The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1872-06-13
RadicalPIatfnrm

ed by the GraRt-oflice-holders Con-
vention at Philadelphia
The Republican party of the United
States, assembled in National Conven-
ton in the city of Philadelphia on the
9Th and 9th days of June, 1872. again
declares its faith, appeals TO its his
tory, and announces its position upon
questions before the country.
I. During eleven years supremacy
it has accepted with grand courage
the solemn duties ofthe time. 1t sup
pressed gigantic rebellion, emanci-
pated four millions of slaves, decreed
the equal citizenship of all, and estab-
lished universal suffrage. Exhibiting
unparalleled magnanimity, it crimin-
ally punished no man for political
offenses, and warmly welcomed all
who proved their loyalty by obeying
the laws and dealing justly with their
neighbors. 1t has steadily decreased
with firm hand resultant disorders
OF the great war, and initiated wise
policy toward the Indians. The Pa
cific Railroad and similar vast enter
prises have been generally aided and
successfully conducted, the public
lands freely given to actual settlers,
immigration protected and encour-
aged, and full acknowledgment of
naturalized citizens rights secured
from European Powers A uniform
National currency has been provided,
Reputation frowned down, the Ma
tional credit sustained under the most
extraordinary burdens, and new bonds
negotiated at lower rates. The reYe-
nues have been carefully collected,
and honestly applied. Despite the
annual large reductions of rates of
taxation, the public debt has been re-
duced during General Grants Presi-
dency at the rate of $100,000,000 a
year. A great financial crisis has
been arrested. and peace and plenty
prevail throughout the land. Menac-
ing foreign difficulties have been
peacefully and honorably comprom-
ised, and the honor and power of the
Nation kept in high respect through
out the world. This glorious record
of the past is the party's best pledge
for the future. We believe the peo-
pie will not intrust the Government
to any party or combination of men
composed chiefly of those who have
resisted every step of this beneficial
progress.
2. Complete liberty and exact equal
ity in the enjoyment of all civil, polit-
ical and public rights, should be es-
tablished and effcctually maintained
throughout the Union by efficient and
State and Federal legisla-
ton. Neither law nor its administra-
tion should admit of any discrimina-
ton in respect to citizens, by reason
of race, creed, color, or previous con-
dition of servitude.
4 3. The recent amendments to the
National Constitution should be COR
daily. sustained, because they are
right-not merely tolerated because
they are law-and should be carried
out according to their spirit by appro-
pirate legislation, the enforcement of
which can be safely trusted only to
the party that secured those amend
mentS.
A. The National Government should
seek to maintain an honorable peace
with all nations. protecting its citizens
everywhere, and sympathizing with
all peoples who strive for greater lib
erty.
5. Any system of civil service under
which subordinate positions of the
Government are considered rewards
for mere party zeal is fatally demoral-
izing; and we therefore favor a re-
form of the system by laws which
shall abolish the evils of patronage,
and make honesty, efficiency, and
fidelity essential qualifications for
public position, without practically
creating life tenure of Office.
6. We are opposed to further grants
of public lands to corporations and
and demand that the Ma
tional domain be set apart for free
homes for the people.
z. The annual revenues, after paw
ing current debts, shall furnish mod
crate balance for the reduction of the
principal, and the revenue, except SO
much as may be derived from tax
on tobacco and liquors, be raised by
duties on importations, the duties on
which should be SO adjusted as to aid
IN securing remunerative wages to
labor, and promote industries, and
the growth and prosperity of the
whole country. - e4ai s.-s' s.
8. We hold in undying honor the
soldiers and sailors, whose valor saved
the Union. Their pensions are a sa-
cred debt of the nation; and the
widows. and orphans of. those who
died for their country are entitled to
people. We favor such additional
legislation as will extend the bounty
of the Government to all our soldiers
and sailors who were honorably dis
charged. and who, in the line of duty,
became disabled, without regard to
length of service or cause of snch dis
charge. ~ .I g.4Ie5s l,a..Fl
. g. The doctrine of Great Britain
and other European powers concern
ing allegiance" once a subject, al
ways a subject" N having at last,
through the efforts of the Republican
party, been abandoned and the Amer
lean idea of an individuals right to
transfer his 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 nn-
authorized claims bb their former
Government; and we urge continual
and careful, encouragement and pro-
lection to voluntary immigration.
10. The franking privilege ought to
be. abolished, and the way prepared
for a speedy reduction in rates of
postage, - r,.l5s.lr.-s -. -l.f..,
IL Among the questions which
press for attention is that which con-
Germs the relations of capital and la
Dor; and the Republican party recog-
nize the duty of SO shaping legislation
as to secure full protection and the
amplest field for capital; and Tor la
Dor, the creator of capital, the largest
opportunities, and a just share of the
mutual profits of these two great SER
wants of civilization. =; asras.s
~. We hold that Congress and the
President have only fulfilled an i'm
peratiye duty in their measures for
the suppression of violent and trea-
organizations in certain lately
rebellious regions, and for the protec-
they ars entitled TO the thanks of the
nation. 6 -s..,5s;. l.-s5:5,ffli- !
l3. We denounce reputation of the
public debt, in any form or disguise,
as national crime. We witness with
i Al. \