The Placer herald., 1856-04-19
DEM0CRATJC PLATFORM.


DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
ADOPTED AT THE STATE CONVENTION, HELD AT Sac
rANENTo CITY. MARCH 5TH 1856.
WHEREAS, The pro- perty and progress of the
United States have resulted in great degree from
the principles and action Of the Democratic party
lind ache'eos, The preservation and perpetuatou
OF those principles are essential 10 the 81 curiy Of
liberty, and the integrity of the union of these
States, it is. therefore, fitting and proper that the
cardinal principles of the Democratic party, BY
the influence of which our country has advanced
with such unparalleled rapidity 10 power and
greatness, should be clearly set forth not only to
guide the party in its future action. but TO exhibit
the wisdom, the patriotism. and the exalted love
Of liberty in its broadest sense, of the llusrious
oiunders of our faith. Therefore
ResOiUtd That we nscribe our banner the
following principles of our political faith which
were proclaimed by the immortal Jefferson. sus-
taned and enforced by the illustrious Jackson.
and which have been adhered TO 10y the friends Of
liberty and humanity to the present period to-wt:
a strict construction OF the Constitution, that
the honest will of the people may be carried out.
Equal justice to all men. of whatever State OF
persuasion. religious or political
Strict economy and rigid accountability in all
the Departments OF Government.
To secure which we are in favor Of the prompt
arraignment and punishment of all public officers
convicted of pecuaton.
An undertaking adherence to the universal
standard of value of gold and silver. that honest
industry may receive its just reward and the gen.
cral interests Of the country be securely and per-
manently established.
UniUerSai suffrage, unreStricted dy property
qualifications. that every citizen may enjoy the
highest prerog0tve of a freeman. on the basis of
his manhood, and not of his property.
Lsbtrai naturalization iatrS, that the oppressed
Of every nation may speedily secure the blessings
of liberty guaranteed by our national Coustitu-
ton, after reaching "the land of the free and
home Of the oppressed"
The support of the State Government in all
their rights as the most competent administrations
for our domestic concerns, and the surest bulwarks
against anti republican tendencies.
The preservation Of the General Government In
its whole constitutional vigor, the sheet anchor
of our peace at home and safety abroad
jealous care Of the right Of election by the
people, and prompt and exemplary punishment Of
all frauds upon the elective franchise.
Absolute 0cquiescence in the decisions of the
majority the vital principle Of republics, from
which there is no appeal but to force, the vital
principle and immediate parent Of dcspoism
LniUeysdf educ0t{0n, and the prompt arraign-
ment of all abuses at the bar Of public reason.
The honest payment of our debts, and the sa.
cred preservation of the public faith
Freedom Of religion freedom Of the press free
dom OF person under the protection of the habeas
corpus. and tried hy lurcs impartialy selected.
That although Democrats may have differed in
opinions upon the eXpediency of the Missouri
Compromise, yet as that question is now a by gone
issue, ady to resist its restoration as in
eXpcdicnt and unWise. and recognize in the priv
cipIc of popular soveregnty.' as embraced in
the Compromise Measures of 1850 and the Balti-
more platform of 1852, and subsequently, enbod-
led in the Kansas Nebraska bill, as the one great
issue before the American people al this time;
and we will cherish and maintain such PRINCIPLES
as the sheet-anchor Of our hopes. and will uphold
it as the only sure means OF perpetuating our
government through all time to come.
The prompt construction Of the Atlantic and
Pacific Railroad. And, rs means of accompisl-
ing this great result appropriation by the
G"norol G"vArnr"nnt nf land sufficient ia ssenre
its speedy completion.
We are in favor of Union and Liberty, now
and forever, one and insepNrablc."
We demand Of the General Government the
prompt construction Of the necessary ortiicatious
upon this coast to afford prot, ction to the great
interests Of this State. The establishment of
United States Arsenal. with such supplies and ma
nitions of war as will enable the citizens of this
State TO protect themselves against Indian aggres-
sions or foreign invnsiOns.
We are opposed to all secret political organiza-
tons, regarding them subvorSve of the great
principles upon which our institutions are based,
and dangerous to liberty. We are opposed to that
party (ascly called American) which recklessly
assals the sacred rights of conscience. proscribes
naturalized American citizens, assails all the
great doctrines secured by the hcroism Of the rev.
oiution and established by the wisdom and pa
triotsm of the founders of the Republic; and yet,
hypocritically profess attachment "to the purer
days of the Republic, and invoke the spirit OF
heroism patriotism and virtue that pr,cipitated
the Revolution.' aud declare that 'Americans
shall rule America"
We are opposed to all sectional organizations
the formation of parties upon geographical div-
sions and the agitation Of the question Of slavery.
Resolved, That approve of the principles
and policy of the Administration Of President
Pierce. and urge their adoption aud enforcement
upon all succeeding Administrations
ResOioed, That We are in favor of the most lib
eral appropriation by the General Government, Of
actual settlers in limited quantities. and that we
in favor of protecting the actual settler in all
his just, equi table and legal rights.
ReSO(ved, That in common with large major.
ity Of the people Of California. the members of
this Convention have unbounded confidence in the
integrity great ability, sterling Democracy and
ardent devotion to country, of the Hon. JAMES
BUCHANAN, Of Pennsy lvania; that we have not
forgotten the distinguished services by him rem
dered ms Secretary Of State, under the lamented
Polk. during the war with Mexico, which resulted
in the acquisition Of the territory we now occupy;
nor have we failed TO appreciate his fearless bear
ing and discreet action us our Minister 10 Great
Britain during the discussion of quest ons hi, hly
important TO the interests well as the honor Of
his country, therefore be it
ResOived That the members Of this Convention
in expressing our ardent desire for the nomination
and triumphant election Of the Hon. James Bu-
chanan as President of the United States do hut
tive uttcrance to the wishes of an immense ma
joriy of the Democracy Of the State of California