The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-06-06

dinatc departments of the Governme Mt.
the Legislative,t the Executive and the
Judicial, condemniug all encroachmenfs
by one upon the functions of the Others.
Z FVh-While the fundamental law as
expressed in the Constitution is necessas
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 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 au absolute finality, is totally in
consistent with the whole theory of re-
publican government, and that it is the
uuquestona6!e right of the people, of
themselves and through their represen-
tatives, at each successive Congress, to
judge CT what legislation is necessary
and proper or appropriate to carry into
execution or enforce the constitutional
powers, rights and duties of the Federal
Government.
Sinth-That, as an instance of em-
nently appropriate legislation under the
Fourteenth Amendment, we demand now
of Congress universal amnesty.
Scuenth-That while We denounce all
riotous combinations and conspiracics
against law or TO disturb the peace, in
the South, or elsewhere, and demand of
all good citizens their utmost influence
to put ell such down, we also denounce
the act commonly called the "Bayonet
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 for no other
purpose than to complete the centraliza-
tion of all power in the hands of the
General Government, establish a military
despotism, aud thus perpetuate the pres
cnt 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 dangerous
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-That holding still to the
good old Democratic doctrine of annexa.
tion or acquisitions of territory, We are
yet totally opposed to the scheme of
President Grant, to acquire San Domingo
as 'job," and by the means and for the
purposes, evidently intended.
Einth-Tbat 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. le..
Tenth-That the profigate corruption
and wanton extravaganza which pervade
every department of the federal govern
ment; the sacrifices of the interests of la
Dor to aggrandizs 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 to
railway and other monopolists; the pay
ment of more than twenty.four millions
premium, during the administration of
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, oFpres.
sive and extortionate system Of banking,
whereby money is made scarce and inter-
est high, are abuses which call for wise
and thorough remedies
! Eleuenth-That we are in favor oil
strict economy; of large reduction in
the expenditures of the Federal and
State Governments; of civil service re-
form; of the collection of the internal
revenue by State authorities, and thereby
return to honest labor, the myriads ol
tax gatherers who afflict our land and eat
up its substance; and of the speedy trial
conviction and punishment of the thieves
who have stolen the taxes paid by the
people.
Tpclth-That while we reject repudi-
alton. We equally reject the proposition
to pay the bondholders more than the
contract with them demands; that if the
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 he
loaned to the Government; that when be
loaned greeubacks he should be paid il
greenbacks, unless the contract other
wise provides, and when he loaned gold
he should be paid in gold. That to g1arc
against too great an expansion, green
backs should be made convertible int
three per cent. bonds, at the option O
: the note holders, said bonds to be redeem
ed in greenbacks on demand. That thu
!, true method Of returning to specie pay
ments is TO make custom duties payabl,
in legal tender currency, whether pa
per money or gold; that such a polio.
would secure uniform currency, stol
gambling in gold, ,and thereby elevate tn
credit of the Government.
Thirteenth-That with the watchwort
of REFORM, we confidently go to tn
country; that we believe the interests o
the great body of the people are th
same; that without regard to past politi
cal associations, they are the friends o
free government; that they are equal.
honest, brave and patriotic, and we ap
peal to them as to our brothers and coun
trymen to aid US to obtain relief from
the grievous abuses which wrong ant
Cypress every one, except the wrong do
; ers and oppressors themselves.
: sFourteenth-Upon State issues we re
solve that we are in favor eff calling
convention, as provided for by articl
XVI, Sec, 8, of the State Constitution.
Mr.. Morgan moved the adoption o
the report of the committee as read.
Mr.. VALLANDIGHAM-I second tn
motion. ea
| A MINORITY REPORT.
Mr.. HurG., of Lucas, from the minor
Fity of the committee (himself and Mi
Uhl, of Holmes), read the annexed mi
nority report: 'a 2 .
lrs n, faa haH