The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1898-10-21
FIRST DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
Principles of the Constitution as Defined
by Thomas Jefferson.

Principles of the Constitution as Defined
by Thomas Jefferson.
In JetfeTson's first inaugural was
a comprehensive, but concise, state
ment of the princiyl les of Constitu-
tiOnal government, which became
the first platform of the party, and
will ever be its chief corner stone.
1t is a. follows:
"About to enter, fellOw-citizens, on
the exercise of duties which compre-
bend everything dear and valuable to
you, ii il proper that you should un-
derstand what | deem the essential
principles of our Government and con-
sequently those which ought to shape
its administration. ! will compress
them within the ndrrowest compass
they will bear, stating the general
principle, but not all its limitations.
Equal and exact justice to all men OF
whatever state or persuasion, religious
or political.
"Peace, commerce, and honest friend
ship with all nations, entangling
alliances with none.
"The support of the State govern
ments in all their rights, as the most
competent administrations for our do
nestle concerns and the surest bul-
/
denotes.
"The preservation of the General
Government in its whole constitutional
| vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace
at home and safety abroad.
"a jealous care of the rights of cleo
ton by the people-a mild and safe cor
receive of abuses which are Topped by
the sword of revolution where peace
! able remedies are unprOvided.
| a. 4 he, Inf IN, h., L.
cision of the maiority-the vital princ-
pie of republics from which there is no
appeal but to force, the vital principle
and immediate parent of despotism.
"a well-disciplined militia, our best
reliance in peace, and for the first mo-
ments of war, till the regulars may re-
lieve them. #I
"The supremacy of the civil over the
military authority.
ECONOMY in the public expense, that
labor may be lightly burdened.
"The honest payment of our debts
and sacred preservation of the public
faith.
encouragement of agriculture, and
commerce as its handmade.
THE diffusion of information and the
arraignment of all abuses at the bar of
public reason.
"Freedom of religion; freedom of the
press; freedom or the person under the
protection of habeas corpus; and trials
by iuries impartiallv selected.
"These principles form the bright
constellation which has gone before US,
and guided our steps through an age of
revolution and reformation. The Wis
dom of our sages and the blood of our
heroes have been devoted to their
attainment. They should be the creed
of our political faith-the text of civil
instructon-the tOuchstOne by which
to try the services of those we trust;
and should we wander from them in
moments of error or alarm, let us hast
en- TO retrace our steps and regain the
road which leads alone to peace, liberty,
and safety"
This platform is, in exalted states
manship, patriotism, spirit, and
style, in harmony with the maXims
of that other great state paper pre-
viously written by JetIersOn-the
Declaration of Independence-and
a. the next national convention, in
1900, TO nominate the Democracy's
centennial candidate for the Presi-
dency, it should be re-adopted as the
most appropriate cOmmemOration Of
the occasion, and rs the best and
safest political guide for the future.