The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-17
Extraordinary Organization.

The Richmond WING translates from the Weeker,
German paper published in Baltimore, (the title
meaning the "JVakT Ub') the following extraor-
binary constitution OF society which, il appears.
exists in the city of Richmond, Virginia. The
Times cannot believe that the agrarian, infide and
abolition doctrines announced in this document,
are held by any considerable number OF the Ger
man citizens of Richmond
Platform of the Social Democratic Society Of York
ing Men.
Both political parties of our land have proved
their incapacity to develop and build up the true
democratic principles of the Constitution Their
fate is inevitable; already the process of dissolution
hos commenced.
The party Of the future, although at present
small in numbers, has already begun to put for
ward, with settled convictions Of success, new
political programme, and Is about to enter the
path of reform, guided by the belief that inacton in
the affairs of State leads to decay and destruc-
ton, while activity and zeal produce new iorma-
tions of life-a guaranty for the welfare of all
BY the cooperation Of all those who profess
radicasm will be enabled to establish this
new and popular platform, which our party will
look upon the basis of our political movements
The Working Mems Society in Richmond has
therefore resolved to publish the following funda-
mental principles Of reform:
A. Reform in The la,cs Of the General Government
as iDeH in those Of the States.
We demand, /. Universal suffrage. 2. The cleo
ton of all officers by the people B. The abolition
OF the Presidency. A. The abolition of Senates,
80 that the Legislatures shall consist of only one
branch s. The right of the people to recall their
Representatives. cashier them) at their pleasure
8. The right of the people to change the Constitu-
ton when they like T. All lawsuits to be
Quoted without expense. s. department Of the
Government to be set up for the purpose of pro-
tecting immigration. 9. A reduced term for &C
b. Reform in he foreign relations of the Govern
| ment.
L. Abolition of all neutrality. 2. Intervention in
favor of every people struggling for liberty
g. Reform IN tDhdt relates TO religion.
/. A more perfect development of the principle
of personal freedom and liberty of conscience;
sequentya Abolition of laws for the observance of
the Sabbath. b. Abolition of prayers in Congress.
c. Abolition of oath upon the Bible. d. Repeal of
all laws enacting religious test before taking an
office.
,. Taxation of church property. 3. prohibit
ton OF interpretations OF all church property IN the
name of ecclesiastics
ID. Reform IN the social conditions
/. Abolition of land monopoly 2 AID valorcm
taxation of property. 3. Amelioraton of the con
dition of the working class. a. BY lessenng the
time of work to eight hours for grown persons, and
to five hours for children b. By incorporation of
mechanics, associations, and protective societies.
| C. By granting preference to mechanics before
all other creditors. d. By establishing an asylum
| for supernnnuated mechanics without means at the
| public expense.
| a. Education of poor children by the State. s.
Taking possession of the railroads by the State.
| g. The promotion of education. a.. BY the intro.
duction of free schools with the power of forcing
| the parents to send their children to school, and
prohibition of all clerical influence. b. BY instruc
| ton in the German language. c. BY establishing
a German University.
7. The supporting of the slave RECOMMENDATION cx-
ertions of Cassius Clay by Congressional laws. g..
| Abolition of the Christian system Of punishment,
| and introduction of the human amelioration sys-
| tenn. 8. Abolition of capital punishment.
| For the name of the Social Democratic Society,
DIR. C. HEINMETZ, President.
j. BIEsER, Secretary.
RICHMOND, October 5, 1851