Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-05-06


and the liberties of the people, are vital
parts of one harmonious system and 10
save each part in its whole constitutional
vigor is TO "save the life of tho nation"
Third. That the Democratic party main
tain, as II ever has maintained, that the
military are, and ought to be, in all things
subordinate TO the civil authorities. II
denies, as it ever has denied, the right
of the Federal administration TO keep on
foot, at the general expense, u standing
army to invade the State for political pur
poses, without regard To constitutional
restrictions, to control the people at the
polls, to protect and encourage fraudulent
counts of votes, or to inaugurate candidates
rejected by the majority.
Fourth. That the right 10 full ballot Is
the right preservative of all rights; the
only means of peacefully redressing griev-
ances and reforming abuses. The presence
ut the polls of a regular military force,
and of host of hireling officials, claiming
the power to arrest and imprison citizens
without warrant sr hearing, destroys all
freedom of elections, and upturns the very
foundation of government. We call
upon all good citizens to aid us in presery.
ing 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 and free, as it was TO our fathers, in
removing the army 10 safe distance when
the people assemble to express their sover-
eign pleasure at the polls, and in securing
obedience TO their will, when legally ex-
pressed by their votes.
Fifth. That Rutherford B. Hayes, hav-
ing been placed in power against the we'll
known and legally expressed will of the
people, il the representative Of conspira-
cy only, and his claim of right to surround
the ballot boxes with troops and deputy
marshals to intimidate and obstruct the
electors, and his unprecedented use of the
veto to maintain this unconstitutional and
despotic power, are an insult and menace
to the country.
Sixth. That the Democratic party, as of
old, favors constitutional currency of
gold and silver, and Of paper convertible
into coin.
Seventh. That we are opposed 10 the
system of subsidies by the general govern
ment under which, during the period Of
Republican ascendency, political rings and
corporations profted at the peoples ex-
pensc, and to any appropriations of the
public moneys or the public credit 10 any
object but the public service. The reforms
and economies enforced by the Democratic
party, since its advent TO power in Con-
gress, have saved 20 the people many mil
lions of dollars, and We believe that like
result would follow its restoration to power
in the State of Pennsylvania.
Eighth. Thatthe Democratic party being
the natural friend of the workingman, and
having, through its history, stood between
him and oppression, rencws its expression
of sympathy for labor and It's promise of
protection TO its rights.
Ninth. That we look with alarm and
apprehension upon the pretensions Of the
great transportation companies 10 be above
the fundamental law of this commonwealth
which governs all else within our borders,
and until they accept the constitution Of
1873 in good faith, they should remain
objects of the utmost vigilance and jeal-
ousy by both legislature and people.
Tenth. That tho recent attempt under
the personal direction of ruling Republi-
can leaders 20 debauch the legislature by
wholesale bribery and corruption land
take from the common wealth four millions
Of dollars, for which It's liability had
never been ascertaincd, IA fresh and
alarming evidence of the aggressiveness Of
political rings), and should receive the
signal condemnation of the people at the
polls.
Eleventh. That the great fraud of 1876
II, by which, upon false count Of the
electoral votes of these States, the candidate
defeated at the polls was seated In the
Presidential chair, and for the first time
in American history, the will Of the peo-
pie was set aside, under threat Of militia
ry force, was the most deadly blow ever
aimed at our system of representative
government. To preserve the country
from the horrors Of a second civil war, the
Democratic party submitted for the time,
in firm and patriotic faith that the people
would peacefully redress the great wrong
and signally rebuke the dark crime when
they should come TO vote in 1880. "That
issue precedes and dwaTfs every other. 1t
imposes a more sacred duty upon the peo.
pie of the Union than ever addressed the
conscicnccs of nation of froemon."
Twelfth. That this convention is oppos-
cd 10 the abrogation Of the two-thirds
rule in the national convention of the
Democratic party.
The selection of four delegates at
large TO the national convention was
next in order.
Mr.. Naux named Hons. w. s. Sten.
ger, of Franklin, and w. L. Scott, of
Erie.
Mr.. T. J. Barger. of Philadelphia,
named Hons. Lewis c. Cassidy, of Phil.
adelpbia, and II. Milton Speer, of Hun.
tingdon.
There being no Others named those
gentlemen were declared the choice of
the convention for delegates at large.
For electors at large Hons Polar, L
Monaghan, OF Chester, and w. II. Play.
ford, OF Fayette, were named.
A delegate then named Mr.. James p.
Barr, of Pittsburg. Mr.. Monaghan
attempted to withdraw, but he was not
permitted to do so, and was unanimous.
ly elected.
The ayes and nays were then called
for the remaining elector at large, and
Mr.. Play ford was elected by n vote of
1873 to ll01.