The weekly union record., 1864-08-27
National Union Platform.
ADOPTED At TIE BALTIMORE coxvExrIt


l. Resoired, That it Is the high duty of every
American citizen 10 maintain against all their en-
enies 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, pledge ourselves.
as Union men, animated by a commOn object, to
do everything in our power 10 aid the Government
in qUelng by force Of arms the rebellion now rag
ing against its authority and in bringing TO the
punishment due 10 their crimes the rebels and
traitors armed against it.
,. ResOlred. 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 as NAV be based upon an uncon-
dtional surrender OF their hostility and a return to
thesr Just allegiance to the Constitution and laws
Of the United States; and that we call upon the
GOyernmeCt 10 maintain this position, and to pros
ecute the war with the utmost possible vigOr the
complete suppression OF the rebellion, in the full
reliance upon the Sefsacrlicing patriotism and
heroic valor and the undying devotion of the
American people to their country and its free in
stitutionS.
?. Resoired, That as slavery was the cause, and
now constitutes the strength OF this rebellion, and
As II must be, always and everywhere, hostile to
the principles OF republican government justice
and the national safety demand its utter and com
pete eXtTpdtlOn from the soil of the Republic.
And that while We uphold and maintain the acts
and proclamatiOns by which the Government. in its
own defense, has aimed death5Ow at this ggan-
tic evil, we are in favor furthermore. of such an
amendment TO the Constitution, 10 he 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.
4. Resoired That the thanks Of the American
people due to the soldiers and sailors OF the ar
my and navy, who have perled their lives in de-
fense Of their country and in yindication of the
honor of the flag; that the nation owes TO them
some permanent recognition of their patriotism
and their yaior. and ample and permanent proviS-
icu 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.
:. Rcs0ired That approve and applaud the
practical wisdom the Unselfish patriotism and the
answering fidelity to 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-
Spousl5iitieS ct the Presidential office; that we ap-
prove and indorSe. a demanded 10y the emergency
and essential To the preservation OF the nation and
a 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 we
approve especially the Proclamation of Enamel
patton, and the employment as Union soldiers of
men heretofore held IN slavery; and that we have
tuh confidence in his determination to carry cut
these and all other Constitutional measures essen
tal to the salvation OF the country with full and
complete eject.
.. Resolrsd That we deem it essential to the
general welfare that harmony should prevail in the
National councils. and regard : worthy OF pub
lie confidence and official trust those only who
cordially ndorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, and which should characterize the ad-
miuistratlou OF the Government.
:. ResoirtG. That the Government owes TO all
men employed in itS armies, without regard to dis
tnctiou OF color the tull protection of the laws of
war. and that any violation of these laws, or the
usageS of civilized nations in time of war hr the
rebels now in arms. should be made the subject OF
prompt and full redress.
$. ReS0red, That foreign emigration, which in
the past has added much to the wealth develop
meut of resources and increase of power 10 this
nation. the asylum of the oppressed OF all nations
should be fostered and encouraged by liberal and
just policy.
9. Resolred, That are in favor of the speedy
construction of railroad 10 the Pacific.
10. RsSGlred' That the national faith. pledged
for The redemption Of the public debt, must he kept
inyiolate aud that Tor this purpose we recommend
economy and rigid responsibility in the public eX-
pendtures, and vigorous and Just system Of tax
alton, that II Is the dUfy of every loyal State to
sustain the credit and promote the Use of the na-
uonal currency.
Il. Resoiced. That we approve tbe position Ia
ken by the Government. that the people OF the
United States can never regard with indifference
the attempt OF Sny European power to overthrow
by force or sanpianr by fraud the institutions ut
any republican government on the western CONT
nent, and that they will with extreme jeal-
oU~v, as menacing % the peace and Independence
OF their own country. the efforts OF any such pow
er to obtain tootholds for monarchical govern
nentS sustained 10y foreign military force, IN near
proximity TO the United States.