The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-09-05
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
Adopted at COlumbus,0., June l,'7l

j
ted, and the same as no longer political
issues before the country
Sccoad-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 10 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, ano no more, to bave 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.
Tha9-That the absolute equality Of
each and every State within the Union. is
fundamental principle of the Federal
Government.
Fourth-That we will arways cherish
and uphold the American system of State
and local government, for State and 10.
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
meut; and the more especially when
such attempts are in the form Of usur-
patton by any department of that Gov
erDmeut. And, farther, that we adhere
firmly to the principle of maintsining a
perfect independence between the co or
dinate departments Of the Government,
the Legislative, the Executive and the
Judicial, ccndemniDg all encroachments
by one upon the functions of the others.
Ffih-While the fundamental law as
expressed in the Constitution, is necessa-
rily permanent until abrogatod 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 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.
Sigth-That, as an instance Of emi-
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 oi
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 for no Other
purpose than to complete the ceniraliza-
tion of all power iu the hands Of the
General Government, establish military
despotism, and thus perpetuate the pres
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 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 doctrin, of annexa.
tion or acquisitions of territory, We are
yet totally opposed to the scheme oI
President Grant, to acquire San Domingo
as Sob" and by the means and for the
purposes, evidently intended.
Niath-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 profigate 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 ri ghtful heritage in the pub
lie lands, which have been made gift t.
railway aud 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 thirt!
millions, of an unconstitutional, orpres
sive and extortionate system oil banking
whereby money is made scarce and inser
est high, are abuses which call for wis,
aud thorough remedies
Eleueath-That We are in favor o
strict economy; Of large reduction il
the expenditures Of the Federal auc
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 afflict our land aud ca
up its substance; and of the speedy trial
conviction and punishment of the thieve
who have stolen the taxes paid by tb
people.
| Toelhh-That while we reject repudi
alton. We equally reject the proposition
to pay the 5ondholders more than tn
contract with them demands; that if tn
bondholders have rights, SO have the tax
payers, and we insist upon justice beini
done to both. That the creditor is eu.i
tied to be paid in the same currency b
loaned to the Government; that when b
loapod uroa, h.ot, ba should bo n.,J :;