The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1860-02-08
Illinois Democracy.

: y = = i
The Committee on Resolutions returned
bthe Hall, and reported the subjoined,
which we're adopted without amendment
or without dissenting voice.
80 Whereas The Democratic party assembled in
National Convention, at CINCINNATI, in June, 1856,
by the unanimous vote of all the delegates from
every Statein the Union, adopted platform Of
principles, as the only authoritative exposition of
Democratic doctrines, which remains unaltered and
sunaterable until the meeting of the Charleston
Convention; @
And Whereas, We have good reasons for the be-
Lief that if we depart from the doctrines of that
platform BY attempting to force upon the party
sucxissues and tests the Democracy Of The several
States, may never be able to agree upon another
platform OF principles with the same unanimity;
ssApd Whereas, The Democratic party isthe only
ooItieal organization which can maintain in their
ydrity, the principles of selfgoyernment, the re-
served rights Of the States, and the perpetuity of
the Union under the! Constitution;
q And Whereas, The unity, integrity and suprcma-
CT ofthe Democratic party, depend upon its faith
fuladherence to those fundamental principles upon
which We have achieved SO many glorious trumphs
and to which we are soemnly and irrevOcaby
pledged. Therefore,;
Resolved, That the Democracy of Illinois, in
Sete Convention assembled do re.assert and affirm
the Cincinnati platform, in the words, spirit and
meaning with which the same was adopted, IN.
derstood and ratified by the people in 1856, aud do
reject and utterly repudiate all such new issues and
tests as the revival Of the African slave trade, or
Congressional slave code for the Territories, or the
doctrine that slavery is a Federal institution. de-
irving its validity in several States and Territories
ID which it exists from the Constitution of the
United States, instead Of beinga mere municipal
institution existing in such States and Territories
under the laws thereof"
Resolved, That there can be no exception to the
rule that every right guaranteed by the Constitu-
I ton must be protected BY law, in all cases where
legislation is necessary for its protection and enjoy
ment, and, in obedience to this principle, it was
the imperative duty of Congress to enact an eff
GENT law for the surrender of fugitive slaves
"a Resolved, That no consideration OF political ex-
pediency or partzan policy can release any mem
!. Der Of Congress or American citizen from his |
sworn obligations of fidelity to the Constitution or
excuse him for not advocating and supporting all
Ia e. Al
tion and eajoyment Of every right guaranteed by |
that instrument.
: Rctolved, That the Democratic party of the
Union is pledged in faith and honor by the Gin
clnnati platform and its Endorsement of tile Kansas
Nebraska act to the following propositions:
LIST. That all questions pertaining to African
slavery in the territories shall be forever banshed
from the halls Of Congress.
ID. That the people the territories respectively
shall be left perfectly free TO make just such laws
and regulations in respect to slavery and all other
matters ofloeal concern, as they may determine
torthemselYes, subject to no other limitations or
sssrcsions than those imposed by the Constitution
ofthe United States. ~
3d. That all questions affecting the validity or
eonstituonality OF any territorial enacments shall
esreferrea for final decision to the Supreme Court
Of the URited States as the only tribunal provided
By the Constitution, which is competent to deter
mine them.
8 Resolved, That ia the opinion of the Democracy
Of illinois, Mr. Buchanan truly interpreted the Gin r
snnati platform, in his letter accepting the Pres-
Dental nominations when he said, the people Of a
territory, ike those of State, shall decide for
themselves whether slavery shall or shall not exist
within their limits" F.
Resolved, That we recognize the paramount id- "a
eda authority Of tae Supreme Court Of the United |
States as provided in the Constitution, and hold it
4pe the imperative duty of all good citizens 10 S
faapest and obey the decisions of that tribunal, i
andto aid, BY all lawful means, in carrying them y
Into faithful execution. FL
Resolved, That the Democracy Of IIliieis repel
sIs just indignation the injurious and unfounded
upon the integrity and inpartality of 1t
ne supreme Court, which is contained ii. the as
Enpnon On the part of the se-called Republicans {
mat in the Dred Scott case, that august tribunal p
sclded against the right OF the people OF the Ter
''ories to determine the slavery queStonor them
ewes, without giving them opportunity Of being
esrc BY counsel in defence Of their rights of self
'0sernment and when there was no territorial law,
nsefment OF fact before the Court upon which that
position could possibly arise. a
,,iAsoved, That whenever Congress or the legs- Il
a'l'e OF any State Or Territory shall make any en-
'esoent or do any act which attempts to diyest,
apair OF prejudice any right which the owner of
ives or any other species Of property may have
claim in any Territory or elsewhere, by virtue i
''he constitution or otherwise and the party az. =,
tleved shall bring bis case before the Supreme !,
curt Of the United States, the Democracy of Hi. .,
oR as in duty bound by their obligations f6del. r.
Sto the Constitution, will eheerfuly aud faithfully
'pect aud abide by the decision, and use all law p,
ameans to aid in giving it full effect according to
hae intent and meaning. 4 de
Efeolead ~ N.