Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-06-12
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

Report Of Committee on Resolutions.
The committee on resolutions, by their chairs
man, Mr.. Haiett, of Massachusetts, submit the
following report:
Resolved, That the American Democracy place
their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism, and
the discriminating justice of the American people.
Resolved, That we regard this as a distinctive
feature Of our political creed which proud
to maintain before the world as the great moral
element in a form of government springing from
and upheld by the popular will; and we contrast
it with the creed and practice Of Federalism, under
whatever name or form, which seeks to palsy the
will OF the constituent, and which cOnceives no
imposture too monstrous for the popular credulty.
Resolved, therefore, That entertaining these
views, the Democratic party of the Union through
their delegates assembled in 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 recttude of their intentions, and re-
assert before the American people, the declarations
of principles svowed by them when, former
occasions, in general convention, they have pre-
sented their candidates for the popular suffrages.
l. That the Federal Government is one of m-
tied power, derived solely from the Constitution;
and the grants Of power made therein ought TO be
strictly construed by all the departments and agents
of the Government; and that it is inexpedient and
dangerous to exercise doubtful constitutional pow
ers.
. That the constitution does not confer upon
the General Government the power to commence
aud carry on general system Of internal improve
ments.
8. That the constitution does not confer author
Ity upon the Federal Government, directly or in
directly 20 the debts of the several States,
contracted for local and internal improvements, or
other State purposes; nor would such assumption
be Just or eXpedient.
f. That Justice and sound policy forbid the Fed
eral Government to foster one branch Of industry
to the detriment Of any other, or 70 cherish the
interest Of portion TO the injury Of another por-
ton of our common country; that every citizen
and every section of country has right TO demand
and insist upon an equality Of rights and privileges,
and to complete and ample protection OF persons
aud property from domestic violence or foreign ag-
grnssion.
5. That it is the duty Of every branch of the
Government to enforce and practise the most rigid
economy 10 conducting the public affairs, and that
no more revenue ought TO be raised th is requr~
ed defray the necessary expenses of the govern.
ment and for the gradual, but certain extinction
! OF the public debt.
s. That the proceeds of the public lands ought
to be sacrrdly applied the national objects speci-
fed in the constitution; and that we are opposed
to any law for the distribution Of such proceeds
among the States, alike inexpedient in policy
and repugnant to the constitution.
7. That Congress has no power TO charter a ma
tioual bank; that we believe such an institution
one of deadly hostility TO the best interests Of the
country, dangerous to republican Institutions
and the liberties OF the people, and calculated TO
place the business OF the country within the con-
! troll of a concentrated money power and above the
laws and the will of the people; and that the re
suits of Democratic legislation 10 this aud all other
financial measures upon which issues have been
made between the two political parties OF the coun-
/ try, have demonstrated to candid and practical
/ men Of all parties, their soundness, safety and
utility, in oil business pursuits.
/ s. That the separation Of the moneys Of the
/ Government from banking institutions is udispen
sable for the safety Of the funds of tue Govern
eminent and The rights OF the people.
That we are decidedly opposed TO taking from
the President the qualified veto power, by wh Gu
be is ensbed, under restrictions and responsible
ties amply sufficient TO guard the public interests,
90 suspend the passage Of bin whuse merits cam
not secure the approval Of two-thirds OF the Sen
/ ate and House Of Representatives, until the judg-
/ meut OF the people can be obtained thereon, and
/ which has saved the American people from ths
corrupt and tyTAnrioal domination OF the Back Of
the Uaited States and from cOrrupting system oi
1 GENERAL internal improvements
| 10. That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
! ferson in the Declaration Of Independence, sad
sanctioned in the Constitution which makes ours
the land OF liberty, and the asylum Of the Cypress
ed Of every nation have ever been cardinal prin'
! ciples in the Democratic faith; aud every attempt
TO abridgs the privilege Of becoming citizens and
the owners OF soil among as, ought TO be resisted
with the same spirit which swept the alien and ss-
! dition laws tron our statute books.
And, whereas, since the foregoing declaration wAs
uniformly adopted by our predecessors IN National
Conventions, adverse political and religious test
has been secretly organized BY party claiming to
be exclusively American, 10 10 proper that the
American Democracy should clearly define its re-
!sti0as thereto aud declare is determined oPpos-
ton 70 all secret political societies, b. uhaisFeE
| name they may be called.
! Resolved, That the Foundations Of this Union 81
States having been laid in, and its prosperity,
| pansion and prs-eminsnt example IN free govern
meni bailt upon entire freedom in matters 81 reii-
gioas conesrnmeat and 10 respect Of peFsen, IN
regard % rank plses Of birth nopsFsy can justly