Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1864-08-25
The National Union Platform.
Adopted at Baltimore, June 18th, 1854.

Resolved, That it is the highest duty Of every
nerican citizen main tain against all their
mice the integrity Of the Union and the paramount
authority of the Constitution and laws Of the
Unit ed States and that, laying aside all differ
ences and political opinions, We pledge ourselves
as Union men, animated by a common sentiment
and aiming at common object, to do every thing
in power TO aid the Government in Quelling by
force of arms the rebellion now raging against its
authority, an in brin ging to the punishment due
to their crimes the rebels and traitors arraEed
against it.
Resolred, 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 uncon dltion-
al surrender of their hostility an return to their
just allegiance to the Consl uton and laws of the
United States, and that We call upon the Govern
ment to maintain this position and to prosecute
the with the utmost possible vigor to
complete suppression OF the rebellion in full rei
ance upon the self-sacrifces, the patriotism, the
heroic Talor and the undying devotion of the
American people to their country and its free in
situations.
Resolved, That as slavery was the cause and now
constitutes the strength OF this rebellion, and as
it must be always and everywhere hosti4o the
principles of republican government, juSGy and
the national safety demand its utter and complete
extrpation from the soil the republic; and that
we uphold and maintain the acts and proclamatlons
by which the Government, in its own defense, has
aim ed death blow at the gigantic evil. We are III
favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the
Cons titution to be made by tie people, in contor
nifty with its provisions, as shall terminate and
forever prohibit the existence OF slavery within the
limits or jurisdiction of the United States
Resotced, That the thanks of the American peo-
pie due the soldiers and sailors OF the army
and navy who have periled their lives in defense
OF their country and in Vindlcatloh 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
abling and honorable wounds in the service of their
country and that the mem cries OF those who have
fallen in its defense shall be held IN grateful and
everlasting remembrance.
| ResoIyed, That we approve and applaud the prac-
tical wisdom, the unsefsh patriotism, and the I'M
swerying fidelity to the Constitution and the prn-
cipIes of 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 ana endorse, demanded by the emer-
gency and essential to the preservation of the
ton and within the provisions of the Constitu-
ton, the meas res and acts which he has adopted
to defend the nation against its open and secret
foes that approve especially the proclamati
of emancipation and the employment Union SOL
diers Of men heretofore held in slavery and that
have full confidence in his determination to
carry these and all other constitutional measures,
essential to the salvation Of the country into full
and complete effect.
Resotued, That deem 1t essential to the gener-
al welfare that harmony shonld prevail in our ma
tional councils and we regard worthy of public
confidence and official trust those only who COR
daily endorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, I'd which should characterize the
administration OF the Government.
Resolved, That the Government owes to all men
cmpIoye ed in its armies, without regard to dstinc-
ton 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 in arms, should be made the subject of
prompt and full redress
Resolued, That the foreign immigration which in
the past has addedso uch to the wealth. dev elop
ment of resources, and increase of power to this
nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations
should be fostered and encouraged by literal and
just policy.
ResoLgcd, That we are in favor of a speedy con-
structon Of the railroad to the Pacific.
ReSoLUed That the national faith, pledged for the
redemption of the public debt, must be kept invi-
oIate, and that for this purp pose recommend
economy and rigid respon sbiity i'll the public
penditures. and vigorous and just system of tax
alton. That it is the duty of every loyal State
sustain the credit and promote the of the ma
tional currency.
RESOLVED, That we approve the position taken by
the Government; that the people of the United
States can ncver regard with Indifference the at
| tempt of any European Power to overthrow by
force, to supplant by fraud the instit utions OF
any Republican Government on the Western Con
tinent, and that they will view with extreme jea
| ousy, as facing to the peace and independence
of this country, the efforts of any such power
! to obtain new footholds for monarchical govern.
ments, sustained by foreign military force, IN
| proximity to the United States.