Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1880-07-08

THE following is the Platform adopt
ed by the Democratic Convention az
Cincinnati, on the 9th ult.:
First-We pledge ourselves anew to the
constitutional doctrines and traditions OF the
Democratic party as illustrated by the teach
ing and example Of long line of Democratic
statesmen and patriots, and embraced in the
platform of the last National Convention OF
the party.
Opposition decentralization and 70
that dangerous spirit of encroacnment when
tends to consolidate the States in one, and
thus create an empire, whatever the form OF
government, a real despotism. No sump-
tuary laws; separation of church and State
for the good of each. The common schools
should be fostered and protected.
Third-Home rule; honest money, consist
ing of gold and silver and paper convertible
into coin on demand; the strict maintensnce
of the public faith, State and National; and
a tariff for revenue only.
Fourth-The subordination of the military
to the civil power, and genuine and thor
ough reform of the civil service.
Fifth-The right to afree ballot is right
preventative of all rights, and must and shall
be maintained in every part Of the United
States.
Sixth-The existing administration is the
representative of conspiracy only, and its
claims of the right to surround the ballot box
with troJps and deputy marshals to in
timidate and obstruct elections, and the uH-
precedented use of the veto to maintain its
corrupt and despotic power, are insults to the
people and imperil their institutions.
Seventh-We execrate the course OF this
administration in making places in the civil
service a reward for political crime, and de-
mand a reform by statute which shall make IL
forever impossible for defeated candidate 10
bribe his way TO the seat of q usurper by bill
letting villains upon the people.
Eighth-The great fraud Of 1876-T7, By
which, upon false count Of the electorsl
votes of two States, the candidate defeated at
the polls was declared to be President, and
for the first time in American history the Will
of the people was set aside under threat or
military violen ce, struck deadly blow at our
system of representative government. Ihe
Democratic party, to save the country from
the horrors of civil war, submitted for the
time in firm and patriotic faith that the people
would punish this crime in 1880. This duty
precedes and dwsrfs every other. Il inspires
q more sacred duty upon the people OF the
Union than ever addressed the conscienceS or
a nation of freemen.
Ninth-The resolution Of 8. j. Tilden not
again to be candidate for the exalted placeto
which he was elected by majority of his
countrymen, and from which he was excluded
by the leaders of the Republican party, Is re-
ceived by the Democrats Of the United States
with deep sensibllity. and they declare their
confidence in his wisdom, patriotism and In
tegrity unshaken by the assaults OF the com
mon enemy, and they further assure him that
he IS followed into the retirement be has cho-
sen for himself by the sympathy and respect
of his fellow-cit;zens who regard him as one
who, by elevating the standard OF public
morality and adorning and purifying the pub
lie service, merits the lasting gratitude OF his
country and his party.
Tenth-Free ships and a living chance for
American commerce upon the seas, and upon
the land no discrimination in favor Of trans
portation lines, corporations or monopolieA-
The amendment of the Burlingame tresty; no
more Chinese emigration, except for travel,
education and freight and commerc0 therein
carefully guarded.
Eleventh-The public money and pubic
credit for public purposes solely, and public
land for actual settlers The Democratic par
ty Is the friend Of labor and the laborinG
man; pledges its protection 10 him aliks
against the cormorants and the commune
We congratulate the country upon the homes
ty and thrift Of Democratic Congress which
has reduced the'public expenditure 30.
600; upon the continuation Of prosperity at
home and the national honor abroad; and.
above all. upon the promise OF such change
IN the administration OF the gugeFnncot as
shall insure us genuine and lasting REFORM
every department Of the public service.