New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-17
THE PLATFORM.

H.RRIsBURG, Penn, July 16.-The platform pre-
scented 10 the convention by Lewis Z. CASSIDY,
chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, which
was adopted, is as follows:
Resolyed, First-That we, the Democratic party OF
PENNSYLVANIA, in convention assembled. renew our
vows of fidety to the fundamental principles pro-
claimed and practised by the lllustrlous men VINO
settled our free institutions and founded the Demo-
cratic party to protect and preserve them.
SecOnd-That the Just powers OF the Federal
Union the rights of the States and the liberties of
the people are vital parts Of one harmonious system,
and to save each part in Its whole CONSTITUTIONAL
yipOr is to save the life of the Nation.
1Rird-That the Democratic party MAINTAINS, as II
ever has maintained that the military are ana
ought TO be III all things subordinate to civil au-
thorIties If denies as 1t has denied, the right
of the Federal Administration TO keep on fOOt AT the
general expense a standing Army TO invade the
States for political purposes without regard to con-
sttutional restrictions, control the people AT inc
polls TO protect and encourage fraudulent counts
of the votes, to naugurate candidates rejected by
Fonrt-ihat the right to a free ballet is the right
preservative of all rights the only means of peace
fully redressng grievances and reforming abuses.
The presence at the polls of a regular military force
and of host of hnelng officials claiming the power
to arrest aud Imprison citizens, without warrant OF
hearing DESTROYS all freedom OF elections ana up
Turns the very foundation OF self government We
call upon all good citizens to ana us III preserving
our institutions from destruction by THESE Imperial
methods of supervising the right OF suffrage and
coercing the popular Will IN keeping the way to the
ballot box open anu free, II was TO our fathers;
in removing the Army TO a safe distance when the
people assemble to express their sovereign pleasure
at the polls and in securing obedience to then Will
when legally expressed by their votes.
Fihh-Ihat Rutherford Is. Hayes, having been
placed in power against the Unknown and legally
expressed will of the people, is the representative OF
a conspiracy only. and ms claim OF right to sur
round the balot-bOXes with troops and deputy-naf-
shaStODtimidate the electolsa ana his unprecedented
use of the veto to maintain this unconstitutional
and despotic power, are an Insult ana a menace u
the country. e,, r..
constitutional currency OF god and silver and OF
paper convertible into coin.
Serepfb-lhat are opposed 10 the system OF sub
sides by the General Government, under which,
during the period OF Republican ascendancy, ponti-
cal rings and corporations prohted at the peoples
expense and TO any appropriation OF the public
monevs or public credit to any other object than the
publoservlce.. The reforms and economies enforced
by the Democratic party SINCE It's advent TO power
IN the lower House OF Congress have saved TO the
people many mil of dollars, and we believe
that a like result would follow Its restoration TO
power in the State Of Pennsylvania.
LighH-That the Democratic party, being the nat
ural friend of the workingman, and having through
out its history stood between MIN ana all oppres-
sIons renews its expression OF sympathy Tor honest
labor and its promise OF protection 10 It's nghts.
Nintt-Ihat we look with alarm and apprehension
on the pretensiOns of the great transportation COM
panies to be above the fundamental law OF TINS
Commonwealth, which governs all else WITHIN our
borders and until they accept the constitutional
amendments of 1873 III good falth they should re-
main objects of the utmost vigilance ana Jealousy
by both Legislature and people.
Teath-Ihat the recent attempt under the personal
direction of ruling Republican leaders to debauch
the Legislature by wholesale bribery and coIrup-
ton. aud take from the Commonwealth $4,OOO.OOO.
for which its liability had never been ascertalneo
is fresh aud alarming evidence OF the aggressive
ness of corporate power III COLLISION with political
rings and should receive the signal condemna ton
Of the people at the polls.
Elerenth-That the present condition of the State
Treasury bankrupt general fund, and even schools
and charities unable 10 get the money long since
appropriated to their support, is sufficient Illus
tTauon of the reckless financial management OF the
Republican patty. o.