Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1867-06-26
THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.

That the resolutions adopted by th,
Democratic State Convention, which was
held at Harrisburg on Tuesday last, ac-
cura,ely reflect the principles and senti
ments Of the voters therein represented,
will be freely admitted by all who have
read them and have a just comprehension
Of what the Democratic party has been
for some years past, aud still! is. So far
the resolutions are deserving of commen-
dation, which We bestow. The defcien-
cles of the resolutions are those of the
party. Ia them there is no appreciation
of the national situation as it really ex-
lists, no generous show at the extension of
liberty, but much grumbling thercat /; ne
broad statement of genuine Democratic
doctrine, but much pandering to ignorant
passions and prejudices, that are rooted in
caste aud presumption no exultation that
the rebellion was abasbed and defeated,
but disreputable cavis at the means by
which the end was accomplished ; and no
enthusiasm over that fresh career CT en-.
largcd freedom and prosperity upon which
the nation has entered but dismal look
nS back to the old times when Slavery
reared its proud front, dominated in the
national councils, and was worshipped by
a recreant Democracy is the sublimation
of all political good. Let us specify.
l. All those principles arc reiterated
for which the rebel leaders contended be-
fore they fairly struck out into open re-
volt. The Democratic party, by many
years Of the most industrious propagapism
Became so fully imbucd with those ideas
as to suppose they were not only inherent
in the Constitution, but absolutely indis-
pensablo to the existence of a government
duly acknowledging and maintaining the
rights Of the people.
2. All those principles which would
completely deliver the rebel States and
their inhabitants from punishmen,s or dis
abilities incurred by criminal participation
in the gigantic assault upon the life Of
nation. 1t is on thing to inculcate mag
nanimity towards PROSTATE foe. 1t is
quite another to insist that public enc
mics, no matter how great their offences
have done nothing to diminish their rights,
or to justify the adoption of precautionary
measures against a repetition Of their pro
ceeiings. This eagerness, by means Of
special pleadiags AMI Legal technicaiti5s,
to hurry the insurrectionary common
wcaltl.s back to their primitive rank and
power in the Union, and with none of
their mischevious dogmas disayowed. af.
fords perfect demonstration, if no other
existed, of the ultimate and censurab!e
relationship subsistiug between the nor
thern Democrats and southern rebels. As
the Democrats originally encouraged their
southern partizans to go into secession,
promising them not only moral support
but physical help, SO now they appear at
the bar Of public opinion proclalu.ins that
the conspirators have done nothing which
renders them amenabc to discipline, but
stand with all their rights unimpaired,
and justly challenging recognition Of
them.
We look forward confidently for the
Republican Convention, soon to assemble
at Williamsport, to present better model
one which, sound on all the national
topics, shall meet the home questions in a
proper way, and compel the Democrats to
threw off the mask they now wear, and
avow on what principles they would ad-
minister the affairs of Pennsylvania if the
people should again unwisely restore them
to confidence and au,hori.y.-PdHsJuy
Gazette.
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