Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-06-23
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism,and
the discriminating justice OF the American peo-
pie.
Resolved, That we regard this as distinctive
feature of our political creed, which we are
proud to maintain before the world, as the great
moral element in form of government, spring
ing from and upheld by the popular will and
we contrast it with the creed and practice of fed
eralism, under whatever name or form, which
seeks to palsy the will of the constituent, and
which conceives no imposture too monstrous for
the popular credulity
Resolved, Therefore, that, entertaining these
views, the democratic party of this Union thro'
their delegates assembled in general Conven.
ton of the states coming together in spirit of
concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith
of free representative government, and appeal
ing to their felow-citizens for the rectitude of
their intentions, renew and re-assert before the
American people, the declaration of principles
avowed by them when, on former occasions, in
general Convention, they presented their candi-
dates for the popular suffrages
]. That the Federal Government is one film
tied powers, derived solely from the Constitution
and the grants of power made therein ought to
be strictly construed by all the departments and
agents of the government; and that it is mex
pedlent and dangerous to exercise doubtful con-
stitutional powers.
2. That the Constitution does not confer up
on the general Government the power to COM
mence and carry on general system ofinternal
improvements.
3. That the Constitution does not confer au-
thority upon the Federal Government directly
or indirectly, to assume debts of the several
States, contracted for local internal improve
ments or other State purposes, nor would such
assumption be just or expedient.
a. That justice and sound policy forbid the
Federal Government to foster one branch of in
dustry to the detrment of any other, or to cher
lsh the interests of one portion to the injury of
another portion of our common country; that
every citizen and every section of the country
has right to demand and insist upon an equality
OF rights and privileges, and to complete an am
pie protection of persons and property from do
nestle violence or foreign aggression.
b. That it is the duty of every branch of the
government to enforce and practise the most rig
I'd economy in conducting our public affairs, and
that no more revenue ought to be raised than is
required to defray the necessary expenses of
the government, and for the gradual but certain
extinction of the public debt.
g. That Congress has no power to charter a
National Bank that we believe such an institu.
ton one of deadly hostility to the best interests
OF the country, dangerous TO our republican in
situations and the liberty of the people, and CAL
culated to place the interests of the country
within the control of concentrated money pow
or, and above the laws and the will of the peo-
pie; and that the results of democratic legisla-
ton, in this and all other financial measures up.
on which issues have been made between the
two political parties of the country, have DEM
onstrated to candid and practical men of all par
ties, their soundness safety and utility, in all bu-
siness pursuits.
z. That the separation of the moneys of the
government from banking institutions is indis-
pensable for the safety of the funds of The gov
eminent and the rights of the people.
8. That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
ferson in the Declaration of independence, and
sanctioned in the constitution, which makes ours
the land of liberty and the asylum of the op-
pressed OF every nation, have every attempt to
abridge the privilege of becoming citizens, and
The owners OF soil among us, ought to be resist
ed with the same spirit which swept the alien
and sedltiOn laws from our statute-book.
g. That Congress has no power under the
Constitution to interfere with or control the do
nestle institutions Of the several states, and that
such states are the sole and proper Judges of |
everything appertaining to their own affairs. not
prohibited by the Constitution; that all efforts
OF the abolitionists or others, made to induce
Congress to interfere with questions of slavery,
or TO take lncpient steps in relation thereto are
calculated to lead to the most alarming and dam
yerous consequences; and that all such efforts
have IN inevitable tendency to diminish the hap
pness of the people, and endanger the stability
md permanency of the Union, and ought not to
be conntenanced by any friend of our political
Institutions.
Resolved, That the foregoing proposition COW
'rs, and was intended to embrace, the whole sub
ect of slavery agitation in Congress; and there
ore the democratic party of the Union, standing
On this national platform, will abide by and adj
lere to faithful execution of the acts known
Is the Compromise measures settled by the last
jongress-the act for retaining fugitives from
service or labor included-which act being de-
lgned to carry out an express provision of the
constitution, cannot with fidelity thereto be re-
zeal, or SO changed as to destroy or impair its
Resolved, That the democratic party will re.
lst all attempts at renewing in Congress, or out
fit, the agitation of the slavery question. under
whatever shape or color the attempts may be
made.
Resolved, That the proceeds of the public
.nds ought to be sacredly applied to the nation
objects specified in the Constitution and that
We are opposed to any law for the distribution
L such proceeds among the states, as alike in