The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-06-15
Republican Platform.

The following is the full platform adopt
ed by the Republican National Convention
held at Philadelphia, June 9TH and 9th,
1872:
The Republican party Of the United
States assembled in National Convention
in the city of Philadelphia on 5th and 9th
days of June, 1872, again declares it's faith,
appeals to its history, and announces it's
position upon the questions before the
country.
First-During eleven years Of supremacy
it has accepted with grand courage the
solemn duties of the time; it suppressed
gigantic rebellion, emancipated four mil
lions Of slaves, decreed the equal citizen
ship of all, and established universal suf-
frage. Exhibiting unparalleled magnan-
unity, it criminally punished no man for
political offences, and warmly welcomed all
who proved loyalty by obeying the laws
and dealing justly with their neighbors.-
1t has steadily decreased with firm hand
the resultant disorders of great war, and
initiated a wise and human policy towards
the Indians. The Pacific Railroad and
similar vast enterprises have been gener-
ously aided and successfully conducted
The public lands have been freely given to
actual settlers, immigration protected and
encouraged, and full acknowledgment of
naturalized citizens rights secured from
European Powers. A uniform national
currency has been provided, reputation
frowned down, the national credit sustain
ed under the most extraordinary burdens
and new bonds negotiated at lower rates.
The revenue has been carefully collected
and honestly applied. Despite the annual
large reduction of the rates of taxation the
public debt has been reduced during Gen.
eral GRATIS Administration at the rate Of
one hundred millions year. Great finan-
cial crises have been avoided, and peace and
plenty prevail throughout the land; menac-
ing foreign difficulties peaceably and hon.
orably composed and the honor and power
of the nation kept in high respect through
out the world. This record of the past is
the party's best pledge for the future
We believe that the people will not entrust
ton of men composed partly of those who
have resisted every step of this beneficial
progress.
Second-Complete liberty and exact
equality in the enjoyment of all civil, polit-
ical and public rights should be established
and eflectually maintained throughout the
Union by efficient and appropriate State
and Federal legislation. Neither the law
nor its administration should admit of any
in respect of citizens by
reason Of race, creed, color or previous
Of servitude.
The recent amendments to the National
Constitution should be cordially sustained,
because they are right, not merely tclerat-
ed because they are law, and should be
carried out according to their spirit by
appropriate legislation, the enforcement Of
which can safely be trusted only to 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 sympathiZing
with all people who strive for greater
liberty.
Fifth-A system of civil service under
which the subordinate positions of the Gov
ernment are considered rewards for mere
party zeal is fatally demoralizing, and we
therefore favor reform of the system by
laws which shall abolish the evils of patron
age, and make honesty, efficiency and
fidelity the essential qualifications for pub
lie positions, without practically creating a
life tenure of office.
SiXth-We are opposed to further grants
Of the public lands to corporations and
and demand that the national
domain be set apart for free homes for the
people.
Seventh-The annual revenue, after pay
ing the current debt, should furnish mod
crate balance for the reduction of the prin-
,ipal, and the revenues, except so much as
may he derived from tax on tobacco and
liquor, be raised by duties upon importa-
ions, the duties of which should be so
adjusted as to aid in securing remunerative
wages to labor, and promote the industries,
and growth of the whole coun-
Try.
soldiers and sailors whose valor saved the
| Mon. Their pensions are sacred debt
Of the nation, and the widows and orphans
IF those who died for their country are en-
tiled to the care of a generous and grateful
people. We favor such additional legisla-
ion as will extend the bounty of the Gov
,rnment to all our soldiers and sailors who
we're honorably discharged. and who in the
inc of duty became disabled, without
regard to the length of service or the cause
Of such discharge.
Ninth-The doctrine of Great Britain
md other European Powers concerning
allegiance, "once subject always sub
ect," having at last through the efforts of
he Republican party been abandoned and
he American idea of the individuals right
% transfer allegiance having been accepted
)y European nations, it is the duty of our
Government to guard with jealous care the
light of adopted citizens against the assump-
ion Of unauthorized claims by their for
ner Governments, and we urge continued
,ireful encouragement aud protection Of
immigration.
Tenth-The franking privilege ought to be
and the way prepared for speedy
'eduction of the rate of postage.
Eleventh-Among the questions which
press for attention is that which concerns
he relation Of capital and labor, and the
Republican party recognize the duty of SO
haping legislation as to secure protection
md the amplest field for capital, and for
abor, the creator of capital, the largest
opportunities and a just share of the mutu-
il profits of these two great elements of
civilization.
Twelth-We hold that Congress and the
President have only fulfilled an imperative
luty in their measures for the suppression
If violent and reasonable organizations in
certain lately rebellious regions and for the
of the ballot-box, and therefore
hey are entitle to the thanks of the nation.
1hirteenth-We denoupce reputation
If the public debt in any form or disguise
IS national crime. We witness with
,ride the reduction of the principal of the
Iebt and rates of interest on the balance,
md confidently expect our excellent nation
i currency will be perfected by a speedy
of specie payment.
Fourteenth-The Republican party is
mindful of its obligations to the loyal
women of America for their noble devotion
o the cause of freedom. Their admission
o wide field of usefulness is viewed with
abstraction, and the honest demand of any
lass of citizens for additional rights should
re treated with respectful consideration.
Fifteenth-We heartily approve the
ction of Congress in extending amnesty to
hose lately in rebellion, and rejoice in the
,rowth of peace and traternal feeling
throughout the land.
Sixteenth-The Republican party pro-
'ose to respect the rights reserved by the
,eeple to themselves as carefully as the
covers delegated by them to the States
nd te the Federal Government. 1t disap-
'roves of the resort to unconstitutional
avs for the purpose of removing evils by
Interference with rights not surrendered by
he people to either State or National Gov
Seventeenth-It is the duty of the Gen.