Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-05-20
Standing on Its Record

Standing on Its Record
| VIRGINIA Democracy stands on the
Democratic record. 1t Is content to
rest it's case on what the party has accom-
plished In State and in nation for the public
! veal and go before the people in tho presi-
| dental campaign confident that their in
dorsement will be received at the polls
II has no apologies to make, no excuses to
offer for the manner in which II has exc
cuted its trust; 1t has no promises to give
| aside from those implied in its expression
Of continued faith in the principles OF the
founders. the fufllment of which is guar
anteed by what II already has done. AS in
the past, 1t gives assurance. IL it be re-
turned to power. of popular government
as broadly expressed by Thomas Jefferson.
and steadfastly pursued by great party
leaders, notably by Woodrow Wilson," That
assurance Is backed by the united
Democracy OF Virginia. a Democracy in
which there is no entering wedge" and
i'll which there can be none so long as tho
time-honored party tenets are held in
riolablc.
Such is the reiteration of it's political
faith by the party which met yesterday in
Roanoke and promulgated the platform on
which it bases its claims to continuance
of tho popular allegiance. That platform.
one OF the most skilfully drawn documents
ever placed before tho people of Virginia by
a political gathering, is notable for num-
Der OF things, none of them unexpected, but
all so vigorously couched as to present a
strong appeal, and to leave nothing vague
as to where for what Virginia stands.
II is notable, too. for it's review Of Demo-
cratic achievements. While IL recites moth
ing that was unknown. it is refreshing and
politically inspiring to hear what ones
party has accomplished especially when the
facts are marshaled in such brilliant array
as those Of the last seven years.
Standing out with cameo cloarness is Vir-
gnia Democracy's Endorsement of Woodrow
Wilson. that incompatible statesman"
Amid the rancors of politics and the en-
venomcd assaults that have been made
upon him, it must warm the very cookies
of his heart to know that the Democratic
hosts Of his native State are standing
squarcly and sympathctically with him in
his struggle for higher national and inter
| national ideals. That support and active
cooperation extend to the treaty Of YER
SaiileS and the covenant of the league OF
nations Virginia Democrats indorse the
league and press for its acceptance, un-
amended in Il way to impair its Essential
| integrity"
| While Virginia has fought stern and
unchanging fight against tho imposition
upon it Of woman suffrage by Federal
amendment, 1t gracefully accepts what now
appears to be inevitable. III this connec-
ton the platform takes occasion to refute
the Republican claims to the woman vote,
establishing Woodrow Wilson's and the
Democratic responsibility for the submits
sion of the amendment and its all but COM
plete ratification. On the Republicans is
! placed the burden OF it's delay through
| forty-six years OF power, during which time
| no effort was made to enfranchise tho ma
( tons women.
AS had been forecast, the platform Is
! silent on the wet and dry issue, If that
/ properly can be termed an issue in this
| state. Indeed, such expression was
necessary, since the party stands for rigid
law enforcement SO long as a law remains
! on the statute books Objectionable as the
/ manner OF its placing there may have been.
/ In its array Of ach Movements the platform
( cites the fact that more beneficial legisa-
/ ton was enacted during Woodrow Wilson's
/ first term than the Republicans had put on
! the statute books since the War Between
! the States, legislation covering financial l..
educational. agricultural and industrial
needs; for his second term 1t is sufficient to
point out his successful conduct of Amer
icas glorious share in the great war. In
the State there is universal Endorsement
or the clean, capable and courageous adj
ministration Of the government at Rich
mond, executive and legislative" and the
progressive measures adopted by the AS
Scmbly and upheld by Governor Davis, "tc
insure increased efficiency and a sound
economy in the public business Of the Com
| monwea!th."
In its respects to the Republican party
the platform spares no words in denouncinE
Ills paltering. it's blind craftsmanship, its
vicious attacks on the President, its ex.
travaganCe, its obstructionist methods. It's
lack OF accomplishment, and its policy OF
subserviencc to party ends TO the betrayal
OF the nations interests. But above al
else, perhaps, in summing up its claims or
the popular featy, is its appeal as party
Of constitutional government" with equa
rights 10 all and an unimpaired faith in
the wisdom OF the founders. That, to Vir
ginia Democrats, is the summum bonum o
Democracy and the beacon light which
guides them on their way back to the Con
stitution."
Healthy Sign in Georgia