Daily national Democrat., 1861-09-14
Platform adopted by the Union Demo-
cratic State Convention Of 1861.

WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever been
the party OF tealy tU free government and irater-
ual devotion 10 the rights Of the States Of the
Union, and OF unwaveriug fidelity 20 the laws the
Constitution, the Union, and the eouutry-ready
to maintain them by all proper means and
every sacrifice
And whereas, The country Is now defending IL
self against Il without iustltieaiion or decent
excuse wsgcd upon it by REASONABLE cambna-
tlons claiming to represent the people of certain
States claiming to have seeded from the Union
which Is manltestv war for the invasion Of
our National Capital for the overthrow Of our
National Government the oppression Of the loyal
States the subugutun Of the Union II war to
humble in the dust our National flag; to wrench
from the American people their constitutional
rights of determining for themselves their own
policy, foreign and mestic aud 10 blot them out
from the class OF the great powers Of the world
And whereas such war so aggressive in ts
character, and so deadly in its purposes, forces
upon the country an issue which can be met but
in one way by any people having the common in
stinct 81 sell Pre-ei ratOn, or worthy Of en- exist
encc ac a nation.
Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by this
Convention,
l. That at this time. when the country is resist
ing war Of oppression and destruction, indlffer-
ence IS impossible 20 the patriot and neutrality ls
coward ce, II not prtmgdiiated dlsl0Valtv.
2. That the people Of California in the past have
been most anxious for peace throughout the land,
and viii hail with joy AN honorable adjustment in
the future at the same time they are 05oye all
things tor the UNIoN, the Country and the Flag,
against all assalanta-no matter who they are,
whence they come. 0r 1cih uHat po7ger armed.
3. That in thus great crisis Of the American ma
ton and name our state viii always, as hereto
tole, faithfully discharge her Constitutional oLl,
cations to the Union and the Federal GOYern-
ment and, as in duty bound, will earnestly sus-
tam the constituted authorities at Washington IN
all measures necessary - defend and protect
either against this most unjustlhable and un-
natural war.
a. That in The name of the loyal people of Cali
fornia, we demand Of the General Government,
by all its power to protect their iFes and proper
ty on the high seas, between this coast and the
Atlantic, from the piratical flag which already
threatens injury and would iua,ot destruction OF
both
5. Tina, in the pTeseut overwhelming crisis, he
who would seek. by reviging past partisan issues
to distrac. the ptol le, o. to wres from their hon
eSt and patrlutc devotion some sordid partisan
advantage is moi true to the country, nor worthy
the name Utou American citizen.
g. That we hold that Our paramount allegiance
is due to the Federal Government; that the right
If State secession is dangerous heresy inevita-
bly, destructive ui our orm VI Government.
Z. That obedience TO the constitutional will Of
majoyucs is the only safeguard Of Republican
Governments; that we viii uphold the c0nstitu-
ted authorities, under all c,rcum stances and at all
sphere, regardless ot hat party may be in power
:. That Governments are political organiza-
! tons armed with coercve power, without which
they cannot exist that it is not only no assump-
ton "t authority upon the part of Governments,
but Their positive duty TO exercise such coerclve
power, IN order to maintain themselves against
either lOfelgn INVASION or domestic rebellion.
9, That we trace the causes through which the
present rebellion has been accomplished to the ex-
lstence OF sectional political parties in the coun-
try, one founded upon aut-slayery, the other
pro saTery, both equally aHtDemocratic and de-
structive Of the peace, harmony and prosperity of
the country; t4lt it Is the duty Of the Union Dem
ocratic arty to take a strong conservative posi-
tion IN this the hour Of our couutry's trial, and
raIlying around our National Flag present an
uubroken front to all sectional agitation.
10. That as Cahfornians, we appeal to the whole
people u California. without distinction of party
or reference to partisan issues, to stand with us
by oar country aud orr flag, that all may know
hat the great Jnion Denocr tic party of CalitJr-
MIA Is the overpoWering majority OF her citizens.