Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-09-15
LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE
The National Union Platform,
Adopted at Baltimore, June 18th, 1854.

Resolved, That it is the highest duty of every
American citizen to main tain against all their en- e.
mics the integrity of the Union and the paramount
authority of the Constitution and laws of tbo
United States and that, laying aside all differ.
ences and political opinions, pledge ourselves
as Union men, animated by common sentiment
and aiming at a common object, to do eyerytbin o
in our power to aid the Government in queIiing by
force of the rebellion now raging against irs
authority, and in bringing to the punishment DIN
to their crimes the rebels and traitors arrayed
against it.
Resolved, 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 uncondltion-
al surrender of their hostility and to their
just allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the
United States, and that we call upon the Govern
ment to maintain this position and to pros ecute
the with the utmost possible yigor to the
complete suppression of the rebellion, in full rel-
ance upon the self-sacrifces, the patriotism, he
heroic valor and the undying devotion of the
American people to their country and its free in
situations.
ResoIued, That slavery 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 complete
extrpation from the soil OF the republic; and that
uphold and maintain the acts and proclaim atoms
by which the Government, in its own defense, has
aimed death blow at the gigantic evil. We IN
favor, Furthermore, of such an amendment to the
Constitution, to be made by tie people, in confor-
mity with its provisions, as shall terminate and
forever prohibit the existence of slavery hin the
limits jurisdiction Of the United States.
ReS0BUed, That the thanks of the American peo-
pie due to the soldiers and sailors of the army
and navy who have periled their lives in defense
of their country and in vindcation of the honor
of the flag; that the nation 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
ReSoEUed, That we approve and applaud the prac-
teal wisdom, the unselfsh patro tsm, and the I'M
sweryng fidelity to the Constitution and the prin-
cipIes of American liberty with which Abraham
Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances of
unparalleled difficulty, the great duties and re-
spon sibilities 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 approve especially the proclamation
of emanc ipation and the employment Union SOL
diers of men heretofore held in slavery and that
we have full confidence in his determina alton to
carry these and all other constitutional measures,
essential to the salvation Of the country into full
and complete effect.
ReSoUed, 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 oHlclal trust those only who cor
daily endorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, a d which should characterize the
administration of the Government.
Resolved, That the Government owes to all men
employ ed in its armies, without regard to distinc-
ton of color, the full protection of the laws of
war and that any violation of theses 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.
Resolved, That the foreign immigration which in
the past has addedso much to the wealth, develop
ment of resources, and increase of power to this
nation, the asy OF the oppressed OF all nations
should be fostered and encouraged by liberal and
lust policy.
ResoJved, That we are in favor of speedy con-
struction of the railroad to the Pacific
ReS0lUed, That the national faith, pledged for tn
redemption of the public debt, must be Kept invi-
olate, and that for this purpose recommen
economy and rigid responsibility in the public ex-
pendtures, 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.
ReSOLUed, That we approve the position taken by
the Government that the people of the United
States can regard with Indifference the at
tempt of any European Power to overthrow by
force, to supplant by fraud, the institutions
any RGpu blican Government the Western Con-
tinent, and that they will view with extreme jeal-
ousy, menacing to the peace and independence
OF this our country, the efforts any such power
to obtain new footholds for monarchical govern
ments, sustained by foreign mill AIRY force, in near
proximity to the United States.