Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-07-19
POLITICAL.
THE RSITIM0KE PLATF0RM.e

We the Democratic electors of the United
States, in Convention assembled, do present the
following principles, already adopted at cincin-
natl, rs essential to just government: =
1. We recognize the equality of all men before
the law, and hold that lie is the duty OF Govern-
tent IN its dealings with the people, to mete out
equal and exact Justice to all of whatever mar
tivity race, color, or persuasion, religious or POI
q We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
OF these States, emancipation and enfra nchise-
ment, and 70 oppose any reoPening Of the ques,
fifteenth amendments of the Constitution.
8. We demand the immediate and absolute re-
moval Of all disabilities imposed on account OF
the rebellion, which was finally subdued seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty win
result in complete pa cieation in all sections of
the country. -
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 the habeas corpus
| We demand for the individual the largest liber-
ty consistent with public order for the State self
government, and for the nation q return to the
| methods Of peace and the constitutional limita-
| tions of pewer ff ~
g. The civil service of the Government has be-
como mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object of selfish greed.
| 1t is a scandal and reproach upon free institu-
| tions, and breeds Decentralization dangerous to
| the perpetuity of republican government.
g. We therefore regard q 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 TO be matter of arbitrary favoritism and
| patronage, and that public station shall become
again place of honor. To this end It Is impera-
| lively required that no President shall be can
| didate for reelection. r+reb nj
| 7. We demand a system of Federal taxation
| which shall not unnecessarily interfere with the
1 fr4fln NJ IL
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
1 thereof; and recognizing that there are In our
| midst honest and irrecOncilable differences of
opinion with regard to the respective systems of
4 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 dctation. ~.
g. The public credit must be sacredly main
l tanned, and we denoumce Reputation in every
| form and guise. a-st1
| 9. A speedy return to specie payments is de-
| manded alike by the highest considerations OF
/ commercial morality and honest government.
| TO- We remember with gratitude the heroism
and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors of the
| Republic, and no act of ours shall ever detract
fromtheir justly earned fame or the full rewardc
of their patriotism, ID, -f.-..-5- l.tr u.
II. We are opposed to all further grants of land
to railroads other corporations. The public
domains should be held sacred to actual settlers
T. 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 regarding 1t alike
dishenorable either TO demand what is not rig ht
or submit to what is wrong. & .f--.s..- .-.-.f
49, 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 corporation of all patriotic
citizens, without regard to previous political af-
| iatiOns. i4-t s4r- Peg .'-t