The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1882-09-01
THE PLATFORM OF 1882
OE THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF South CARO-
LIMA.

The Democratic party Of South Carolina
in State Convention assembled, reafirming
the principles anu declarations of the St te
platforms of 1876 and 1873, and their
continued devotion to the principles of the
National Democratic party and pledging
to that party their earnest co operation and
support, declare the following principles as
for mula ing the policy Of the South Caro-.
lima Democracy in State and Federal affairs,
and invite the aid and support of all good
citizens in carrying them into effect:
l. Wise and just legislation, the Impair
tial administration of equal laws, economy
with efficiency in every department of the
State government.
2 Popular education is the bulSak of
free institutions. Liberal appropriations for
the public schools for the whole people.
B. Tho systematic efforts of the Rcpub-
lican party to obstruct reform and destroy
good government in South Carolina by
turning to partisan purposes the appointing
power Of the Federal government, is stan
u growing danger to good citizens in every
this State are made political infirm,res and
tTatuluS ScuOOlS lot tue ueICaC OF honest
government in South Carolina.
Honest home rule. The Democracy
of South Carolina, representing the taxpay-
ers ct the State and ma ajority of the whole
people, invite and have the right to expect
the sympathy and support of their fellow
countrymen in their strenuous efforts to
preserve an intelligent and equal admnistra:
tion OF the government.
5. The practice Of packing jurics in pol
itical cases in the United States Courts in
this State is criminal violation of the in:
alienabe right of every citizen to fair
trial by Il jury of his peers.
6. The extension of the franchise, as
political result of the late war, has enlarged
enormously the number Of present aud pro-
spective voters requiring education in the
public schools. The burden was increased,
while the ability Of the State to bear it was
diminished. The Federal government, BY
liberal appropriations from the Treasury, on
the basis Of lliteracy, should help the
Southern States to cure the evil Of non.in-
tellgent suffrage. A national danger calls
for national action and national aid.
| 7, Civil service reform, appointments to
minor Offices under tests that will indicate
the qualifications of the applicant, promo
ton by merit, a fixed tenure of Office, and
no removals, except for cause.
8 Blackmailng public servants, under
the guise Of political assessments, converts
the public treasury, to the extent Of the
contributions called for, into campa ign
fund for the advancement Oft political par.
ty, thus taxing the whole people for partisan
purposes.
8. The present protective tariff robs tho
many for the benefit Of the few The du-
ties on Imports should be decreased, and an
early repeal Of the duty on cotton ties, on
the machinery used 10 the manufacture
Of cotton and WOOL and on tools and agri-
cultural implements, will stimulate manulae.
lures and be a welcome relief TO the farmer
and laborer. .r-- ~
TO- 1t is most desirable that the internal
revenue taxation be abolished, so soon as
this can be accomplished without rendering
permanent the existing protective system.
Rigid economy in the conduct of the govern.
ment will hasten the day when the tariff
shall be as moderate as in the early days OF
the Republic and the army of Office holders
employ' under the internal revenue laws be
disbanded.
IL. The public credit-natonal and
State-must be religiously maintained
IL. In the conduct offairs in this State
the Democracy have been actuatsd by but
one desire, and that is to promote the greatest
good of the State. Only within the Demo
Garlic party and by party action can
defective legislation be remedied without
imperiliDg the safety and well. being of the
State. Democratic unity is public safety
and private security.
13. In the State, justice and equally fol
all, to insure harmony and good will between
the races. In the Union, no sectionalisu,
in policy or feeling An indissoluble Union
Of indestructible States One flag, one
] country, one destiny.