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GRIFFIN, : GEORGIA,
Wednesday
’ **’ J i —~ * S —f“
“'. FOR PRESIDENT :
JAMES BUCHANAN,
OF PENNSYLVANIA.
FOR VICE PRESIDENT :
J, 0. Bf?E€MIW!©6E,
OF KENTUCKY
To Correspondents.
“Citizen,” and other communications, are unavoidably
crowded out this week We will give them a place in our
next, “R.” is refused for the want of the author’s name
49rTlie Democratic Party, and all those who favor the
nomination of Buchanan and Breckenridge, of the county
of Henry, are requested to meet in McDonough, on the
4th Saturday in June, to appoint delegates to represent
them in the Convention to assemble in Milledgevillc on the
4th of July uext.
Graduating Party.
We undesrtand that the Young Men of our city intend
giving a Party in compliment to the Graduates of the Sy
nodical Female College, at the College Chapel, on Friday
eveniug, June 27 th, 1856.
nom Howell Cobb will please accept our
thanks for R-copy of. the spOeclj of Iton. William
of Virginia, on Kansas affairs.
&iT* We arc indebted to Col. John J. Cary, a
delegate to the Cincinnati Convention, for a pham
pblct containing a full account of the proceedings
of that body, for which he will please accept our
thanks.
Action of the Cincinnati! Conven
tion.
In our present issue, wc lay before our readers
the platform- and- principles adopted by the Na
tional Democratic Convention, and so much of the
proceedings as -our space would admit of. The
harmony which characterised its deliberations, aud
the unanimity with which the candidates were
nominated, foreshadow the signal triumph of our
cause in the pending election. We are pleased to
find that the platform was adopted before the nom
inations were made. At the Convention in 1852
the nominations preceded the adoption of the
platform, and it was charged, that many of the
1 ‘dogates had left before the final vote was taken
upon it, that great confusion prevailed at the time,
and that it was carried by a mere nominal major
ty. No man having any regard to truth, will in
sinuate such charges against the action of this Cou
'cntion. 1 lie platform was adopted with allduedc
lilteration, with a uniformity unprecedented on
any former occasion. That platform embraces
doctrines and principles which ought to form the
basis of political action for all meu and all parties,
who arc true friends to the Constitution and the
1 nion. Passing over the obsolete issues which had
for years divided the two great political parties of
the country, it confines its declaration of princi
ples to those great measures of public policy
which are now of pressing interest to our people,
especially „ the Southern portion of them. The
question oT slavery, which now overrides all oth
ers, and which constitutes the mam issue in the
peuding election, between the Democratic Party
and its opponents, is placed in a position so that ev
ery friend of the South, in every part of the coun
try, may understand its bearing, and cast his vote
so as to accord to that interest its constitutional
rights, without any infringement of the rights of
others. The Democratic Party of Georgia njay
well be proud of the unequivocal endorsement of
flic principles-declared by them in November last,
when they rdsolved that; “Our delegates to the said
(t ’incinnatti) Convention, ought, in our opinion, to
be instructed, by those who shall appoint them, to
insist upon the adoption of a Platform of Princi
ples, as the basis of a national organization prior
to the nomination of candidates, and that said
platform shall, amongst other things, include, in
substance, the following propositions ;
‘•lst. The recognition and adoption of the prin
ciples established in the Nebraska Kansas Act.
2d. That ueither the Missouri compromise, nor
any other anti-slavery restriction shall hereafter be
extended over any territory of the United States.
“3rd. The prompt and faithful execution of the
fugitive slitfc-'la.w."’
Thi3 was the sine qiia non with which the Demo
cracy of Georgia went the Convention, and
had not these great principles been recognized,
Georgia would have been absolved from her obli
gations to abide by the action of the Convention.
But nobly have our brethren, from every part of
the Union to the sentiment of the De
mocracy of Georgia, by a full endorsement of the
principles of the above resolution, not grudgingly,
not reluctantly, not through constraint, but, freely,
fully, unanimously. What more could we ask ?
Our Platform is sound, and strong, and broad, aud
wc cordially invite every true patriot to come and
stand upon it. Our standard bearers arc men of
eminent ability, of tried integrity, and every way
worthy of the Platform, and of the great party of
which they are the representatives. The destiny of
the country hangs upon the result of the contest
which is now inaugurated. The time has arrived
when every man’s patriotism must be tried as by
Crc. There is no time for settling collateral issues.
The main question is slavery and the Constitution
on one side, and Abolitionism and Disunion on the
other. “Choose ye between them.”
Middle Ground Hail road.
On our first page will be found a w'oll written
art : clc over the signature of “Young America,” on
the subject of the Middle Ground Railroad. The
views of the writer are plausablc, his arguments
cogent; aud wc cordially endorse all his sentiments
except iu one particular. That is in rcfereuce to
making it an air line Road This would neutral
ize the efforts of some promineut points ou the
Road, where co-operation is essential to the suc
cess of the enterprise. Besides this, the Charter
points out the route so far as several localities are
concerned, and this could not be departed from
without an amendment of the Charter.
Compliment to Georgia.
The Cintfmfdtr Convention, in making one dis
tinguished Georgian President of that body, and
giving another a * respectable vote for the nomina
tion of the Vice Presidency, paid a compliment to
the Empire State'of the South, of which every
Georgian may well be proud. John E. Ward and
Herschel V. Johnson are bright stars in the gal
axy of Southern Statesman; and would do honor
to their party and their country in any qosition in
which the partiality af their Jfellow-cit\gens might
place them. Georgia deserves well of her Demo
cratic sisters, and wc trust the time is near at hand
when her distinguished Statesmen will have ample
fusticc done them by the National Administration.
Our Neighbor and Ourself.
The Editor of the American Union, in his last
issue, defines his position “positively and unequiv
ocally” upon the Brooks and Sumner difficulty
and the Kansas question. -We trust he will con
tinue “to show his faith by his works,” in refrain
ing from the publication of any thing against
Brooks or the Kansas movement. In doing this,he
may preserve his consistency, and render essential
service to Southern, interests. We fully concur in
tfye opinion expressed by .him that such discussions
ai-unprofitable to him, ourself and our readers; and
we never should have been a party to the contro
versy, but for his taking us to task for our zeal in
behalf of our gallant Southron, Hon. Preston S.
Brooks.
By reference to our columns, he will find our
opinion fully expressed on the subject of the 50,000
dollars which Mr. Crook’s bill proposed to appro
priate from the State Treasury, to aid the cause of
Kansas emigration. We were decidedly in favor
of it at the time it was defeated, and subsequent
events have strengthened our opinion in its favor.
The contribution of this amount would have sent
two thousand emigrants to Kansas, at a cost of on
ly fifty cents to each voter in Georgia; and all our
people would have been compelled to bear their
portion of a public burden. Under the present
state of things, comparatively a few only have con
tributd to sustain a cause in which all are inter
ested A common danger threatens us, and it is
but right and fair that it should be met and repell
ed by a common effort, at the expense of all par
ties at interest. This is the only equitable view of
tac matter, and “for this we are decidedly in f#vor
of the measure.
Kansas News.
Our accounts from Kansas are of so imperfect
and contradictory a character, we find it difficult
to arrive at any definite conclusion as to the actu
al state of things existing in that territory. All
the accounts however agree in oue thing, and that
is the existence of civil war in the Territory. Wc
received intelligence a few days ago, that Sheriff
Jones and Marshal Donaldson had both been kill
ed. This has since been contradicted. It seems
the Abolitionists have adopted the Guerilla mode
of warfare, and ure attacking the pro-slavery men
and butchering them in a most savage manner. —
21 Georgians and ( a o'inians are said to have been
killed. Gov. Shannon and Gen. Whitfield are ex
erting all their powers to enforce obedience to the
laws, but the Abolitionists persist in open rebellion
to the constituted authorities of the country. The
pro slavery men are compelled in self defence, to
organize armed bands for their own protection,
to meet force by force. We trust a military force
of United States Troops, sufficiently strong, will
be forthwith sent into the country, and every Ab
olition rebel be shot or hung, and the Territory
cleared of the infamous horde of robbers and mur
derers.
The Democrat,
Is the name of anew paper established in Mar i
-etta, Ga., John R. Gosset, Editor a:d proprietor.
We have received the two first numbers, and are
much pleased with the mechanical execution as
well as the tone and temper of the reading depart
ment of the paper. As its name imports, it is
Democratic in politics, and pledges itself to the
support of the nominees of the National Conven
tion. Wc extend to the Editor the right hand of
fellowship, and welcome him to the Editorial Fra
ternity, and especially to the Democratic brother
hood.
The Georgia Delegation.
We arc pleased to learn that our delegation in
the Cincinnati Convention, cast the unanimous
vote of Georgia for Gen. Pierce as long as there
was any hope or prospect of his nomination. In
doing this, tney have fxithfully represented the
wishes of th°ir constituents. The Democrats of
Georgia preferred Gen. Pierce to any other can
didate, but when he was out of the question, our
delegation very wisely and prudently united in
making the nomination of Mr. Buchanan unani
mous. James Gardner, Esq., Chairman of the del
egation, in casting the vote of Georgia on the last
ballot, prefaced the act with some beautiful aud el
oquent remarks.
Mr. Fillmore’s Getter of Acceptance.
Contrary to the expectations of many, Mr. Fill
mare has accepted the nomination tendered him by
the Philadelphia Convention. His letter of ac
ceptance will be found in another place. He adopts
the platform, heartily endorsing that portiou of it
containing the two leading principles of Know
Nothiugism, but is silent as the grave upon the
all-absorbing question of the day - the Kansas and
Nebraska bill. His Southern Supporters _must
swallow a bitter pill to take him, the Philabelphia
platform and all. We opine that many of the
South Americans will spurn the dose, and fall into
the support of the Democratic uomue js The dic
tates of patriotism, we think, will lead them to
th is course. *
Examination.
Previous and pressing engagements prevented
us from attending the Examination of the pupils
composing the School of the Rev. C. P. B. Mar
tin, which took place on Friday last. From those
who were present we have been informed that the
students exhibited a proficiency in the several stud
ics upon which they were examined, which fully
sustained the high reputation which Dr. M. has
so long enjoyed as an able and faithful teacher.-
In the evening, the young gentlemen of the school
exhibited their skill in oratory, which wc learn was
highly creditable to them and to their preceptor.
Several prizes were awarded to the most meritori
ous, which were presented by the Rev. C. W. Key,
accompanied with appropriate remarks, iuteuded
to encourage perseverance and emulation in tread
ing the rugged paths of learning. Dr. Martin’s
school i3 certainly worthy of patronage.
Our Griffin Female Colleges.
AVe would call cc al attention to the notices
which may be found iu our columns to-day, in ref
erence to the Examinations, which are soon to
take place in the Griffin Female College, and the
Synodical Female College, in this city. These
schools are both in a flourishing condition, under
the tuition of able Professors and Tutors, and a
rich treat may be expected at the approaching
commencement season. W e hope to sec a full at
tendance on the several occasious,
’ Rain.
We have within the last week been blessed with
bountiful rams. This is truly a growing season •
every-thing in the way of vegetables looks well —’
The prospect of a bountiful crop of corn and oats
forebodes low figures for those articles. All the
better for man and beast. Fat horses, hogs and
cattle make merry farmers.
Gaud Advertisement.
Don’t neglect to read Mr. S. W, Booles’ ad
vertisement. We have often seen his place,‘and
can testify to its beautiful and pleasant location.
Land buyers don’t neglect this chance.
Fine Potatoes.
Our esteemed friend, Mrs. J. H. Logan, will ac
cept our thanks for a mess of the finest and largest
Irish Potatoes, we have seen this season. Cbfios
ity led us to test the dimensions of one, and we 1
found it by actual measurement to be ten inches
in circumference. We donbt whether “Oula Ire
land hersilf,” eould beat this just about now. The
flavor too, was equal in point of superiority to the
size. Mrs. L. must be possessed of more than or
dinary skill in raising this valuable esculent; to be
able to present such specimens thus early in the
season. For her-special kindness to oprself, we
present our sincere thanks, and we jWWk Ifcjf be
nevolent example will be followed by others, in
rapid succession. ’
Southern Masinic Female College.
We have been favored with a Catalogue of the
Officers and Students of the Southern Masonic Fe
male College,located at Covington,for the Scholas
tic year, euding June 24th, 1856. From this we
perceive that ;he whole number of pupils is 150. Os
this number 26 are in the Senior Class —29 in the
Junior Class—2s in the Sophomore Class—lß in
the Freshman Class—ls in the First’ Class—34 in
the Preparatory Department, and 3 Irregulars.—
The annual Examination commences on “Wednes
day 18th inst., aud the Commencement exercises
will take place on Tuesday, the 24th inst. David
Clopton, Esq., P. G.- Master of theJGrand Lodge
of Alabama, will deliver the annual address.
Among the regulations for the government of
this Institution, we note the following as well wor
thy of commendation.
2d. The Commencement Dress will be plain
white Swiss muslin. No ribbon is to be worn on
the head. Jewelry is positively prohibited, ex
cept a breast-pin or Society Badge. No sashes or
flounces or costly embroidery or laces Apparel
dress for every day will be of worsted, ginghams,
calico, lawn, or muslins at eoft ; and
calico, gingham, or white sun bovnet. For Sun
day, a neat white corded bonnet, with no ribbon,
for the warm season. For the winter, a silk green
hood, lined with pink, which is a cheap, neat and
comfortable bonnet. All silks, satins, tissues, tarl
tons, bareges, balgarines, crapes, with all other
costly goods, are strictly prohibited. We will not
tolerate the folly of mixing up extravagance with
education. Parents are respectfully requested not
to permit their daughters to bring any such dress
ing or jewelry with them, for they will not be per
mitted to wear it, even upon pain of expulsion.—
Money ought to be given very sparingly to girls.
Every Pupil should be furnished two pairs of thick
walking shoes. By wearing their cloth shoes in
the winter, many have lost both health and life.
Cresent City Circus.
This company exhibited in this place on Mon
day last, to large and admiring audiences. The
performance seemed to give general satisfaction.—
The company contains a number of actors whose
skill in Equestrianism and Gymnastics is unrival
led. Mr. Reynolds, the inimitable clown, excels
in originality and variety of wit, any one of his
profession we have ever seen. who are
fond of the sports of the ring we can safely recom
mend the Crescci t City Circus
Olff for Kansas.
Col. J. W. White left this place on Monday
evening, 16th inst., with about one hundred Emi
grants for Kansas. They were mostly from the
counties of Pike, Upson, Monroe and Spalding.
They will be joined by others at Jonesboro’ and
oih r points on the road, so that, it is supposed, the
number will be increased to two hundred before
they leave the State. The compares from Marion
and Talbot, we learn, went by the way of Colum
bus. Col. Win. M. Brown, of Marion, we are in
formed, contributed Five Hundred Dollars to the
c;use. The sum of 82,000 has been raised through
the active efforts of Mr. O. Sherman for another
company, which is to leave Upson County in a few
days. lfarrah for Kansas.
Spiritualism.
At the request of several friends, representing
both the advocates and opponents iof Modern Spir
itualism, we give place to two articles in our paper
to-day, on this subject, one over the signature of
Mr. L. R. Brewer, and the other over that of Rev.
J. 11. Campbell, which we extract from the Amer
ican Union of 6th inst. It is not our purpose to
be made a party to this controversy, because we
cannot consent to stultify ourself by opposing a
doctrine which wc do not understand, or advocat
ing that which, to us, is incomprehensible. Injus
tice, however, to the believers in this doctrine, re
siding in our community, we feel i< our duty to say
that, from a daily intercourse with the most promi
nent ones of them, that they profess to be firm be
lievers in the Holy Scriptures, and to found their
faith upon the Bible, contending that their pecu
liar tenets are strictly consistent with the truths
therein contained. The Rev. Mr. James, in an ar
ticle which we find in the American Union, asserts
that Mr. Fittee (a medium who has for some weeks
been sojourning in this place.) afbwed a disbelief
iu the Bible. “With this wc have nothing to do;
but we arc prepared to say that the advocates of
this peculiar faith in this commmnity, do not hold
themselves responsible for Mr. Pittee-’s individual
opinious on theological questions, in fact, they dif
fer from him in many particulars in this respect.
We trusltbat wc shall be pardoned soy saying in this
connection, that the Spiritualists in this communi
ty, in point ol iutelligenc, respectability and inoral
worth will compare favorably with any other sect
or denomination in our midst. This, wc presume,
will not be denied by any candid man. Wc beg
leave to differ with Mr. James in his statement
that great excitement prevails in this community
on this subject. If such excitement exists, it is
kept beyond the reach of our observation. Our
secular business, our schools and churches are mov
ing on prosperously and peacefully, as if no such
thing as Modern Spiritualism existed among us.—
Wc have yet been unable to discover any serious
injury to our people from this new doctrine, and
until we make such discovery, we shall endeavor
to maintain our neutrality as above indicated. We
still adhere to the opinion expressed by us on a
previous occasion, “if this thing be of God, it will
prevail; if it be of men, it will come to nought.”—
This is our position, ami upon it we rest.
[From the American Union.]
Spiritualism in Griffin.
Mr. Editor.,— Having obtained permission to
peruse your editorial remarks, in the hands of the
printer, introductory to Mr. James’ article on the
subject of “spiritualism,” I ask leave to add my
testimony as to the character and extent of the de
lusion in this city. Some three months ago, I
preached two discourses in opposition to this de
lusion, in the Baptist church here, and in reply to
several lectures by ltev. Mr. Harris, “the apostle
of modern Spirituali m,” which had then but re
cently been delivered in this place, to large audi
ences. The objects of those discourses was “to
show that his (Harris’) sentiments tend to infideli
ty, and nothing else ” They were preached to
large congregations, consisting in the main of the
same persons who had heard Mrs HdiThf lectures.
In the conclusion, 1 submitted the following propo
sition, with the results now given : “It seems to me
that our character abroad should make us willing
to oome to an understanding on this subject; male
and female,who arc convinced of the truth of Spir
itualism, and who are in favor of it, should rise
from your seats.” (Two meu rose.) “And those
who are not convinced of the truth of it, and who
are opposed to it, will rise from their seats.” —
(The congregation en massee rose.
I merely state this fact to shojv to our friend
abroad that our community are not as much car 8
ried away with Spiritualism as is generally suppos
ed. There are a few believers—but they are com
pavatively few. J. H. Campbell.
For the Empire State.
Spiritualism.
Tn my careless, and almost superficial reading, I
occasionally meet up with something seemingly
light and trivial, it may be, that does my very soul
good.
The summand ultimate of our happiness, aye ! of ‘
our highest bliss, and our disquietude too, are made
up of little incidents. As the odor of a sweet
smelling rose is but small, and to the natural eye
invisible particles of matter coming in contact
with the olfactory nerve, so also are incidents of
ten made to contribute much to Our mental as well
as spiritual enjoyments.
On Sabbath last, from reading in the “Southern
Christian Advocate,” a truly Christian article from
the pen of an anouymous lady writer, I felt much
as one would after reclining on a bed of sweet
smelling roses. There was exhibited throughout
the entire article, such an elevated spirit of ehris
tiau piety and heavenly love, that even the untu
tored savage, with all of his ignorance and super
stitution about him, could not fail to admire.
As I design in this artiele to be brief, very brief,
I will quote from that article only a few short pas
sages, to give an idea to the reader of the charac
ter of the whole article :
“How cheerfully you look here.” said Mrs. Lane,
“and you have really taken the house for another
year ! Pray how do you mauage to get on with
the neighbor ?”
“1 find her a very kind, obliging neighbor,” rc*
plied Mrs. Fairweather.
“Well,that is a miracle,” exclaimed Mrs. Lane.
“Nobody but you would have undertaken to thaw
out Aunt Hetty’s heart.’
“That is probably the reason why it never was
thawed,” rejoined her friend. “1 always told you
that not having enough of sunshine, was what ail
ed the world. Make people happy, and there will
not be half the quarrels, nor a tenth part of the
wickedness there is.”
From the above quotations, it will readily be
seen that Mrs. Fairweather was a noble christian
hearted woman, and that her neighbor, Aunt Het
ty, was just the opposite, prior to the time of the
two becoming ueghbors.
Unlike the article in the “Southern Christian
Advocate,” to which reference has been made, and
from which a few quotations appear above, are
two articles on Spiritualism, which attracted my
attention in the American Union.
As with causes producing pleasurable emotions,
so with causes producing their opposite ; and as
with the delightful odor given out from the rose,
so with the offensive effluvia thrown off from de
composing- animal matter.
‘i ne two articles referred to in the American
Union, one over the signature of Rev. J. 11. Camp
bell, of this place, and the other over the signature |
of a Mr. James, a non-resident. The editorial re-1
marks in the same connexion, are not even to the !
most sensitive Spiritualist particularly offensive, as j
his remarks seem to apply only to a single individ-:
al. The great and unspeakable-joy-affording truth
of Modern Spiritualism, is that which is battled
for ; yet 1, as well as other espousers of the cause
of Spiritualism iu this place, cannot look upon
Mr. Fittee in a less enviable light than an honest,
unpreteudiug medium for spiritual intercourse.
The other two gentlemen, however, in their over
zeal to do good, it may be, may have done incalcu
lable harm to the cause of Christ and ids holy re
ligion, in thus hurling out their anathemas against
unoffending persons of whom they know nothing,
and against a great truth of which they seem to
be wholly ignoraut.
They iu their respective articles, are pleased to
call us —that is, all believers in Spiritualism— -in.
fidels.
Infidels to what, I would ask? Now in an
swering my own interrogatory, I will only include
myself, I answer yes, lam infidel to the teach
ings of Paine and Voltaire ; infidel to man-wor
ship, and to mammon worship ; and infidel to all
manner of Idolatry. But when you charge nre
with-being infidel to the Bible as being the Word
of Inspiration, infidel to Christ and llis Holy Re
ligion, be pleased to. remember that you are but
men ; and remember too, that Christ, while on
earth, said on a certain occasion, “I judge no man
—the Father only jndgetb.”
Os the few, not the very few believers in Spirit
ualism in this place, as the Rev. Mr. Campbell
would have people to believe, but of the few in
this place that believe that disembodied spirits can
and do bold direct communion with man in the
form, and that too to promote and advance their
spiritual interest and ultimate happiness in another
state of existence. I reckon myself one, and feel
that if iny spiritual interest has not been advanc
ed, the fault lies at my own door, and not legiti
mately chargeable to the great truths inculcated
and vouchsafed to man by modern spiritualism.—
That the tendency is to make men better Chris
tians, and hence better men, I have not the shad
ow of a doubt.
The time was when men, the true followers of
Christ, died before they would renounce their
faith in his God-like teachings—suffer martyrdom.
I don't say that there are any iu Griffin who would
suffer martyrdom for the cause of Modern Spirit
ualism ; but remember, human nature to-day is
what it was in olden times ; and human action to
day, influenced by like cause, might not differ ma
terially from human action iu the days of the
Apostles
I hope I will not be understood as meaning in
the foregoing remarks, anything prejudicial to the
cause of Christianity, nor to any particular ortho
dox denomination of Christians. It may be.true,
that I look upon alias holding to, and teaching
some minor errors,but Ido look upon all as pos
sessing and inculcating the great positive truths
of the Scriptures, and I regard Modern Spiriual
ism as an auxiliary, a mighty auxiliary, engaged
in the same glorious work of fitting man for an
“inheritance incorruptible, and that fudeth not
away,” and while I thus regard Spiritualists as co
workers with all orthodox Christian denomina
tions in the great cause of christianizing the
world, it but increases the mental pain and spirit
ual Suffering when I see thrown out, broadcast, de
nunciatory remarks and unguarded anathemas
against them, and by those too who they would
willingly fellowship, if BEKWEK
Griffin, June 11, 185 G.
Democratic Platform.
Resolved, That the American Democracy pla e
their trust in the intelligence, the patriotism and
the discriminating justice of the American people.
Resolved, That we regard this is a distinctive
feature of our creed which we are proud to main
tain before the world as a great moral element in
a form of Government springing from and upheld
by a popular will, and we contrast it with the creed
and practice of Federalism, under whatever name
or form, which seeks to palsy the vote of the con
stituent, and which conceives no imposture too
monstrous for the popular credulity.
Resolved therefore. That entertaining these
views, the Democratic Party ofthe Union, through
their delegates assembled in a general Convention
ofthe States, convenfcd together in a spirit of
concord, of devotion to the doctrines and faith of
a free representative Government, and appealing to
their fQtow-citizens for the roctitudeof their inten
tions, renew and reassert before the American peo
ple the declarations of principles avowed by them,
when, on former occasions, in general Convention
they presented their candidates for tho popular
suffrages.
1. That the Federal Government is one of lim
ited powers, derived solely from the Constitution,
and the grants of power made therein ought to be
strictly construed by all the departments and
agents of the Government ; and that it is imxpe
dieni and dangerous to exercise doubtful constitu
tional powers.
2. That tho Constitution docs not confer upon
the general Government the power to mimence
and carry on a general system of internal improve
ments.
3. That tho Constitution does not confer autho
rity upon the federal government, directly or indi
l-ectly, to assume the debts of the several States,
contracted for local internal improvement, or other
State purposes ; nor would such assumption be
just or expedient.
4. That justice and sound policy forbid the fed
eral government to foster one branch of industry
to the detriment of any other, or to cherish the
interests of one portion to the injury of another
portion of our common country ; that every citi
zen and every section of the country has a right
; to demand and insist upon an equality of rights
privikgcs, and a complete ant] ample protec
tion of persons and property domestic vio
lence and foreign aggression.
5. That it is tho duty of every branch of the
Government to enforce and practice the most rigid
economy in conducting our public affairs, and that
no more revenue ought to be raised than is requir
ed to defray the necessary expenses of the Govern
ment, and for gradual but certain extinction of the
public debt.
6. That Congress has no power to charter a Na
tional Bank ; that we believe such un institution
one of deadly hostility to the best interests of our
country, dangerous to our republican institutions
and to tho liberties of our people, and calculated
to place the business of tho country within the
control of a concentrated munej power and above
the laws and will of the people ; and that the re
sults of Democratic legislation in this and all oth
er financial measures upon which issues have been
made between the two political parties of the coun
try, lmvo demonstrate*: to practical men of all
parties then smudness, safety uxd utility in all
business pttfstuu.
7 Thai the separation of the moneys of the Go
vernment from ail banking institutions, is indis
pensible for the safety of the funds of the Govern
ment and the rights of the people.
8. That the liberal principles embodied by Jef
ferson in the Declaration of Independence, iwul
sanctioned iu Ihe Constitution, which makes ours
the land of liberty, and the asylum ot the oppress
ed of every Nation, have ever been cardinal prin
ciples in the Democratic faith ; and every attempt
to abridge the privilege of becoming citizens ami
owners of soil among us, ought to be resisted with
the same spirit which swept the alien and sedition
laws from our statute book.
9. That Congress has no power under the Con
stitution to interfere with or control the domestic
institutions of the several States,, and that, all such
States are the sole and proper judges of everything
appertaining to their own affairs not prohibited by
the Constitution ; that all efforts of the abolition
ists, or others, to induce Congress to interfere with
questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps in
relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most
alarming and dangerous consequences, and that all
! such efforts have an inevitable tendency to dimin
ish the happiness of the people, and endanger the
! stability and permanency of the Union, and ought
! not to be countenanced by any friend of our po
: litieal institutions.
Resolved, That the foregoing proposition covers,
and was intended to embrace, the whole subject of
slavery agitation in Congress, and therefore the
Democratic Party of the Union, standing on this
National Platform, will abide by and adhere to a
faithful execution of the acts known as the com
promise measures settled by Congress, the act for
reclaiming fugitives from service or labor included
—which act being designed to carry out an ex
press provision of the Constitution, cannot, with
fidelity thereto, be repealed, or so changed as to
i destroy or impair its efficiency.
Resolved, That the Democratic Party will resist
i all attempts at renewing in Congress, or out of it,
the agitation of the slavery question, under what
ever shape or color the attempt may be made.
Resolved, That the proceeds of the public lands
| ought to be sacredly .applied to the national objects
’ specified in the Constitution, and that we are op
posed to any law for the distribution of these pro
| ceeds among the States, as alike inexpedient in po
| licy, anb repugnant to the Constitution.
; Resolved, That we are decidedly opposed to ta
king from the President the qualified Veto power,
by which he is enabled, under restrictions and re
sponsibilities amply sufficient to guard the public
interests, to suspend the passage of a bill whose
merits cannot secure the approval of two-thirds of
the Senate and House of Representatives, until
the judgment of the people can be obtained there
on, and which has saved the American people from
the corrupt and tyrannical dominion of the Bank
of the United States, and from a corrupting sys
tern of general internal improvements.
Resolved, That the Democratic Party will faith
fully abide by and uphold the principles laid down
in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of 1792,
aud 1798, and in the report of Mr. Madison to the
Virginia Legislature in 1799—that it adopts those
principles as constituting one of the main founda
tions of its politicalcreed, and is resolved to carry
them out in their obvious meaning and import.
Thai in view of the condition of the popular in
-1 stitutions iii the old world a high and sacred duty
is involved with increased responsibility upon the
Democracy of this country, as the party of the
people, to uphold and maintain the rights of eve
ry State, and thereby the union of the States, and
to sustain and advance among them constitutional
liberty, by continuing to resist all monopolies and
exclusive legislation for the benefit of the few, at
the expense of the many, and by a vigilant and
constant adherence to t hose principles and com
promises of the Constitution —which arc broad
enough and strong enough to embrace and uphold
the Union as it is, and the Union as it should be
—iu the full expansion of the energies and capaci
tv of this great and progressive people.
The foregoing constitutes the old Baltimore De
mocratic Platform—the provisions of which were
re-affirmed at Cincinnatti.
The following are the supplementary resolutions
in relation to the Kansas Nebraska question, and
the foreign policy ofthe Government
And whereas, Since the foregoinging declaration
was uniformly adopted by our predecessors in Na
tional Convention an adverse and religious test has
been secretly organized by a party claiming to be
exclusively Americas, and it is proper that, the
American Democracy should clearly define
its relations thereto; therefore.
Resolved, That the foundation of this Union
of States having been laid in its prosperity,
expansion and pre-eminent example in free
government 1 built upon entire ireedoin in mat
ters of religions concern, and no respect of per
sons in regard to rank or place of birth, no
party can justly be deemed national, constitu
tional or in accordance with American princi
ples which bases its exclusive organization up
on religious cpinions and accidental birth
place.
That we reiterate with renewed energy of
purpose the well considered declarations of
former conventions upon the sectional issne of
domestic slavery and concerning the reserved
rights of the States; and that we may more
distinctly meet the issue on which a sectional
party, subsisting exclusively on slavery agita
tion, now relics to test the fidelity of the peo
ple, North md South, to the Constitution and
the Uniou
Resolved , That claiming fellowship with and
desiring the co-operation of all who regard the
preservation of the Union under the Constitu
tion as the paramount issue) and repudiating
all sectional parties and platforms concerning
domostic slavery, which seek to embroil the
States and incite to treason armed resistai.ee
to law in the territories,,and whose .avowed
purpuso, if consummated, must end in civil
war and disunion, the American Democracy
recognise and adopt tho principles contained
in the organic laws establishing tho territories
of Nebraska & Kansas, ns emboding to only
sound and safe solution ofthe slavery question
upon which the great national idea'of thepeople
f this whole country can repose in .ts determ
i ed conservatism of the Union and non-iflter
ference by Cqpgress with slavery in the §tat,es
and territories; that this was the basis of the
compromises of 1860, confirmed by .both the
Democratic and Whig parties in national con
ventions ratified by the people in the election
of 1852, and rightly applied to the organiza
tion of the Territories in 1854; that by the
uniform application of this Democratic princi
ple to the organization of the territories, and
the admission of new States with or without
domestic slavery, as they may elect, the equal
rights of the States will be perserved in tact
the original compacts of the Constitution
maintained inviolate, and the perpetuation
and expansion of the Union insured to its ut
most ppa city of embracing, in peace and har
mony; every future American Mate that may
be constituted or annexed w ith a republican
form of government.
Resolved, That we recognize the right of the
people of all the Territories, including Kansas
and Nebraska, acting through the fairly ex
pressed will of the majority of actual residents
and whenever the number of their inhabitants
justifies P, lo form*nconstitution, with or with
out slavery, mid to be admitted into the Union*
upon terms of perfect equality with the otheir
States.
Tin: FOREIGN POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.
Resolved, finally, That by the condition off
the popular institutions of ihe old world, and
the dang! roiis tendency ot .sectional agitations
combined with an attempt to enforce civil andi
religious disabilities against the right of ac
quiring citizenship in our own land, the higiu
and sacred duty lias devolved with increased!
responsibility upon the democratic party of this*
country, ns the party of the Union, lo uphold:
iiii'l maintain tlm rights of every State, andi
tncroby the union ot the States, and to sustain*
and advance amoVgus'thcconstitutional liber
ty, by continuing'to resist all monopolies andi
cxelu-ire legiislation fi r the benefit of the few*’
at the expense of the many; and by a vigilant*
adherence to these principles and tlie compro*-
mises of the constitution, which are broad and’
strong enough to embrace and uphold the Un
ion as it was, the Union as it is, and the Uni
on as it shall be in the full expansion of the
energies and capacities of this great aud pro
gressive people,
1. Resolved, That the questions connected
with the foreign policy of the country are in
tenor to domestic questions whatever. The
time has c*>me for the people of the United
States to declare themselves in favor of free
seas and progressive free trade throughout the
world, and by soh mu maniiestation, to place
their moral influence by the side of their sec
eesslut example
2. Resolved That ottr geographical and po
litical position with *rfeiw to other States of
th s cotit nent, no less than the interest of our
commerce and the development of growing
power, requires that we hold to the sacrid
princip cs involved in the Monroe doctriuc.—
There bearing and import admit of no miscou
stvnct on, amt should be applied with unbend
ing rigidity.
S. Resolved, Tbattlssr great highway which
nature as well as the assent ot States most im
mediately interested in its maiuiainaucc, has
been marked out fur tree communication be
tween the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and
constitutes one of the most important achieve
ment to be realized by the spirit of moderation,
in the unconquerable energy of our people, ami
that result should be secured by a timely and
efficient exertion of the control which we have
a right to claim over if, and no power on earth
should be suffered to impede or clog its pro
gress by any interference with relations that
it may suit our policy to establish with the
governments of the States within whose
domininions it lies; and we can, under no cir
cumstances, su.lender our preponderance in
the adjustment ofall questions arising out of
it
4. Resolved. That in view of so commanding
an interest, the people of the United States,
cannot but sympathise with the efforts which
are being made by the people of Central
America to regenerate that portion of the con
tinent which covers the passage across tho
oceanic Isthmus.
5. Resolved, That the Democratic party
will expect from the next administration everv
pr< per effort to be made to insure our ascen
dency in the Gulf of Mexico, and to maintain
permanent protection of the great outlets
through which are emptied into its waters the.
products raised on the soil and the commodi
ties created by the industry of the people of
our Y\ estern rallies and the Union at large.
[From the Georgia Telegiaph.]
lion. J. C. Rrecken ridge.
Mr. Breckenridge comes from a family distin
guished for talent. His grandfather. Hon. John
Breckenridge, was elected to the U. S. Senate
from Kentucky, iu 1801. Something of his stand
ing in his day, may be inferred from the fact, that
in lbO-l, in the party caucus, at Washington, which
nominated Mr. Jefferson for the l’residen"v, he
teceived twenty votes for that high office. In 1805
lie was appointed by Mr. Jefferson, Attorney Gen
eral, which appointment was confirmed and ac
cepted. Between him and Mr. Jefferson tho most
intimate friendship subsisted. Ilis brilliant ca
reer was cut short by death, in the prime of his
life, before the expiration of the Presidential
tern..
Mr. Rreckenridge’s father was the lion. Jos.
Cabell Brcckenridgc, eldest son of the preceding,,
who died in 1524, when perhaps youuger than hi><
distinguished soa at this time. Rut in his brief
life he highly distinguished himself for his talents*
and his virtues. lie was successively Speaker of.
the House of Representatives and _Secrctaay ofi
State in Kentucky. He was an active elder in the-
Presbyterian Church and as eminent for his piety
as for his ability. Ila married a daughter of Dr.
Samuel Stanhope Smith, President of Princeton
College, New Jersey, who yet services him, His
eldest brother, Dr. Johu Brcckenridgc, was re
garded as one of the most amiable of men and one
of the most eloquent of American preachers. His
surviving brothers, Rev. Dr. Robert J. Brecken
ridge, of Danville, and Rev. Dr. Win. Brecken
ridge, of Louisville, Kentucky, are umong the first
men of the country and ’of the age. Their sister
was married.to Geu. Peter B. Porter, Secretary
of War under Gen. Jackson. Several of the fami
ly are distinguished for their ability and will soon
be known to the couutry.
Mr. Breekeuridge was born about the year 1821:
he gradutaed with distinction in 1838, at Centre
College, Kentucky, then and still under the Presi
dency of his brother-in-law. Rev. Dr. Jno. C.
Young ; aud is now about thirty live years of age.
He has uo brothers. In the commencement ot his*
professional life he went to the Northwest, but soon
returned and engaged in the practice of law in
Lexington. In 1847, he went to Mexico as Major
in a regiment raised under the second call upon
Kentucky for troops, \yhich arrived too late to.
participate in the struggles, of the field. His pro
fessional services, however, as counsel for Gen.
Pijlow iq the trial in Court jjartiqd, upon charges
