The weekly Butte record., 1862-06-14
Platform Adopted by the Union Demo
cratic State Convention Of 1861.

cratic state ConFenuOn OF lool.
I WHEREAS the Democratic party has ever
been the party Of fealty to free government
and fraterDal devotion TO the rights Of 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 at every sacrifice:
And whereas, The country is now defending
itself against war without Justification, or
decent excuse: waged upon it by reasonable
combinations claiming TO represent the people
of certain States claiming to have seeded from
the Union-wtich is manifestly war for the
invasion OF our National Capital for the
overthrow of our National Government the
oppression of the loyal States; the subjugation
/ of the Union war to humble in the dust our
National flag to wrench from the American
people their constitutional right of determin-
ing for themselves their own policy, foreign
aud 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 com
mon instincts OF self preservation, or worthy Of
an existence as a nation;
Therefore, be it unanimously resolved by
this Committee
l. That at this time. when the country is re-
ssting with all its might war of invasion and
destruction, Indifference is impossible to the
patriot, and neutrality is cowardice, if not pre-
meditated disloyalty.
2. That the people Of California in the past
have been most anxious for peace throughout
the land, and will hail with joy an honorable
adjustment in the future; at the same time
r 4 l&L. IL, a.
Country and the Flag, against all assalants-
no matter who they are, whence they come, or
ruth trhGt po,rer armed.
g. That 10 this great crisis of the American
nation and name, our State will always, as
heretofore, faithfully discharge her constitu-
tional obligations to the Union and the Federal
Government, and as in duty bound, will earn
estIy sustain the constituted authorities at
Washington IN all measures necessary to defend
and protect either against this most unjusti6a-
bic and unnatural war
4. That in the name of the loyal people of
California, we demand of the General Govern
ment, by all its power, to protect the lives and
property on the high seas, between this coast
and the Atlantic, from the piratical flag which
already threatens injury, and would infict de-
struction on both.
5. That all former partisan differences are
lost in the present overwhelming crisis and
he who would seek. by revi ing them, to dis
tract the people, or to wrest from their honest
and patriotic devotion some sordd partisan
advantage, is not true to the country, nor
worthy of the name of American citizen.
6. That we hold that our paramount alleg-
ance is due the Federal Government that the
right of State secession is dangerous heresy.
inevitably destructive to our form of Govern
ment.
7. That obedience to the constitutional will
of majorites is the only safeguard of Republ-
can Governments that we will uphold the
constituted authorities, under all circumstances,
and at all hazards, in maintaining Federal
jurisdiction in any sphere, regardless of what
party may be in power
/ s. That Governments are political organiza-
/ tions, armed with coercive power, without
which they cannot exist that it is not only
no assumption of authority on the part of Gov
ernments. but their positive duty to exercise
such coerc;ve power, in order to maintain
themselves against either foreign invasion or
domestic rebellion.
9. That we can trace causes through which
the present rebellion has been accomplished, to
the existence of sectional political parties 10
the country. one founded upon anti-slavery, the
other pro slavcry, both auti Dcmurr attic and
destructive of the peace, harmony and prosperity V
of the country that it is the duty of the
Union Democratic party to take a strong con-
servative position in this, the hour of our coun-
trys trial. and rallying around our National
/ flag present au unbroken front to all sectional
agitation.
To- That as Californians we appeal to the
whole people of California. without distinction
of party or reference to partisan issues, to
stand with US by our country and our flag, that
all may know that the great Union Democratic
j Party of California is the overpowerDg ma
iority of her citizens