The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-05-18
PRINCIPLES ENUNCTATED BY THE RE.
PUBLICANS OF VIRGINIA.

FkiNCIPLES ENUNCIATED BY THE RE
PUBLICANS OF VIRGINIA.
The Republicans of Virginia, in Convention
assembled, about to enter upon the canvass fo
the election OF President and Vice-Presiden
oil the United States, now formally announc,
their principles to the voters of this Common
wealth. -7'lll u s- ....... ..rH Z.
From 1865 to 1879 they have continually ant
unwaveringly held and proclaimed the sam,
principles; and they hereby reiterate and re-
affirm the resolutions of their State Conventions
held in 1865, 1867, 1885, 1862 1870, and 1871.
These principles have been embodied in the
18TH, l4th, and 10th amendments of the national
constitution and in the civil rights act of April
9, 1866, the enforcement act of May 80, 1870 and
the amended enforcement act of April 90 1871
which principles in brief are - lsIls'f
l. That slavery shall never exist in this Union
Ihat all native and naturalized inhabitants OF
these states shall be citizens of the Union emit.
tied to absolutely equal rights, civil and poiti-
cal; Th aTll.-l9 -. i-I'l' I'1'-SsiiY''
That the elective franchise and the right ofof-
hceholding shall belong to all citizens of proper
age, not guilty of crime, irrespective of race.
color, or OF any other proscriptiye qualification
That the laws of Congress passed for the
enforcement of these rights should be diligently
executed; and that If, in practice, these laws
should be found inadequate for this purpose.
otner laws should be enacted by Congress effect
ual to that end. :.
8. That these constitutional amendments and
the laws for their enforcement embody not only
the just principles of equality and right but
those OF true Christian liberation; and that we
oppose all prescription for opinion sake, and all
endeavors to infuse spirit of hatred and HOSTILE
W IN the minds of one class of citizens against
another on political grounds.
4. Inat we challenge the world to produce
financial results more successful than have been
achieved by the national administration The
national debt has been diminished three hundred
millions Of dollars, while taxation by the nation
al government has been largely and steadily re-
duced. Our credit has improved and strength
ened at home and abroad the perpetrators of
fraud and embezzlement have been vigorously
have been collected by officers held by the Presi-
dent to the most rigid accountability, all OF
winch has produced the present Satisfactory
condition of the national treasury. Ita
o. That well conducted and faithfully adj
ministeTed system of free schools, in pursuance
OF the State constitution whereby the children
OF the people shall be universally educated, is a
cardinal policy of the Republican party and
necessary to the well being of society and as
one means of securing an efficient management
OF the free schools of Virginia. favor the cleo
ton of sch DOL trustees by the people in snch
manner that the minority as well as the major
ity may be represented in the school boards
.; mat tbs due to the Superintendent of Pub
lc instruction OF Virginia, that this Convention
shonfd express their approval of his late able
port as giving earnest of his competency and
fidelity OF intention in the discharge of his i'm
portant duties.
I. That the so-called Conservative party of
this State, by its unjust laws and proscrfptive
spirit, by its attempts to hold the mass of the
people in ignorance, by its pernicious financial
uliSi ltS OppTtSSlNe bd8dplOn, mas 10f-
feited all claim to the support of the people of
Virginia and has shown that party is unfit TO
exist which, like it, is organized on the princi-
pie OF political and social prescription, and held
together by no common bond but that of hatred
towards the national government and its sup
porters. @ y l5Fy a.H- ~
s. That the wise provisions of the homestead
ciausein our State constitution have been ig..
nored by the judiciary or ruled upon in such a
benefits. i-tf .sisl -.a5,s54lI a.I Y
Suffar,n, !, a al o., g, :, Il :, - !, A..
appeal to the State courts or Legislature, but
are compelled to see the little wreck of property
left them by the war sacrificed under the sheriff
hammer at forced sale and themselves and f;llni-
lies left homeless beggars. gI.sE
In view of these facts, the Republican party of
Virginia, as the author of the homes tead clause
and its advocate to the present time, believes the
extension of the exemptions under the general
bankrupt act SO as to include the homestead ex-
emptions under our State constitution to be the
only means of relief now offered TO our people,
amendment to that effect offered in the Senate
by the Hon. j.. /. Lewis, and hereby pledge
themselves to the support of this measure
8. That we extend q hearty welcome to imml-
grafton and capital from abroad, and advocate
the development in every possible manner of the
magnificent resources of forest soil, water
power and mineral wealth in which Virginia
abounds. n at-.flE yl15sgli II
10. That the national currency given the ma
lion by the Republican party, has proved
blessing; thata protective tariff is the
produce that variety of employIglents which we
80 much need; and that State and national taxa
lion should be reduced as rapidlylas possible,
with due regard to the public faith
H. That this Convention, as 1t mark Of their
respect for the Hon. John +. Lewis and as a ties,
lmonial to his valuable public services and his
integrity Of characters, respectfully offer his
lame TO the Republican party of the United |
States, for nomination along with Gen. Grant |
rs q candidate for the Weep residency. gas
~ That this Convention unanimously recon-
"a N n fkg.,a.. 4.
me Presidency, as due, not only to his great
public services in the field and in the Cabinet |
md to his fidelity and honesty, but as measure
If justice to a great and good man who has been |
made the object of iniquitous assault not only |
from his political enemies bnt from those who |
'heuld have been his political friends.
ss Supplemental Resolutions 81
Resoloed, That in the opinion of This .Cenven-
ion Congress should provide for such an extern |
lion Of the powers of the Federal courts, as to |
protect all rights and SECURE prompt remedies for
III wrongs in the States lately in rebellion Where
he partisan character of the local courts or the
nadequacy of their power, fails to secure pro- |
lection to any portion of the people. III
Resolved That we are in favor of an amend |
nent to the Constitution of the United States |
providing for the election of President, Vice |
President, and Senators, directly by the people |
md, SO far as possible for such direct election OF
Ill other public officers. ts aaioz-&
Resolved, That the National domain, is the |
'e sacredly guarded from speculation and mono
,oly; sold only for homes leads to actual settlers
ducaton
Resolved, That this Convention earnestly re
ommends the establishment of a free National |
University in the city of Washington, to utilize |
ne immense educational material now collected |
mere; such University to be supported from the |
proceeds or sales of the public lands 4E
Resolved, That cheap Communication by mail |
; one OF the most precious interests of the peo-
ynno race 70,
resent excellent system by adding there to the |
'ostal Telegraph, thus securing the vast benefits |
# Geographic communication to ALL
WHEREAS it is of immense commercial impor
ance to the people of the United States that a
,ublic highway be established for cheap trans
,ortation of freights between the people of
he West and the Atlantic seaboard !; therefore,
e ii aE4e @ ral-sf .tsi11f =
RESOLVED, That the Congress of the United
,tates be Inemorialized to complete the James
liver and Kanawha canal, and that our Senators
nd representatives in Congress be requested to
sc an honorable means TO secure the completion
this national highway (already half compile