Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-05-23
ThE CINCINNATI PLATFORM.

/. We recognize the equality Of all
men before the law, and hold it is the
duty of the government in its dealings
with the people to meet ont equal and
exact justice to all, of whatever race,
nativity, color or persuasion. religious or
political
2. We pledge ourselves to maintain
the law, the union of the States, enamel
patton and REIMBURSEMENT. and 10 oppose
any re-opening of the questions settled
by the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments to the constitution.
3. We demand immediate and abso-
lutte removal of all disabilities imposed
on account of the rebellion which was
subdued seven years ago believing that
universal amnesty will result in the com
plete pacifcation Of all sections Of the
country.
4. Local sectional government with
impartial suffrage will guard the rights
Of all citizens more securely than any
centralized power. The public welfare
requires the supremacy Of civil over mill
tary au thority aid freedom to the person
under protection of the haJeas corpus
We demand for individuals the largest
liberty consistent with public order for
State selfgoyernment, and for the nation
return to the method Of peace and con-
stitulional Limitation of power.
5. The civil service of the govern
ment has become a mere instrument for
partisan trickery and personal ambition,
and an object Of selfish greed; it is a
scandal and a reproaeh upon our institu-
tions and breeds decentralization danger.
Gus to the perpetuity of Republican
government. We therefore regard a
thorough reform of the civil service as
one of the most pressing necessities of the
hour; that honesty, capacity and fidelity
constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that Offices of the govern
ment cease to be matter Of arbitration,
favoritism and patronage, and that pub
lie station shall become again post OF
honor. To this end it is imperatively
required that 10 president shall be a
CaDQlUdLe IOT Fe-eIeCtlOu.
6. We demand system Of federal
taxa ton, 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 principal and interest on the public
debt, and the moderate annual reduction
of the principal thereof; aad recogniz-
ing that there are in our midst honest
but irreconcilable differences of opinion
in regard to the respective system of
protection and free trade, we commit the
discussion of the subject to the people
and the congressional districts and the
decision Of Congress thereon, wholly
free Of executive interference or dictation.
l. Public credit must be sacredly
maintained. and We denounce reputation
iii every form and guise.
8. The speedy return to specie pay
ment is demanded. alike by the highest
considerations of commercial motives and
honest government.
8. We remember with gratitude the
labors and sacrifices of soldiers and
sailors of the republic, and no act fours
shall ever detraet from their justly earned
fame or full reward for their patriotism
10. We are opposed to all further
grants to railroads or other corporations,
and insist that the public domain should
be held sacred to actual settlers.
Il. We hold that it is the duty ci
the government in relation to foreign
nations to cultivate friendship and peace
by treaty with all on fair and equal
terms, regarding it alike dishoDorable
either to demand what is not right or tc
submit to what is wrong.
IL. For the promotion and success O.
the several principles and support of the
candidates nominated by this convention
we invite cordial CO. cooperation and well
come all patriots without regard to pre-
vious political affiliations