New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-04
| AN EVASIVE PLATFORM.
II Fine Straddle To BE Prepared
for Democrats.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

E.I
st. Louis. July 3.-John Sharp Williams declared
enphatically to-day that he had prepared no plat
form for the consideration OF the national con-
vention of his party and that the Mississippi plat
FORM was sufficiently accurate exposition OF his
views. at least. to afford basis for conference
There promises to be one genuine oId-fashionsd
Democratic fight before the committee on resolu
tons and on the convention floor and that ia an
the adoption OF the platform Of the party Bryan
sum mas good many friends among the Demo-
cratic hosts now in St. Louis. MANY of whom womb
be pleased to see him thrown down bnt All -,
"hom would seriously object to having him
stamped on. Because he Is to have no obofc. In
tie seieetion OF a candidate. his views will prob
"'i' ieCSlVe some consideration by the committee
On resolutions, but as it is impossible to conceiv.
what concessions, IL any, NAV be made TO hiz
WISHES detailed outline Of the platform cannot
at TINS tiine be made. Based however on infor-
nation obtained from those who will frame the
document synopsis Of the platform follows:
The tariff plank win demand an EQUALIZATION q,
protection. phrased as to give the ambiglitv
required TO serve equally well in the various Sec
protection OF industries whose products sell cheaper
abroad than at home. and will make its declaration
financial interests VIZ
There has been a strong demand for an unequiyo
cal declaration in favor OF tariff reform along the
lines laid down by Cleveland but this will not pre-
VAIL and instead there will be presented fO- the
consideration OF intelligent voters harmless Jingle
OF words railing against the Republican policy OF
RroteGtlon put presenting no adequate remedy Tor
John sharp Williams desires a plank calling FOR
reciprocity with Canada and in this contention hs
IS supported by Influential Democrats OF the great
Northwest but though this subject Is under consid
Grafton decision has vet been reached the plat
form makers being divided the vote getting
properties or such proposition.
Inc money plank will be I variation modifi-
cation OF the Mississippi platform which declares
that, because Of the quantity Of gold in cir
cuation. the issue OF sixteen 10 longer re-
CURES consideration. No reflection whatever will
De made on those who formerly supported or are
now supporters OF silver. This f. a delicate cues
riOn but appears to have been definitely settled by
the statement that nature and politics has
determined what ratio should be preserved between
gold and silver.
The danger OF Imperialism will be pointed out
and President Roosevelt will be roundly denounced
FOR HIS domination OF the Republican party and his
usurpatiOn of legislative powers.
Senator Dubois, of IDAHO and others working
for the Insertion OF a pOlyganny plank but they
have a paratfvelv unimportant support. and IL
Is not probable that the subject will be touched
The platform as finally approved by the conven-
ton will be capable of as many different con-
structons Democratic orators throughout the
country may deem IL necessary TO indulge in II
VIII be framed as TO At any section and to pre-
vent the believers IN prosperity rom taking fright
1t will straddle every proposition that would work
harm Il strongly approved or denounced. but it will
make the most emphatic declarations regarding
harmless questions
The platform will be a timid 6vastve elusive
document the declaration of principles OF a
great party, but IL will measure UP wonderfully
well with any previous effort in the straddle line