Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-04-26
VIRGINIA Republloan Convention.

mona pupcrs are merely aDustVc cafica-
lures Of the proceedings, and little can be
gathered from them. Most Of the speak
ing was done by the colored men. Every
thing went on tremendously, though the
expcdiency Of adopting resolutions favor
ing conGscation was warmly debated.
Coudscation was favored by the majority,
but ii was deemed best not to insist upon
it, and the subject was finally referred to
a committee, which may report upon them
hereafter. The following resolutions were
adopted:
WHEREAS, Having, gor the FIRST time in
the history of Virginia, assembled at her
State capital, at the call Of Union Re-
publican State Committee, as convention
of Union men, for the purpose CT ratify-
ing the acts Of the Thirty ninth and
Fortieth Congresses, adopting measures TO
unite all parties whoearnestly and honestly
fected in accordance with the expressed
desire of Congress, and carried out in good
faith by the people of this State, We there
fore in convention assembled, do
/. Resolre, That we return our sincere
and heartfelt thanks to the Thirty ninth
Congress for their recent legislation, re-
sulting in the passage of the Sherman
Shelabarger bill and it's supplement, and
certify with gratitude that the beneficial
effects of such legislation are already visi-
bic in the increased security of loyal men.
and in inducing immediate efforts to-
ward reconstruction on the part of all
classes; and that VIC do hereby pledge our
earnest and persistent efforts to carry cut
in good faith, without evasion, with hon
esty Of purpose, unfnchng courage and
never firing energy, all its provisions, be-
lieving that by this course alone can per-
lnanent peace and prosperity be restored
to the State, and an early admission to
the Union be secured.
I'd, Rcsolred, That in the principles of
the National Republican party of the
United States we recognize all we can de-
sire as guide in our political future;
that we adopt them as our platform, and
pledge ourselves TO their support, and
cordially invite the cooperation of all
classes Of our fellow citizens without dis
tinction of race or color, without regard to
former political opinions or action induced
by such convictions. We invite them 10
join us and pledge them warm welcome
to our ranks and full and free particpa-
ton in all the advantages of our organiza.
ton. And firmly believing that in the
present condition Of public affairs the Re-
publican party offers the most available
means through its organization for the
speedy attainment OF permanent recon
struction, we DO hereby adopt its princi-
Piles and platform as the basis and plat
form of the Union Republican party of
Virginia.
3. Resolred, That We adopt, rs part of
our platform and as cardinal points in the
policy of the Union Republican party of
Virginia, the following propositions: First,
equal protection to all men before the
courts and equal political rights in all re-
spects, including the right to hold office;
second, system of common school educa-
ton which shall give to all classes free
schools and a free and equal participation
in all its benefits; third, a more just and
equitable system of taxation, which shall
apportion taxes to property, and require
all to pay in proportion to their ability;
fourth, modification of the usury laws
sufficient TO induce foreign capital to scel;
investment in the State, fifth, encourage
ment to internal Improvements and every
possible inducement to immigration.
4. Resoived, That in the noble utterances
of the founders of our Constitution we rec
ognize true appreciation of the great
fact, that Governments, to be prosperous
and successful, must be founded and adj
ministered on the basis of exact and equal
justice to all men; and we accept as our
guides the great principles enunciatcd by
them, first and most important Of which is
the great and glorious truth, "that all men
are created free and equal, and endowed
with certain inaienable rights, and that
among these arc life, liberty aud the pur-
suit OF happiness and we solemnly pledge,
on the part OF this Convention and the
party it represents, a strict adhesion TO
these sentiments, which, for the first time
in the history OF Virginia, political or
ganization is. in position to adopt in
spirit and action as in name.
D. Rcs0ired, That, believing the princi-
plese inundated in the foregoing resolution
can not be Objectionable to any man who
really loves the Union, and that they are
tho only true principles which can give to
Virginia an early re- toration to the Union,
and enduring peace and prosperity, we
solennly pledge ourselves to support no
nun for an elective Office who fails TO join
US in their adoption aud enforcement,
who fails to identity himself with the
Uaion Republican party in spirit and
action, or hcsitates to connect himself,
openly an publicly, With its platform as
adopted here to d9y.
o. Rtsoired, That We recognize the great
fact that the interests of the laboring classes
of the State arc identical, and that, with
out regard to color, we desire to elevate
them to their true position; that the exal-
taiion of the poor and humble, the re-
straiut of the rapaeious and the ignorant.
the lifting up OF the poor and degraded
without humiliation or degradation to any,
and the attainment Of the greatest amount
Of happiness and prosperity to the great
est number is our warmest desire, and
shall have our earnest and persistent
efforts in their accomplishment; that while
we desirSto sec all men protected in full
and equal proportion, and every political
right secured to the coored man that is
enjoyed by any other class of cilizens, we
do not desire to deprive the laboring