Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1856-10-09
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM


Res0lred, That the American Democracy place
their trust in the intelligence the patriotism and
discriminating justice Of the American people.
! ReSo!Ued, That regard this a distinctive iea-
ture OF our political creed, which We are proud 10
m1intain before the world as the great moral ele-
ment III aiorm OF government sprnSinS from and
upheld by the popular Will; and we contrast 1t with
the creed anu practice OF Federalism, under what
ever name ana form, which seeks to palsy the viii
OF the constituent; and which conceives no impos-
tur0 too monstrous for the public creduty.
| Resotoed, therefore, That, entertaining these
views, the Democratic party of this Union through
their delegates assembled in 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 Americanpeople the declarations
OF principles avowcd by them on former occasions
in general Convention, they have presented their
candidates for popular sutfragcs
/. That the Federal government is one OF limit
ed power, derived solely from the Constitution: and
the grants of power made therein ought to be strict
" construed by all the departments and agents OF
the government; and that ii Is inexpeden and dan
gerOus to exercise doubtful constitutional powers
,. That the Constitution does not confer upon
the General Government the power to commence
and carry on general system Of internal improve
mcnts.
q That the Constitution does not confer author
itv upon the Federal Government, directly or indi
rectly. 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 expedent.
l. That Justice and sound policy forbid the Fed
eral Government to foster one branch of industry
to the detriment of any other or TO cherish the in
terests of portion to the injury of another por-
ton of our common country that every citizen and
! Il I. 1, /
and insist upon equality of rights and privileges,
and to complete an ample protection of persons and
property from domestic violence or foreign aggress-
ion.
;. That it is the duty of every branch Of the
Government TO enforce and practice the most rigid
economy in conducting public affairs, and that
no more revenue ought to be raised than required
10 delray the necessary expenses of the Govern
men, and for the gradual but certain extinction of
the public debt
&. That the proceeds of the public funds ought to
be sacrellv applied the national objects specified
in the Constitution: and that are opposed to any
law for TIE distribution of such proceeds among the
States, alike inexpedicnt in policy and rcpugn,nt
10 the Constitution.
I. That Congress. has no power to charter M
tional bank: that believe suh en- institution one
of deadly hostility to the best interests Of the coui-
try, dangerous to our republican institutions and
the liberties Of the people, and calculated 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 npor which issues have been made be-
the two political parties of the country. have
demonstrated 10 candid and practical men OF all
parties, their soudncs. safety and utility in all bu-
sincss pursuits
:. That the separation OF the MONEYS Of the
Government from banking institutions is indispcn-
sable for the safety Of the funds Of the Govcnm n.
AMI the rights cl the people.
Q. That We are decidedly opposed to taking from
the Prc>dcn, the qualified veto power; by which he
IS enabled, under restrictions AMI responsibilities
amply sufficient to guard the public interests, to
suspend the passage Of biz whose merits cannot
secure the approval Of two;hiris of the Senate
and House Of Representatives until the jude Inent
Of the people can be obtained thereon, and which
has saved the American people from the corrupt
and tyrlnnical domination of the Bank of the Uni
ted States. AMI iroma corrupting system Of @encr-
nj internal improvements.
10. That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
ferscn in the Declaration of Independence, and
sanctioned by the Constitution. which makes ours
the land Of liberty and the un CT the oqprcsset
of every nation, have ever been cardinal principle
of the Democratic faith. and every attempt f,
ahrd-c the privilege OF becoming citizens and III,
owners of soil among ought To be resisted wild
the same spirit which swept the alien and sed;tion
laws from cur statute books.