Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-09-11
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM

ReSoircd, That the American Democracy place
their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism and
discriminating Justice of the American people.
ReSolred, That We regard this distinctive fea-
urc of our political creed, which we are proud to
maintain before the world, as the great moral Gle
mcnt i'll IL form OF government springing from and
upheld by the popular will: and we contrast it with
the creed and practice of Federalism. under what
ever name and form, which seeks to palsy the will
Of the constituent; and which conceives no impos-
turc too monStrous for the public credultY
ReSOired. therefore. That, entertaining these
views. the Democratic party of this Union through
their delegates assembled i'll general Convention
coming together in spirit of concord, of devotion
to the doctrines and faith of free representative
government. and appealing TO their fellow citizen
for the rcctitudc OF their intentions renew and re-
before the American people the declarations
OF principles avowed by them former occasions
in general Convention, they have presented theil
, candidates for popular suiiragcs.
|. That the Federal government is of limit
I cd power, derived solely from the Constitution; and
the grants of power made therein ought to be strict
~ construed 10y all the departments ard agents OF
the government; and that it is inexpedien. and dan
ecrous to exercise doubtful constitutional powers.
,. That the Constitution does not confer upon
the General Government the power to commence
and carry n general system of internal improve
mcnt-.
y. nat tllt CONSTITUTION uoc> not confer author
itv upon the Federal Government, directly or ind
rectlv, to assume the debts of the several States
contracted for local and internal improvements ol
I other State PURPOSES would such assumpticl
he Just or cXpcdlcnt.
4. That Justice and sound policy forbid the Fed
cral Government to foster branch of industr,
10 the detriment of any other, or to cherish the in
tercss of one portion to the injury of another por
ton of our common country: that every citizen an,
Of has
and insist upon an equality of rights and privileges
and to complete ample protection of persons ant
property from domestic violence or foreign agrees
ion.
;. That it is the duty of every branch of tn,
Government tn enforce and practice the most rigit
economy in conducting our public affairs. and tina
no more revenue ought to be raised than is require
to dciray the necessary expenses Of the Govern
ment, and for the gradual but certain extinction o
the public debt.
! Il. That the proceeds of the public funds ought Il
be sacrcdy applied to the national objects specific,
in the Constitution; and that opposed to am
law for the distribution of such proceeds among tn,
States. as alike inexpedien in policy and repugnan
I to the Constitution.
I. That Congress has no power to charter a ma
tiont bank; that we believe such an institution ON,
of deadly hostility to the best interests of the
try, dangerous to our republican institutions anC
the liberties of the peoric and calculated to plac,
the business OF the country within the control of
concentrated money power, and above the laws am
the will of the people; and that the results of Dem
ocratic legislation in this and all other financial
measures upor which issues have been made be
tween the two political parties of the country hav,
demonstrated 10 candid and practical men of al
parties, their soundness, safety and utility in all bu
siness pursuits.
I :. That the separation Of the moneys of tn,
Government from banking institutions il indispcn
sable for the safety of the funds of the Government
and the rights of the people
4 9. That are decidedly opposed to taking from
the President the qualified veto power; by which h
Is enabled, under restrictions and responsibilities
amply sufficient to guard the public interests, t.
suspend the passage of bill whose merits canno
secure the approval of two thirds of the Senat,
and House OF Representatives, until the judgmen
of the people can be obtained thereon. and which
has saved the American people from the corrup
and tyrannica domination of the Bank OF the Uni
ted States. and from corruptng system of gener
al internal improvements.
10. That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
ferson in the Declaration Of Independence, nm,