The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-06-13
Platform of the Republican Party.

Ine hcpuDHcaH party Oh Gne OulCeu otitLes,
assembled in National Convention, in the city
June 1872, again declares its faith, appeals to
its history, and announces its position upon the
questions before the country:
/. During eleven years of supremacy it has
accepted, with grand courage the solemn du-
ties of the times. 1t suppressed a gigantic re-
bellion, emancipated 100000 slaves, decreed
the equal citizenship of all, established univer-
sal suffrage Exhibiting unparalleled magma
nimity, it criminally punished no man for
political offences, and warmly welcomed all
who proved loyalty by obeying the laws and
dealing Justly with their neighbors. 1t has
steadily decreased, with firm hand, the result
tant disorders of great war, and initiated
wise, humane policy toward the Indians. The
Pacific Railroad, and similar vast enterprises,
have been generously aided and successfully
conducted the public lands freely given to ac-
tual settlers immigration protected and en-
couraged, and full acknowledgment of the
naturalized citizens rights secured from Euro
pean powers. A uniform national currency
has been provided; reputation frowned down
the national credit sustained under most extra
ordinary burdens, and new bonds negotiated
at lower rates. The revenues have been care
fully collected and honestly applied. Despite
annual large reduction of the rate of tax, the
public debt has been reduced during Gen.
Grants Presidency at the rate of 00,O0O,00o
a year. Great financial crises have been avoi-
ded and peace and plenty prevails throughout
the land. Menacing foreign difficulties have
been peacefully and honorably composed, and
the honor and power of the nation kept IN high
respect throughout the world. And this glori-
ous record of the past is the party's best pledge
for the future. We believe the people will not
entrust the Government to any party or combi-
nation of men composed chiefly of those who
resisted every step of this beneficial progress.
2. Compl liberty and exact equality in the
enjoyment or all civil, political and public
rights should be established and effectually
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 OF citi-
zens by reason of race, creed, color or previous
condition.
8. The recent amendments to the National
Constitution should be cordially sustained he
cause they are right, not merely located, be-
according to their spirit by appropriate legisla-
tion-the enforcement of which can safely be
entrusted only to the party that secured those
amendments
4. The National Government should seek to
maintain honorable peace with all nations,
protecting its citizens everywhere, and sympa-
thizing with all people who strive for greater
liberty.
s. iny system of the 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 reform of the system by laws which
shall abolish the evils of patronage, and make
honesty, efficiency and fidelity the essential
qualifications for a public position, without
practically creating life tenure of office.
s. We are opposed to further grants OF = the NJ
public lands to corporations and monopolies,
and demand that the national domain be set
apart for free homes for the people.
7. The annual revenue, after paying current
debt, should furnish amoderate balance for the
reduction of the principal, and the revenue
receipts, so much as may be derived from tax
upon tobacco and liquors, be raised by duties
for importation, the duties of which should be
so adjusted as to aid in securing remunerative
wages To labor and promote the industry,
growth and prosperity of the whole country.
8. We hold in undying honor the soldiers
and sailors whose valor saved the 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
such additional legislation as will extend the
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and sailors who were honorably discharged,
; and who in the line of duty became disabled,
without regard to the length of service or the
cause of such discharge.
9. The doctrine of Great Britain and other
European powers concerning allegiance
"Once subject always a subject"-having at
last, through the efforts of the Republican par
ty. been abandoned, and the American idea Of
the individual right to transfer allegiance hav-
ing been accepted by European nations, it is
the duty of our Government to guard with
Jealous care the rights of adopted citizens
against assumption of unauthorized claims by
their former Government, and we urge contln-
ued careful encouragement and protection OF
voluntary immigration.
10. The franking privilege out to be abol-
ished, and the way prepared for speedy re-
duction in the rate of postage.
II. Among the questions which press for at
tention is that which concerns the relations Of
capital and labor, and the Republican party
recognize the duty of so shaping legislation as
to secure full protection and the amplest field
for capital; and for labor, the creator of capi-
tai, the largest opportunities, and just share
of the mutual profits of these two great SER
wants of civilization.
IL. We hold that Congress and the Presi-
dent have only fulfilled an imperative duty in
their measures for the suppression of violent
and reasonable organizations in certain lately
rebellious regions, and for the protection of the
ballot-box, and, therefore, they are entitled to
the thanks of the nation.
13. 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, of the rates OF
, interest upon the balance, and confidently ex-
pect our excellent national currency will be
perfected by speedy resumption of specie
payment.
a. That the Republican party is n mindful 1sd Of
S nobs TO deSosn n to ~fse tine cause U Hf of e
dom. Their admission to wide fields of USE
fulness is viewed with satisfaction, and the
honest demand of any class of citizens for ad-
J ditional rights should be treated with respect,