Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-06-14
Republican National Platform

The Republican party of the United
States, assembled in National Convention
in the city of Philadelphia, on the fifth
and sixth days of June, 1872, again de-
clares its faith, appeals to its history and
announces its position upon the ques-
lions before the country
First.-During eleven years of SUI
premacy, it has accepted with grand
courage, the solemn duties of the time.
1t Suppressed a gigantic rebellion, cman-
cipated four millions of slaves, decrced
equal citizenship to ALL and established
universal suffrage thus exhibiting I'M
paralelled magnanimity. It criminal y
punished no man for political offcnses,
warmly welcomed all who proved their
loyalty by obeying the laws and deal
ing justly with their neighbors. 1t has
steadily decreased with firm hand, the
resultant disorders of a great war, and
initiated wise policy towards the In
dians. The Pacific railroad and similar
vast and great enterprises, have been
generously aided and successfully con-
Quoted. The public lands have been
freely given to actual settlers, immigra-
ton protected and encouraged full
acknowledgment of naturalized citizens
rights secured from European powers
Uniform national currency has been
provided, reputation frowncd down,
national credit sustained under the most
extraordinary burdens, and new bonds
negotiated at lower rates The revenues
have been carefully collected and honest
ly applied, despite the large annual
reductions of the rates of taxation the
public debt has been reduced during
Gen. Grants presidency at the rate of
one hundred million dollars per year.
A great financial crisis has been avoided
and peace and plenty prevail through
out the land. Recurring foreign diff
cultics have been peacefully and honora-
bly, compromised and the honor and
power Of the nation kept in high re-
spect throughout the world. This glori-
Gus record OF the past is the party's best
pledge for the future We believe the
people will Lot entrust the Government
to any party or combination of men
composed of those who chiefly have
resisted every step of beneficial pro-
gress.
Second.-Thc complete liberty and
exact equality in the enjoyment Of all
civil, political and public rights shonld
be established and effectually maintain
ed throughout the Union by efficient
| and appropriate State and Federal Leg
islation. Neither law nor its admins
| tration should admit of any discrimina-
ton in respect to citizens by reason of
race, creed, color, or previous condition
of servitudc.
Third.-The recent amendments to
the National Constitution should be
cordially sustained, because they are
right, not merely tolerated because they
are law, and should be carried out ac-
! cording to their spirit by appropriate
| legislation; the enforcement of which
can be safely trusted to the party that
secured these amendments.
Fourth The National government
| should seek to maintain an honorable
| peace with all nations protecting its
citizens everywhere and sympathizine
with all people who strive for greater
liberty.
Fifth.-Any system Of civil service
under which the subordinate positions OF
government are considered rewards fol
mere party zeal is fatally demoralizing
and we therefore favor a reform Of
system by laws which shall abolish the
evils of patronage and make honesty
efficiency and fidelity essential qualifi.
cations for public position, without
practically creating q life tenure OF
Office,