Daily national Democrat., 1861-09-25
Platform adopted by the Union Dcmo'
cratic State Convention of 1861.

WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever been
the party oltealtv to free government and fratur-
nal devotion To the rights of the States Of the
Union, and Of unwavering fidelity to the laws, the
Constitution, the Union, and the country ready
to maintain them by all proper means and t
every sacrifice
And whereas The country is now defending it
self against war without Justification, or decent
excuse; waged upon II by reasonable combua
tons claiming to represent the people of certain
States claiming to have seeded from the Union
which is manfestly war for the invasion ui
our National Capital: for the overthrow Of our
National Government the oppression Of the loyal
States the subjugation of the Union a 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 domestic, and TO blot them out
from the class OF the great powers Of the world;
And whereas such war so aggressive IN its
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 Of seItprcsetYaton, or worthy Of IN exist
ence as a nation
Therefore, be il unanimously resolved by this
Convention,
/. That at this time when the country is resist.
ing war Of oppression and destruction, ind fer
euce is Impossible to hc patriot, and neutrality is
cowardcc, if not premeditateG dsloyaIty.
.. That the people Of California in the past have
DttU Ill'lNl dIAuN ltI peace -lltNl iile iilN,
and will hail with joy am honorable adjustment in
the future; at the same time they are, oL0ce aLL
things, f0r lie UNION, the Country and the llay
against all assailants-nO matter who they are
whence they come, or acjH lrLot poicey dyDleb.
3. That in the great crisis of the American u&-
ton and name onr State will always, as hereto
fore, faithfully discharge her Constitutional obli-
cations to the Union and the Federal Govern
ment, and, as in duty bound, Will earnestly sus-
tam the constituted authorities at Washington in
all measures necessary to defend and protect
either against this most unjusuhable aud un-
natural war.
H. That in the name of the loyal people Of Cali
fornia, we demand Of the General Government,
by all It's power to protect their lives and proper
tv on the high seas between this coast and the
Atlantic from the piratical flag which already
threatens injury, and would lnilict destruction on
both.
;. That in the present Overwhelming crisis, be
who would seek. by revving past partisan issues,
90 distract the peol e, o. to wIest from their hon
est and patriotic devotion some sordid partisan
advantage, is not true to the country, nor worthy
the name OF an American citizen.
6. That we hold that our paramount allegiance
is due to the Federal Government; that the right
Estate secession is a dangerous hecesy, ineyita-
bly destructive OF Cur grl Of Government.
7. That obedience to the constitutional will Of
maioriues is the only safeguard of Republican
Governments; that we will uphold the constitu-
ted authorities, under all circumstances and at AL
hazards, in maintaining Federal jurisdiction IN its
sphere. regardless Of what party may be in power.
s. That Governments are political orgdulZt-
tous, armed with coercye power. without which
they cannot exist; that it is not only no assGmp-
ton Of authority upon the part of Governments,
but their positive duty to exercise SUCH cUerctve
power, in order 10 maintain themselves against
either foreign invasion or domestic rebellion.
9. That we trace the causes through which the
present rebellion has teen accomplished, tuthe eX-
istence OF sectional political parties IN the couu-
try, one founded upon auti-slayery, the other
pro. slavery both equally anti Democratic and de-
structve OF the peace, harmony and prosperity Of
the country, that il Is the duty OF The Uujon Dem.
ocratic party to take a strong conservative posi-
ton in this the hour of our ouuntry's trial aud
ralIying around our National Flag, present an
unbroGen front to all sectional agitation.
10. That as Cahturuians, We appeal to the whole
people of California, without distinction IT party
or reference to partisan issues, to stand with US
by our country and our flag, that all may know
that tue great Union Democratic party Of Caliior-
mia is the overpowering majority OF her citizens.