The weekly union record., 1864-09-03
National Union Platform.
ADOPTED At TIE BALTIMORE coSvESrIo,

l. Resolved, That it is the high duty of every
American citizen 10 maintain against sll their en-
euies the integrity Of the Union snd the para
mount authority Of the Constitution and laws o
the United States; and that. laying aside all differ
ences and political opinions, we pledge ourselves
as Union men. animated by common object. tc
do everything in our power 70 aid the Government,
in o1elling By force ot arms the rebellion now rag
ing against its authority. and il bringing 70 the
punishment due 10 their crimes the rebels and
traitors armed agains. it.
. Rtsoired, That we approve the determination
/ Of the Government Of the United States not to
compromise with rebels, or 70 offer any terms o!
peace except such - nav be based upon sn uncon-
dtonal surrender Of their hostility and retura 70
thesr just allegiance 20 the Constitution and laws
Of the United States; and that call upon the
Government 70 maintain this position, and 10 pros
ecnte the with the utmost possible vgor TO the
complete suppression OF the rebellion, in the full
reliance upon the selfsacriieing patriotism and
heroic valor and the undying devotion OF the
American people 10 their country and its free in
stitutions
3. Rssoired That as slavery was the cause, and
constitutes the strength OF this rebellion and
as II must be, always and everywhere, hostile TO
the principles Of republican government, JUST ce
and the national safety demand its utter and com
plete extirpation from the soil Of the Republic.
/ And that while We uphold and maintain the acts
and pr0camations by which the Government, in its
own defense, has aimed death-blow 81 this gigan-
Tic evil, We are in favor. furthermore, of such an
amendment TO the Constitution. 10 be made by 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
F 1. Resolred That the thanks of the American
people due 70 the soldiers and sailors OF the
my and navy, who have perled their lives in de-
tense Of their country and in vindication 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
answering fidelity 10 the Constitution and the
( principles of American liberty with which Abra-
ham Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances
OF unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and re-
sponsibiities OF the Presidential Office; that we ap-
prove and indorse, as demanded by the emergency
and essential 10 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 foes; that
approve especially the Proclamation OF Emanci-
patton, and the employment Union soldiers of
men heretofore held in slavery; and that we have
iull confidence in his determination 10 carry out
these and all other Constitutional measures essen.
tial to the salvation OF the country with full and
complete effect.
6. Resolred, 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-
ministrat.0n Of the Government.
I. Resoirsd. That the Government owes 70 all
men employed in its armies without regard 10 dis
tinction 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. Resolved, 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 fostered and encouraged by liberal and
just policy.
8. Resolved. 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
inviolate, and that for this purpose We recommend
economy and rigid respOnsib biliy in the public ex
penditureS, ana vigorous and Just system of tax
alton, that II is the duty OF every loyal State to
sustain the credit and promote the use OF the ma
tiOnal currency.
IA Resolred, 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
nent, and that they will view with extreme jeal-
ousy, as menacing to the peace and independence
OF their own country, the efforts Of any such pow
cr to obtain new OOtholds for monarchical govern
ments sustained 10y foreign military force, IN near
proximity to the United States.