The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1880-07-08
PLATFORM.

The Democrats OF the United States, in Con-
vention assembled. declare:
First. We pledge ourselves anew to the con-
stitutional doctrines and traditions of the Dem
ocratic party illustrated by the teachings
and example of n long line of Democratic
Statesmen and patriots and embodied in the
platform of the last National Convention
Second Opposition to Capitalization ami to
that dangerous spirit Cf incroachment which
tends to consolidate in one and thus to create.
Whatever the form of government, Il real des-
potism; no sumptaary laws, separation of
church and State Tor the good of each; common
schools fostered and protected.
Third. Home rule honest money, consisting
OF gold and silver and paper convertible into
coin on demand the strict maintenance OF the
public faith State and national. and a tariff for
revenue only
Fourth The suIordination of the military
70 the civil power, and a genuine and thorough
reform of the civil service.
Fifth. The right of a free ballot is n right
preservative of all rights. and must and shall
be maintained in every part Of the United
States
Sixth The existing administration is the re-
suit Of q conspiracy only, and its claim ofright
70 surround the ballot box with troops and dep
uty marshals to intimidate and instruct the
electors. and the unprecedented Use OF the veIo
suits the people and imperils their institutions
Seventh. We execrate the course OF This ad-
GaiAistxation in making places in the civil
vice q reward for political crime. and demand a
reform by statute which shall make it 10
fmpossible for n defeated candidate to bribe his
way to the seat Of usurper by bilIetius Williams
upon the people
Eighth. The great fraud of '1S-7, by which.
upon false count of the Electoral votes Of two
States the candidate defeated at the polls was
declared to be President. and for the first time
~ American history the will of the people was
set aside under q threat OF military violence.
struck deadly blow To our system OF represeDt-
Ative gsversment. The Democratic party. to
preserve the country from the horrors OF a civil
war. submitted for the time in firm and patri-
otic faith that the people wonld punish this
crime in 1880 This issue preeesies and dwarfs
every other. 1t inspires more sacred duty
upon the people of the Union than address =
ed the eonsciences of nation OF freemen.
Ninth The resolution of Samuel j. Tilden
not again to be a candidate for the exalted place
to which he was elected by . majority Of his
countrymen. and from which he was excluded
.y the leaders of the Republican party. is re-
esaved by the Democrats of the United States
vita deep sepsibility. and they declare their
confidence in his wisdom. patriotism and in
tegrity, mistaken by the assaults Of the COM
mon enemy; and they further assure him that
ne Is followed into tiss retirement he has chosen
Eor himself by the sympathy and respect of his
EelloW-citizeDs. who regard him as one who by
aiegssing the standard of the public morality
and sdOrning and purifying the public service
merits the lasting gratitude of his country and
his party.
Teath- Free ships and a living chance for
American ships upon the seas. On the land no
discrimination In favor of transportation lines,
corporations or monOpolies.
Eleventh. An amendment of the Burlingame
treaty. No more Chinese immigration except
for travel, education and foreign commerce.
and therein carefully guarded.
Twelfth. Public money and public credit for
public purposes solely, and public lands for
actual settlers
Thirteenth. The Democratic party is the
friend of labor and the laboring man, and
pledges itself to protect him alike against the
cormorants and commune.
fourteenth We congratulate the country
usen the honesty and thrift OF q Democratic
Congress- which has reduced the public expend-
itures 90 900 900 year. upon the continuation
of prosperity at home and the National honor
abroad, and above all upon the promise OF sucI;
q change In the administration OF the Govern
ment ss insures genuine and lasting reform
I'm every department of the public service.