Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-09-04
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.


Now that the State contest is over, we re-publish
below the Resolutions of the Baltimore Democrat
ie Convention and we invite to the principles there
in laid down the attention and consideration of the
people generally. Read them, Wings, and then
say if they are not thoroughly sound. General
Pierce stands on this platform-he has endorsed
the principles here presented, not because it was
expected of him as a candidate, but because they
meet the approval of his Judgment, and there is
no act or word of his life in conflict with any one
of them
"ResoEved That the American Democracy place their
in the intelligence the patriotism, and the dis
eliminating justice of the American people.
Res0lced, That regard this a distinctive fea-
ture of political creed, which are proud to
maintain before the world, the great moral element
in form of government, springing from and upheld
by the popular will and contrast it with the creed
and practice Of federalism under whatever name OIL
form which seeks to palsy the will of the eonstitu-
ent, and which conceIves no lmposure too monstrous
for the popular credulity.
ResoLred therefore, That entertaining these views
the Democratic party of this Union, through their
delegates assembled in general convention of the
States. coming together in spirit of concord, of de-
voiionS 10 the doctrines and faith OF free represent
tative government, and appealing to their fellow
citizens for the rectitude of their Intentions
and reasse before the American people, the deca!a-
OF principles dVoWed by them when, former
occasions in general convention, they presented their
candidates for the popular sutfrages:
l. That the federal government is one of limited
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 Pedien and dangerous
10 exercise doubtful constitutional powers.
2. That the constitution DIES not confer upon the
general government the power to commence and carry
on general system of internal improvements.
3. That the constitution does not confe. authority
upon the federal government, directly TO assume
the debts of the several States, contracted for local
internal improvements, or other State purposes; nor
would such assumption be just and eXPedent.
4. That justice and sound policy forbid the federal
government to foster one branch of industry to the
detrimen of any other, to cherish the interest of
one portion 10 the injury of another of our common
nry that every citizen, and every section of the
country, has right dema nd and insist equal
ity ofghts and privileges and to complete and ample
protection of persons and property from domestic vio
lence foreign aggression.
5. That is ihe duty of every branch of the gov
enforce and practice the rigid
my in conducting public affairs, and
ought be raised than is required to defray
the necessary expenses of the government and for the
gradual but certain extinction of the public debt.
6. That Congress has power TO charter nation
al bank; ; that we believe such institution of
deadly hostility the best interests of the country,
dangerous republican ins itutions and the lib
critics of the people, and calculated to place the bnsi
Of the country within the control of d
ted money power and above the laws and the will of
the peoples and that the results of democratic egis-
ldilOn, in this and all other financial measures upon
which issues have been made between the two polit-
lcal parties of the country, have demonstrated TO
practical and candid of all parties, their sound
ness, safety and utility in all business pursuits.
7. That the separation of the neys of the gov
eminent from banking Institutions is indispensable for
the safety of the funds of the government and the
rights of the people.
8. That the liberal principles embodied by Jeffer-
in he Dpcla of nd
ed by the constitution, which makes ours the land
OF liberty, and the asylum of the oppressed of every
nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the
Democratic faith; and every attempt to abridqe the
present privilege OF becoming citizens and owners of
soil among US, ought to be resisted with the same
spirit which swept the alien andsedition laws from
our statute books.
y. lnat Congress has no power under the consti-
tulion TO Interfere with control the domestic insti-
tutlons of the several Staes and that such States
the sole and proper judges of every thing appertan
Ing 10 lhelr own affairs prohibited by the constI-
'u'ioh' that all efforts OF the abotoniss or others
maue 10 induce Congress to interfere with questions
OF slavery or take Incl pent steps in relation thereto
dre calculated TO lead to the most alarming and dang.
erous consequences and that all such efforts have an
heVI'aoie tendency to diminish the happiness of the
Peope' dhd enoanger the stability and permanency of
the Unlon and ought not to be corn,ensnced hv 9Dv
friend OF our political institutions
NeSolVd nat lhe foregoing proposition covers and
was intended 20 embrace the whole subject of slavery
=" EI0"SieSS' anu therefore, the democratic
party of the Union, standing upon this national Mat
form, vii! abide by and adhere 10 faithful execution
Of the acts known as the compromise measures, set
ted by the last Congress-the act for the reclainnq
o. iugSes from service or labor included, which act
70 carry out an express provision of the
constitution cannot. with fidelity thereto. be repealed
or SO changed as to destroy or impair its efficacy.
Res0l0ed, That the Democratic party will resist all
aUeHPis at renewing in Congress or out of it. the
agitation Of the slavery question. under wbatever
shape OF color the attempt may be made. A'e'e'
hesOlOed, That the proceeds Of the public lauds
ought 70 be sacTedly applied the national objects
Peched In the constitutions and thai we are opposed
10 any law for the distribution of such proceeds anon
me States, as alike nexpediept in policy, and repug
hes1I0eq, That we are decidedly opposed to taking
from the resident the qualified veto power, by which
ne is enabled under restrictions and responsbiIes
amply sufficient to guard the public interest to sus
sno The passage of bill whose merits cannot secure
approval Of two thirds of the Senate and House