The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-07-26
PARTY PLATFORMS.
Democratic PLATFORM, [adopted January s. 1897
IOWA.


Whereas il is proper well as customary for the de
mocracy to proclaim their principles in public manner
whenever and wherever they assemble and partcu
ary TO express their sentiments upon all questions tha
may for the time being agitate the public mind; and
whereas We as delegates to democratic State convention
have this day met for the purpose vi making the
preparations for the coming national and State campaigns
and believing it TO be right that should reitera rea
hrm our devotion TO those great principles which have
long guided counsels controlled the OF the adj
mnistratiye officers Of the government led forward
country step by step to its present proud position among
the nations of the eartE and scattered the blessings OF
peace and prosperity Of private protection and public
der to every part OF our beloved America and whereas
experience also teaches that bold and open declaration
principles far better in the end than temporzng poll
ICY that sure to result in ultimate defeat whatever may
be the apparent advantages of such therefore,
Resolued That the democracy of Iowa have abiding
confidence in the capacity Of the people govern them
selves and in the patriotism of all who support the cons
tuition and laws Of the land in letter and in spirit.
csotp That we base action upon the eternal prin
cpes Of truth and sincerely believe that in the framing OF
laws for the government of mankind should strive
do equal and exact justice to all irrespective of classes
Resolved That all powers in a representative govern
ment being inherent in and originating FROM the people,
they alone can add to take from the rules adopted for
the control of the representatives therefore the const-
ton being the standard by which the validity of all laws
is to be tested should be strictly construed and its pro-
visions nvioaby revered as the highest authority of the
law.
Resolped That special legislation on the one hand and
too much legislation the other, evils calculated
destroy the rights OF the people and to dsrespect
legal enacmen and consequently are adverse to sound
representative government.
ResotUed That from l776-when first promulgated by
the immortal Jeferson-to this day the liberal principles
which have secured TO America the appellaton of 7he
Land Of Liberty and The asylum Of the Oppressed have
ceived hearty support from the democratic party and
still adhering to these principles the democracy of Iowa
will resist any and all attempts to undermine abridge
the privileges OF citizenship the power to hold and
JOY property, by those who flee from desposm and seek
home in midst.
Resolped That the principles of popular sovereignty
and nonnervention, established in l776, imbodied
into constitutional form in 1884, rearmed by the compro-
mise of 1850 sanctioned by the people of the
United States at the ballobox in 1852 and practically
applied in the organization of Territories by the Congress
of ls5354 the great fundamental principles of all real
republican governments and that the democratic party
the country is indebted for the maintenance and perpeua
ton of these principles in America therefore the democ-
racy of Iowa fully endorse the legislation Of 1854 SO far
regards the organization Of the Territories of Nebraska
and Kansas, whereby attempt made to interfere
with the natural republican rights Of the citizens of those
Territories by legisatng slavery into said Territories nor
excluding it thereirom, but leaving hc people thereof
free TO form and regulate their domestic institutions in
their own way, subject only to the constitution of the
United Sates; and whereby odious sectional line that
has produced SO much excitement and animosy among
free people and has been pregnant with evil as to be
the cause of serious apprehensons for the safety of the
Union, has been erased from our statute-book
Resolved That the democratic party of Iowa will in the
language of the Baltimore platform of 1852 resist all at
empts at renewing in Congress out of il the agitation
Of the slavery question: under whatever shape color the
attempt may be made and do hereby declare in the
most emphatic terms dsapprobaon of the pur
sued by the abotonis,s and usonss who have brought
such agitation by msrepresentng and misquong the
provisions of the Nebraska and Kansas act and by the
publication of false and hbellous statements in regard TO
the action of democrats and who have prosuted the pull
pit and the Sabbath for the advancement Of their personal
aims and the accomplishment of their selfish designs.
Re,oived That the constitution of the United States is
founded on the fundamental principle OF entire and abso-
lutte equality among all the States in this Union and 1t Is
competent Congress
upon States coming into the Union any condition
restriction, in respect to their domestic institutions or in
erna concerns, which the federal constitution has not i'm
posed upon the original States and that any effort the
part of Congress any other power TO violate this prnc
Pile should be met and resisted by all good citizens
attempt TO ampe upon the constitution and destroy our
Union.
Resolued That religious freedom is a natural as we'll
constitutional right and that look upon all attempts TO
abridge IL only wrong but reasonable to repub-
institutions therefore believe thatt is the duty Of
the democratic party 10 Danish from her councils all who
seek TO destroy this constitutional guarantee and we do
hereby formally excommuncae all who belong 20 that
oath-bound secret political association, monty known
by the Of the knownothng party I'D do publicly
declare them be unfit political associates true demo
Gratis and republicans
,olped That we conceive these principles vital for the
maintenance OF the constitution and the integrity OF the
Union and that invoke all patriotic ctzens irrespect
Of past party opinions 10 unite with for the preser
yaton of the inestmable blessings OF civil and religious
liberty.
Rssolpcd That we are opposed to all legislation that IA
classes that creates monopoes or calculated in any
way benefit the few at the expense Of the many and
will resist the elevation Of any to any Office place
Of public trust who viii not declare his adherence 70 these
principles and openly advocate the doctrines set forth in
these resolutions.
Resolped That while the democracy congratulate them
selves upon the Of every administration that has
been brought power by their votes, deem this
m occasion to express entire appreciation of the prn
cpes that have guided General Pierce since bis naugura
ton as President Of the United States and endorse fully
the leading Of his administration believing that
he has evinced in all his acts patriotic heart firm and
honest WILL and craftsmanship equal to the require
OF the high post to which the people unanimous
ly elevated him.
strict and rigorous observance Of every article and provis
ion Of the constitution and in the maintenance OF oil o
the laws Of the land and condemn every attempt 70 eyadc
violate either acts that rebeious and treason
able In their nature and that this convention condemn for
egn interference in the affairs Of fKantas and the spirit OF
mob violence and opposition 10 law everywhere
RcsoiUd That history proves that the democratic party
Of the United States Is the only national party, and the
only party capable Of successfully administering the fede
raj affairs OF the nation, and striking evidence o
these o have only to refer to the present aspect
The House Of Representatives, where with majority o
seventy the opponents Of the democracy have spent
whole month in fruiess attempt TO elect presiding Of
cer and have failed TO transact any Of the public business
which intrusted to their hands
Resoped That approve OF the Of the seUentg
fee democratic members OF the House OF Representatives
who have sterny adhered 70 principle and to the sup
port Of their nominee and to them we say Never give
up the ship
Black Republican Platform, (adoptcd 22d Of February
last
United in common resolve TO maintain right agans
wrong and believing In the determination OF yirtuou
and intelligent people to sustain justice we declare
l. That governments instituted among men 70 Sc
cure the naenablo rights Of life liberty, and the pursn
Of happiness. :.