The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-06-30
THE wHIG PLATFORM.

THE WING PLATFORM.
We publish below the platform Of prin-
cipes laid down by the late Wing National
Convention, that our readers may see
what policy the wings intend TO pursue
should our country be so unfortunate as
to be again ruled by Galphin admins
tration. 1t is new era in the history Of
the Wing party-lor the reason that it is
the first document of the kind that has ever
been put forth by that party At no other
National Convention, we believe, did they
ever make a declaration of principles. 1t
is. therefore, new era in politics, and
strange as new This platform was drawn
up by the Southern delegates and forced
upon the Convention, before they would
consent 10 make nomination for the
Presidency. They had no, sufficient con-
fidence in the discordant elements that
make up that party TO trust them 10 make
nomination before the platform was
adopted, fearing (and with good reason,)
as soon as that event took place, that the
friends of Gen. Scott would force an ad-
journment without declaration Of princi-
Piles. But here is the document:
The Wings of the United States, in
Convention assembled. firmly adhering to
rapnllicop urtp
pies by which they are controlled and gov
erned and now, as ever, relying upon the
intelligence oil the American people, with
an abiding confidence in their capacity for
self-government, and their continued de-
votion 40 the constitution and the Union,
do proclaim the following as the political
sentiments and determinations, for the es-
tablshment and maintenance Of which
their national organization as party is
effected
/. The government Of the United States
is of limited character, and il is confined
to the exercise Of powers expressly grant,
ed by the constitution, and such as may be
necessary and proper for carrying the
granted powers into full execution, and
that all powers not thus granted or neces-
sarly implied are expressly reserved to
the States respectively and to the people.
2. The State governments should be-
held secure in their reserved rights. and
the General Government sustained in it's
constitutional powers. and the Union
should be revered and watched over as
.ihe palladium Of our ibertes'
Il 3. That while struggling freedom, every
where, enlisis the warmest sympathy OF the
Wing party, we still adhere to the doc
trines Of the Father Of his country, as an
nounced in his Farewell Address. OF keep
ing ourselves free from all entangling ali-
ances with foreign countries. and of never
quitting our own 10 stand upon foreign
ground. That our mission as Republic
is not to propagate our opinions, or inn
pose on other countries our form OF gov
ernment, by artifce or force, but TO teach,
by example, and show by our success,
moderation, and justice, the blessings Of
elfgovernment, and the advantages of
free institutions.
l a. That where the people make and
control the Government, they should obey
its constitution, laws and treaties, as they
would retain their self-respect, and the re-
spect which they claim and will enforce
from foreign powers.
5. Government should be conducted up
on principles Of the strctest economy, and
revenue sufficient for the expenses there
Of, in time Of peace, ought 10 be mainly
derived from duty on imports. and not
from direct taxes; and in levying such
duties. sound policy requires Just dis.
crimination and protection from fraud by
specific duties, when practicable, whereby
suitable encouragement may be assured to-
American industry, equally to all classes
and to all portions Of the country.
g. The Constitution vests in Congress
the power to open and repair harbors, and
remove distractions from navgable rivers;
and it is expedient that Congress shall ex-
| eroise that power achenever such imprope.
nsents are necessary for the common de-
fence or for the protection and facility Of
/ commerce with foreign nations or among
! the States; such improvements being, in
) every instance, national and general in
!. their character.
Fl 7. The Federal and State Governments
D are parts of one system, alike necessary
. for the common prosperity, peace and se-
: curity, and ought to be regarded alike,
I with a cordial, habitual and immoveable
5 attachment. Respect for the authority Of
5 each. and acquiescence in, the constitu-
I tonal measures of each. are duties re-
quired by the plainest consideration Of ma
tional, Of State, and Of individual welfare.
! 8. The series Of acts ofshe 5ist Congress,