Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-07-13
Democratic State Convention.
PATTIsoN, BLACK, AFRICA, CLARK AND
ELLIOTT


Sd of June, was undoubtedly one of the
most able and respectable and effective
political bodies that ever convened at
the State Capitol. Perfect harmony pre-.
vailed in all its deliberations--but one
sentiment seemed to influence all, and
that was to redeem the state from the
misrule, extravagances, tyranny and
peculation which has marked its govern
ment and legislation for many years
through ring rule, in the control of
Boss corruptionists. Is it any wonder
therefore, that the ticket thus given to
the people, composed entirely of ag.
gressive reformers whose personal re.
cords is guarantee of economy and re.
form, is received with such evident
marks of favor by the Democrats and
disappointment to the ringsters.
The Convention at o'clock was call
ed to order by the Chairman of the State
Central Cummittee, and after roll call
Malcolm Hay, of Pittsburg, was made
temporary Chairman. lie wasted no
time in speech, but proceeded to the
business of the convention. The usual
committee were appointed, on creden-
tials, organization, and resolutions, and
then took recess until o'clock. In the
meantime the committee on organiza-
tan agreed on George M. Dallas rs per
manent chairman. The committee on
credentials made an amicable disposition
of all contests, and the committee on
resolutions or platform was prepared to
report. These reports were accepted by
the convention, and Mr.. Dallas unani.
mously elected as Permanent Presi.
dent. lie assumed the chair with brief
remarks. The platform was then repor.
ted by w. U. Hensel, chairman of the
committee, and were adopted unani-
mously as follows:
The Democratic party of Pennsylva.
MIA, holding fast to the faith that all
power not delegated by the Constitu
.tion is reserved to the States and the
people upholding the sanctity of per-
sonal liberty, the security of private
property, and the right of local seIf.gov.
erument; demanding honesty and
economy in the administration of gov.
ernment and the enforcement of all the
provisions of the Constitution by the
I ,,Dl ,l,x ~ In Co..,
monwealth declaring against mOnopo.
lies and in sympathy with labor seek.
ing its protection, and in favor of the
industrial interests of Pennsylvania at
all times, do solemnly protest against
evils which the policy aud practices of
the Republican party and the insolence
| Of its long possession of office have thus
brought upon the country therefore,
First-We do protest against what is
| called the boss system, and also the
plundering of oficeholders 10y assess
ments of money for political purposes.
Public Offices are the property of no
party, but are open to every citizen who
is honest, capable, and faithful to the
| Constitution, affiliations which Jetfer-
son declared we're requisites for office.
| Second-We protest against the spoils
system. 1t is prostitution THE offices
of the people so that they become the
mere perquistes of the politicians.
Third-We denounce all reputation,
State and Federal, because it is dishon.
est and destructive ofthat public morali.
ty upon which are founded the exis.
tence and perpetuity of our free institu.
tions. 1t should be made odious, and
the political party that aids it and abets
it with Office deserves public condemna.
tion.
Fourth-We denounce spoliation of
the State Treasury and immunity by
pardon of those convicted of crimes,
whose acts were fragrant subversions of
official trusts and wrongs done the peo.
pie.
Fifth-We believe the Republican
party, as now organized and controlled,
is based on fraud, force, and corruption,
and there can be no hope Of true reform
except by the force of the ballot box
excluding it from place and power.
Sixth-The Democratic party demands
of the Legislature an honest, just, and
true apportionment.
Seventh-Upon these declarations we
lhNllo bHo CO'opOTdtlOn Ol dll nOneSL
citizens who with us desire the reestab.
lishment of honest government.
The subcommittee on rules submit.
ted the following rules for the govern
ment of the party, which were adopted:
The State Central Committee shall
consist of one member from each coun.
~, and in addition any county that is
entitled to more than one state senator
shall have an additional member for
each additional senator-the members
of the committee to be appointed in
such manner as the local regulations of
the respective county organizations may
determine.
The committee shall meet annually
in the city of Harrisburg on the third
Monday of January at such place as
may be designated by the chairman of
the State Central Committee and shall
at this annual meeting elect chairman