The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-06-13
The Democratic National Platform.

Inc plattorm, after reafflrmlng that OF |
1852, adverts to tho American party, sta
ting that the Democracy should clearly de-
fine their relations thereto. Then follow |
resolutions stating, in substance, that the |
foundation Of the Union having been built
upon entire freedom in matters Of religion.
with no respect to persons or regard to
rank or place Of birth, no party can Justly
be deemed National, Constitutional, or in
accordance with American principles, which
bases IFS exclusive organisation upon relig-
ious opinions or accidental birthplace. It
also reiterates the declaration of former
Conventions on the subject of slavery and
the reserved rights of all the States and,
to more distinctly meet the issue with a
sectional party subsisting exclusively on
slavery agitation.
Resolvea, Thatthc Democracy recognise
and adopt the principles contained ii the
organic laws establishing the territories of
Nebraska and Kansas, as embodying the
only sound and safe solution of the slavery
question upon which the great national
idea of the people of this country can re-
pose in its determined conservatism Of
union aud non-interference by Congress
with slavery in the States and Territories.
That, by uniform application of this Demo
cratic principle, the organisation of the
territories, and the admission Of new States
with or without slavery, rs they elect, the
equal rights of the States will be preserved
intact the original compacts of the Con-
stitution maintained inviolatc, and the per-
petuation and expansion of the Union in-
sured to=its utmost capacity Of embracing,
1npeace and harmony, every futuue Amer
ican State. -.
RESOLVED, That We recognise the right of
the people of all the Territories, including
Kansas and Nebraska, ,5acting through tile
fairly expressed will Of the majority Of &C
tual residents, and whenever the number of
their inhabitants justifes it, to form con-
stitution, with or without domestic slavery,
and to be. admitted into the Union upon
terms of perfect equality with the other
States.
ResotUed, That in view of the condition
Of the popular institutions of the old world
and the dangerous tendencies of sectional
agltation, combined with an attempt TO
enforce civil and religious disabilities against
the right of acquiring citizenship in our
own land, a high and sacred duty has de-
volved increased responsibility upon the
Democratic party Of this country, as the
party of the Union, to uphold and main
tain the rights ofsevery State and thereby
the Union of the States, and to sustain and
advance among lis constitutional liberty,
by continuing to resist all monopolies and
exclusive Legislation for the benefit of a few
at the expense of many, and by vigilant
adherence to these principles, and to the
compromises Of the Constitution, which are
broad and strong enough to embrace and
uphold the Union as it was, the Union as
it is, and the Union as it shall be, in the full
expression of the energies and capacities of
this great progressive people.
The committee stated that the Kansas
Nebraska.part Of the platform was adopted
with perfect unanimity. The committee
did'not have perfect unanimity upon the
forgoing policy suggested; but recommend
at heartily.
= The following are thesresolutions append
ed to the platform
]. Resolved, That the questions con-
nected with our foreign policy are inferior
to no domestic question whatever; then
the time has come for the. people of the
United States to declare themselves in favor
OF free seas, and progressive free>trade
throughout the world, and, by solemn man.
lfestations, to place their moral influence
'by the side of their successful example.
2. RESOLVED, Thataour geographical and.
political position in reference to other States
OF this continent, no less than the interest
OF our commerce and the development of
our growing power, requires that we hold
sacred the principles involved in the Mon
roe doctrine; their bearing and import
should admit of no lnisconstruction, and
should be applied with unbending risidity.
8: Resolved, That "a great highway of
nature, as we'll as by the assent Of States
,snost: Immediately interested in its maintain
ance, has Been marked oldt for free commu-
tnlcation between the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans, and constitutes one Of the most
important achievements realized bySthe
spirit Of modern times, and the uncoiG,iears ,a
able energy ofaopr people; that this fesult,
should be secured by timely and efficient
exest.on Ct the control which we:..have. the
nght TO claim oserit and no power on,
earth should snHered to clog it's progress
~ any interference with tile relations which
nv may suit our policy to establish Will. :ffIa
governments Of the7States within wh6sa do:s
,mmlonit lies; and we can. under, nc, or,
'cumstarces, surrender our pSeponderanca
y out eof it. .eIs =
::fessol6ed, Thatin view Of 60 coInnfsnds
ing an interest, tie people of hessDnited.
States cannot but sympatfiise withsfiHafs
forts which are being made blythe. .6eonla.
of Cent tra1 E,1Sos 80.