Democratic
Party Platform 1860
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,
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 communication between the Atlantic and Pacific States;
and the Democratic party pledge such Constitutional Government aids as will
ensure the construction of a Railroad to the Pacific coast, at the earliest
practicable period.
5. Resolved,
That the Democratic party are in favour
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 Legislature to defeat
the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character,
subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect.
7. 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.