The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-09-19
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
E NT 4 u
Adopted at Columbus, o., June LII.


Second-We demand that the rule of
STRICT CONSTRUCTION, as proclaimed by
he Democratic fathers, accepted by the
statesmen of all parties previous to the
war, and embodied in the Tenth Amend
nent to the Constitution, be vigorously
applied now to the Constitution as it is,
the three recent amendments
above referred to, and insist that these
amendments shall not be held to have in
any respect altered or modified the orig
inal theory and character of the Federal
but only to have enlarged
the powers delegated to it; and to that
extent, and no more, to have abridged
the reserved rights of the States; and
that, as thus construed, the Democratic
party pledges itself to the full, faithful
and absolute execution and enforcement
of the Constitution as it now is, so as to
secure equal rights to all persons under
it. without distinction of race, color, or
condition.
Thrd-That the absolute equality of
each and every State within the Union, is
a fundamental principle of the Federal
Government. r-I
Fourth-That we will Always cherish
and uphold the American system of State
and local government, for State and To-
cal purposes, and General Government
for general purposes only, and are unal
terably opposed to all attempts at cen,
tralization and consolidation of power
in the hands. of the General Govern
ment; and the more especially when
such attempts are in the form Of usur-
patton by any department of that Gov
ernment. And, further, that We adhere
firmly to the principle of maintaining a
perfect independence between the eo-or-
dinate departments of the Government,
the Legislative, the Executive and the
Judicial, condemning all encroaehments
By one upon the functions of the others.
Etih-While the fundamental law as
expressed in the Constitution, is necessa-
rily permanent until abregatod as pre-
scribed by that instrument, all legislation
is, in its nature and purpose, temporary,
and subjec. to change, modification, or
repeal, at the will of a majority of the
people, expressed through the law-ma-
king power; and that the pretense that
any act of Congress not executed and
spent, or any Legislative policy of par
ty, is an absolute fihality, is totally in
consistent with the whole theory of re-
publican government, and that it is the
unquestiona6le right Of the people, Of
themselves and through their represen,
tatives, at each successive Congress, tc
Judge of what legislation is necessary
and proper or appropriate to carry into
execution or enforce the constitutions
powers, rights and duties Of the Fedora
Government.
Sicth-That, as an instance Of emf
nently appropriate legislation under th'
Fourteenth Amendment, we demand nov
of Congress universal amnesty.
Serenth-That while We denounce al
riotous combinations and corspiracie'
against law or TO disturb the peace, il
the South, or elsewhere, and demand o
all good citizens their utmost influence
to put all such down, we also denounc,
the act commonly called the "Bayone
Bill" recently passed by Congress; aut
the more recent act commonly y called tb,
4 "Ku- Klux Bill" extending by its terms
to every State; as enacted for no othe
purpose than to complete the centraliza
tion of all power in the hands of tn,
General Government, establish militar,
despotism, and thus perpetuate the pres
Ient administration without regard to tb
will of the people, and as not only ut
terly inconsistent with the whole theor,
and character of the Federal Govern
ment, and revolutionary and dangerou
in their character, but in direct conhic
with the spirit and letter of the Consti
tuition; including the amendments whicl
they pretend to enforce.
Eighth-That holding still to tn
good old Democratic doctrine of annexa
| ton or acquisitions of territory, we ar
yet totally opposed to the scheme 0
President Grant, to acquire San Doming
as 'job, and by the means and for tn
purposes, evidently intended.
/ Ninth-That We are in favor of strict
ly revenue tariff, ,conformed to the theor
and principles of all other just and wis
tax laws,and opposed to the protective
theory. SO called.
| Tealth-That the profigate corruption
land wanton extravagance which pervad
every department. of the federal govern
ment; the sacrifices of the interests of la
Dor to aggrandize q handful Of aristoc
racy the wicked deprivation of the peo
pie of their rightful heritage in the pub
lie lands, which have beep made gift t
railway and other monopolists; the pay
ment OF more than twenty-four million
premium, during the administration O
President Grant. on government bond
payable at par; the maintenance at an an
nual cost to the people of nearly thirt
millions, Of an unconstitutional, oppres
sive and extortionate system Of banking
whereby money is made scarce aud inter
est high, are abuses which call for wis
and thorough remedies.
! Heventh- we are in favor O
strict economy; of large reduction il
the expenditures Of the Federal an,
State Governments; of civil service re
form; of the collection of the interna
revenue by State authorities, and thereb
return to honest labor, the myriads 0
; tax gatherers who sffiict our land and ca
up its substance; and of the speedy trial
conviction and punishment of the thieve
who have stolen the taxes paid by tn
people.
| T,oelhh-That while we reject repudi
alton. we equally reject the proposition
to pay the bondhoders more than tn
contract with them demands; that if tn
bondhdders have rights, SO hsve the tax
payers, andweinsist upon justice bein.
done to both. That !he'creditor is enti
tied to. be paid in the same currency b.
loaned to the Government; that when h
loaned greeubacks lie should be paid il