Daily national Democrat., 1861-10-24
Platform adopted by the Union Demo-
cratic State Convention of 1861.

WHEREAS, The Democratic party has ever been
the party OF iealty to free government and lrater-
nal devotion to the rights Of the States of the
Union, and Of unwaverng fidelity to the laws the
Constitution, the Union, and the country-rcadr
to maintain them by all proper means and
every sacrifice;
And whereas, The country is now deftndingit
self against war without justification, or decent
excuse; waged upon it by reasonable combna
tons claiming to represent the people Of certain
States claiming to have seeded from the Union
which is maniiestly for the invasion OF
our National Capital for The overthrow of our
National Government the oppression of the lOyal
States the subiugaton 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 ofthe 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
stnct OF seli-preservatlOn, or worthy of an exist
ence as a nation;
Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by this
Convention,
!. That at this time when the country is resist
ing war OF oppression and destruction, indjitr-
ence is impossible to the patriot aud neutrality is
cowardice, if not premedtated disoya;y.
2. That the people Of California in the post have
been most anxious for peace throughout The land
and will hail with joy an honorable diustmcnt in
the future; at the same time they are, Qb1ye uI
HjHgs for tie UNION, the Country and the Flag
against all assaants-no matter who they are
whence they come, or 9ciM lglat palgel dlUae4.
3. That in this great crisis of the American ma
ton and name our State will always, as hereto
fore, faithfully discharge her Constitutional ob-
cations to the Union and the Federal Govern
ment and, as in duty bound, will earnestly sus-
tain the constituted authorities at Washn .tln m
all measures necessary to defend and protect
either against this most unjasuiaJie aud uu-
natural war.
4. That in the name of the loyal people of Cali
foruia, we demand Of the General Government.
by all its power, to protect their lives and proper
ty on the high seas between this coast aud the
Atlantic, from the piratical flag which already
threatens injury, and would iuAict destruction on
both.
). That in the present overwhelming crisis, he
who would seek, by reyiying past partisan issues
to distract the peop e, or to wrest 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.
&. That we hold that our paramount allegiance
is due to the Federal Government; that the right
OF State secession is dangerous heresy, ineyitl-
bly, destructive Of our iorm OF Government
Z. That obedience to the constitutional will of
maiorihes is the only safe guard Of Republican
Governments; that we viii uphold the coustitu-
ted authorities, under all circumstances, and at all
hazards, in maintaining Federal jurisdiction in it.
sphere, regardless Of what party may be in power.
8. That Governments are political orgauiz-
tious, armed with coercive power, without which
they cannot exist; that it is not only no assump-
ton of authority upon the part Of Governments,
but their positive duty to exercise such coerclye
power, in order to maintain themselves against
either foreign INVASION or domestic rebellion.
9. That we trace the causes through which the
present rebellion has been accomplished, 10 the eX-
isence OF sectional political parties Ia the coun-
try, one founded upon auti-slayery, the other
pro-savery, both equally auti-Demucq.tio and de-
structive of the peace harmony and prosperity Of
the country; that it Is the duty Of die Union Dem
ocratc party to take a strong conservative posi-
ton in this the hour of our country's trial, and
rallying around our National Flag, present an
unbroken front to all sectional agitation.
TO- That as Callloruians, we appeal to the whole
people ot CaliiOrnla, without distinction Of party
or reference to partisan ISSUES, to stand with US
10y our country and our flag. that all may know
thal the great Union Democratic party of Calimr-
MIA is the oyerpoNenns majority OF her citizens