Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-08-20
The National Union Platform
Adopted at Baltimore, June 9Th, 1854.

ResoIred, That it 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
ences and political opinions, We pledge ourselves
Union men, animated by common sentiment
and aiming at a common object to> do every thin g
in our power to aid the Government in quelling by
force Of arms the rebellion raging against it's
authority, and in bringing to the punishment due
to their crimes the rebels and traitors arrayed
Resolred, 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 as may be based upon an uncondItion-
al surrender of their hostility aud return to their
lust allegiance to the Constitution 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 the
complete suppression of the rebellion in full rei-
ance upon the self-sacrfces, the patriotism, the
heroic yalor and the undyiDg devotion or the
American people to their country and its free in
Resolred, 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
prin ciples of republican government, justice and
the national safety demand its utter and complete
exrpation from the soil OF the republic; and that
we uphold and maintain the acts and proc amat ons
by which the Government, in it's own defense, has
aimed death blow at the gigantic evil. We are In
favor, furthermore, of such an amendment to the
nifty with its provisions, as shall terminate and
forever prohibit the existence of slavery within the
limits or jurisdiction of the United States.
ReSOIued, That the thanks of the American peo-
pie re due the soldiers and sailors of the army
aud navy who have periled their lives in defense
of their country and in vindication of the honor
of the flag; that the nation owes to them some
permanent recognition of their patriotism and
their yalor, and ample aud permanent provision
for those of their survivors who have received dis
ablng 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.
ResOlred, That we approve and applaud the prac-
tica4 wisdom, the unselfsh patriotism, and the I'M
swervng fidelity to the Constitution and the prin-
cipIes of American liberty with which Abraham
Lincoln has discharged, under circumstances Of
unparalleled diff Guilty, 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 ema cipation and the empo yment as Union SOL
diers of men heretofore held in slavery and that
we 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.
Resotred, That we deem it essential to the gener-
al welfare that harmony shonld prevail in our ma
tional councils, and we regard as worthy of pubic
confidence and official trust those only who cor
daily endorse the principles proclaimed in these
resolutions, which should characterize the
administration of the Government.
ResOlred, That the Government owes to all men
employed IN Its armies without regard 10 distinc-
ton of color, the full protection of the laws of
war, and that any violation of these laws, 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.
ReSolced, That tho foreign immigration which in
the past has added so much to the wealth, develop
ment of resources, and increase of power to this
nation, the asylum of the oppressed of all nations,
should be fostered and encouraged by liberal and
just policy.
Resolred, That are in favor of a speedy con-
struction of the railroad to the Pacific.
ReSOlUed, That the national faith, pledged for the
redemption of the public debt, must be kept invi-
Olate, and that for this purpose recommend
economy and rigid responsibility in the pu bile ex-
penditures. and vigorous and just system of tax
ation That it is the duty of every loyal State to
sustain the credit and promote the use of the
tional currency.
Resolved, 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 on the Western Con-
tinent, and that they will view with extreme jeal
ousy, as menacng to the peace and independence
of this our country, the efforts any such power
to obtain new footholds for monarchicaI govern
ments, sustained by foreign military force, in near
proximity to the United States.