1. Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union in Convention
assembled, hereby declare our affirmance of the resolutions unanimously
adopted and declared as a platform of principles by the Democratic
Convention at Cincinnati, in the year 1856, believing that Democratic
principles are unchangeable in their nature, when applied to the
same subject matters; and we recommend, as the only further resolutions,
the following:
2. Inasmuch as difference of opinion exists in the Democratic party as to
the nature and extent of the powers of a Territorial Legislature, and as
to the powers and duties of Congress, under the Constitution of the
United States, over the institution of slavery within the Territories,
Resolved, That the Democratic party will abide by the decision
of the Supreme Court of the United States upon these questions of
Constitutional Law.
3. Resolved, That it is the duty of the United States to afford ample and
complete protection to all its citizens, whether at home or abroad, and
whether native or foreign born.
4. Resolved, That one of the necessities of the age, in a military,
commercial, and postal point of view, is speedy communications between
the Atlantic and Pacific States; and the Democratic party pledge such
Constitutional Government aid as will insure the construction of a
Railroad to the Pacific coast, at the earliest practicable period.
5. Resolved, that the Democratic party are in favor of the acquisition
of the Island of Cuba on such terms as shall be honorable to ourselves
and just to Spain.
6. Resolved, That the enactments of the State Legislatures to defeat the
faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character,
subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect.
8. Resolved, That it is in accordance with the interpretation of
the Cincinnati platform, that during the existence of the Territorial
Governments the measure of restriction, whatever it may be, imposed
by the Federal Constitution on the power of the Territorial Legislature
over the subject of the domestic relations, as the same has been, or
shall hereafter be finally determined by the Supreme Court of the United
States, should be respected by all good citizens, and enforced with
promptness and fidelity by every branch of the general government.
