The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-08-29
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
Adopted at Columbus,0 0 June l,'7E.

issues before the country.
Second-We demand that the rule Of
STRICT CONSTRUCTION, as proclaimed by
the Democratic fathers, accepted by the
statesmen Of all parties previous to the
war, and embodied in the Tenth Amend
ment to the Constitution, be vigorously
applied now to the Constitution as it is,
the three recent amendments
above referred to, and mist that these
amendments shall not be held to have in
any respect altered or modified the orig
inal theory and character of the Federal
Government; but only to have enlarged
the powers delegated to it; and to that
extent, ano 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.
Third-That the absolute equality of
each and every State within the Union. is
fundamental principle of the Federal
Government. "
FOurth-Thas 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
erument And, further, that we adhere
firmly to the principle Of maintaining a
perfect independence between the CO or
dinate departments of the Government
the Legislative, the Executive and the
Judicial, condemning all encroachments
by one upon the functions Of the others
Fjih-Wbile the fundamental law as
expressed in the Constitution. is necessa
rily permanent until abrogated as pre-
seribed by that instrument, all Legislation
is, in its nature and purpose. temporary
and subject to change, modification. o,
repeal, at the will of majority of The
people, expressed through the law.ma
king power; and that the pretense tha
any act of Congress not executed ant
spent. or any legislative policy of par
ty, is an absolute finality, is totally in
consistent with the whole theory of re
publican government, and that it is th,
unquestiona6le right of the people, o
themselves and through their represen
tatives, at each successive Congress, tt
judge of what legislation is necessar,
and proper or appropriate to carry int,
execution or enforce the constitutions
powers, rights and duties Of the Fedora
Government.
Sinth-That, as an instance of emi
nently appropriate legislation under tn
Fourteenth Amendment, we demand no,
of Congress universal amnesty.
Screath-That while We denounce o.
riotous combinations and conspiracie
| against law or to disturb the peace, i
the South, or elsewhere, and demand Q
all good citizens their utmost infuenc
to put all such down, we also denounc
the act commonly called the "Bayone
Bill" recently passed by Congress; an
the more recent act commonly called tn
"Ku Klux Bill" extending by its terms
to every State; as enacted for no othe
purpose than to complete the centralizs
tion of all power in the hands of tn
General Government, establish militar
despotism, and thus perpetuate the pres
ent administration without regard to tn
will of the people, and as not only Vi
terly inconsistent with the whole theor
and character of the Federal Govern
ment, and revolutionary and dangerou
in their character, but in direct conf;'
with the spirit aud letter Of the Coust
tuition; including the amendments whic
they pretend to enforce.
Eiighh-That holding still to II
good old Democratic doctrin, of annexi
tion or acquisitions Of territory, We al
yet totally opposed to the scheme
President Grant, to acquire San DomiDe
as sob" and by the means and for Il
purposes, evidently intended.
Niath-Tbat we are in favor of stric
ly revenue tariff, conformed to the theol
: and principles of all other just and wi
tax laws,and opposed to the protective
theory. so called.
, Tenth-That the profigate corruptic
2 and wanton extravaganza which perva'
5 every department of the federal COVER
/ ment; the sacrifices of the interests of J
, Dor to aggrandize handful of aristo
/, racy, the wicked deprivation of the pc
/. pie of their rightful heritage in the pu
i, lie lands, which have been made gift
D railway and other monopolists; the pa
s ment OF more than twenty four millio
!. premium, during the administration
President Grant. on government bon
payable at par; the maintenance at an a
c nual cost to the people of nearly thir
e millions, of an unconstitutional, orpre
e sive and extortionate system OF bankir
G whereby money is made scarce and in.t
s est high, are abuses which call for vi
and thorough remedies
:, Hcvcnth-That we are in favor
/ strict economy; of large reduction
the Expenditures Of the Federal a
State Governments; Of ci' il service
d form; of the collection of the inter-
If revenue by State authorities, and there
e return to honest labor. the myriads
n tax gatherers who sffiict our land and
is up its substance; and Of the speedy tri
l. conviction and punishment of the thie'
If who have stolen the taxes paid by
o people.
Toeljsh-That while we reject repu
alton. We equally reject the propoSiti
IS to pay the bondhoiders more than
g. contract with them demands; that if
W bondholders have rights, SO have the +;
&c payers, and We insist upon justice bel
y done to both. That the creditor is en-
N tied to be paid in the same currency
I f.l- ~ Al l.