The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1870-08-08
THE WHITEMAN'S PLATFORM

The Democratic and Conservative citizens OF
West Virginia, desiring TO aid in preserving
her government and in promoting the best in
tcresis Of Stale and country, present TO the
voters Of tn, State the following declaration Of
principles and invite their cooperation in CIV
ing them effect.
ist. That the Federal Government has no
right to deny to States Of ,llia Union the priyil-
cgc Of equal participation in It's affairs, and that
nll distinction against the representatives Of
States in Congress, and all Federal interference
In the purely domestic concerns of the States,
Is unwarrantcd by the FEDERAL Constitution and
ought to cease. .1t
I'd. That the present system Of taxation,
raising, as il does, tho bulk Of the Federal res.
cnuc from the labor, rather than from the
wealth Of the country, Is unjust
and oppressive, and that this system should be
so reformed rs to relieve the industry of the
country from its unjust burdens, abolish the
unnecessary and ycxatious features Of stamp,
license aud income taxes, dispense with the SER
vices Of Federal spies, that pry into the private
business Of the people, eating out their sub
stance, and provide. for the collection Of the
Federal revenue by State and county officers.
81. That the Republican party BY voting 10
ratify the Fifteenth Amendment to the Consti
tuition, has shamefully violated its pledges, that
the question OF suffrage should be retained
within the control Of the people Of the States.
Calling 10 political power an alien and inferior
class, II has declared the white race incapable
of seiEgovcrnment. 10 opposition to this mon.
strous doctrine wc invite all intelligent white
men 10 unite with US In asserting tho principle
that the white race Is the ruling race Of this re-
public. ..,,s
4tll. That the bill 10 enforce the Fifteenth
Amendment lately passed by Congress Is cor
rupting to public morals in that Il offers premi-
ums for perjury, subversive Of the States 10 that
It gives Federal authority control Of State af-
fairs, and destructive Of the peace Of the couiry
In that itinvests the negroes with exclusive and
peculiar privileges, lifting them to power and
dignity through the degradation Of the whites
9Th. ] hat wearc unalterably opposed 10 the
bill lately introduced into the United States
Senate for enforcing the social equality OF the
races, placing negroes upon juries and ABOLISH
ing all distinctions between races.
9Th. That for the advancement Of West fir-
ginia in all her interests and especially to secure
good government TO her people, we demand
thorough reform in our system Of local Offices
and the greatest reduction in the number OF
such offices that may be consistent with the
public interests.
Prompt collection Of the large balances in
favor of the State, which, through Republican
incflicicncy have accumulated in the hands of
delinquent sherifs; such faithful management
Of the State finances, as will prevent farther de-
fc'encies in the revenue md such economy in
appropriation ms will secure the administration
Of the Government, at the least cost 10 the tax
payers of the State.
public policy that will invite immigration
capital and enterprise into our State, In lieu OF
the measures Of the dominant party, tllat have
driven these elements Of growth and greatness
from our midst
The continued exclusion ofncgrots from the
public schools, attended By white children. In
opposition 10 the Radical policy of lninglinr the
races in these institutions, and of destroying
our educational system, for the bcnef, Of the
blacks. .e
Full protection, 10 tho people, against the
outragcs provided for by the registration law.
and constantly committed by registration OFF.
GERS.
The PROM abolition ofevery Test Oath upon
the statute o OF the State.
And finally, 10 wipe ont the injustice and the
disgrace incident 10 the disirnncliisement in
Our midst VI twenty-five Thousand men Of our
own race, Willie negroes exercise the elective
franchise without hindrance or condition, we
demand free ballot for white men and the i'm
mediate enactmr Of such measures as will Sc
cure Il.
We invite all good citizens, without distinc.
ton of party, whether Democrats, Conservatives
Or Republicans 10 unite with us in giving effect
~ the policy here eDuncia,ed.