Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-08-11
The Democratic Platform.



the Democratic State Convention
"The representatives of the Democratic
party of Maryland, in State Convention as
semhled, declare that, after an experience OF
four years OF Republican ascendency, we
should make united effort to recover po-
litlcal control of the State, so as to insure to
the people the fullest protection of Lille, lib
erty and property. The result of the last
municipal election in Baltimore city demon
strates that this can be accomplished by the
harmonious co operation of all elements of
the party, without regard to past differences,
and We invite all such to aid us in the po.
litical redemption OF our State aud the res
toration of control to the Democratic party.
ave declare our unialtCring allegiance to
the fundamental principles of the party as
formulated by Thomas Jefferson, and we
believe that the practical and constant APP
plication of those principles to Federal and
State government is essential to the per.
petuation OF our free institutions.
ave insist that in time of war, as well as
Of peace, the freedom of the press shall be
reserved and that the right OF the people to
crticise freely the policy and conduct OF
the administration shall be defended at all
hazards.
mo deadlier blow can be dealt to Amer
lean loerty than the suppression, by an
abuse OF executive power, of the free utter.
ance by American ireemen of their senti.
ments upon matters OF public concern af-
fecting the welfare OF the people, and we
denounce as dangerous and indeiensibe all
efforts to interfere with and abridge this
sacred right.
1--WE declare our unalterable opposition
to the creation and maintenance OF a large
standing army in time DI and a in.
sist upon the supremacy OF the civil over
the military authority, and we demand the
strictest economy in the collection and dis
bursement of the public revenues.
1--WE believe in the time honored doctrine,
so earnestly impressed upon US by the fathers
of the Republic, of Peace, Commerce and
Honest Friendship with all nations-en.
tangling alliances with none
I'VE view with alarm the multiplication
over the land OF such gigantic, Industrial
and commercial trusts, the outgrOwth OF
Republican Legislation, as stlhe competition,
tire lten popular government, increase the
cost OF living and curtai the individual
rights of the people, and we favor vigorous
measures by the States and by Congress to
repress this great and growing evil.
I'VE favor nonpaTtlsan administration
of the Police Department of Baltimore, and
OF such thorough and careful revision of
the laws in relation thereto as will emanci
pate the force from partisan control or in
tlmidatiOn.
Inequalities in assessment and taxation
should be corrected so that the public eX-
pense may borne by the rich and poor alike
Strict scrutiny should be made as to all
proper sources OF public revenue, so that
State and local taxation may be reduced to
the lowest practicable rate.
Especial attention should be given TO the
condition and conduct Of our public schools,
the taxes levied Tor their maintenance should
be faithfully collected, larry apportioned
ard honestly applied, aud we insist upon a
nonparLisan administration OF the public
school system of the State.
"Ihe laboring classes constitute the main
part OF our population. They should be
projected in all orderly efforts 10 assert their
rights, when endangered IRON any source,
and all laws on this subject should be Tram
ed with view to improve their condition.
I'VE believe that the restoration of the
Democracy to power in Maryland is now
imperatlvely demanded by n just regard for
the best interests O the State
"lhe Republican party depends almost
entirely for It's success upon the support OF
the large negro population in our midst, and
relles upon them Tor the election OF It's ticket
and the continuance OF its supremacy. With
out their votes it would be II hopeless mi
nOrlty.
This fact has created the belief by large
numbers of the worst elements of this class
OF our population that political influence
will readily be eXerted to secure Tor them
immunity from punishment for violations
of law, has accordingly led to an alarming
increase 10 many species Of crime and is a
constant menace TO the peace and good
order OF the State
"Such deplorable and dangerous condi-
ton of affairs cannot be ignored or treated
with Indifference, and while we distinctly
pledge ourselves TO do equal and exact jus.
tice To all, without regard TO race, and to
guarantee to the colored people of the State
the fullest protection in all their rights, we
are not insensible to the perils which such
a situation involves, nor unmindlul Of the
obligation which it imposes.
"Salety and protection from those evils
can only be found in the return to political
power Of the Democracy, which undenably
the vast majority OF the intell
gent manhood of the State
ave shall present candidates in every re
spect worthy of confidence and support. In
their hands the affairs Of the State will be
with VigOr, wisdom and hon.
esty.
claw and order will be rcsolutey main
aimed and the blessings OF good government
secured"