Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-07-12
acknowledgements Platform, 1888.

H.. ..NHaH
The Democratic party Of the United
ss~s Il. pIsdss TSS & nsse1 q bsSOcr.tc t
faith, and reseirms the platform adoptsd by
~ representatives in the convention 6f 1854,
and endorses the views expressed by Presi-
SIT cls'SlfPa ht in BIZ lcst RRb M6Fs p
aqc1on: and elsS seaHEs US II stSSSE e oar
secure reduction 6f excessive taxation.
"Chief among it, principles Of party faith
are the maintenance Of an indissoluble Union
enter upon its second century Of unexampled
progress and renown; devotion b Q plan Of
government; regulated by q written oonsti-
tuition, strictly specifying every granted
power and expressly reserying to the states
&c people, the entire ungranted residue Of
power; the encouragehient Of q zealous
popular vigilance, directed TO al who have
been chosen for brief terms 10 enact and exc
cute the laws, and are charged with the duty
OF preserving peace, ensuring equality and
establishing justice .,t -s
"The Democratic party welcome an exact
Ing scrutiny Of the administration OF the
executive power, which four years ago was
committed to Its trust, In the election OF
Grover Cleveland, president Of the United
States, and 1t challenges the most searching
inquiry concerning its fidelity and devotion
to tbs pledges which then invited the suf-
frages of the people.
'iDuring a most critical period Of our
financial affairs, resulting from over taxa
tion, the anomalous condition of our cur
rency and public debt unmatured, it has
by the adoption Of wise and conservative
course not only averted disaster, but
greatly promoted the prosperity OF the peo-
pie.
''It has reversed the improyident and un-
wise policy Of the Republican party, touch
ing the public domain, and has reclaimed
from corporations and syndicates, alien and
domestic, and restored to the people, nearly
one hundred millions Of acres OF valuable
land to be sacredly held as homesteads for
our citizens.
"While carefully guarding the interest Of
the taxpayers and conforming strictly tO
the principles Of justice and equity, it has
paid out more for pensions and bounties to
the soldiers and sailors of the republic than
was ever paid before during an equal period
"By intelligent management and judi
cious and economical expenditure of the
b6blic money it has set on foot the recon-
struction Of the American navy upon sys-
tenn which forbids the recurrence Of scandal
and insures successful results.
"It has adopted and consistently pursued
a firm and prudent foreign policy, preserv-
ing peace with all nations while scrupulously
maintaining all the rights and interests Of
our own government and people at home
and abroad.
''The exclusion from our shores of Chinese
laborers has been effectually Secured under
the provisions Of Treaty, the operation of
which has been postponed by the action Of a
Republican majority in the senate.
Honest reform in the civil service has
been ipaugurated and maintained by Presi-
dent Cleveland, and he has brought the pub
hc service to the highest standard Of eff
ciency, not only by rule and precept, but by
the example Of his untiring and unselfish ad-
ministration Of public affairs
I'm every branch and department Of the
government under Democratic control, the
rights and the welfare Of all the people have
been guarded and defended; every public
interest has been protected, and the equality
of all our citizens before the law, without
regard to race or color, has been steadfastly
maintained.
"Upon its record thus exhibited and upon
the pledge Of q cohtinualce to the people Of
Shs Bs9ehts of go6d government, the Ma
ular trust by the reelection OF q chief mag
istrate, who has been faithful, able and pru-
dent They invoke in addition TO that trust,
by the transfer to the Democracy Of the en-
tre legislative power.
"The Republican party controlling the
senate and resisting in both houses Of con-
Gress reformation Of unjust and unequal
tax laws, which have outlasted the neOessi-
ties Of war and are now undermining the
abundance OF long peace, deny to the
people equality before the law and the fair
ness and the justice which are their right.
Thus the cry Of American labor for better
ehare Of the rewards Of industry In stified
with false pretenses, enterprise Ii fettered
and bound down to home markets, capital
b disturbed with doubt and unequal. unjust
LAWS can neither be properly amended nor
repealed. M
I'll the power c0hfddd to 1t 70 struggle TO re-
ferm thes: laws In accordance with the
ballot boz BY ths saf1rages OF the people.
"Of all the industrious freemen Of our
land an immense mAjofity, including every
tiller Of the soil, gain no advantage from
excessive tax laws; but the price Of nearly
everything they buy is increased by the IA
voritism OF an unequal system Of tax legis.
latioh. All unnecessary taxation Is unjust
taxation.
'It y repugnep: to the creed Of Democ-
essaries Of life should be uhiustly increased
70 al our people. Judged by Democratic
principles, the interests OF the people are be-
trayed, when BY unnecessary taxation, trusts
and conditions are permitted and fostered
which will unduly enrich the few that COM
blns to rob our citisens BY depriving them
Of the bsnsft Of natural competition.
sEvery Democratic rule OF governmental
action 10 violated when through unnecessary
taxation vast sum OF money, far beyond
the needs OF an economical administration,
Y drawn from the people and the channels
o. trade: and accumulated as denioralising