuhment of It's warn
ngs as to the accomplished evils of Imperialism and
trusts. Insistence upon a plentiful supply of basic
metallic money and a protest against the incpient
wildcat banking foreshadowed in the Fowler asset
currency bill would be entirely proper and would
adequately cover the ground of National finance which
must always be matter of party concern
Expressions along these lines will be correct be.
cause they viii reflect party sentiment Conventions
are not colleges Of doctrine. They are not inspired
with superior wisdom to pronounce political dogma
They should express the common judgment and no
more
After all, the Galveston convention should give
itself most seriously to State affairs There are no dis.
tracing State issues but there are well defined poll.
cies which call for definite expression Passing the
question of uniform primaries which is matter of
party discipline urgently demanded, the times invite
declarations along the lines Of administrative develop
meut and material progress.
The excellent administration of Governor Sayers
In state institutions points the way to further better
ment through economical management and exactng
executive supervision The operation of State farms
and allied industries for the employment of convicts
has so far proved highly satisfactory, and the State
should make progressive efforts along this line our
eleemosynary Institutions require liberal support and
their expert control should be saeguarded against in
corruption or change for political or partisan reasons
Our entire educational system from the university
to the common school, calls for generous treatment.
Especially along the lines of industrial education
should Texas take the lead era of great develop
men is right upon and not let the oppor-
unity pass Indeed the legislature should be encour-
aged to make distinct advance all matters of edu-
cation The State is prosperous. Wealth is increas-
ing. Revenues during the next two years are bound
to be large and there need be hesitation In mate
rally increasing appropriations. For that matter taxes
might be heavier without being burdensome. Econo.
my Is not all of government Civilization is not mere
y peace and prosperity. Culture is the enduring
thing in society and education is the best gift to pos
ery as it is the safeguard of law and order
and the cheapest protection of civic liberty and
property rights.
All departments OF material effort are thriving
and 1t is the part of wisdom at this time to act eau
tously with respect to legislation affecting commerce
or industry Capital Is just beginning to understand
hat Texas laws are friendly in their purpose and final
operation and the statutes need little if any amend
ment in this behalf 1t is plainly the desire of the
people that present progress be not arrested or hin.
dered by experimental policies. They want to reap
the full advantage Of natures favorng conditions and
the party will do we'll to proclaim their attitude of en-
eouragement to capital in legitimate form.
In short, the platform should simply express the
undoubted political harmony, the administrative thrift
the educational aspiration and the commercial am
pton which characterize the people of Texas at this
time OF peace and prosperity