Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-06-21
3)oIiicol.
PLATFORM OF THE DENIOCRA-
TIC PARTY.


The following Platform adopted by the
Democratic party at its National Con
vention held in Baltimore in 1852, was
re-afirmcd at the Cincinnati National
Convention
Resolrecl, That the American Demo-
cracy place their trust in the intelligence,
the patriotism and the discriminating
justice of the American people. q.
RcsoIced, That we regard this as a
distinctive feature of our creed which we
are proud to maintain before the world
as great moral element in form of
government springing from and upheld
by a popular will; and we contrast it
with the creed and practice of Federal
ism, under whatever name or folm, which
seeks to palsy the vote of the constituent
and which conceives no imposture too
monstrous for the popular credulity.
ReS0lced, therefore, That entertaining
these views, the democratic party of the
Union, through their delegates assembled
in general convention of the States,
converting together in a spirit of concord,
of devotion to the doctrines and faith of
a free representative government, and
appealing to their fellow citizens for the
rectitude of their intentions, renew and
reassert before the American people the
declarations Of principles avowed by
them, when, on former occasions, in
general convention, they presented their
candidates for the popular suffrages.
/. That the federal government is one
Of liberal powers, derived solely from the
Constitution, and the grants of power
made therein ought to be strictly con-
strued by all the departments and agents
Of the government; and that it is mex
pedient and dangerous to exercise doubt
full constitutional powers.
2. That the Constitution does not con-
fer upon the general government the
power to countenance or carry on a
general system Of internal improve
ments.
3. That the Constitution does not con-
fer authority upon the federal govern
ment, directly or indirectly, to assume
the debts Of the several States, contract
ed for local internal improvements, or
other State purposes; nor would such
assumption be just Or expedent.
4. That justice and sound policy for
bid the federal government to foster one
branch Of industry to tho dotrimont Of
any other, or to cherish the interests of
one portion to the injury of another por-
ton Of our common country; that every
citizen and every section of the country
has right to demand and insist upon an
equality of rights and privileges, and
complete and ample protection Of persons
and property from domestic violence and
foreign aggression.
5. That it is the duty of every branch
Of the government to enforce and prac-
tice the most rigid economy in conduct
ing our public affairs, and that no more
rcyense ought to be raised than is re-
CURED to defray the necessary expenses
of the government, and for gradual but
certain extinction of the public debt.
q. That Congress has no power to
charters National Bank; that we believe
such'an institution one Of deadly hostil-
ity TO the best interests Of our country,
dangerous to our republican institutions
and the liberties Of the people, and cal
culatcd TO place the business of the coun-
try within the control Of a concentrated
money power, and above the laws and
will Of the people; and that the results
of Democratic legislation in this aud all
other financial measures upon which Is
sues have been made between the two
political parties Of the country, have de-
monstrated to practical men of all parties
their soundness, safety and utility in all
business pursuits.
7. That the separation Of the moneys
Of the Government from all banking in
situations is indispensable for the safety
Of the funds Of the Government and the
rights Of the people.
8. That the liberal principles embodi-
ed by Jefferson in the Declaration Of In
dependence, ard sanctioned in the Con-
stituiion, which makes ours the land Of
liberty, and the asylum Of the oppressed
Of every nation, have ever been cardinal
principles in the Democratic faith; and
every attempt to abridge the privilege Of
} becoming citizens and owners Of soil