Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-07-26
Our Platform.

AS the fusion presses are constantly mis-
representing the attitude of the democracy up
on the temperance question, we propose TO
keep before the people the resolves of the dem
ocratlc convention, and we apprehend the more
the people see them, the better they will like
them.
l. ReSolUed, That while we have always
recognized temperance as one of the leading
graces of civilized life, and the practice of it
as incumbent on every citizen, we have never
failed to perceive that the care for it which is
sincere, and the culture of it which is most
effectual, are to be found when men ARE act
ing in the sphere of their social and private
responsibilities rather than when influenced
by political and party considerations that
with this conviction we have always re-
sisted the effo IS OF leading men now 10 pow
er In this State, 10 prostitute the cause of tenn
perance to party uses but our motives for so
doing, have been maligned, and our efforts in
that direction unavailing; that we, therefore,
accept the political attitude on this moral ques-
ton, which we are thus forced TO occupy, and
in demanding, as party, some essential mod
lficatlons of the existing liquor law, we do so
with the conviction that We are truer friends
to sobriety and good order, than those who up
hold 1t, as it stands, and in the fullest conf
dence that our position on this new question
of party politics, will meet the approval of the
people. ..I. s.. .-. ....
?. Resohcd, That ne are opposed TO the ml-
restricted sale Of intoxicating liquors, and in ia
ror of suitable prohiJdtory ldtCs, but laws to
command respect and obedience, must be based
upon the principles of the constitution and the
bill OF rights. Their provisions must harmon
lze with the sentiments Of an enlightened peo-
Pile; their enlightened necessity must be
shown by actual, existing circumstance
their wisdom must be reflected by their prac-
teal operation.
8. Resotred, That the present intensified
liquor law of this State, being antagonistic to
these fundamental doctrines, in consequence
of its unnecessary stringency-the unlimited
power it places in the hands of its administra-
tors-the severity of its penalties, compared
with the magnitude of the offence committed
its wanton destruction of property and vio-
lation of the most sacred rights of the citizens ;
together with the fearful results arising from
its execution, is well calculated to alarm every
candid mind and has alarmed and aroused
the people ofthis State, to demand essential
notifications of IFS provisions-so that, in the
language of the constitution the people shall
be secure in their person, houses and possessions,
from all unreasonable secures and searches, that
all penalties and punishment shall be proper
toned 10 the offence; that excessive bail shall
not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.
d. Resoiced, That the present government
of this State, of which Arson P. Morrill, is
the head, by its high-handed measures in over
turning courts of justice, in abolishing one
court in one locality and creating the same in
another, for the obvious purpose of bestowing
honors and emoluments upon partisan favor
ties, and prostituting Judicial tribunals to par
ty purposes /; by its notification of plain
provision of the constitution of the United
States; by its oppressive enactments, designed
TO prevent adopted citizens from exercising the
rights of citizenship, after they have complied
with the provisions of the naturalization laws
of the United States; by its attempt to lavish
one hundred thousand dollars of the peoples
money on favorite sectarian institutions; and
by its enactment of liquor law, which has
its prototype only in the statutes OF the dark
ages !; which places the character and the prop
erty of the citizen in the hands and at the mer-
cy of fanatical 'dark-laniern oligarchy,' has
shown itself unworthy the trust confded TO its
keeping, and merits the condemnation of all
patriotic citizens.
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