Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-09-29
LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE
The National Union Platform,
Adopted at Baltimore, June 18th, 1864.

ReSOtred, That 1t Is the highest duty OF every
American citizen to maintain against all their enc
mics the integrity of the Union and the paramount
authority of the Constitution and laws of the
United States and that laying aside all differ
euces and political opinions, We pledge ourselves
as Union men, animated by common sentiment
and aiming at common object, to do every thing
il our power to aid the Government in quelling By
force of arms the rebellion now raging against It's
authority and in biiD cling to the punishment due
TO their crimes the rebels and traitors arrayed
against It.
Pesolred, That we approve the determination Of
the Government of the United States not to com
promise with rebels, to offer any terms of peace
except such a may be based upon an uncondltion-
al surrender of their hostility and return TO their
lust allegiance to the Constitution and laws Of the
United States, and that we call upon the Govern
10 ent to mant tain this position and to prosecute
the war with the utmost possible ylgor 60 the
comnIete Suppression of the rebellion, in full reli-
ance upon the self-sacrifces, the patriotism, the
heroic yaIor and the undying devotion of the
American people to their country and It's nee IN
stitutiOns
ResoiUed, That as slavery was the cause and now
constitutes the strength OF this rebellion, and as
il must be always and everywhere hostile to the
PRINCIPLES of republican government, justice and
the national safety demand its utter and complete
extirpation from the soil OF the repuoic and that
we uphold and main tain the acts and procIamatiapS
by which the Government, in its own defense, has
aimed death blow at the gigantic evil. W e are III
favor, furthermore, of such an amendment TO the
Constit ution, to be made by tie people, in eonfor
nifty with its provisions as shall terminate and
forever prohibit the existence of slavery within the
limits or jurisdiction of the United States.
ReSOLred, That the thanks OF the American peo
pie are due to the soldiers and sailors OF the army
and navy who have periled their lives in defense
OF their country and in yindicstion 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 provision
for those Of their survivors who have received dis
Aiding and honorable wounds In the service OF tn cir
country, and that the memories of those who have
falle in its defense shall be held in grateful and
everlasting remembrance.
ReSOIred, That we approve and applaud the prac-
teal wisdom, the unselfsh patriotism, and the
swerying fidelity to the Constitution and the prin-
cpes American liberty with which Abraham
Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances OF
unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and re-
sponsibilities of the Presidential office; that We
approve and endorse, as demanded by the emer-
gency and essential to the preservation of the
ton, and within the provisions of the Constitu
ton, the measures and acts which he has adopted
TO defend the nation against its open and secret
foes that we approve especially the proclamation
OF EN- an cipation and the employment as Union sol
diers Of men heretofore held in slavery and that
we have full confidence in his determin alton to
carry these and all other constitutional measures,
essential to the salvation or the country into full
and complete effect.
ResotOcd, That We deem 1t essential to the gener-
al welfare that harmony shonld prevail in our ma
tional councils, and We regard as worthy OF public
confidence and official trust those only who cor
daily endorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, d which should characterize the
administration of the Government.
ReSolued, That the Government owes 10 all III IA
emf 10y ed in its armies, without regard dstnc-
ton of color, the fnll protection of the laws OF
war. and that any violation of these5 laws, the
usagcs OF civilized nations in time of war; by the
rebels in arms, should be IN ade the subject OF
prompt and full redress.
ReSoIred, That the foreign Immigration which in
the past has addedso much IL the wealth, eyc!Op-
ment of resources, and increase OF power to this
nation, the asylum Of the oppressed ofau nations,
shu uld be toStered and encouraged by a literal and
lust policy.
Resolred, That il c4yor OF a speedy con-
struction of the railroad tC the Pacific.
RcSOlrfd, That the national faith, pledged for the
redemption of the public debt, must be kept inVi-
olate, and that Tor this purpose we recomm end
economy ami rigid resp oEsi5iity in the public
pendit urcs. and vigorous and just system ct
alton. That it is the duty OF every loyal State te
sustain the credit ana pr NEE ne Use OF the
tiOnal currency.
ReSOtred, That We approve the position taken by
the Government that the people Of the United
States can never regard with indifference the at
tempt of any European Power to overthrow by
force, to supplant by fraud, the institutions Of
any Republican Government the Western Con
Jinent and that they will view with extreme jeal
ousy. as menacing to the peace and independence
OF this country, the efforts OF any such power
to obtain new fuotholds for monarchical govern.
ments, sustained by foreign military force, in n"a'
proximity to the United States.