Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-08-20
POLITICAL.
THE BALTIMORE PLATFORM.

THE BALTIMORE PLATFORM.
We, the Democratic electors OF the United
states, In Convention assembled, do present the
following principles, already adopted at Cfncin.
natl, as essential to q just govern ent; 3
L. We recognize the equality Of al men before
the law, and hold that IL is the duty Of Govern
ment, In its dealings with the people, to mete out
equal and exact Justice to al Of whatever ma
y,iryi race color or Persuasions religious or po-
q We pledge ourselves to maintain the Union
OF these States, emancipation and snfranchise-
ment, and 70 oppose any reopening Of the ques-
tons settled by the thirteenth. fourteenth and
fifteenth amendments Of the Constitution 40
8. We demand the Immediate and absolute re-
moval Of all disabilities imposed on account OF
the rebellion, which was finally eubdaed seven
years ago, believing that universal amnesty vii
result IN complete pa ctdcation in all sections Of
4. Local selE-goYernment with impartial slif-
frage viii guard the rights of all citizens more
securely than any centralized power. The public
the military authority, and the freedom Of per-
son under the protection Of the habeas corpus.
We demand for the Individual the largest lfber-
" CONSISTENT with public order for the State self
government, and for the nation return to the
methods Of peace and the constitutional hmita-
tons of power 80 . -
s. The civil service of the Governments has be-
come mere instrument OF partisan tyranny and
personal ambition, and an object of selfish greed.
1t Is q scandal and reproach upon free institu-
tons, and breeds decentralization dangerous to
the perpetuity Of republican government.
6. We therefore regard thorough reform of
the civil service as one Of the most pressing ne
cessities of the hour; that honesty, capacity and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims to public
employment; that the offices of the Government
cease TO be matter Of arbitrary fav0ritism and
patronage, and that public station shah become
again place of honor. To this end 1t Is impePa-
lively required that no President shall be can
didate for reelection. 49, ar-v fs-- -
Z. We demand a system Of Federal taxation
T-hf hal rrff1
industry Of the people, and which shah provide
the means necessary to pay the expenses Of the
Government, economically administered, the
pensions, the interest on the public debt, and q
thereof; and recognizing that there are in our
midst honest and irreconcilable differences Of
opinion with regard to the respective systems of
Protection and Free Trade, We remit the discus
sion of the subject to the PEOPLE in their Con-
gressiOnal Districts and the decision OF Congress
thereon, wholly free from Executive interference
or dictatiOn. lHl
8. The public credit must be sacredly main
tanned, and we denounce reputation IN every
form and guise.
9. A speedy return to specie payments is de-
manded alike by the highest Considerations of
commercial morality and honest government.
10. We remember with gratitude the herOism
and sacrifices of the soldiers and sailors Of the
Republic, and no act Of ours shah ever detract
from their justly earned fame or the full rewards
IL. We are opposed to all further grants of land
to railroads or other corporations. The public
domains should be held sacred to actual settlers.
II. We hold that it Is the duty of the Govern
ment in its Intercourse with foreign nations to
cultivate the friendship of peace, by treat ng
with all on fair and equal terms regarding it alike
either to demand what is not right
or submit to what is wrong.
IL. For the promotion and success OF these
vital principles and the support of the candidates
nominated by this convention, we invite and cor
daily welcome the cooperation of all patriotic
citizens, without regard to previous political ail
iations.