Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-06-30
TIE CINCINNATI PLATFORM.

THE CINCINNATI PLATFORM.
Resolved That the American Democracy place
their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism and
the discriminating justice of the American people
heSoUed, That we regard this as distinctive fea-
ture OF our political creed, which we are proud 20
maintain before the world, as the great moral ele-
ment 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 what
ever Ime or form, which seeks palsy the will Of
the constituent, and which cOnceives no imposture
too mOnstrous for the popular Creduhty.
ReSoCed, therefore That entertaining these views,
the Democratic party of this Union through their
delegates assembled in general Convention, coming
together in spirit of concord, of devotion TO the
doctrines and faith of free representative govern
ment and appealing 70 their fellOwcitiZens for the
rectude Of their intentions, renew and reassert be
fore the American people the declarations Of princ
pies avOwed by them when on former occasions, in
general Convention, they have presented their can
dldates for the popular sufirages
i. That the federal government is one Of limited
power, derived solely from the constitutions and the
grants Of power made therein ought to be strictly
construed by all the departments and agents of the
government; and that 1t is inexpedent and danger
GUS to exercise doubtful constitutional powers.
2. That the constitution does not confer upon the
general government the power to commence and
carry on general system Of internal improve
ments.
3. That the constitution does not confer authority
upon the general government directly or indirectly
60 assume the debts OF the several states contracted
for local and internal improvements or other state
purposes nor would such assumption be just or ex-
pedient.
4. That justice and sound policy forbid the feder-
al government TO foster one branch of industry to
the detriment of any other or to cherish the inter-
est Of one portion TO the injury of another portion
of our common country; that every citizen and
every section Of the country has a right to demand
and insist upon an equality Of rights and privileges
and % complete and ample protection Of persons and
property from domestic violence or foreign aggres-
sion.
s. That it is the duty Of every branch of the gov
eminent 20 enforce and practice the most rigid eco
nOmy in conducting our public affairs. and that no
more ought to be raised than is required 20
defray the necessary expenses of the government.
and for the gradual but certain extinction Of the
public debt
g. That the proceeds Of the public lands ought to
be sacredly applied to the national objects specified
m the constitution; and that we are opposed 20 any
law for the distribution Of such proceeds among the
States as alike inexpedient in policy and repugnant
TO the constitution.
Z. That Congress has no power to charter a ma
uonal bank; that we believe such an institution one
Of deadly hostility TO the best interests of the
try, dangerous TO republican institutions and the
Liberties Of the people and calculated TO place the
business Of the country within the control of con
centrated mOney-power and that the result of the
Democratic legislation in this and all other financial
measures upon which issues have been made be-
tween the two political parties of the country have
demonstrated 70 candid and practical men of all
parties their sOundness, safety, and utility in all
business pursuits.
s, That the separation Of the moneys of the gov
ment from banking institutions is indispensable for
the safety Of the funds Of the government and rights
Of the people.
9. That we are decidedly opposed to taking from
the President the qualifedvetO power, by which he
is enabled, under restrictions and responsibilities
amply sufficient 10 guard the public interest to
pend the passage of a bill whose merits cannot Sc
cure the approval Of twO-thirds OF the Senate and
House of Representatives until the Judgment Of the
people be obtained thereon and which has saved
the American people from the corrupt and tyrann-
cal domination Of the Bank of the United States and
from corruptHg system of general internal i'm
proYements.
TO- That the liberal principles embodied by JEFF
fersOn in the Declaration OF Independence and sane
toned in the constitution, which make ours the land
Of liberty and the asylumof the oppressed OF every
nation, have ever been cardinal principles in the
Democratic faith; and every attempt % abridge the
privilege Of becoming citizens and the owners Of
soil among US ought to be resisted with the same
spirit which swept the alien and sedition laws from
our statute books
aud whereas, since the foregoing declaration was
uniformly adopted by our predecessors in National
fenuon, an adverse politicst and rei pus test
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