The Russellville Democrat. [volume] (Russellville, Ark.) 1875-1898, 1884-07-03
THE PLATFORM.

declaration of principles.
Second--We reaffirm our allegi-
ance to the national democratic par
ty; our adherence to the principles
it has ever maintained, and express
our unwayering confidence in the
ultimate triumph Of democratic doc
trines and policy as the best means
of perpetuating the liberties and
promoting the general welfare of the
people of the United States.
Third-We hold there can be no
conflict between the federal and
state governments in the exercise OF
their Legitimate functions, and are
unalterably opposed to the assump-
ton Of power upon the part of either,
without constitutional warrant; for
which reason we condemn the ten.
dency of the republican party to
centralize all power in the federal
government.
Fourth We utterly repudiate
and denounce as most dangerous to
the liberties Of the people that heresy
which is the animating principle OF
the republican party, that "the party
is the government" and believe that
the administrator of the govern
ment IS a trust to be executed i'm
partially, for the benefit Of all class
es, ranks and conditions Of society.
Fifth--We favor reform and re-
trenchment in the public service,
and declare our adhesion TO the dem
ocratic party upon the subject OF the
tariff, holding that the grant TO con-
gress by the constitution to lay and
collect imposts was intended to raise
revenue, and forbids the opposing
policy of the republican party OF
fostering one branch of industry to
the detriment of another, and the
promotion of the interests of some
to the injury of other portions of our
common country. And we demand
material reduction Of the present
excessive tariff duties and such re-
vision of the laws imposing them as
Will equalizc the burdens and bene
fits derived from their levy and col
lection, and that no more revenue
from all sources should be collected
than is necessary for a wise and
economical administration of the
government.
Sixth--We demand equal and
exact justice in the assessment and
collection Of taxes, the freedom and
purity of the ballot, and the strict
accountability Of all public servants.
Seventh have cause for con-
graduation upon the payment OF so
much Of the undisputed debt of the
state rs to give promise of its entire
settlement within q reasonable pc
Rod at reduced rates of taxation, at
the same time fostering our public
intitutions, in which all our people
feel a just pride.
Eighth--We approve the action of
the legislature in resubmitting the
proposed amendment to the consti-
tuition of the state with respect. to
the railroad aid, Hcldford and levee
bonds, and relcgate the question to
the people as a non political issue to
be voted on In accordance with each
voters conviction of right.
Ninth-We are in favor of legisla-
ton which fosteres equally the man.
ufacturing and agricultural indus
tries ofthe state, oppose all discrim-
nations whatever, and recommend
the enactment of liberal laws to en-
courage immigration, the construc-
ton Of railroads and the develop
ment of our rich mineral and timber
resources, but all grants OF corporate
powers and franchises must be
guarded against abuse, and held sub.
Ject to the regulating power OF the
people.
Tenth--We reaflirm our devotion
to the cause of education, and will
uphold and maintain our free com
mon schools by voluntary taxation,
and we pledge in behalf of a cause
so essential to the happiness and
liberty of the people, the fostering
care and aid of the state.
Eleyenth-We invite immigration
and capital to Arkansas, to assist in
the development of the wonderful
and varied resources of the state,
and we bid cordial welcome to the
industrious home seeker who may
cast his lot among us.
Twelfth--In conclusion, under the
firm belief that democratic rule in
the future, as it has done in the past,
will give the greatest good to the
greatest number, we invoke for our
party the continued confidence and
favor Of the people.
The committee also presented the
following resolution:
Resolved, That with inexpressible
regret we have learned Of the refusal
of Samuel j. Tilden to accept the
nomination Of the democratic party
for president; and that we recognize
in ham the greatest statesman anu
patriot since the days Of Jefferson.