Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1892-07-07

AlATlu kne LluQCuCy 70 n uulCI OF lILlLMLluu
and bluster which e Liable az any time TO con-
front rs with the alternative Of humiliation or
war. We favor the maintenance Of 4 navy
strong enough for all purposes Of national de-
fense and 10 properly maintain the honor and
dignity Of the country abroad
Sec. II. This country has always been the
refuge Of the oppressed from every land-exiles
for conscience sahe-and IN this spirit Of the
founders Of our government We condemn the
oppression prActiced b. the Russian govern
ment upon its Lutheran and jewish subjects,
and we call upon our national government, in
the interest Of justice and humanity, by all
Just and proper means, 70 use Its prompt and
best efforts 10 bring about cessation Of these
cruel prosecutions in the dominions OF the car
and to secure to the oppressed equal rights.
We tender our profound and earnest sympa-
thy TO those lovers OF freedom who are strug-
Cling for home rule and the great cause Of self
government In Ireland.
Sec. II. We heartily approve all legitimate
efforts TO prevent the United States from being
used as the dumping ground Of the criminals
and professional paupers Of Europe, and we
demand the rigid enforcement Of the laws
against Chinese emigration and the importa-
ton OF foreign workmen under contract TO de-
grade our labor and lessen its wages, but we
condemn and denounce all attempts to restrict
the immigration Of the industrious and worthy
Of foreign lands.
Sec. Is. This convention hereby renews the
expression Of appreciation Of the patriotism Of
the soldiers and sailors of the Union In the war
for its preservation, and we favor Just and lib
eral pensions for all disabled Union soldiers,
their widows and dependents, but we demand
that the work Of the pension Office shall be
done industriously, impartially and honestly.
We denounce the present administration of
that office as incompetent, corrupt, disgrace
full and dishonest.
Sec. A. The federal government should care
for and improve the Mississippi river and other
great waterways of the republic, 80 as to So
cure for the interior states easy and cheap
transportation to the tidewater. When any
waterway Of the republic is Of sufficient i'm
portance to demand the aid of the government,
that such aid should be extended on q definite
plan Of continuous work until permanent i'm
provement is secured.
Sec l5 For purposes Of national defense and
the promotion Of commerce between the states
we recognize the early construction of the
Nicaragua canal and its protection against for
eign control as Of great Importance to the
United States.
Sec. 10. Recognizing the Worlds Columbian
exposition as a national undertaking Of vast
Importance, in which the general government
has invited the cooperation Of the nations Of
the world, and appreciating the Acceptance by
many such powers of the invitation 80 extend
ed and the broad and liberal efforts being made
by them to contribute to the grandeur of the
undertaking, we are of the opinion that con-
gress should make such necessary financial pro-
vision as shall be requisite to the maintenance
of national honor and public faith.
Sec. II. Popular education being the only safe
basis Of popular suffrage, we recommend to the
several states most liberal appropriations for
the public schools. Free common schools are
the nursery Of good government, and they
have always received the fostering care of the
Democratic party, which favors every means
Of increasing intelligence. Freedom of educa-
ton being an essential of civil and religious
liberty, as we'll as necessity for the develop
ment of intelligence, must not be interfered
with under any pretext whatever. We are op-
posed to state interference with parental rights
and, rights Of conscience in the education of
children as an infringement of tho fundament-
oil Democratic doctrine that the largest indi-
vidual liberty consistent with the rights of 9TH
ers insures the highest type Of American citi-
zenship and the best government.
Sec. IS. We approve the action Of the present
house of representatives in passing bills for
the admission into the Union as states of the
territories Of New Mexico and Arizona, and
we favor the early admission of all the ter
ritories haYiing tbs necessary population and
feess5STdfcss to ontitle them to statehood, and
NAilO thSy hViustiH yAhACStAOS IN AH3t '.iss pAAS
officers appointed to administer the govern
ment of any territory, together with the Dis
trict of Columbia and Alaska, shall be bona
fide residents of the territory or district ii
which their duties are to be performed. The
Democratic party believes in home rule and
the control of their own affairs by the people
of the viclnage.
Sec, 10. We favor legislation by congress and
state legislatures to protect the lives and limbs
of railway employees and those Of other hazard
GUS transportation companies, and denounce
the inactivity of the Republican party, and
particularly the Republican senate, for caus-
ing the defeat of measures beneficial and pro-
tective to this class Of wage workers.
Sec. 20. We are In favor Of the enactment by
the states of laws for abolishing the notorious
sweating system, for abolishing contract con-
vict labor and for prohibiting the employment
, y soctories Of children under fifteen years Of
! aso.
| SEQ. Il. Wa are opposed to oil sumptuary
laws as an interference with the Individual
rights of the citizen.
Sec. %. Upon this statement of principles and
| policy the Democratic party asks the inteiii-
gent Judgment of the American people. 1t asks
a change of administration and q change #
party In order that there may be change Of
system and change of methods, thus assuring
the maintenance unimpaired OF institutions
under which the republic has grown great and
powerful.