The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-08-22
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
Adopted at Columbus, o., June l,'7l.

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 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, ano no more, to have abridged
the reserved ri gbts 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
a fundamental principle of the Federal
Government.
Fourth-That we will aIwaYs 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 q
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.
FIfh-While the fundamental law as
expressed in the Constitution, is necessa,
rily permanent until abrogated as pre-
scribed 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 a par
ty, is an absolute finality. is totally in
consistent with the whole theory of re-
publican government, and that it is the
unquestionable 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.
Sirth-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 all
riotous combinations and conspiracies
against law or to disturb the peace, in
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 "Bayonet
Bill" rscently passed by Congress; and
the more recent act commonly called the
"Ku Klux Bill" extending by its terms
to every State; as enacted for no other
purpose than to complete the centraliza.
tion Of all power 10 the hands Of the
General Government, establish military
despotism, and thus perpetuate the pree.
ent administration without regard to the
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 dangerou:
in their character, but in direct conflict
with the spirit and letter of the Consti
tuition; including the amendments which
they pretend to enforce.
Eighth-Tbat holding still to the
good old Democratic doctrin, of annexa.
ton or acquisitions of territory, we art
yet totally opposed to the scheme o.
President Grant, to acquire San Domingo
as "job," and by the means and for the
purposes, evidently intended.
Ninth-That we are in favor Of strict
ly revenue tariff, ,conformed to the theory
and principles of all other just and wise
tax laws,and opposed to the protective
theory. so called.
Tenth-That the profligate corruption
and wanton extravaganza which pervadt
every department of the federal govern
ment; the sacrifices Of the interests of la
Dor to aggrandize a 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 millions
premium, during the administration o
President Grant. on government bonds
payable at par; the maintenance at an an
nual cost to the people Of nearly thirty
millions, Of an unconstitutional, orpres
sive and extortioDate system Of banking
whereby money is made scarce and inter
est high, are abuses which call for wis,
aud thorough remedies
Elerenth-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 thercb.
return to honest labor, the myriads o
tax gatherers who sfflict 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 th,
people.
Toeltth-Tbat while we reject repudi
alton. we equally reject the proposition
10 pay the bondholders more than tn,
contract with them demands; that if tn
bondholders have rights, SO have the tax
payers, and we insist upon justice being
done to both. That the creditor is enti
tied to be paid in the same currency b,
loaned to the Government; that when b,
loaned greenbacks be should be paid il
greeDbacks, unless the contract other
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