Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1872-06-12
THE PLATFORM.
Full Text of the Platform Adopted by
the Republican National
Convention.

The following is the complete text
OF the Platform of Principles adopted
by the Republican National Convention
at Philadelphia.
The Republican party of the United
States, assembled in National Conven-
ton, at Philadelphia, on June and
6, 1872, again declares it's faith, APP
peals to It's history, and announces its
position upon the questions before the
country.
|. During eleven years of its supremacy
it has accepted, " it'll grand courage, the SOL
emn duties of the times. 1t suppressed a
gigantic rebellion emancipated 100000 of
slaves; decreed the equal citizenship Of all,
and established universal suffrage. Exhib-
lting unparalleled magpanimity, it crimi
nally punished no man for political offenses,
and warmly welcomed all who proved
their loyalty by obeying the laws and deal
ing justly with their neighbors 1t has
steadily decreased with firm hand the re-
sultant disorders of the great war, and ini-
tiated wise policy towards the Indians
| The Pacific Railroad, and similar vast en-
| terprises, have been generously aided and
successfully conducted the public land free
| ly given to actual settlers; immigration.pro-
| tected and encouraged, and full acknowl-
| edgment of naturalized citizens rights Sc
cured from European powers. A uniform
national currency has been provided, repu-
diaton frowned down, and national credit
sustained under the most extraordinary
burdens, and new bonds negotiated at
lower rates; the revenues have been care
fully collected and honestly applied. Des
pite the annual large reductions of rate
of taxation, the public debt has been re-
duced during General Grants Presidency
at the rate of $1,000 5000 year a great
financial crisis has been avoided, and peace
and plenty prevail throughout the land.
Menacing foreign difficulties have been
peacefully and honorably compromised, and
the honor and power of the nation kept in
high respect throughout the world. This
glorious record of the past is the partv's
best pledge for the future We believe that
the people will NOT mistrust the Government
to any party or combination of men COM
posed of those who chiefly have resisted
every step of this beneficial progress.
2. Complete liberty and exact equality in
the enjoyment of all civil, political and pub
lie rights should be established and effec-
tually maintained throughout the Union by
efficient an appropriate State and FEEDER al
legislation neither law or its administra-
ton should admit of any discri mination in
respect to citizens by reason of race, creed,
color, or previous condition offs rvitude.
3. The recent amendments to the Natona
Constitution should be cordially sustained
because they are right, not merely tolerated
because they are law and should be carried
out according to their spirit by appropriate
legislation, the enforcement of which can
be safely trusted only to the party that Sc
cured those amendments.
4. The National Government should seek
to maintain an honorable peace with all
nations, protecting it's citizens everywhere
and sympathizing with all people who
strive for greater liberty.
5. Any system of civil service under
which the subordinate positions of the Gov
eminent are considered rewards for mere
party zeal is fatally demoralizing, and we,
therefore, favor a reform of the system by
laws which shall abolish the evils of patron
age, and make honesty, efficiency and fideli-
ty essential qualifications for public posi-
ton, without practically creating life ten
ure of office.
6. We are opposed to further grants of
W
and demand that the national domain be
set apart for free homes for the people.
Z. The annual Revenue, after paying cur
rent debts, should furnish a moderate bal
ance for the reduction of the principal and
revenue excepted so much as may be derived
from tax on tobacco and liquors, be raised
by duties on importations, the duties on
which should be so adjusted as to aid in Sc
curing renumerative wages to the laborer,
and promote the industries growth and
prosperity of the whole country.
s. We hold in undying honor the soldiers
and sailors whose valor saved the Union;
their pensions are sacred debt of the ma
ton, and the widows AID orphans of those
who died for their country are entitled to
the care of a generous and grateful people.
We favor such additional legislation as will
extend the bounty of the Government to all
our soldiers and sailors who were honorably
discharged and who in the line of duty be-
came disabled, without regard to length of
service or cause of such discharge.
9. The doctrine of Great Britain and other
European powers concerning allegiance
once subject always subject having at
last, through the efforts of the Republican
party, been abandoned, and the American
idea of the individuals right to transfer his
allegiance having been accepted by Europe
an nations. it is the duty of our Government
to guard with jealous care the rights of our
adopted citizens against the assumption of
unauthorized claims by their former Gov
ernments, and urge continual and careful
encouragement and protection to voluntary
immigration.
10. The tranking privilege ought to be
abolished, and the way prepared for speedy
reduction in the ra ties of postage.
IL. Among the questions viii Oh press for
attention is that which concerns the relations
of capital and labor, and the Republican
party recognize the duty of so shaping legis-
lation as to secure full protection and the
amplest field for capital, and for labor the
creator of capital, the largest opportunities
and just share of mutual profits of these
two great servants of civilization.
IL. We hold that Congress and the Presi-
dent have only fulfilled and imperative duty
in their measures for the suppression of vic.
lent and reasonable organizations in certain
lately rebellious regions, and for the protec-
ton of the ballot box ; and, therefore, they
are entitled TO the til anks of the nation.
ID. We denounce the reputation of the
public debt in any form or disguise, as
national crime. We witness with pride the
reduction of the principal of the debt, and
and of the rates of interest upon the balance
and confidently expect that our excellent
national currency will be perfected by
speedy resumption of specie payments
IA. The. Republican party is mindful gifts
obligations to the loyal women of America
for their noble devotion to the cause of Free
dom; their admission to wider fields of USE
fulness is received with satisfaction, and the
honest demands of any class of citizens for
additional rights should be treated with re-
spectful consideration.
Is. We heartily approve of the &C ton of
Congress in extending amnesty to those
lately in rebellion, and rejoice in the growt tn
of peace and fraternal feeling throughout
the land
l6. The Republican party propose to re-
spect the rights reserved by the people to
themselves as carefully as the powers dele
gated by them to the State and to the Fed
eral Government. It disapproves of the re.
sort to unconstitutional laws for the purpose
of removing evils by interference with the
Il. Al