The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-06-21
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.

by the National Republican Conven-
ton:
THE Republican party of the
United States, assembled in National
Convention in the city of Philadel-
phia on the 5th and 9th days of June,
1872, again declares its faith and ap-
peals to its history, and announces its
position upon the questions before the
country. First, during eleven years
supremacy it has accepted with grand
courage the solemn duties OF the time;
it has suppressed gigantic rebellion,
emancipated four millions of slaves,
decreed equal citizenship to all, and
established universal suffrage. 1t has
exhibited unparalleled magnanimity;
has criminally punished no man for
political offences, and has warmly
welcomed all who have proved their
loyalty by opening the laws and deal
ing justly with their neighbors.
II has initiated policy toward the
Indians. The Pacific Railroad aud
other vast enterprises have been gen.
erously aided and successfully con-
Quoted, the public lands freely given
to actual settlers, immigration pro-
tected and encouraged, aud full
acknowledgment OF naturalized citi-
zens' rights secured from European
Power in form. The national credit
has been sustained under the most ex
traordinary burdens and new bonds
negotiated at lower rates, and the
revenues have been carefully collect
ed and honestly applied. Despite the
annual large reductions from rates of
taxations, the public debt has been re.
duced during Grants Presidency at
the rate of one hundred million dol
lars year; a great financial crisis has
been averted, and peace and plenty
prevail throughout the land.
Nenacing foreign difficulties have
been peacefully aud honorably com.
promised, aud the honor and power
of the nation kept high throughout the
world.
This glorious record of the past is
the party's best pledge for the future.
We believe that the people will not
intrust the Government to any party
or combination Of men composed OF
those who have resisted every step in
this beneficial progress.
Second-Complete liberty and ex-
act equality to the enjoyment Of all
civil, political and public rights
should be established and eifectually
maintained throughout the Union by
efficient and appropriate State and
Federal legislation. Neither the law
nor its administration should admit of
any discrimination in respect TO citi-
zens by reason of race, creed, color or
previous condition OF servitude.
Third-SThe 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 according to their spirit of appros
pirate legislation, the enforcement OF
which can be safely trusted only to
the party that secured the amend
mcnts.
Fourth - The National Govern
ment should seek to maintain an hou-
orablc peace with all nations, protect
ing its citizens everywhere and sym
pathizing with all people who strive
for greater liberty.
Fifth-Any system of civil SER
vice under which the subordinate po-
sitions of Government are considered
rewards for mere party zeal, is fatally
demoralizing, and we therefore favor
a reform OF the system by laws which
abolish the evils of patronage and
make honesty, efficiency and fidelity
essential qualifications for public po-
sition without practically creating 4
life tenure of Office.
Sixth--We are opposed TO further
grants of public lands to corporations
and monopolies, and demand that the
national domain be set apart for the
people.
Seventh-The annual revenue, after
paying current debts, should furnish a
moderaIe balance for a reduction of
the principal of the public debt, and
the revenue, except SO much as may
be derived from tax on tobacco and
liquors, be raised by duties on i'm
portations, the arrangement of which
should lie adjusted to aid in securing
renumerative wages to laborers and
promote the industries, growth and
prosperity of the whole country.
Eighth-We hold in undying honor
the soldiers and sailors whose valor
saved Che Union. Their pensions are
a sacred debt OF the nation, and the
widows and orphans of those who
died for their country, are entitled to
the care OF generous and gratified
people. We favor such additional
legislation as will extend the bounty
of the Government to soldiers and
sailors who were honorably discharg-
ed, and who, in time of duty, became
disabled, without regard to the length
OF service or cause of such discharge.
Ninth-The doctrine OF Great Brit
ain and other European powers con.
cerning allegiance, "a subject always
subject" having at last through the
efforts OF the Republican party been
abandoned and the American idea of
individuals being free to transfer their
allegiance 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 unauthor-
lied claims by their former Govern
ments, and we urge the continued and
careful encouragement and protection
OF voluntary emigration.
Tenth-The ranking privilege
ought to be abolished.
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