Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-11-06
NATIONAL DEn1ocRAr1 PLATFORM

Resolrcd, That the American Democracy place
their trust in the Intelligence, the patriotism and
schrmnatng justice of the American people.
Resolred, That we regard this distinctive fea
ture of our political creed, which we are proud to
maintain before the world, as the great moral ele-
mcnt in a form of government sprnSng from and
upheld by the popular will and contrast it with
the creed and practice of Federalism, under what
ever name ard form, which seeks to palsy the will
of the constituent; and which cOnccives no impos-
ture too monsrous for the public credulity.
Reso!ced, therefore, That, entertaining these
views, the Democratic party of this Union through
their delegates assembled i'll a general Convention,
coming together in spirit OF concord, of devotion
TO the doctrines and faith of free representative
government, and appealing to their fellow citizens
for the rectitude Of their intentions, renew and re-
assure before the American people the declarations
of principles ayowed by them on former occasions
in general Convention, they have presented their
candidates for popular suiiragcs-
l. That the Federal government Is one OF INIT
ed power derived solely from the Constitution; and
the grants power made therein ought 70 be strict
IL construed bv all the departments and agents OF
the government; and that it is inexpedens and dan
gerous to exercise doubtful constitutional powers.
3 That the Constitution does not confer upon
the General Government the power to commence
and carry on Il general system OF internal improve
ments
ity upon the Federal Government, directly or indi
rectlv. to assume the debts OF the several States
contracted for local and internal Improvements, OF
other state purposes, nOr would such assumption
be Just or eXpedlent.
/. That Justice and sound policy forbid the Fed
oral Government 10 foster CHE branch OF industry
10 the detrimen of any other, or 10 cherish the IN
terests of one portion the injury of another pOr
ton of our common country: that every citizen and
. ,tpx-h n sItf n N
and insist upon an equality of rights and privileges
and to complete an ample protection of persons and
nroncrtv from domestic violence or foreign aggress
ion.
). That it is the duty Of every branch Of the
Government 10 enforce and practice the most rigid
economy in conducting our public affairs, and that
no more revenue ought to be raised tlanis required
TO defrav the necessary expenses of the Govern
mcnt, and for the gradual but certain extinction OF
the public debt.
6. That the proceeds of the public funds ought to
be sacredv applied to the national objects specified
in the Constitution; and that we are opposed TO any
law for the distribution Of such proceeds among the
States as alike nexpedient i'll policy and repugnant
to the Constitution
!. That Congress has no power to charter a ma
tional bank: that we believe sur an Institution one
of deadly hostility the best interests OF the coun
try, dangerous to our republican institutions and
the liberties of the people and calculated to place
the business OF the country within the control of
concentrated money power, and above the laws and
the will of the people; and that the results OF Dem
ocratic legislation in this and all other financial
measures upon which issues have been made be-
tween the two political parties of the country, have
demonstrated 10 candid and practical men OF all
parties their soundncss safety and utility in all bu-
sncss pursuits.
g. That the separation of the moneys of the
Government from banking institutions is indispen-
sable for the safety of the funds of tho Government
and the rights Of the people.
9. That We are decidedly opposed to taking from
the President the qualified veto power; by which he
is enabled, under restrictions and responsibilities
amply sufficient to guard the public interests, to
suspend the passage OF a bill whose merits cannot
secure the approval of two-thir,ls of the Senate
and House of Representatives, until the judgmen;
of the people can be obtained thereon, and which
has saved the American people from the corrupt
and tvrannica domination of The Bank of the Uni
ted States, and from corrupting system oil Sener-
al internal Improvements.
10. That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
ferson in the Declaration Of Independence, ana
sanctioned bv the Constitution, which makes our;
the land Of liberty and the asylum of the oppressed
Of every nation. have ever been cardinal principle
of the Democratic faith, and every attempt Il
abrdge the privilege of becoming citizens and tn,
owners of soil among Us, oughtto be resisted viii
the same spirit which swept the alien and sedltiol
laws from our statute books.