Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-12
THE PLATFORM.


Tho Democratic party, in National Conven-
tion assembled. rcposing its trust in the inteli.
gence, patriotism and discrimin ating justice OF
the people standing upon the Copstitution AZ
the foundation and limitation Of the powers II
the Government. and tho guarantee Of the lib
critics of the citizen and recognizing the ques-
tions Of slavery and secession as having been
settled for all time to come by the war or the
voluntary action Of the Southern, States in
Constitutional Conventions assembled. and
never TO be renewed or reagitated do. with the
return of peace, demand.
/. ediate restoration of all the States to
their rights in the Union under the Constitu-
tion and civil governTent OF the American
2. Amnesty for all past political offenses, and
the regulation Of the elective franchise in the
States by their citizens. and the payment OF the
public debt Of the United States as rapidly as
3. All money drawn from the people by tax
alton. except SO much as is requisite for the ne
cessities Of the Government, economically ad-
payment, and where the obligations of the Gov
crnment do not expressly state upon their face.
or the law under which they were issued does
not provide that they shall be paid II coin, they
ought, in right and justice, be paid in the law
full money Of the United States.
4. Equal taxation Of every species of property
according to its real value, including Govern
ment bonds. and other public securities.
D.
people, the laborer and the. oficeholder. the
pensioner and the soldier. the producer and
the bondholder.
6. Economy in the. administration of tho
Government; the reduction OF the standing
mems bureau, and all political instrumental
tiles designed to secure negro supremacy; sim
plifcation of the system aud the discontinuance
Of inquisitorial boards for assessing and col
Letting internal revenue, so that the burden OF
taxation may be equalized and lessened the
credit of the Government and the currency
made good: the repeal of al enactmeuts for
enrolling the State militia into National forces
in time of peace !. a tarif for revenue upon
foreign imports, and such equal taxation under
the internal revenue laws rs will afford Incl
dental protection to domestic manufsctures,
and as will. without impairing the revenue,
impose the least burden upon and best promote
aud encourage the great industrial interests of
the country.
I. Reform of abuses in the Administration,
the expulsion of .errupt men from offices. the
rightfuI authority to, and the independence of
the Executive and Judicial departments of the
Government, tho subordination OF the military
to the civil power to the end that the usurpa-
tions of Congress and the despotisp OF the
s. Equal rights and protection for natural:
lied and native-bon cirizens at home and
abro ad an assertion Of American natioraiity,
which shall command the respect OF f0relfn
powers and furnish an example and encourage
ment to people struggling for nationa, integ,
rity, constitutional liberty and. individual
riahts. and the maintenance of the rights OF
naturalized citizens against the obsolete doc
time Of immutabie allegiance. and the claims
of foreign powers to punish them for alleged
crime committed beyond their jurisdiction.
In demanding these measures and reforms
we arrahgn the Radical party for its disIegardd
of right, and the unparalleled oppression and
tyranny which have marked its career, after
the most solemn and unanimous pledge OF both
Houses of Congress TO prosecute the war ex-
clusively for the maintenance OF the govern
ment and the preservation of the Union under
It has repeatedly violated that most sacred
pledge under which was rallied that noble vol
unteer army. which carried our nag TO victory.
as in its power. dissolved it, and subjected ten
States in time of peace to military despotism
and negro supremacy.
1t has nullifed here the right of trial by jury.
1t has abolished the habeas corpus, that
most sacred writ of liberty.
It has overthrown the freedom OF speech and
the press.
arrests, and military trials and secret Star
Chamber inquisitions, for constitutional tri-
bunals. -
II has disregarded in time Of peace the, right
Of the people to be free from search and seiz-
ures.
II has entered the post and telegraph Offices,
and even the private rooms OF individuals,
and seized their private papers and letters
without any specification OF notice oil afbdavit'
as required oy tne otgan,o Iav. ...,;
Ii has converted the American capitoi ih'o u
bast,ie. "a
cia, espionage 10 wnleh no oonsti.utIonhl noh
arcny OF Europe Woulo now uare W IesoIt.
IL has aboll:ned tue risht OF appeal On I'M
portant, consttuuoni qnesuons 70 tne su-
curtail or destroy It's original lurisolcton.
which i. .irrevocably vested BY the Constltu-
uop. wniie the learned Chlef Justice mas oeen
merely because he would not prostitute MS
high once 70 me support OF the ialse anu par
tisan charges preferred against the PRESIDENT.