Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-07-31
Democratic Platform.

FIRST. That the Democratic party of Penusyl-
vania, In convention assembled. renew our vows II
fidelity to the fundamental principle. proclaimed and
practiscd by the illusrious men who settled free
Institutions aud f1unicd the Democratic party 10 pro-
tect and preserve them.
SEcoSD. That the Just powers q the fel-al union,
the rights % the States and the liberties u the people
vital parts of one harmonious system and tn
each part In its whole constitutional vtgUt Is 10 save
the life of the nation"
THIEp. That the Democratic party maintain, A. Il
ever has maintained, that the military and ought
tn be in all things subordinate 10 the civil authorities
II denies, As 1t has denied the right 0f the Federal
administration 10 Keep foot At tho general expense
standing army TO invade the Stac- for political Vur.
poses without regard 60 constitutional restrictions to
cputrOl and encourage fNuiupnt count. of tho votes
or TO nAuRurats candidates tccctsl by the majority.
PouETH That thc right g. free ballot i the right
prescryativc Of all rights the only means Il peacefully
rclrczsing grievances and reforming abuses. The
presence at the polls u regular military force and uf
host of hirclinG officials, claiming the power 70
arrest aud imprison citizens without warrant or hear
ing destroys all Freedom u elections and upturns tn"
very foundation o( sclfgoycrnment. We call upon All
good citizens 90 aid In preserving on: Institutions
from destruction by these imperial methods Il super
vsiug the right Of suffrage and cu.rriug III" popular
will; in keeptng the way 20 the b+lutboT open and
free. a. II 20 fathers; In removing the army
e. safe distance when the people assemble g. express
their soversgn pleasure AZ the polls sui tn securing
obedience 10 their will when expressed hy their votes.
fiFrU. That Rutherford y, Hayes, having been
placed In powsr against the veil known and legally
expressed will of the people, s the representative e
conspiracy only, and bis calm q right 20 surround
the ballot boxes With troop. and deputy marshals %
ntimiate aud ohstruc tho electors and his unpyscs
dentet Of the veto IN maintain this unconstitu-
uonsl and desPotic power are an insult aud nenars
60 the country.
su-H. Ths, the Democratic party as u old. favars
constitutional currency of gold and silver, aud Of
paper convertible lEto coin.
SEyENTH. That We opposed 70 the system -
subsidies by the general government under which dur
ing the period Of Republican A.ceudaucy political
porAtious prot0d AZ the peoples pensa and - any
appropriation of the public moneys the public credit
% any Object hut the public service The reforms and
economies enforced BY the Democratic PARTY since its
advent 20 powcr IN the lower house II Congress have
saved 20 the people many millions of dollars and
believe that like result would follow lite restoration
% power In the State II PsnnsylTauia
EtsHrE. That the Democratic party heinE the nat
ural friend Of tho vnrk lngman, aud having through
Oat Its history stool between him and oppression,
its expression % sympathy for labor abd its
promise of protection 70 iis riEhts.
SiSrH That We lOpk sith alarm and Apprehension
upon the prsiensons % the great transportation enm-
Ianez 10 be alpye the Fundamental law q this COIN
mouwealth which governs all slse within borders,
and until they accept the constitution of ISIS IN god
faith they should remain objects - the utmost viz
lance and jealousy BY 10th legislature sad peuple.
TESTH. That the recent attempts under the per.
spnal direction Of ruling Republican leaders g. de-
baBch the legislature by wholesale bribery au corTul
tlon aud take from the commouw eath four millions u
dollars for which its liability had never beeu as or
tanned is fresh and alarming evidence u the ag-
grs-sivene@s of corporate power In eollusion with
political rings. and should receive the signal con
demnAtlon Of the people at the polls
ELEvESTH. That tho present condition u the state
treasury, bankrupt general fund and schools
aud charities unable to get the money long since ap
PFuprated 10 their support u sufficient Illustration
of the reckless financial mismanagsmsnt q the Re-
publican party.