The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-08-08
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
Adopted at COlumbuS,O., June l,'7I,

nary means BY which they were brought
about, we recognize as accomplished
facts, the three amendments in fact to
the Constitution, recently declared adop-
ted, and the same as no longer political
issues before the country
Second-We demand that the rule of
STRICT CONSTRUCTION, as proclaimed by
the Democratic fn,hers, 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,
including 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
Government; 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.
Thid-That the absolute equality of
each aud every State within the Union, Is
fundamental principle of the Federal
Government.
FoWIh-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 10 all attempts at cen
fraliza,ion and consolidation of power
in the hands of the General Govern
meut; and the more especially when
such attempts are in the form Of usur-
patton by any department of that Gov
ernmeut. And, further, that we adhere
firmly to the principle of maintaining a
per 'ect independence between the co OR
dinate departments Of the Government,
the Legislative, the Executive and the
Judicial, condemning all eDcroachments
by one upon the functions of the others.
FIih-While 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, or
repeal, at the will of 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 finality, 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, to
judge of what legislation is necessary
and proper or appropriate to carry into
execution or enforce the constitutional
powers, rights and duties Of the Federal
Government.
Sicth-That, as an instance of emf
nently appropriate legislation under the
Fourteenth Amendment, we demand now
of Congress universal amnesty.
.Seuenth-That while we denounce al
riotous combinations and conspiracies
against law or to disturb the peace, il
the South, or elsewhere, and demand Of
all good citizens their utmost influence
to put all such down, we also denounce
the act commonly called the "BaYone
Bill, recently passed by Congress; and
the more recent act commonly called the
"Ku, Klux Bill" extending by its terms
to every State; as enacted Tor no Other
purpose than to complete the ceniraliza
ton of all power in the hands of the
General Government, establish military
despotism, and thus perpetuate the pres
ent. administration without regard to thu
will of the people, and as not only ut
terly inconsistent with the whole theory
and character of the Federal Govern
ment, and revolutionary and dangerous
in their character, but in direct confic
with the spirit and letter of the Consti
tuition; including the amendments whicl
they pretend to enforce.
Eghth-That holding still TO th,
good old Democratic doctrine of annexa
tion or acquisitions of territory. we ar,
yet totally opposed to the scheme o
President Grant, to acquire San Domingo
as 'job," and by the means and for th'
purposes, evidently intended.
Ninth-That we are in favor Of a strict
ly revenue tariff .conformed to the theor,
J and principles of all other just and wis
tax laws,and opposed to the protective
theory. so called.
Tenth-That the prcfigate corruption
and wanton extravaganza which peryad
every department of the federal govern
ment; the sacrifices Of the interests of la
Dor to aggrandize handful of aristoc
racy the wicked deprivation of the peo
pie of their rightful heritage in the pub
lie lands, which have been made gift t,
railway and other monopolists; the pay
ment Of more than twenty -four million
premium, during the administration @
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, oFpres
sive and extortionate system Of banking
whereby money is made scarce and inter
est high, are abuses which call for wis
and thorough remedies.
Eleuenth-That we are in favor o
strict economy; of large reduction il
the expenditures Of the Federal ant
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 affiict our land and ca
up its substance; and of the speedy trial
: conviction aud punishment of the thieve
: who have stolen the taxes paid by tn
people.
} T.oelth-That while we reject repudi
, alton. We equally reject the proposition
to pay the bondholders more than th
contract with them demands; that if tn
bondholders have rights, so have the tax