The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-03-23
Greni,la State Jouriiat.
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFoR1.

THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
We print to-day the National Republ-
can platform, and commend it to the care
full study Of our readers.
1t is the authorized exposition OF the
National party as made by its regularly
constituted convention in 1868, and which
General Grant adopted when he accepted
the nomination for the Presidency. BY it
we are to test the conduct of the admins
tration and of Congress, and we may justly
demand of both fealty to the faith which
they have professed.
1t is well for parties, as for individuals,
to 60 back now and then to fundamental
principles and take new departure, as the
engineer refers to his base, lest the steady
increment ofsome slight error should spoil
the result In the practical working of a
government, where complicated and op-
posing interests are to be harmonizad, in
personal and party strifes, great principles
are liable to be forgotten. Intent upon
means and measures, the great ends are
often obscured and sacrificed. In stormy
controversy about the way of doing it, the
thing we set out to do passes out OF sight.
So the ship drifts on the waters, or is
driven before the gale, and needs faith
full captain to take new reckoning, and
bring her once more to obey her compass
and her helm.
We ask all candid men to read our
platform. It will stir up "pure minds by
way of remembrance to new zeal in the
good cause. 1t will recall the erring to
duty and enable all to be more just IN
their Judgments of each others consistency
and fidelity to the party. We think that
upon the whole it will appear that the
Republican party has been faithful to its
professions, and that it is worthy Of the
confidence and support Of all loyal men.
1t has been true to its promises, to pre-
serve the public credit as well as to tighten
the burden Of taxation upon the people.
1t has protected alike foreign and native
born, black and white, and has dealt more
generously even than its platform required
with the rebel States. 1t has demanded
from foreign powers just recognition OF
our rights, but with dignity aud in spirit
of Cancellation. Mistakes it has made,
and much is still to be done to complete its
high mission Of good but underlying all
the petty strifes, jealousies and differences
of its leaders, its heart is sound and true.
Reused from momentary forgetfulness by
the exultation of its foes, it will gird its
loins for the great struggle which is to
come, and move grandly forward to incar-
nate its maxims in laws and institutions,
whose benifcent influence shall be felt
through all time.
Let our candid opponents read this plat
form and tell us wherein it is wrong or un-
lust. Let them show us wherein the Re-
publican party has been unfaithful to it.
We will unite earnestly with all good men
to correct party errors, whether OF profess.
sion or practice. We have one common
interest whatever our party affiliations.
The mass of us expect no office, but must
take our chances in the general veal or
woe. We have no interest in being wrong.
Why can we not, then, accord honesty OF
purpose and do justice to each other, dis
cussing calmly all questions which relate
to our common interest as citizens and as
men. i5a