Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-23
POLITICAL.
THE BALTIMORE PLATF0RM.

We, the Democratic electors of the United
States, in Convention assembled, do present the
following principles, already adopted at Cincin-
natl, as essential to just government:
1. We recognize the equality Of all men before
the law, and hold that i5 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 pc
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain the Unlor
of these States, emancipation and enfra nchise
ment, and to oppose any reoPening OF the ques
tons settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth ant
fifteenth amendments OF the Constitution.
8. We demand the immediate and absolute re
moyal of all disabilities imposed on account Of
the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty viii
result in complete pa cidcation in all sections OF
the county. -i-A " b -- -t1 -t-t
4. Local self-goyernraent with impartial saf-
frage 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 che habeas corpus
We demand for the individual the largest liber-
ty consistent with public order for the State self
government, and for the nation a return to the
methods of peace and the constitutional limita-
lions of power. T..
come mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object OF selfish greed
1t is a scandal and reprOaeh upon free. institI-
tons, and breed. disqualification dangerous to
&. We therefore regard thorough reform OF
the civil service as one of the most pressing ne
cessities of the hour that honesty, capacity, and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the offices Of the Government
cease 10 be a matter Of arbitrary fayoritism and
patronage, and that public station shall become
again place of honor. To this end il Is impera-
lively required that no President shall be a can
didate for reelection. --t
7. We demand a system of Federal taxation
which shall not unnecessarily interfere with the
industry of the people, and which shall provide
the means necessary to 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 irreconcilable differences of
opinion with regard to the respective systems of
Protection and Free Trade, we remit the discus
sion Of the subject to the people in their Con-
gressiGnal Districts, and the decision of Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive interference
or dictatiOn.
g. The public credit must be sacredly main
tanned, and we denounce Reputation in every
form and gulse. f1.li-ll aiifa
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 snd sailors OF the
Republic, and no act of ours shall ever detract
from their Justly earned fame or the full rewards
of their patriotism. 1
II. 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 the friendship Of peace, by treati ng
with all on fair and equal terms, regardng it alike
dishonOrable either to demand what is not right
or submit to what Is wrong. CO.
Is. For the promotion and success OF these
vital principles, and the support of the candidates
nominated by this convention, we invite and cor
daily welcome the cooperation Of all patriotic
citizens, without regard TO previous political afi
iafiO