The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1872-08-06
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PLATFORM
S''-s PLATFORM
or, National Liberal Republican and
Democratic Rcforn'ers, adopted at Gin-
cinnati May 2, and qt Bsltinldre slx!y
TO- 1879 "a X "a Z

We, the Democratic electors of the United
States, in Convention assembled, do proclaim
the following principles, already adopted at
CiHoinnati, as essential tosj ust goverhmsnt: &
9 1--WE recognize the. Equality Of all men
before the law, and hold that it is the duty
of the Government in its dealings with the
people,.o mste out equal and exact justio, to
all, of whatever nativity, raoe' color or per-
suasion, religious or political.
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain The
Union of the States, emancipation ami en-
fraschisement, and to oppose anv reopening
of the questions settled by the 18th, l4th and
18th amendments Of the Constitution. ~ :, "a
8. We dehand thsimmsdiafe and absolu te
removal of all disabilities imposed on account
of the rebellion which was finally subdued
seven years ago believing that universal am i.
nesty will result in complete paeincation in
all sections of the country.
4 Local self government with impartial
suffrage will 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
freedom OF person under the protection of
the habeas corpus, we demand for the indi-
vidual the largest liberty consistent with
public order; for the State self-government,
! and for the nation q return to the methods of
peace and the constitutional limitations of
power,
S. The civil service of the government has
become rnsreainstrument of partisan ty-
ranny and personal ambition aud an object of
selfish greed;it is scandal and reproach upon
free institutions. and breeds decentralization
dangerous to the perpetuity of republican
government.
6, We, therefore, regard thorough reform
of the civil service as one Of the most pres
sing necessities Of the hour, that honesty ca
pacity and fidelity constitute the only valid
claims to public employment; that the officers
of the Government cease to be q matter oi
satbitray faveritism and patronage, and that
IpIblic station become again q post of honor
! 70 this end itsh impsratisslyss red uirsd that
ton.
=. gAa public credit must bes.aeredly
maintainsd, and we denouncs repudiation il
every form and guise.
! y. A speedy return to specie payment is
demanded alike. by the highest Considerations
Of commercial morality snd honest govern
ment.
9. We remember With gratitude the hero
ism and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailor:
Of the republic, and no act of ours shall evel
detract from their justly earned fame or tn,
full reward of their patriotism. e., 90.
10. We are opposed to all further grants
I Of lands to railroads or other corporations
The public domain should be held sacred tt
actual settlers,
IL. We hold that II is the duty OF the gov
srnment, in its intercourse with foreign ma
tions, to cultivate the friendship of peace by
treating with all on fair and equal terms, re-
garding i. alike dishouorable either to de-
mand what is not right or to submit to waa
is wrong.
Il. For the promotion and success of these
vital principles, and tho support of the can
didates nominated by this Conven ton, We in
vite and cordially welcome the cooperation
of all patriotic citizens, without regard t,
previous political affiliations