The Elk advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Elk Co., Pa.) 186?-1868, 1866-04-12
THE TWO PLATFORMS.

In our previous issues we have pre-.
eented our readers with the resolutions
adopted by the Democratic State Con-
vention, aud those adopted by the Re-
publican State Convention. These res
olutions are to be taken as authoritative
declarations of the two parties as to
their respective positions upon the po-
litical issues of the day. We have ex-
amined the respective merits of these
two platforms, and have come to our
conclusion.
We are earnestly in favor of a CON-
plete and early restoration OF the Union
that shall dispel the pomp and panoply
of war, with its martial law, its military
courts, and suspension of hatgreat bull
vark of individual liberty, the writ Of
AaJeas corpasj that shall reknit in
bonds of amity and peace the two Sec
tions of our country.
Believing the paramount issue OF the
day to be upon the mode and time of
consummating complete restoration, and
having in previous numbers, taken our
stand upon this issue in support OF the
policy and principles OF Pres
ident johnson as we understand them
to be enunciated in his Message vetoine
the Freedman's Bureau Bill, as against
the obstruction policy Of Congress, ii
was only necessary for us to further ln
quire which of these two platforms take
the same position.
In our examination Of them We were
struck by the contrast Of style,--tht
Democratic being short, concise ana tC
the point, consisting of but eight resolu
tions, making but about quarter of {
column of our paper in coarse type
while the Republican stretched out t
eighteen resolutions in number, ant
occupying a column and a half i
fine type. The Republican resc
lutions are in the spread eagle style
starting off "w:th thirty guns at day
break" and indulging in what nigh
be eloquent 81 the exordiums or perori
tions Of stump speeches, but in thes
resolutions are mere buncombe, whic
has but little other effect than to befo
the real point. The first resolution
sixteen lines consists Of twelve lines
buncombe by wav Of preamble and fo'
lines of resolution The resolution Pru
ed Of its superHuityis is that they "hr
yenep the pledges of uafater'ng de0t'0
to the Federal Union, and repeat the
determined purpose that IL shall be pr
serred." This resolution sounds Jae
sonian, as ,oeH as JohnSOnidn. { Va
the Presidents speech of February 22
1869 The purpose declared We col
mend and endorse heartily.
Their second resolution we also c
dorse. We certainly desire that our
stitutions shall be strenthened and o
national lie prolonged. We think a
that some amendments to the Consti
tion would be proper; one. dec arl
in express terms what has already be
decided by arms and was the issue
the war, that no State has the right
secede; another, basing representa-
on voters and taxation on property
recommended by President johnson
Their third resolution we also endol
1t is of the highest Importance th'
proper policy should be adopted, so
what the rebels failed by four year
war to do, might no; be accomplis
through improper legislation BY disur
~" on the other end of the line"
Upon the great question of rest
ton, the Republican view is toun'
their 4th, 5th and 18th resolutions,
The fourth resolution expressly G