The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-03-09
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1866.
Our Platform = The Principles for which
We Fight.

the platform reported by the Committee on
Resolutions to the Convention sitting at Har-
risburg, proved the fact that, whatever per-
sonal differences might have existed among
the delegates, all were willing to sacrifice
them in order to preserve unity, and
secure ground work on which every
member Of the party could stand. In
that Convention was represented every shade
OF partisan feeling, from the Radical TO the
Conservative Republican; yet the yielding,
compromising spirit evinced on every side
bears testimony to the devotion that was felt
by al. for the cause in which they were about
to engage. Taking the sentiments advanced
by that body in tbe platform, without the
form in which they were enunciated, we
yield them hearty support. But we cannot
disguise the fact that the dif1use prolixity
which characterizes the style tends to weaken
the doctrines and jeopardize the force Of
the views expressed In fact, instead of
giving us platform, they have erected
palace, very beautiful in all its rounded cor
ners and well-arranged symmetry, yet entirely
out of place in a political framework. But
the excellencies Of the doctrines will not be
adulterated. by the medium through which
they are expressed, and to these doctrines we
yield most enthusiastic assent.
Let us look at the principles declared. The
first, second, and third resolutions, though
perfectly acceptable in all their contents, do
not enumerate any principle. The fourth ex-
presses the confidence felt by all the members
of the party, that the record OF ANDREW
JOHNSON, which is one long series of devo-
tion to Unionism, will induce him to lean
upon those who elected him, and with whom
he has ever fought. 1t is neither an endorse
ment of his veto message, nor is it a denuncia-
tion of his policy. 1t Is the temperate, proper
hope, that the never-tailing conssl ency of his
past course will be continued in the future;
and In this hope we and all the loyaists of
our land will most heartily join. 1t is just the
resolution to preserve the unity Of the party,
the only way of avoiding division, and the
only line by which the necessity of conflict
of opinion could have been escaped. We ad-
mire the wisdom which drafted the resolu-
tion, and the only opposition which it encoun-
tered was from those gentlemen who were
opposed to referring to the President by
name, or commenting upon his conduct. 1t
may, therefore, be esteemed the unanimous
utterance OF the party.
The fifth and sixth declare in favor of the
refusal of Congress to admit to seats in their
body traitors whose hands have not yet been
purified by repentance, and from which the
loyal blood is yet dripping; and endorse the
action of Congress in refusing, until such
repentance is exhibited, to consider the South
ern States as States of the Federal Union
To this course no one can object. President
JOHNSON is only in favor of the admission Of
such Representatives as have proved them
selves undoubtedly loyal, and is as strongly
opposed to the acceptance of Rebels as is any
member of the Union party. 1t is only the
bitter and unadulterated Copperhead that
would welcome to the halls of legislation and
take to his bosom unrepentant Rebels in order
to secure their political influence. From such
let all good citizens keep clear.
The seventh repeats the assertion that the
national faith is pledged to the payment of the
national debt.
The eighth promises to the blacks the sup
port and protection of those who have led
them out Of slavery into freedom.
The ninth declares openly in favor of a
rigid protective policy, and will receive the
endorsement of every Pennsylvania who is
not bound to the train of the merchants of the
metropolis. While the Union party is thus
boldly favoring the true policy of American
industry, and is acting in such a manner as to
save from suffering all the operatives, as
well as the capitalists, of our State, the Demo
Gratis maintain studied silence on the ques-
ton, and avoid committing themselves on
subject of such vital interest to the Com
monwealth.
The compliments extended to Governor
CURTIN, Secretary STANTON, and Lieutenant
General GRANT are well deserved. and are
universally acceded to be well-merited tri-
butes to official worth.
In proof Of the fidelity and economy with
which the party have managed the public
finances, the fact of the removal of the State
tax on real estate is quoted. Surely, no bet
ter argument could be adduced, than that
under the care of the Republican party the
State has not only been foremost in her
liberality, her patriotism, and her eontribu-
tioDs to the war, but has also SO far dimin
ished the public debt as to be able to repeal g
law levied by our opponents to support the
Commonwealth in time Of peace. With the
favoring of the equalization of bountles, ant
O declaration In favor of the doctrine O