Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1882-09-07
The Platform Of tho Demo-
cratic Party.

The Democratic Party Of South Carolina
IN State Convention assembled, reonirmiug
tho principles and declarations of tho State
platforms of 1876 aud 1878, and their
continued devotion to the principles of the
National Democratic Party, aud pledging
to TINT party their earnest cooperation and
support, declare the following principles as
formulating the policy of the South Carolina
Democracy in State and Federal affairs, and
invite tho aid and support of all good
citizens in carrying them into cfTcct
l. Wise and just legislation, the Impair
tlal administration of equal laws, economy
with efficiency in cvcry department of the
State government.
2. Popular education is the bulwar'. of
free institutions. Liberal approximations
for the public schools for the whole people.
3. The systematic efforts of tho Republi-
!lcan party to obstruct reform and destroy
good government in South Carolina by
turning to partisan purposes the appointing
power of tic Federal Government is u
standing menace to the people of this State
and growing danger to good citizens iu
every part of tho Union. The Federal
offices in this State arc made political in
irmarics and training schools for the defeat
OF honest government in South Carolina
4. Honest home rule. Tho Democracy
of South Carolina, representing the tax
payers Of the State and majority of tho
whole people, invite and have the right to
expect the sympathy and support Of their
fellow countrymcn in their strenuous efforts
to preserve an intelligent and equal admin
istration of the government.
5. The practice of packing jurics in
political cases in the United States Courts
in this State is criminal violation of the
inalicnable right Of every citizen to fair
trial by jury Of his peers.
6. The extension of tho franchise, as a
political result Of the late war, has enlarged
enormously the number Of present aud
prospective voters requiring education in
the public schools. The burden Was in
creased, while the ability Of the State to
bear it was diminished. The Federal Co
ycrnment, by liberal appropriations from
tho Treasury, on the basis of ilitcracy,
should help the Southern States to cure
the evil Of non,ntclligcnt suffrage. a
national danger calls for national action and
national aid.
T. Civil service reform, appointments to
minor offices under tests that will Indicate
the qualifications Of the applicant, promo
ton by merit, fixed tenure of Office and
no removals, except for cause.
8. Blackmaling public servants, under
the guiso of political assessments, converts
the public treasury, to the extent of the
contributions called for, into a oempoian
fund for the advancement of a political
party, thus taxing the whole people for
partisan purposes.
o. The present protective tariff robs the
many for the benefit of the few. The
duties on imports should be decreased, and
an carly repeal of the duty on cotton ties,
on the machinery used in tho manufacture
of cotton and wool, and on tools and agri-
cultural implements, will stimulate manu-
tac,urcs and be welcome relief to the
farmer and laborcr.
10. 1t is most desirable that tho 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 go
vcrnment 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 employed under the internal rcvc-
uue laws be disbaDdcd.
H. Tho public credit, national and
State, must be rcligiously maintained
IL. In tho conduct of affairs in this
State tho Democracy have bccn actua,cd by
but one dessre, and that is to promoe tho
greatest good Of the State Only within
tho Democratic party and by party action
can defective legislation be rcmcdicd with
out impcrling the safety and well boiug of
the State. Democratic unity is public
safety and private security.
IL. ln tho State, justice ard equality
for oil, to insure harmony and good will
between tho races. In the Uuion, no sec
'ionoism in policy or feeling. An indisso-
bic Uuion of indestructblc States. Ono
nag, ono country, ono destiny.