Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-07
THE PLATFORM.


The Democratic party IN National Conven-
tion assembled reposlng its rust IN me lnteiii.
the people; standing upon the Constitution az
the foundation and limitation Of the powers 4
the Govsrnment, and the guarantee OF the lib'
critics OF the citizen ana 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 reagitatcd DO, with the
return Of peace, demand,
l.. Immediate restoration ef all the States TO
their rights IN the union under tne Constitu-
ton and civil government OF the American
people.
2. Amnesty for all past po ltical ofenses, and
the regulanon OF the elecuve francnise IN tne
States by their cilizens, and me payment o. the
public dept oil the united states as rapidiy as
practicaoie. ,
3. All money 6rawn from the people BY tax
alton. exceptso much as Is requisite TOT tne me-
cessties of the G9yernment, economically ad-
m!nistered, should be honestly applied 70 sucn
payment, and where the obi'gatlons OF the gov
eminent do not EXPIRE sly state upon their lace,
or the law under which they were. issued does
not provide that they shall be paid r. coin. they
ought. in right and justice, be paid IN the law
ful 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.
s. One currency for the Government and the
people, the laporer ana tne otncehoider' me
pensioner and the soldier. the producer and
the bondnoider. :, =, .,
70. ECONOMY n tne aaministrsMuon M oi !ne
army and navy; the aoolisnment OF the freed-
mems bureau. and all political instrumental
tiles designed 10 secure negro supremacy; SIM
plhcatlon OF the system ana tne db contin9ance
of inquistorlal boards Tor assessing ana col
Letting internal revenue, so that the burden OF
taxation may be equalized and lessened the
credit OF the Government ana tne currency
made good the repeal OF az enactmenes Ior
enrolling the state miiitia INTO Nauonal forces
in time. of peace !, a tarif for revenue upon
foreign imports, and such equal taxation under
the internal revenue laws as VIII afford Incl
dental protection to domestic manufactures,
and as will, without impairing the revenue.
impose the least burden upon and best promote
and encourage the great industrial interests OF
the country.
Z. Reform of abuses in the Admini.s i.stration,
the expulsion OF ,errupt men from otiees. the
abroRation of useless offices, the restoration OF
rightful authority to, and the independence OF
the Executive and Judicial departments OF the
Government. the subordination of the milit'ry
to the civil power to the end that the usurpa-
tions of Congress and the despousm oil tho
sword may cea'e.
s. Equal rights and protection for natural:
lied and native-born citizens at home and
abr ad an assertion OF American nationality,
which shall command tho respect of foreiln
ment to people struggling for national integ-
rity, constitutional liberty and individual
riRhts. and the maintenance of the rights Of
naturalized citizens against the obsolete doc
trine of immutable allegiance. and the claims
Of foreign powers to punish them for alleged
crime committed beyond their jurisdiction.
In demanding these measures and reforms
We arraign the Radical party for its disregard
tyranny which have marked its career, after
the most solemn and unanimous pledge OF both
Houses of Congress to prosecute the war ex-
clusively fer the maintenance Of the govern
the Constitution.
1t has repeatedly violated that most sacred
pledge under which was rallied that noble vol
unteer army. which carried our flag to victory.
Instead Of restoring the Union it has; So far far
States In time of peace to military despotism
and negro supremacy.
II has nulliiied there the right trial byjury.
most sacred writ Of liberty.
1t has overthrow the freedom of speech and
the press.
II has substituted arbitrary seizures and
arrests. and military trials and secret Star
Chamber inquisitions, fer constitutional tri-
bunals.
II has disreearded in time of peace tho right
Of the people to be free from search and seiz-
ures.
IL has entered the post and telegraph Offices,
and even the private rooms Of individuals,
and seized their private papers and letters,
without any specification or notice of affidavit,
as reouired by the organic law,
II has converted the American capitol into a
bastile.
a has established system of spies and Off
ciai esnionaRe 10 which no constitutional mon-
archy Of Europe would now dare 10 resort
II has aboIished the right of appeal on inn |
portant coustitutional oueetions TO the SUI |
preme Judiciary tribunal. and threatens to |
curtail or destroy It's original jurisdiction,
which Il irrevocablv vested nv tho Constitu.
ton. while he lear, A Chief Justice has been |
suhiected 10 the most atroeious calumnies.
merely because he would NOT nrosfitute his |
tisan charges preferred aeainSt the President. |