LAD #19

Populist Party Platform, 1892 (July 4, 1892)

The Populist Party of the 1890s represented a third party, separate from the Democratic and Republic, who opposed the "concentrated capital" of banks and big business, and acted as an opposition to the many changes of the Gilded Age in America. The Populist Party Platform includes a preamble, a platform and an expression of sentiments. The economic issues at hand, have lead our nation into moral, political and material ruin, as the power to create money is entrusted only to wealthy bond-holders, and silver has been demonetized with gold. To the end the present oppression, injustice, and poverty, power and influence must be granted to the common people. Therefore, at this time the perpetual and permanent labor union shall be created, where wealth will belong to whoever makes it. Finance, transportation, and land shall be regulated by the government at all times, with a safe, sound, and flexible national currency, and a people’s interest infrastructure and land. A free ballot, and a fair count in all elections is demanded, with no interference by Federal government. With regard to the taxation of industries, the revenue derived from a graduated income tax should be applied to the reduction these burdensome taxes. Let it be known also that the ex-Union soldiers and sailors are to be supported and respected, as undesirable immigration is to be halted. The Pinkerton system is to be seen as a menacing program, yet, we cordially sympathize with the efforts of organized workingmen to shorten the hours of labor. We support the initiative and referendum, which is the favorable consideration of the people. National aid to any private corporation is opposed, as the restriction of one-term offices for Presidents and Vice Presidents are to be recognized.