Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1881-10-06

Tbs report of the committee on rules
came up for action, Mr.. James Of
Northampton il the chair, and u
lengthy discussion followed, which
was still in progress at O'Clock.
The Convention AdjOurES.
( The rules were finally withdrawn
by Hensel, their mover, after tu-
multuous scene during which Uensel
resumed the chair. The election Of a
chairman Of the state central commit
tee was proceeded with, resulting in
the selection Of Mr.. j. X. B1gert, Of
Luzerne.
At21O a. m. the convention ad-
jDurnCd.
The Platform.
| The report from the committee on resolutions
! WAS then read and adopted, rs follows:
ReSo!red That We, the democratic party of
| Pennsylvania, in convention assembled, de-
| clare:
! FirSt-For the preservation Of the const!tu-
! ton of the United States; home rule, freedom
Of election; for resistance 10 revolutionary
! changes. tending TO consolidation or empire;
against the election of any person to the prcS.-
dency third time; against the presence oi
/ troops nj the polls: against the appropriation
! ofpubuc moneys flr any purpose but the sup
port of government ;anG class legislation, which
deSpoiS labor TO build up monopoly.
Second-That the democratic party as Of
al flN Il iT,rfi pf psl
and silver. in all forms. ana co1litiou With rep
uliaCorsmerit the condemnation OF honest
people. The refusal of republican admins
! tration to accede 10 the democratic dem&nd for
a further reduction in The rate IF interest on
the national debt subjects the government 10 4
needless expense OF half million dollars an
nually.
Th.rd-In view of the exposure OF extensive
frauds in the postal ard treasury departments
under the last federal administration, the peo-
pie demand prompt and uafaltelins prosecu-
ton OF the thieves their successful operations
prove that THE will be no real reform in the
management of the departments OF the federal
government without sweeping change there
IN. Sincere civil service reform viii begin with
4 return to the JeGerSonian tests for Office
holders Of honesty, eapa3ility and faithfulneSs
10 the constitution.
Fourth-Tkat in the administration OF the
government 0f Pennsylvania the republican
party has encouraged, practiced aud shielded
Spoliaton of the state treasury and misuse Of
The public funds. bribery OF legislators, undue
favor TO corporations and monoTolies, &n nm
necessarily high rate of Interest on the state
loans, a shameless prostitution Of the paIdon-
ing power, system Of wholesale waste and
recuation in tie ordinary expenditures OF the
government and an haraSsing ana plunderiag
exercise OF municipal franchises and abuse OF
local trusts.
Fifth-That the arrogant, corrupt and per-
SOnal domination controlling the republican
party in this STATE, and SuppreSSing honesty and
independence in hatorganzltion, dictatcdthe
policy, the platform and the candidate Of its
last state convention. In view OF these facts
we hereby rcaiirm the following resolution of
the democratic state convention of 1879: That
the recent attempt under the personal direction
of ruling republican leaders to dcbauch the
legislature by wholesale bribery and corrup
tion, and take from the comm Onwealth four
millions OF dollars. for which its liability had
never been ascertained is fresh and alarm
ing evidence of the aggreSsiYeness OF corporate
power in collision with political rings, and
should receiv e the signal condemnation OF the
people at the polls.
SiXth-That the democratic party of Penn
sylvania. regardful Of the states honor and its
interests. pledges itself to the just application
OF the public moneys to the public service; 10
economy in governmental expenditures, that
people may be lightly burdened and the parity
OF the administration preserved; to the aboli-
tiOn OF all useless Offices and tie Topping off Of
all supcrnumary officials; to the lowest prac-
ticaLie rate OF interest on state loans, without
regard for the advantage OF syndicates or spec
ulators; to sceplcss vigilance against the
growth and eXactions Of monopolies to watch
ful guard Of the public interests against the
pretensions Of the great transportation COM
panies to be above the fundamental law
governing all else within the Dorders Of state;
TO vigorous collection OF all the taxes law
fully lald upon corporation chartered or do
ing business in Pennsylvania; and TO in-
vestigation into, correction Of and punshhen
for the frauds and wastes which have for years
permeated various departments of the state
government under republican control.
Seventh-That no imonopolics or exclusive
light in the forces of nature in grants of en-
inent domain, in the diffusion of information a
mong the people by telegraph and associa-
tiols for furnis hing dispatches to the press, or
grant OF privileges affecting the daily business
of the citizen can ought rightfully to exist
under Our form of government. These are at
all times to be subject to such legislative rcgu-
lation and control as the rights and interests OF
the people demand.
Eighth-That the dclegat power OF congress
to regulate commerce among the states and the
reserved power Of the states 10 regulate the
same within their bord ers should be forthwith
exercised to prevent unjust discrimination by
common carriers against individuals and To-
calites, and the provisions Of the constitution Of
Pennsylvania relative TO the exercised abuse Of
corporate franchise and duty of common
carriers to the public should be enforced with
out delay by appropriate legislation.
Ninth-That all governmental power should
be used in restraint of mOnOpolies and not in
aid of them and simple and speedy remedies
which any citizen injured in his business may,
in the state and federal courts, by one process
Of law, haye quick certain and adequate re-
dress for corporate wrongs.
Tenth-rhat vested rights must be protected
and respected, and great corporations waving
bet ween themselves to the injury of the pub
lie interest and their own shareholders must be
regulated and controlled by wise and affective
laws.
EleYenth-That franchises prope,ty of the
people shall be granted and exercised solely
for the public benefit, and subject TO immedi-
ate and absolute forfeiter by due process of