Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-10-27
LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE
The National Union Platform.
Adopted at Baltimore, June 18th, 1864.

pssorrsd. That il 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
snces and political opinions, We pledge ourselves
"a Union men, animatedsby q common sentime Mt
and aiming at common object, to do everything
in our power to aid the Government in queliing by
forcs of arms the rebellion raging against its
authority, and in bringin to the punishment due
to their crimes the rebels and traitors arrayed
against 1t.
Peso7yed That we approve the determination Of
the Government of the United States not to COM
promise with rebels, or to offer any terms OF peace
except such as may be based upon an uncondtion-
al surrender of their hostility an return to their
inst allegiance to the Constitution and laws OF the
ITnited States, and that call upon the Govern
ment to maintain this position and to prosecute
the war with the utmost possible Vlgor 10 the
complete suppression of the rebellion, in ful rell-
ance upon the seif-sacriices, the patriotism, he
heroic yalor and the undying Devotion OF tne
American people 10 their country and It's free m
situations. .- FL.
RgsoIued, That as slavery was the cause and now
constitutes the strength OF this reoeihon' ana as
il must be always and everywhere hostile TO the
nrinciples of republican government, Justlce ana
the national safety demand its utter and complete
avtrDation from the soil o, the republic; and that
we uphold and maintain the acts and proclamatieDs
by which the Government, in its own defense, has
aimed death blow at the gigantic evil. We are IN
favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the
Constitution, to be made by tie people, in confor
nifty with it's provisions, as shall terminate and
forever prohibit the existence of slavery within the
limits or jurisdiction of the United States, 49,
Pes0gUgd, That the thanks of the American peU-
pie are due to the soldiers and sailors of the army
aud navy who have periled their lives in defense
OF their country and in vindicatiOh 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
abng and honorable wounds in the service of their
country, and that the memories OF those who have
fallen in its defense shall be held in grateful and
everlasting remembrance. ...-.
ResotUed, That approve and applaud the prac.
teal wisdom, the unselfs h patriotism, and the
swerYing fidelity to the Constitution and the prin
cipIes of American liberty with which Abraham
Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances o
unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and re
sponsibilties of the Presidential office; that w
approve and endorse, demanded by the emer
gency and essential to the preservation of the ia
ton, and within the provisions of the Constitu
ton, the measures and acts which he has adopted
defend the nation against its open and seere
Toes that we approve especially the proclamation
OF emancipation and the emp loyment as Union sol
diers of men heretofore held in slavery and thai
have full confidence in his determination &c
carry these and all other constitutional measures
essential to the salvation Of the country, into full
and complete effect.
ResOtved, 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, a d which should characterize the
administration OF the Government.
ResOLUed, That the Government owes to all men
employed III it's armies, without regard to distinc
ton of color, the full protection OF the laws o.
war, and that any violation of these' laws, the
usages of civilized nations in time of war, by the
rebels ow in arms, should be made the subject o.
prompt and full redress.
ReSOlUed, That the foreign immigration which il
the past has added so much to the wealth, develop
ment of resources, and increase of power to this
nation the asylum of the Oppres sed of all nations
should be tOstered and encouraged by liberal and
iust policy.
ReSOEced, That in favor of speedy con-
struction of the railroad TO the Pacific.
ReSOGUed, That the national faith, pledged for the
redemption of the public debt, must be kept inv
oate, and that for this purpose recommend
economy and rigid resp possibility in the public ex.
penditures, and a vigorous and just system of tax
alton That it is the duty of every loyal State tc
sustain the credit and promotethe use OF the ma
tiOnal currency.
ReSOlUed, That we approve the position taken 10y
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, or to supplant by fraud, the institution o
any Republican Government on the Western Con
tinent, and that they will view with extreme jeaI
ousy, menacing to the peace and independence
of this our country, the efforts oil any such powe
to obtain new footholds for monarchical govern
ments, sustained by foreign military force, in neat
proximity to the United States.