The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1900-06-09


4O1 to 761&. The platform adopted was as follows
1.-THE reunited Democracy of Maryland having
regained political control of the State temporarily
lost four years ago by reason Of divisions now
brethren of the great Democratic party in all
tons of the Union, and pledge to them our hearty
cooperation in the patriotic work of rescuing onr
Federal Government from the dangers with which
it is menaced by continuance of the revolutionary
policy of President Mckinley and his supporters.
1--WE reaffrm our allegiance 10 the principles of
the pa rty formulated by Jefferson and exempliied
by Madison and Jackson. As the nation advances
and develops. new issues are presented and old
issues disappear but the fundamental principles of
Democracy, born of human needs and Graded III
events
1.-The preservation of personal liberty.
1.-The equality of all citizens before the law.
Freedom of speech.
Freedom of the press,
Freedom of conscience,
1.-The reserved rights of the States
within the limits Of the Constitution-these remain
untouched by the vicissitudes of time and evOlu-
lions, and will ever stand as the best and only
gumntee of the perpetuation of free institutions
I'VE declare that all governments instituted
among men derive their just power from the con-
sent of the governed
'That any government not based upon the con-
sent of the governed is tyranny.
Constitution Follows Flag.
ave hold that the Constitution follows the flag,
and denounce the doctrine that Congress or the Ex-
ecutive can exercise lawful authority in violation
of the Constitution.
republic and half empire. Imperialism in any Sec
ton of domain will lead quickly and inevitably
to despotism at home.
ave are unalterably opposed to large standing
army in Il time of peace.
The Republic In Danger.
believing that our most cherished institutions
in grave peril and that the republic is at stake
feel that i'll the presence of these great dangers
Democrats everywhere should lay asiie their differ
ences as To the percentage of duie, on imports the
number of griins of silver in the dollar. and upon
other issues OF subordinate importance in the pre-
sent crisis and unite in resolute and determined
effort TO stay the overwhelming progress of radicai
errors in regard TO the nature of or government
inaugurated by President Mckinley and the Repub-
lcan party.
I'VE declare Our firm belief that the safety and
true glory our country aud the stability of our
herence to the principles and practices of the fathers
of the Republic.
Colonial ex pans and military occupation and
control # remote Islands of the under the orders
of the resident as commander-in-chiefof thearmy
aud navy, have no place in our constitutional sys-
TEN of government.
1.-THE Democratic party has always favored trri-
torial expansion, when the territory so acquired
people can become American citizens, but we de-
the forcible annexation of foreign territory
except coaling naval stations with no purpose
of forming it ntoa State States of the Union,
admitting its inhabitants to the protection OF the
I'VE are in favor of extending the Republics in
iuence among the nations, but we believe that
that influence should be extended not by force and
violence. but heretofore through the persuasive
power of high and honorable example
Constitution Is Supreme.
''We cling to the cardinal doctrine that the Con-
titution is the supreme law of the land, and that
no law passed by Congress for the government of
colonies. acquired by purchase voluntary annexa-
ton or conquest by arms. Is of any valdy or force
whatsoever, unless warrant for il can be found i'll
the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
I'VE denounce. therefore the recent Porto Rico
act as pa pablo and dangerous usurpation OF pow
err passed in wanton and partisan disregard of the
plain duty of Congress and app owed by President
Mckinley in open and painful violation OF his pub
lie and official declaration of dnty and obliga-
ton to our fellow citizens of Porto Rico aud to the
whole American Union.
1--WE favor trade ex pansion by every legitimate
and peaceful means and by providing every facility
and protection for its extension.
Favor The 1sthmian Canal.
ave favor the immediate construction and con-
troll of the Nicaragua canal by the United Sates.
We condemn the action of President Mckinley and
the Secretary of State in thir recent treaty with
Great Britain which surrenders our right to defend
tue canal when constructed.
with jefferson we believe in peace. commerce
and honest friendship with all nations and en-
angling alliance with none We will not tolerate
any Interference ON the part OF any European nation
in our relations with the republics south of u.s.
1--WE denounce the wide and fatal departure of
the Republican party from the true theory and
call all those who desire TO preserve in its orig
ina integrity the priceless inheritance of constu-
Join with ms in a manly and vigorous reputation
Of the dangerous and detestabe heresies in ingurat
ed by President Mckinley and his party.
sympathy For The Beers.
while restrained by the principles of interna-
tional law and by the practice of our Government
from interference in the war now being waged be-
tween Great Britain and the republics of South
Africa, we cannot withhold the expression OF our
sympathy with the Beers in their heroic struggle
and of our earnest hope that an honorable peace
may soon be established without loss to them of
the independence for which they have SO CALAMITY
fought.
william j. Bryan.
'we note and record the fact that with unparai-
leled unanimity, the Democrats in county and State
conventions have sgnfed their desire that William
Jennings Bryan shall again be selected to lead the
Democrats and all Others who join us in the effort
to restore constitutional government and who favor
the Republic and oppose the Empire.
Ills election Will be the surest guarantee that
legitimate business enterprises will be perfectly
protected but that trusts and combines, which seek
to unjustly monopolize trade and industry. which
destroy competition, which arbitrarily increase
prices to the consumers, which lessen the employ
and small capital of their opportunity for better
ment, shall be regulated and controlled, and that
the excessive and unequal taxation imposed by the
Republican party shall be repealed.
when these great rights shall have been fully
secured the minor policies of the general govern
people equal opportunity to participate in the BEN
| fits of the Government.
Governor Smith.
"Congntulating ourselves upon the return of
the Democracy to power in Mary land. we heartily
acknowledge the thoroughness and fidelity with
which Gov. John Walter Smith. in his brief admin
istation has carried out his pledges to the people
| dence and support.
"And reviewing the work of the Legislature of
$780, we gratfhed to be able to declare that in
uprightness and intelligence and in conscientious
desire to legisate wisely and well 1t deserves, and
will receive, the approval OF the people"