Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-08-04
POLITICAL.
THE BALTIm0RE PLATFORM.


We, the Democratic electors OF the United
States, in Convention assembled, DO present the
following principles, already adopted at Cincln-
natl, as essential to just government:
1. 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 mete out
equal and exact justice to all Of whatever ma
tiyity race, color, or persuasion, religious or pO-
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
OF these States, emancipation and enfrs nehise-
ment, and to oppose any reopening of the cues
tons settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments of the Constitution
g. We demand the immediate and absolute re-
m0val Of all disabilities imposed on account OF
the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty will
result in complete pa cifcation in an sections OF
the country.
4. Local self-gOvernmsnt with impartial suf-
mage 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 lfber-
" consistent with public order for the State self
government, and for the nation a return to the
methods of peace and the constitutional Iimita-
tons Of power.
come mere instrument Of partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object OF selfish greed.
1t Is scandal aud Fe2rOach upon free institu-
tons, and breeds a decentralization DANGEROUS To
the perpetuity Of republican government.
We therefore regard a thorough reform Of
the civil service as one of the most pressing ne
cessites Of the hour; that honesty, capacity, and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the offices of the Governments
cease TO be matter OF arbitrary favOritism and
patronage, and that public station shall become
again place of honor. To this end it Is iDpera-
lively required that no President shall be can
did2te for reelection.
Z. We demand system of Federal taxation
which shall not unnecessarily interfere with The
industry OF the people, and which shall provide
the means necessary 70 pay the expenses Of the
Government, economically administered, the
pensions, the interest on the public debt and a
moderate annual reduction of the principal
thereof; and recognizing that there are in our
midst honest and TrecOncilable differences OF
opinion with regard to the respe ctive 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-
8. The public credit must be sacredIy main
tanned, and We denounce reputation in every
form and guise.
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
and no act Of ours shall ever detract
from their justly earned fame or the full rewards
IL. We are opposed to all further grants OF land
to railroads or other corporations The public
domains shOuld be held sacred to actual settlers.
II. We hold that it is the duty Of the Govern
ment in its intercourse with foreign nations to
cultivate tae friendship Of peace, by treating
with all on fair and terms regarding il alike
either to demand what is not right
Jr submit to what is wrong
ID. For the promotion and success of these
vital principles and the support of the candidates
nominated by this convention we invite and cor
Tally welcome the cooperation Of all patriotic
;itizens, without regard to rEeviOus political ai
atiOns.