Daily national Democrat., 1861-10-05
Platform adopted by the Union Demo.
cratic state Convention OF 1861


WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever been
the party officially to free government and lraier-
mai devotion 10 The rights ui the States Of the
Union, and OF unWuyarug fidelity to the laws. the
Constitution, tle Union, and the country ready
to maintain them by all proper means and {
every sacrifice
And whereas, The country is now dctgudin4it
self against war without justification, or dcctu.
! excuse; waged upon it by reasonable combua
! tons claiming to represent the people of certain
States claiming to have seeded from the Union
which is manliestlv a war for the invasion Of
our National Capital for the overthrow Of our
National Government; the oppression of the loyal
States the sabugaton Of thc Union a war to
humble in the dust our National flag; to wrench
from the american people their constitutional
rights of determining FIR items ilcs t'cir own
policy, foreign and domestic, and 10 blot them ont
from the class OF the great powers of the world;
Ana whereas Such war, so aggressive lu its
character and so deadly in ta purposes frees
upon the country an issue which can b, met but
IN one way by any people having the commDu iu-
stinct Of tsellPrcsclyatou, or worthy Of an exist
GncC as nation;
Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by this
!. That at this time when the country is resist.
ing war Of oppression and destruction, udler-
enCe is impossible to the patriot and neutrality is
cowardce, if not premeditatcd disloyay.
.. That the people oi California IN the past ha g
been most anxious for peace throughout the hnd
and viii hail with Joy an nhouuubicudiuStmcut in
the future; at the same time they are, of,rc oH
Mioya, I1r Tho UNoN, the Country and the fle.
against all asSaIi.uts-uo matter who taav are,
whence they come ~ 5riH 7-lef pelrrr a5W1}
8. That in this great cris, OF tie American la
ton and name oar state viii always, as hereto.
fore, faithfully discharge her Constitutional obl-
cations to the Union and tie Federal Goyern-
ment, and, as in duty bound, VIII earnestly sus-
tain The constituted authorities at Washingtou in
all 'mcasurcs necessary TO defend aud protect
either against this most unJusuAaoe aud uu-
natural war;
4. That in The name Of The loyal people Of Cali
lorua, we demand OF the General Government,
by all ITS power to protect their lives and proper
ty ON the high seas, between this coast and the
Atlantic, from the piratical flag which already
I threatens INJURY and would intct destruction On
both.
.. That in the present overwhelming crisis, he
who wolll seek by reyiving past partisan issues,
TO distract the people, o. to Wiest from their hon
est and patriotic devotion some sordid partisan
advantage, is not true 70 the country, nor worthy
the name oiau American citizen.
g. That Wr hold that our paramount allegiance
is due to The Federal Government that The right
Of state secession is dangerous herl>y, iueylta-
bly, destructive Of our oEu Of Government.
T. That obedience 10 the constitutional viii of
maoriues is 'ae only safeguard Of Republican
Governments; that We VIII uphold the coustitu-
ted authorities under all circumstances, and at all
hazards, in maintaining Federal jurisdiction in its
sphere, regardless OF what party may be in power.
s. That Governments are political organiza-
lions, armed with coercve power without which
they cannot exist; that it is not only no assump.
ton Of authority upon the part OF Governments,
but their positive dnfy TO exercise such CoeTcve
power, in order 90 maintain themselves against
either foreign INVASION or domestic rebellion
8. That We trace the causes through which the
present rebellion been enaccomplshed, to the ex.
lsteuce of sectional political parties in the couu-
try, one founded upon autl-~.averv, the other
pro slavery, both equally anti Democratic and de-
strucure Of the peace, harmony and prosperity Of
the country that It's the duty OF the Union Dem
ocrauc party 20 take strong conservative posi-
ton iu this the hour of our euuuir,s trial, and
raiyiug around our National Flag, present an
uubroken front 10 all sectional agitation
10. That as Cahlurulaus, we appeal to the whole
people OF California. without distinction nt party
or reference 10 partisan issues, to stand with us
by our country aud our Tag that al may know
mat the great Union Democratic party Of C,hiog-
nl1 }. the oorVoNcrnc majority e he, ct.cua