Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-06-11
The PhiladeI phia Platform.

June, 1872 againrdeclares its faith, appeals
to Its history, and announces Its position upon
the questions before the country:
First. During eleven years of supremacy it
has accepted, with grand courage, the solemn
duties of the time. IL suppressed gigantic
rebellion, emancipated four millions of slaves
sdecreed the equal citizenship of ALL and es-
tablished universal suffrage. Exhibiting unS
paralleled maenanimity, it criminaliy pun
hished no man for political ofenses, aud warmly
welcomed all who proved loyalty by obeying
the laws and dealing justly with their neigh
bors. 1t has steadily decreased, with firm
hand. the resultant disorders of great war,
and initiated aswise and humane policy to-
wards the Indians The Pacific railroad and
similar vast enterprises have been generously
aided and successfully conducted. The pub.
lie lands have been freely given to actual set
tiers, immigration protected and encouraged,
and full ackno ledgmeut of natnralized citi.
Zens' rights secured from European powers
a uniform national currency has been pro-
vided, Reputation frowned down. the national
credit sustained under the most extraordinary
burdens and new bonds negotiated at lower
rates. The revenue has been carefully coll
lected and honestly applied Despite the an
nual large reduction of the rates of taxation,
the public debt has been reduced during Gen.
eral Grants administration at the rate of one
hundred million a year. Great financial crises
have been avoided. and peace and plenty pre-
vail throughout the land, menacing foreign
difficulties peaceably and honorably composed,
and the honor and power of the nation kept
in high respect throughout the world. This
record of the past is the party's best pledge
for the future. We believe that the people
will not entrust the government to any party
nat hoy nF MOI anp nsaH To-, Of
those who have resisted every step of this
beneficial progress.
Second. Complete liberty and exact equal
ity in the enjoyment of all civil, political and
public rights should be established and effec>
tualiy maintained throughout the Union by
efficient and appropriate State apd federal Leg
islaton. Neither the law nor its administra-
ton should admit of any discrimination in re-
spect of citizens by reason of race, creed,
color or previous condition of servitude.
Third. The recent amendments to the ma
tional constitution should be cordially sus-
tanned. because they are right not merely tole.
rated because they are law. and should be car
ried out according to their spirit by appro-
pirate legislation. the enforcement of which
can safely be trusted only to the party that Sc.
cured those amendments.
Fourth. The national government should
seek to maintain an honorable peace with all
nations, protecting its citizens everywhere,
and sympashizing with all people who strive
FOR greater liberty.
Fifth A system of civil service. under
which the subordinate positions of the govern
ment are considered rewards for mere party
zeal, is fatally demoralizing. and we therefore
favor a reform of tho system by laws which
shall abolish the evils of patronage, and make
honesty. efficiency and fidelity the essential
qualifications for public positions, without
practically creating life tenure of Office
Sixth We are opposed to further grants of
the public lands to corporations and monopo.
lies, and deuland that rhe national louIain be
set apart for free homes for the people.
Seventh. The annual revenue after paying
the current debt should furnish moderate
balance for the reduction of the principal, aud
the revenues, except so much may be de-
rived from tax on tobacco and liGucr, be
raised by duties upon impOrtatiOEs, the duties
OF which should be adjusted as to aid in
securing remuneratlVe wages to labor and
promote the industries, prosperity aud growth
Of tho whole country.
Eighth. We hold in undying honor the
soldiers and sailors whose vaor saved the
Union. Their pensions are sacred debt of
the nation, aud the widows and orphans of
those who died for their country are entitled
to the care of a generous and grateful people,
We favor such additional Legislation as will
extend ths bounty OF the government to all
our soldiers and sailors who were houoraby
discharged, and who in the line of duty be-
came disabled, without regard to the length OF
service or the cause of such discharge
Ninth. The doctrine of Great Britain and
other European powers concerning allegiance
''once a subject always a subject" having at
last, through the efforts of the republican
party, been abandoned, and the American
idea Of the individuals right to transfer al
legiance having been accepted by European
nations, it is the duty Of our government to
guard with jealous care the rights of adopted
citizens against the assumption of unauthoriz
ed claims by their former governments, and
we urge continued careful encouragement and
protection ct voluntary immigration.
Tenth. The ranking privilege ought to be
abolished, and the way prepared for speedy
reduction of the rate of postage.
Eleventh. Among the questions which
press for attention is that which concerns the
relation of capital and labor, and the republi-
can party, recognize the duty of SO shaping
legislation as to secure protection and the
amplest field for capital, and for labor, the
creator of capital, the largest opportunities
and a just share of the mutual profits of these
two great elements of civilization.
Twelfth. We hold that Congress and the
President have only fulfilled an imperative
duty in their measures for the suppression of
violent and reasonable organizations in GER
tain lately rebe]lious regions, and for the pro-
lection of the ballot>box, and therefore they
entitled to the thanks of the nation.
Thirteenth. We denounce Reputation of
the public debt in any form or disguise as
national crime. We witness with pride the
reduction of the principal of the debt and
rates OF interes. on the balance, and conf
IDENTIFY expect our excellent national currency
will be perfected by speedy resumption of