The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1872-06-25
Republican National Platform.

and oth days OF June, loIZ, again de-
clarcs its faith, appears to its past, and
announces its positions upon the questions
before tho country.
Frst-During eleven years Of supre-
macy, it has accepted,with grand courage,
the solemn duties of the time. 1t sup
pressed gigantic rebellion, emancipated
four millions of slaves, decreed the equal
citizenship of all, and established univer-
sal suffrage. Exhibiting unparalleled
magnanimity, it criminally Furnishes no
man for political offences, and warmly
welcomes all who proved their loyalty
by opening the laws and dealing justly
with their neighbors. 1t has steadily
decreasd with firm hand the resultant
disorders of great war, and initiated a
wise policy towards the Indians. The
Pacific Railroad and similar vast enter.
prises have been generally aided AMI
successfully conducted, the public lands
freely given to actual settlers, immigra-
ton protected and encouraged, and full
acknowledgement Of the naturalized cti-
zens' right secured from European pow.
ers. A uniform national currency has
been provided, reputation frowned down,
the national credit sustained under most
extraordinary burdens, and new bonds
negotiated at lower rates. The revenues
have been carefully collected and honest
ly applied. Despite the annual large re-
duction of rates of taxation, the public
debt has been reduced during Gen. Grants
Presidency at the rate of one hundred
million dollars year. A great fnan-
crisis has been avoided, and peace and
plenty plenty prevail through the land.
Menacing foreign difficulties have been
peacefully and honorable compromised
and the horror and power of the nation
kept in high respect throughout the
world. This glorious record of the past
Is the partys best pledge for the future.
We believe the people will not intrust
the Government to any party or combi-
nation of men composed chiefly of those
who have resisted every step of this bene.
fetal progress.
Second-Complete liberty and exact
equality in the enjoyment of all civil,
political, and public rights should be
established and effectually maintained
throughout the Union by efficient and ap-
propriate State and Federal legislation.
Neither the law nor its administration
should admit of any discrimination in
respect of citizens by reason of race,
creed, color, or previous condition Of SER
vitude.
Third-The recent amendments to the
National 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 trui-
ted only 20 the party that secured those
amendments.
Fourth-The National Government
should seek to maintain an honorable
peace with all nations protecting its
citizens everywhere, and sympathizinS &
with all peoples who strive for greater
l;bo,ty.
Fitth--Any system OF The civil service
under which the subordinate positions oi
for mere zeal is fatally demoralizing, and
we therefore favor reform of the system
by laws which shall abolish the evils of
patronage, and make honesty, efhciency,
and fidelity the essential qualifications
for public position, without PRACTICAL ;
creating life tenure of office.
Sixth-We are opposed 10 further
grants of the public lands to corporations
and monopolies, and demand that the
national domain be set apart for free
homes tor the people.
Seventh-The annual revenues, after
paving the current debts, should furnish
a moderate balance for the reduction OF
the principal, and the revenue, except sc
much as may be derived from a tax on
tobacco and Liquors, be raised by the
duties on importation, the duties or
which should be so adjusted as to aid
in securing renumerative, growth AM
; prosperity Of the whole country.
Eighth-We hold in undying honol
the soldiers and tailors whose valor save
the Union their pensions are sacrcc
debt of the nation, and the widows an
orphans Of those who died for thei
. country are entitled to the care of {
generous and grateful people. We favo
such additional legislation as will exten'
the bounty of the Government to all ou
soldiers who were honorably discharge
= and who in the time of duty becam
disabled, without regard to length oi
or the cause of such discharge
Ninth-The doctrine of Great Britai,
= and other European powers concerninl
J. allegiance-'Once a subject, always
subj bject"-having at last, through tn
. efforts of the Republican party, bee
y abandoned, the American idea of the 10
dividual right to transfer his allegianc
having been accepted BIZ European ma
tions, it is the duty of our goverhmen
a to guard with Jealous care the rights O
: adopted citizens against the assumptio
( of unauthorized claims by their forme
n Governments and we urge the continue
d and careful encouragement and protee
: tion of voluntary immigration.
g Tenth-The franking privilege ough
r to be abolished, and the way prepare
i for a speedy reduction in the rates @
6 postage.
q Eleventh-Among the questions waic
u press for attention is that which concern
e the relations of capital and labor, an
It the Republican party recognized the dut
i of so shaping legislation as to secure fu
's protection and the amplest field for car
d ital ; and for labor, the creator Of capito
e the largest opportunities and a just shar
q of the mutual profits Of these two grea
2 servants Of civilization.
II Twelfth-We hold that Congress all
! the President have only fulfilled an i'm
o perative duty in their measures for th
1t suppression of violent and treasonabl
organizations in certain lately rebellion