, 1880-07-05
Democratic Platform.

The Demectatlc party OF the United
Stacst IN Convention assembled declare ::
FiIst-We pledge ourselves anew to the
Constitutional doctrines and traditions of
the Democratic party as illustrated by
the teachings and example Of q long line
of Democratic statesmen and patriots,
and embodied in the platform of the last
National Convention of the party.
Second--Opposition to Capitalization
and that dangerous spirit of encroachment
which tends to consolidate the powers
of all the departments in one, and thus
to create, whatever may be the forms of
government, real despotism; no sumpt>
uary laws, separation of church and state
tor the good of each, common schools to
be fostered and protected.
Third-HOme rule, honest money, con-
sistlng of gold. silver and paper con-
vertible into coin on demand; the strict
maintenance of the public faith, State
and National. and tariff for revnue only.
Fourth-The subordination Of the
military to the civil power, and gener al
and thorough reform of the civil service.
Fitth-Right to free ballot as the
right preventative OF all rights, and must
and shall be maintained in every part of
these United States.
sixth-The existing administration is
representative Of conspiracy only, and its
claims of the right to surround the ballot
boxes with troops aud deputy marshals
to intimidstc and obstruct elections, and
the unprecedented use of the veto to
maintain its corrupt and despotic power,
insults the people and imperils their in
stitutions.
Seventh-The fraud Of 1876, by which
upon false count of the electoral vote
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 un-
der threat of military violence, struck a
deadly blow ut our system of represents
tive government The Democratic party,
to presrve the country from the horrors
of a civil war, submitted for time in the
firm and patriotic faith that the people
would punish the crime in 1880. This
issue preeedes and dwarfs every other.
1t imposes more sacred duty upon
the people ofthe Union than was ever adj
dressed to the concience of nation of
treemen.
Eighth-We execrate the course of this
administration making placesfor political
criminals. and demand reform by stat
ute which shall make it forever impossi>
BILE for defeated candidate to bribe his
way to the seat Of a usurpsrby villainies
upon the people. CTnis was read again
IN response to demands, and was received
with applause.)
Ninth-The resolution Of Samuel ].
Tilden not again to be a candidate for
election, the exalted place to which he
was elected by m ajority OF his country
men, and from which be was excluded by
leaders of the Republican party, is re-
csived by the Democrats of the United
States with sensibility, and they declare
their confidence in his wisdom and patri>
otism and integrity unsullied by the as :
sault of the common enemy, and they
further declare to him that he is followed
into the retirement he has chosen for
himself by the sympathy and respect Of
bis fellow citizens who regard him as one
who, by elevating the standard of public
service, merits the lasting gratitude of
his country and his party.
Tenth-Free ships end living chance
for American commerce on the sea and
on, the land; no discrimination in favor
of transportation lines, corporations or
monopolies.
Observation-Disclosures of the Burlin-
game treaty no more Chinese immigra>
tion 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