Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1866-10-03
Platform adopted By the Pittsburgh Soldiers
Convention,


The following resolutions comprise
the pla torn unanimously adopted by
the Convention, com prised of 1000
soldiers and sailors, held at Pittsburgh
on the 25th and 26th ult.:
By the Soldiers and Sailors of the ARMY
and Navy Of the United States in Convention
assembled, he il
Resolued That the action of the present
Congress- in fixing the pending constitu-
tional amendment, is wise, prudent and just.
It clearly defines American citizenship. ana
guarantees all his rights to every citizen. II
places just and equal basis the right of
representation, making the vote of one man
in one State equally potent with the vote of
another man in any State. 1t rightfully ex-
cludes from places of honor and trust the
chief conspirators and guiltiest rebels whose
perjured crimes have drenched the land in
fraternal blood. 1t puts into the very frame
Of our Government the inviolability of the
| national debt, and the nudity forever of all
debts contracted by the rebellion.
Resolred, That it IS unfortunate for the
country that these propositions have not
been received in the spirit of Cancellation,
clemency, and fraternal feeling in which
they are offered, as they are the mildest
terms ever granted to subdued rebels.
Resolped, That the President, as an execu-
tive officer, has no right to policy as against
the legislative department of the Govern
nlent; that his attempt to fasten his scheme
of reconstruction upon the country is as
dangerous as it is unwise his acts in sus-
tanning it have retarded the restoration of
peace il has converted conquered rebels
into imrudent claimants for rights which
they have forfeited, and, if consmnmated, it
would make the strife of the nation useless,
the loss of the lives of our buried comrades
vain and the war in which we have so glo-
riously triumphed what his present friends
at Chicago declared to be, failure.
ResolueI, That the right of the conqueror
to legislate for the conquered has been con-
ceded by all civilized nations IF that law
be for the good of the whole country, Con-
gress has the undoubted right to establish
means for the conduct of the revolted States,
and to establish such laws as necessary to
the complete restoration of the Union.
ReSolpea, That when the President declar-
ed that by the aid of the army and navy he
might have made himself dictator, he insult
ed every soldier and sailor III the republic
He ought TO Distinctly understand that the
tried-patriots of this nation can never be
used 70 overthrow civil liberty or popular
government.
Rssolred, That the neutrality laws should
be so amended as to afford TO the citizens all
rights consistent with national faith and the
support of the great party pledged to sustain
equal rights; and therefore, we tender to
people struggling for rights, our cordial
sympathy and cooperation.
Resollel That the Union men of the south,
without distinction of race and color are en-
titled to the gratitude of every soldier and
sailor who served the country in crushing the
rebellion, and that in the present dark hour
they should be protected because they are and
have been true to the Government. We will
not prove recrcant to our obligations, but will
stand by and protect, with our lives if neces-
sarv, those brave men who remained true to
us when all around were false and faithIcss.
HeSolged, That the public domain, as the
common property of the nation, ought to be
held sacredlv devoted to the benefit of the
nations defenders that Congress ought to
leg;slate in regard to bounties and pensions
with the most exact and impartial justice to
soldiers and sailors.
Resoleel, That IN recognizing the army,
Justice to the volunteer officers demands that
faithful services in the field ought To be held
equivalent to an education at West Point
RoSolJea, That auv officer Or soldier who
left his flag to serve with our enemies ought
never to have place in the army OF navy OF the
Union.