Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1882-08-10
Platform of The Democratic Party
Of South Carolina,

The Democratic party Of South
Carolina, in State Convention Assem-.
bled, reafirming the principles and
declarations Of the State platform Of
1876 and 1879, and their continued
devotion to the principles OF the
National Democratic party, and
pledging'to that party earnest coop
GRAFTON and support, declare the fol-
lowing principles as formulating the
policy of the South Carolina Democ
racy in State and Federal affairs, and
invite the aid and support Of all
good citizens in carrying them into
effect:
/. Wise and Just legislation. The
impartial administration of equal
laws. Economy, with efficiency, in
every department Of the State Gov
ernment.
II. Popular education is the hul-
wark Of free institutions. Liberal
appropriations for the public schools
for the whole people,
III. The systemal efforts OF the
-R.sspnhlican-nartu to obstrnAi--~s-,,.A-
South Carolina, by lining to p&rti-
san purposes the appointing power of
the Federal Government, is a stand.
ing menace to the people OF this
State and growing danger to good
citizens in every part of the Union.
TIE Federal Offices in this State are
made political intirmaries, and train
ing schools for the defeat Of honest
government in South Carolina.
". Honest Home Rule. The De.
mocracy Of South Carolina, repre-
senting the taxpayers OF the State
and a majority Of the whole people,
invite and have the right to expect
the sympathy aud support Of their
fellow countrymen in their strenuons
efforts to preserve an intelligent and
equal administration oi the govern
ment.
V. The practice OF packing iuries
in political cases in the United States
Courts in thia State il criminal VIC.
lation Of the inalienahle right of
every citizen TO fair trial by Jury
oil lis peers.
VI. The extension of the fran
chise. as a political result OF the late
war, has enlarged enormously the
number Of present and prospective
voters requiring education in the pub
lie schools The burden VAS in.
creased while the abil ty Of the State
to,bear it was diminished. The Fed.
ersl Government, by liberal aprro-
priations from tEe treasury on the
basis oi illiteracy. should help the
Southern States 10 cure the evil oil
non intelligent suffrage a National
danger calls for National aid.
VII. Civil Service Reform. Ap.
polntmehts TO minor Offices under
tests that will indicate the quallfica-
tions Of the applicant. Promotion
by merit. A fixed tenure OF Office
and no removals except for cause.
VIII. Blackmailing public eer-
wants under the guise of political as
sessments converts the public treas.
ury, to the extent of the contributions
called fer, into campaign fund for
the advancement Of political party
thus taxing the whole people for par.
tisan purposes.
1X. The present Protective tariff
robs the many for the benefit Of the
few. The duties on imports should
be decreased, and an early repeal oi
the duty OF cotton ties, on the ma.
chinery used liz the manufacture ol
cotton and wool, and on tools and
agricultural implements will stimu
late manufactures and be welcome
relief to the farmer and laborer.
X. It is most desirable that the in
ternal revenue taxation be abolished
so soon as this can be accomplished
without rendering permanent the ex
isting Protective system. Rigic
economy in the conduct o. the Gov
ernment will hasten the day wher
the tariff shall he as moderate as il
the early days Of the Republic ant
the army Of ice.holders employed
under the internal revenue laws b,
disbanded. -A~
X. The public credit, Nstions'
and State. must be religiously main