Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-07-18
Democratic Convention.
Second Days Proceedings.


At 10 o'clock the President. Hon.
James R. Doolit'le, called the Cunvenz
ton to order. and introduced the Rev.
Dr.. Ieybur. who offered prayer:
First. We recognize the equality Of
ell men before the law, and hold that it
is the duty of the Government, in its
dealing wi the people, to mete cut
eqnal and exact justice to all, of whatever
nativity. race. color or pursuas;on, re-
ligious or political
Second. We pledge ourselves to
maintain the UT ion of these States, en-
ancip alton and Acknowledgement. and to
oppose any reopenins of the Fourteenth
and Fifteenth Amendments of the Cousti-
tuition.
Third. We demand the immediate
and absolute removal of all disabilities
imposed on account of the rebellion (great
applause and cheers ]. which was finally
subdued seven years ago, believing that
universal amnesty will result in the
complete pacifcatlon of all sections of tie
country.
Fourth. Local sclf-governmcnt, with
impartial suffrage, will guard the rights
of all citizens moro securely than any
centralized power. The public welfare
requires the supremacy of the civil over
the military authority, (great applause),
and the freedom of persons under the
protection of the hsbeas corpus. We
demand for the individual the largest
liberty consistent with public order for
the States 'selt-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 an object of selfish greed. 1t is a
scandal and reproach upon our free in j.
stitutlons, and breeds demon alization
dangerous to the perpctuity Of republican
government. We therefore regard q
thorough reform Of the Civil Service as
one of the most pressing necessities the
only valid claim to public employment:
that the Offices of the Government cease
to be a matter of arbitrary favoritissn
and patronage, and that public stations
become again posts of honor. To this
end it is impcratively required that Eo
President shall be candidate for re-elcc-
ton.
Sixth We demand system Of FEEDER
al taxation which shall not unnecessarily
interfere with the industry of the people
and which shall provide means necessary
to pay the exp enses of the Government,
economically administered, pensions. the
interest on the public debt, and a moder-
ate reduction, annually, of the principal
thereof, and recognizing that there are
in our midst honest, bu. irreconcilable
differences of opinion with regard to the
respective systems of protection and free
trade, we remit the discussion of the sub
ject to the people in their Congressional
districts. and to the decision of Congress
thereon, wholly free Of Executive inter for.
eDoe or diotat;on.
Seventh. The public credit must BE-
sacredly maintained, and we denounco
reputation in every form and guise.
Eigth. A speedy return to specie pay
mepts is demanded alike by the highes,
| considerations of commercial morality
and honest Government.
Ninth. We remember with gratitude
the heroism and sacrifice of tho soldiers
and sailors of the Republic, and no &C,
Of ours should ever detract from their just
~ earned fame or the full reward Of
their patriotism.
Tenth. We are opposed to all further
grants Of lands to railroads or other cor
porations. The pub lie domain shou Id be
held sacred to actual settlers.
Eleventh. We hold that i is the duty
of the Government in its intercourse with
foreign nations, to cultivate the friendship
f peace by treating with all on fair and
equal terms, regarding it alike disonor-
able either to demand what is not right
or to submit to what is wrong.
Twelfth. For the promotion and sue
cess of these vital principles, and the
support Of the candidates nominated-by
this Convention, we invite and cordially
welcome the cooperation of all pattietic
citizens without regard to previous po-
iitical utilization. and continued cheering.
The Chairman. Such being the vote
of the Convention it becomes the duty
Of the Chair to declare that this report Of
the Committee on Resolutions has been
adopted. [Grcat applause.
Mr.. Hoffman, Of New York. Mr.
President: II it is in order I desire to
present communication which relates
to candidates. 1t is signed by about
$4,000 Germans citizens of the United
States residing in the city OF New York
applause. l ask that the Secretary may
read the heading of it for the informa-
ton of the Convention.
The Chair. Let the Convention be
in order while We hear by the reading
of this report whether the Germans OF
New York city are for US or against US.
The Clerk read as follows:
Whereas, at conference of small
number Of citizens from various parts OF
the Union, held in one,of the 2arlors Of
q hotel in New York city, on the Goth
and 21st of June, a few men, without
any authority whatever, have assumed
to speak as representatives of the Ger
man Americans, and were reported to
have given expression to sentiments ut
tcrly at variance with the opinions held
by the undersigned and thousands Of
their countrymen in this city. and all
over the Union; and
Whereas, The unfounded statements
then made are threatened to be ur-
ged upon the National Democratic Con-
vention at Baltimore as the sentiment is
entertained by the German voters on the
question of choosing candidates for the