The weekly union record., 1864-08-20
National Union Platform.
ADOPTED AT TIE BALTIMORE coNvESTIo,

II
!. Resolred, That il is the high duty OF every
American citizen to maintain against all their en-
emies the integrity Of the Union and the para
mount authority of the Constitution and laws Of
the United States; and that, laying aside all differ
ences and political opinions, we pledge ourselves.
as Union men, animated by common object, to
do everything in our power TO aid the Government
in quelling by force of arms the rebellion now rag
ing against its authority. and in bringing to the
punishment due to their crimes the rebels and
traitors armed against it.
?. Resoired, That we approve the determination
of the Government of the United States not to
compromise with rebels or TO offer any terms Of
peace except such rs NAV be based upon an uncon-
dtiona surrender of their hostility and return to
thesr just allegiance to the Constitution and laws
of the United States; and that we call upon the
Governmegt to maintain this posiiien. and to pros
ecute the with the utmost possible vigor to the
complete suppression of the rebellion in the full
reliance upon the sefsacrifcing patriotism and
heroic valor and the uudying devotion of the
American people to their country and its free in
stitutonS.
3. Resolrsd, That as slavery was the cause, and
now constitutes the strength of this rebellion and
as It must be, always and everywhere, hostile to
the principles of republican government, justice
and the national safety demand its utter and com
pete eXtlrpatlon from the soil of the Republic.
And that while we uphold and maintain the acts
and proclanations by which the Government, in its
own defense. has aimed death-blow at this gigan-
tic evil, we are in favor, furthermore, of such
amendment To the Constitution to be made bv the
people in conformity with Its provisions, As shall
terminate and forever prohibit the existence of
slavery within the limits or jurisdiction of the
United States.
1. Resolred, That the thanks of the American
people are due to the soldiers and sailors OF the
my and navy who have periled their lives in de
fense Of their country and in vndcation of the
honor of the flag: that the nation owes TO them
some permanent recognition of their patriotism
and their valor. and ample and permanent provis-
ion for those OF their survivors who have received
disabling and honorable wounds in the service of
the country; and that the memories of those who
have fallen in its defense shall be held in grateful
and everlasting remembrance.
5. ReSolred, That we approve and applaud the
practical wisdom, the unselfsh patriotism and the
unswerying fidelity to the Constitution and the
principles OF American liberty with which Abrs-
ham Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances
OF unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and re-
spOnsibilites OF the Presidential Office that sp-
prove and indorse. a demanded by the emergency
and essential to the preservation OF the nation and
as within the provisions OF the Constitution, the
measures and acts which he has adopted TO defend
the nation against its open and secret foes; that
approve especially the Proclamation OF Emanci-
patton, and the employment as Union soldiers Of
men heretofore held in slavery; and that we have
full confidence in his determination to carry out
these and all other Constitutional measures essen
tial to the salvation of the country with full and
complete effect.
6. Resoired, That we deem it essential to the
general welfare that harmony should prevail in the
National councils, and we regard as worthy OF pub
lie confidence and official trust those only who
cordially indorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, and which should characterize the ad-
ministration of the Government.
I. ResOired. That the Government owes to all
men employed in its armies, without regard to dis
tnc;On OF color the full protection of the laws of
war, and that any violation OF these laws, or the
usages of civilized nations in time of war. by the
rebels now in arms, should be made the subject of
prompt and full redress.
5. ResOired, That foreign emigration. which in
the past has added much to the wealth, develop
ment of resources and increase of power to this
nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations,
should be tostered and encouraged by liberal and
just policy.
9. Resoired. That we are in favor of the speedy
construction of railroad to the Pacific.
TO- ReSolred That the national faith, pledged
for the redemption Of the public debt, must be kept
inyiolate, and that for this purpose we recommend
economy and rigid responsibility in the public
penditures. and vigorous and just system of tax
alton. that it is the duty of every loyal State TO
sustain the credit and promote the use of the ma
tional currency.
H. ResoIred, That We approve the position ia
ken by the Government, that the people of the
United States can never regard with Indifference
the attempt of any European power to overthrow
by force or supplant by fraud the institutions Of
any republican government on the western conti-
nent, and that they will view with extreme jeal-
ousy, as menacing to the peace and independence
of their country, the efforts of any such pow
er to obtain new footholds for monarchica govern
ments sustained 10y foreign military force in near
proximity to the United States.