The weekly Placer herald., 1855-07-14
THE PLATFORM.

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triOtism. and the discriminating justice of the
American people.
Resolued, That we regard this as distinc-
tive feature of our political creed. which we
are proud to maintain before the world as the
great moral element in the form of govern
ment springing from and upheld by the popu-
lar will: and we contrast it with the creed and
practice of federalism. under whatever name or
form, which seeks to palsy the will of the con-
stituent, and which conceives no imposture
too monstrous for the popular credulity.
Resoired, therefore. That entertaining these
views the Democratic party of this State,
through their delegates assembled in gener-
al convention. coming together in spirit of
concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith
of free representative government, and APP
pealing to their fellow-ctizens for the recti.
tude of their intentions, renew and re-assert
before the people of this State the declaration
of principles avowed by them when on for
mer occasions. in general convention they
have presented their candidates for popular
suflrages:
| l. That the Federal Government is one of
limited powers derived solely from the Con-
stitution, and the grants OF power made there
in ought to be strictly construed by all the
departments of the government: and that it is
inexpedient and dangerous to exercise doubt
full constitutional powers.
2. That the Constitution does not confer
upon the General Government the power to
commence and carry on general system OF
internal improvements within these States.
3. That the Constitution does not confer au
thOrity upon the federal government directly
or indirectly. to assume the debts OF the sew
eral States contracted for local or internal
Improvements or other State purposes nor
fion lao inst 0r ipnt
A. That justice and sound policy forbid the
Federal Government to foster one branch of
industry to the detriment OF any other, or to
cherish the interests of enc portion to the in
jury of another portion of our common coun-
try; that every citizen and every section of
the country has right to demand and insist
upon equality of rights and privileges, and a
complete and ample protection of persons and
property from domestic violence or foreign
aggression.
s. That it is the duty of every branch of
the Federal and State governments to enforce
and practice the most rigid economy in con-
Quoting our public affairs. and that no more
revenue ought to be raised than is necessary
to defray the necessary expenses of the gov
ernment and for the gradual but certain eX-
tincton of the public debt
6. That the separation of the public moneys
from banking institutions is indispensable for
the safety of the funds of the government and
the rights of the people. -
I. That the liberal principles embodied by
Jefferson in the Declaration Of independence.
and sanctioned 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 abridge the prvi-
lege of becoming citizens and owners OF the
soil among us ought to be resisted with the
same spirit which swept the Alien and Sedi-
ton Laws from our Statute books.
8. That Congress has no power under the
Constitution to interfere with or control the
domestic institutions of the several States.
and that such States are 'sole and proper
Judges of everything appcrtaining to their
own affairs. not prohibited by the Constitu-
ton. that all efforts of the abolitionists or
others. made to induce Congress to interfere
with the question of slavery, or to take incip-
lent steps in relation thereto are calculated to
lead to the most alarming and dangerous con-
sequences. and that all such efforts have an
inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness
of the people, and endanger The stability and
permanency of the Union and ought not to
be countenanced by any friend Of our politi-
Cal institutions.
Resolved, That the foregoing proposition
covers and was intended to embrace the whole
subject of slavery agitation in Congress, and
therefore, the Democratic party of this State,
standing on the National Platform will abide
by and adhere to faithful execution of the
acts known as the Compromise Measures, set
tied by the Congress- of 1850. the "act for re-
claiming fugitves from service or labor.'-
ncluded-which act being designed to carry
out an express provision of the Constitution,
cannot with fidelity thereto be repealed or so
changed as to destroy or impair its efficacy.
Resolred, That the Democratic party will
resist all attempts at renewing, in Congress or
out of it, the agitation of the slavery ques-
ton, under whatever shape or color the at
tempt may be made.
Resolved. That the Democrats of this State
feel that the best and highest interests OF Cal
iforna are involved in the speedy construct
ion of the great Pacific Railroad; and that we.
as party will by legislation or otherwise.
give'our earnest and hearty support to the ac-
|complishment Of this truly glorious enterprise.
Resolved. That we are in favor OF Just leg
islative action securing. as far as possible the
the ri ghts Of actual settlers and miners, who
in good faith are occupying lands in this State.
Resolred, That all secret political organ-
cations, bound together by pledges and oaths,
having for their object the prescription OF any
American citizen. are contrary to the spirit
of our free institutions, treasonable in appear
ance if not in design, and should receive as
thew deserve the just animadversion OF all
good citizens. ..'G'
Resolved, That the Democracy of Califor-
mia abhor and repudiatc as un-American and
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