The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-05-31
PRINCIPLES ENUNCIATED BY THE RE-
fUBLICANS OF VIRGINIA. sr-s -,

assembled, about to enter tipon the canvass 10
| the election of President and Viee-Presiden
OIL the United States, now formally announc
wealth. . ---.1-
From 1865 to 1872 they have continually an,
unwayerlngly held and proclaimed the sam
principles; and they hereby reiterate and re
Affirm the resolutions of their State Convention
held in 1850, 1867, 1865, 1869, 1870, and 1871
These principles have been embodied in tn,
! 18th, l4th, and 18th amendments of the nationa
constitution and in the civil rights act of Apri
| 8, 1866, the enforcement act of May 80 1870 ant
| the amended enforcement act of April 20, 1871
| which principles in brief are -
!. That slavery shall never exist in this Union
Ihat all native and naturalized Inhabitants O
these states shall be citizens of the Union emit
tied to absolutely equal rights, civil and politi
That the elective franchise and the right of of
nce-holding shall belong to all citizens of proper
age, not guilty of crime irrespective of race
color, or OF any other proscriptive qualification
= mat the laws of Congress passed for the
enforcement of these rights should be diligently
executed; and that if, in practice these laws
should be found inadequate for this purpose
ual to that end
3. That these constitutional amendments and
the laws for their enforcement embody not only
tne Just principles of equality and right but
those of true Christian liberation and that we
oppose all prescription for opinion sake and all
endeayors to infuse spirit of hatred and HOSTILE
W IN the minds of one class of citizens against
another on political grounds.
4. That we challenge the world to produoe
financial results more successful than have been
achieved by the national administration The
NATIONAL debt has been diminished three hundred
n.aHtOnS Or dollars, while taxation by the nation
al government has been largely and steadily re-
duced. Our credit has improved and strength
ehea at nome and abroad the perpetrators of
fraud and embeZZement have been yiporouslv
pursued and promptly punished the revenues
nave Deen collected by officers held by the Presi-
cent 10 the most rigid accountability, all OF
when has produced the present satisfactory
condition of the national treasury
o. That n well conducted and faithfully ad-
ministered system of free schools in pursuance
OF the State constitution whereby the children
Oh tne people shall be universally educated, is q
cardinal policy of the Republican party, and
necessary to the well being of society and as
one means OF securing an efficient management
OF the free schools of Virginia, we favor the cleo
tlon OF sch DOL trustees by the people in such
manner that the minority as well as the major
ity may be represented In the school boards
. o.; mat 1t is due to the Superintendent of Pub
lie Instruction of Virginia, that this Convention
should express their approval of his late able re-
port, as giving earnest of his competency and
fidelity Of intention in the discharge of his i'm
portant duties
T. That the so-called Conservative party of
this State, by its unjust laws and proscriptiye
spirit by its attempts to hold the mass of the
people IN ignorance, by its pernicious financial
iegiciaton and its oppressive taxation, has for
ieted all claim to the support of the people of
Virginia and has shown that party is unfit TO
exist which, like it. is organized on the princi-
pie OF political and social prescription, and held
together by no common bond but that of hatred
towards the national government and its sup
porters.
S. That the wise provisions of the homestead
clause in our State constitution have been ip-
nored by the judiciary or ruled upon in such a
benefits
Suffering debtors find no adequate relief upon
appeal to the State courts or Legislature, but
ire compelled to see the little wreck of property
eft them by the war sacrificed under the sheriff
hammer at forced sale and themselves and fani-
les left homeless beggars.
In view of these facts, the Republican party of
V1rglnia, as the author of the homestead clause |
Ind its advocate to the present time believes the
extension OF the exemptions under the general
bankrupt act so as to include the homestead ex-
'mptions under our State constitution to be the |
'nly means of relief now offered to our people, |
md they therefore ask Congress to pass the |
amendment to that effect offered in the Senate |
" the Hon. j. +. Lewis, and hereby pledge
themselves to the support of this measure
y. That we extend hearty welcome to immI- |
ration and capital from abroad, and advocate
he development in every possible manner of the |
resources of forest, soil, water |
lower and mineral wealth in which Virginia |
bounds. .. |
ion by the Republican party, has proved q |
ational blessing; that a protective tariff is the I
rue policy for the South, tending rs it does to |
roduce that variety of employments which we |
D much need and that State and nationul taxa
ion should be reduced as rapidlyas possible
with "A due regard to the public faith.
IL. Ihat this Convention, rs II mark of their
aspect for the Hon John f. Lewis and as a tes
monial to his valuable public services, and his
ltegrity of character, respectfully offer his
anne to the Republican party of the United
tates, for nomination along with Gen. Grant
s candidate for the Weep Presidency
IL. That this Conyentien unanimously recon-
lend the denomination, General Grant for
ne Presidency, as due, not only to his great
i'm bn nd ii tha (y,l |
nd to his fidelity and honesty, but as a measure
justice to n great and good man who has been
lade the object of iniquitous assault not only
ON his political enemies but from those who
leuld have been his political friends.
supplemental Resolutions.
Res0toed, That in the opinion of this Conven-
on Congress should provide for such an extern
on of the powers of the Federal courts MS to |
rotect all rights and secure prompt remedies for
i wrongs in the States lately in rebellion where
he partisan Character OF the local courts, or the
adequacy OF their power fails to secure pro-
ction to any portion of the people.
ReSolced, That we are in favor of an amend
ent to the Constitution of the United States
'oviding for the election of President, Vice
resident, and Senators, directly by the people,
i'd, so far possible for such direct election OF
i other publc officers.
Resoleed, That the National domain is the
mmon heritage of all the people, and should
} sacredly guarded from speculation and mono
by sold only for homesteads to actual settlers
small quantities, and the proceeds applied to
Iucation, '
Resolved That this Convention earnestly re
the establishment of q free National
in the city of Washington, to utilize
q immense educational material now collected
ere; such University to be supported from the
'oceeds of sales of the public lands.
Resotced, That cheap communication by mail
one of the most precious interests of the peo-
e, and we call upon Congress to perfect our
'esent excellent system by adding there to the
ostal Telegraph, thus securing the vast benefits
Geographic communication to all.
WHEREAS it is of immense commercial impor-
nee to the people of the United States that
iblic highway be established for cheap trans
,rtation of freights between the people of
e West and the Atlantic seaboard; therefore,
it
ReSoloed, That the Congress of the United
ates be memoraliZed to complete the James
yer and Kanawha canal, and that our Senators
I'd representatives in Congress be requested to
Re all honorable means to secure the completion
this national highway (already half compile
ti as soon possible.