Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-07-22

rE The Tribune has been amusing itself, for
some time past, by asking questions OF US to
which it could not have expected any direct
answers. For our personal opinions would
refer the editor of the Tribune to the editorial
columns of the DanocrGt, " here they will De rea-
Oily expressed whenever We think it proper
To its Inquiries ss to what Is the democratic
creed, we answer by referring IL the platform
adopted at the Cincinnati Convention, which
will undoubtedly be strictly adhered to by our
candidates If elected, III the administration OF
the affairs of the government.
The Tribune seems to find it difficult to draw
the right distinction between the expressed
opinions of individuals and the doctrines sus-
tanned by the parties TO which they belong, aud
We would, therefore. respectfully invite It's
attention to certain manifest facts
LIST. Party platforms are but compromises be-
tween men of different opinions
End. By its platform it is proper only tojudge
of what principles party designs to advance.
Sd. 1t is expected that the President elected
by political party will adhere strictly to the
princi pies laid down by those who nominated
him. however much it may differ from the opln-
ions es portion of those who choose to support
hin, fo. the Office.
And we NAV add that the Tribune will find
that we do not altogether with the platform of
the Cincinnati Convention, but it Is so near
right that We can cheerfelly sustain it and the
candidates ho viii carry II out, word Tor WORT,
and according to IT'S spirit
The above is the reply of the Democrat to
questions propounded by us in relation to its
approval or disapproval of the Fugitive Slave
Law, the Presidents vetoes of the appropria-
tions for the Improvements of the ST. Clair Flats
and the Mississippi. and the Resolution of The
Philadelphia Convention upon the Subject of In
ternal Improvements.
The editor says we " could not have expected
any direct answer to these questions" We will
admit that did not expect an answer, for we
did not believe the Democrat dare take sides
either the one way or the other upon these ques-
tons. The editor well knows that the senti-
ments of the greater portion of his readers
widely different upon these questions from that
of the leaders of his party, and he hopes to ig
more them entirely, and get men to vote blindlv
for candidates who entertain, and will, if elect
ed, carry out a policy entirely different from
that believed in by the people of this section of
country.
But the Democrat refers us to the Cincinnati
Platform, which he says " will be strictly ad-
hered to by the candidates if elected" The
question of the Fugitive Slave Law is sufficient
ly definite to be understood. 1t says:
The Democratic party will abide by and
adhere to faithful execution of the acts known
as the Compromise Measures" the act for re .
claiming fugitives from service or labor inclu-
ded, which act being designed to carry out an
express provision of the Constitution, cannot
with fidelity thereto. be repealed"
Here then is a full endorsement Of tie Fugi-
tive Slave Act. and implied declaration that
it is sacred as the Constitution ITSELF for it
! cannot with fidelity to that instrument be re-
pealed or changed. We are not at all surprised
that the Democrat refuses to say whether he does
or does not approve the act, for if he approves
1t, he differs with his patrons generally, and if
he does not approve it, he is at once opposing
! the principles of the candidates he supports
| The subject of Internal Improvements is left
so blind in the platform alluded to, that we do
not believe the editor of the Democrat himself
knows whether it does or does not apply to such
appropriations as those to which we have allu-
ded 1t is intended to suit all sections, and
meet the views of none. All it says upon the
subject is this
! The Constitution does not confer upon the
General Government the power to commence
and carry on general system of Internal I'M
provements"
Clear "a mud, is 1t not ? The people have a
! right to know the views of candidates for office
upon such questions as this but they can obtain
no information either from the platform or It's
advocates. This general system is very in
definite but it is all the people are permitted
to know. Surely the Democratic party Is par
~ of of principles"