The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1882-09-08
THE PLATFORM OF 1889
OE THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF SoUrH CARO-
LIMA.

The Democratic party of South Carolina
in State Convention assembled, reoffrmng
the principles anu declarations of the St te
platforms of 1876 and 1878 and their
continued devotion to the principles of the
National Democratic party, and pledging
to that party their earnest corporation and
support, declare the following principles as
formula ing the policy Of the South Caro-.
lima Democracy in State aud Federal fairs,
aud invite the aid and support of all good
citizens in carrying them into effect
l. Wise aud just legislation, the Impair
tial administration OF equal laws, economy
with efficiency in every department of the
State government.
2. Popular education is the bulysnk of
free institutions. Liberal appropriations for
the public schools for the whole people,
}. The systematic efforts of the Rcpub-
lican party to obstruct reform and destroy
good government in South Carolina by
turning 10 partisan purposes the appointing
power of the Federal government, is stan
ding menace to the people OF this State and
growing danger to good citizens in every
part of the Union. The Federal offices in
this State are made political infirm,r ,rics and
training schools for tho defeat of honest
government in South Carolina
t Honest home rule. The Democracy
Of South Carolina, representing the taxpay-
crs OF the State and ma jority Of the Who'll
people, invite and have the right to expect
the sympathy and support Of their fellow
countrymen in their strenuous efforts to
preserve IN intelligent and equal admnistra:
ton of the government.
s. The practice Of packin. jurics in pol.
itical cases in the United States Courts in
this State is criminal violation Of the in.
alienable right of every citizen to fair
trial by II jury of his peers.
s. The extension of the franchise, as a
political result Of the late war, has enlarged
enormously ly the number of present and 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 appropria, ions from the Treasury, on
the basis of illi;eracy, should help the
Southern States to cure the evil oi non.in.
tclligent suffrage. A national dan .er calls
for national action and national aid
Z, Civil service reform, appointments to
minor Offices under tests that will indicate
the qualifications Of the applicant. promo
tion By merit, a fixed tenure of office, and
no removals, except for cause
8. Blackmailing public servants, under
the guse of political assessments, converts
the public treasury, to the extent of the
contributions called for, into campa ign
fund for the advancement Ifa political par.
ty, thus taxing the whole people for partisan
purposes.
8. The present protective tariff robs the
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 in the manufacture
Of cotton and wool, and on tools and agri-
cultural implements, will stimulate manufac
| lures and be welcome relief to the farmer
| and laborer.
10: 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
employt under the internal revenue laws be
disbaudcd.
IL. The public credit-national and
State-must be religiously maintained
II. In the conduct offairs 10 this State
the Democracy have been actuated 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
imperilling the safety and well.being of the
State. Democratic unity is public safety
and private security.
13 In the State. justice and equally for
all, to insure harmony and good will between
the races. In the Union, no sectionalism
in policy or feeling An indissoluble Union
of indestructible States One flag, one
country. one dest.ny.