Wilmington journal., 1872-07-19
The Cincinnati Platform
Adopted as the Platform by the Ma
tfOnRl Democratic Party i'm COnven-
tiOn Assembled ut Baltimore on tlae
IOah July, KS52.

AdODted as the Platform by the Ma
tiOnaI Democratic Party tn COnven-
tiOn Assembled ut Baltimore On the
IOth July, Ks72.
The following arc the resolutions i'll
full
We, the Liberal Republicans of the
United States, in national convention, as
sembled at Cincinnati, proclaim the fol-
lowing principles as essential to just
government:
First-We recognize the equality Of all
men before the law, and hold that it is the
duty of this government, in its dealings
with the people to mete out justice to all,
of whatever nativity, race, color, or per-
suasion, religious or political.
Second-We pledge ourselves to main
tain the union of these States, emancipa-
ton and enfranchisement, and TO oppose
any reopening of the questions settled by
the 18th, 18th and 10Th amendments to
the Constitution.
Third-We demand the immediate and
absolute removal of all disabilities imposed
on account of the rebellion, which was
finally subdued seven years ago, believing
| that universal amnesty will result in the
complete pacifcation of all sections Of the
| country.
Fourth-Local self-government, with
| impartial suffrage, will guard the rights OF
| all citizens more securely than any central
! lied power. The public welfare requires
the supremacy of the civil over the military
authority, and the freedom of person under
the protection of the habeas corpus. We
demand for the individual the largest lib
erty consistent with public order, for the
States self-gOvernment, and for the nation
a return to the methods OF peace and the
constitutional limitation of power.
Fifth-The civil service of the govern
ment has become a mere instrument OF
partisan tyranny and personal ambition,
and IN object of selfish greed. 1t is q scan
dal and reprOach upon our free inStitU-
tiOns, and breeds a decentralization dan
gerous to the perpetuity OF republican gov
ernment. We, therefore, regard athOrough
| reform of the civil service us one Ofthe most
pressing necessities of the hour; that hon
| csty, capacity and fidelity constitute the
only valid claims to public employment
that the offices Of the government cease tC
BE matter of arbitrary tavOritiSm and
patronage, and that public stations become
again posts of honor. To this end it is i'm
peratively required that no President shall
be candidate for reelection.
SiYth-We demand Il system Of Federal
taxation which shall not necessarily inter
fere with the industry of the people, and
which shall provide the means necessary tC
pay the expenses of the General Govern
mcnt, economically administered, pensions
the interest on the public debt and mod
crate reduction, annually, of the principal
thereof, and recognizing that there are i'll
our midst honest but irreCOncilable differ
ences of opinion with regard to trade, we
| remit discussion of the subject to the
| people in their congressional districts, and
to the decision of Congress thereon, wholly
| free of executive Interference or dictatiOn.
Seventh-The public credit must be
saCrcdly maintained, and we dcnOunce re-
| pudiatiOn i'll every form and guiSe.
Eighth-A speedy return to specie pay
ments is demanded alike by the highest
considerations of commercial morality and
honest government.
| Ninth-We remember with gratitude
the herOism and sacrifices of the soldiers
| and sailors of the Republic, and no act OF
| ours shall ever detract from their justly
earned fame the full reward of their pat
riOtism.
Tenth-We are opposed to all further
| grants of lands to railroads or other cOrpO-
ratiOns. The public domain should be
held sacred to actual settlers.
| EleventL-We hold that it is the duty of
the Government in its intercourse with
| foreign nations, to cultivate the friendship
of peace, by treating with all on fair and
| equal terms, regarding it alike dishOnOrable
either to demand what is not right or to
| submit to what is wrong.
TWelfth-FOr the promotion and success
of these vital principles, and the support OF
| the candidates nominated by this conven-
| ton, we invite and cordially welcome the
cooperation of all patriotic citizens without
regard to previous political attiliation.