Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-21
POLITICAL.
THE RALTIMOKE PLATFORSE.

We, the Democratic electors of the United
States in Convention assembled, do present the
following principles, already adopted at Cilci1i-
natl, as essential to q just government: - 7-
l. We recognize the equality Of all men before
the law, and hold that il is the duty of Govern
ment in its dealings with the people, to 1nete out
equal and exact justice to all OF whatever ma
tvity, race, color, or persuasion religious or pO-
litical Eserrelesg
2, We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
Of these States, emancipation and enfranchise-
ment, and to oppose any reopening OF the ques-
tons settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments of the Constitution.
8. We demand the immediate and absolute re
moval OF all disabilities imposed on account OF
the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty VII
result in complete pa cthcation in all sections OF
the country. ~ y 90 se+s.-. lt-
A. Local selE-goyernment with impartial suf-
rage viii guard the rights Of all citizens more
securely than any centralized power. The public
welfare requires the supremacy OF the civil over
the military authority, and the freedom Of per
son under the protection Of the habeas corpus.
We demand for the individual the largest fiber-
ty consistent with public order, for the State self
government, and for the nation return to the
methods of peace and the constitutional limita-
lions of power.
5. The civil service of the Government has be-
come mere instrument of partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object OF selfish greed.
1t is a scandal and reprOach upon free institu-
tons, and breeds a Decentralization dangerous to
the perpetuity Of republican government.
g. We therefore regard thorough reform OF
the civil service as one of the most pressing ne
cessties of the hour; that honesty, capacity, and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the Offices OF the Government
cease TO be a matter OF arbitrary fayoritism and
patronage, and that public station shah become
again place of honor. To this end II IS impera-
lively required that no President shall be can
didate for reelection. q - ---a.1t-y
Z. We demand a system of Federal taxation
industry Of the people, and which shall provide
the means necessary to pay the expenses Of the
Government, economically administered, the
PENSIONS the interest on the public debt, and a
thereof; and recognizing that there are in onr
midst honest and irrec0ncilable differences Of
opinion with regard to the respective systems of
Protection and Free Trade, we remit the discus
sion of the subject to the people IN their Con-
gressional Districts, and the decision of Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive interference
or dictation.
g. The public credit must be sacredIy main
tanned, and we denounce reputation in every
form and guise. s.-r rr-
9. A speedy return to specie payments is de-
manded alike by the highest considerations of
commercial morality and honest government.
10. We remember with gratitude the herOism
and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors of the
Republic, and no act of ours shall ever detract
from their justly earned fame or the fun rewards
Of their patriotism. rr.sff
to railroads or other corporations. The public
domains should be held sacred 10 actual settlers.
~. We hold that it Is the duty of the Govern
ment in its intercourse with foreign nations to
cultivate the friendship of peace, by treating
with all on fair and equal terms regarding it alike
dishenorabie either to demand what Is not right
or submit to what is wrong. =.
-. For the promotion and success OF these
vital principles and the support OF the candidates
nominated by this Convention, we invite and cor
daily welcome the corporation of all patriotic
citizens, without regard opreyious political afl
iations.