Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1872-07-20
PLATFOR NJ.

ted by the Baltimore Convention, which
is the same rer6aiim as that of the Gin
cinnati Convention
We, the democratic electors of the
United States, in convention assembled,
do present the following principles, al
ready adopted at Cincinnati, as essential
10 Just government
tirst-We recognize the equality OF
all men before the law, and hold that it
is the duty OF the government IN lis
dealings with the people, to mete out
equal and exact justice to all of whatev
er nativity, race, color or persuasion, re
ligious or political.
Second.-We pledge ourselves to
maintain the union of these States,
emancipation and entrancbiSement, and
to oppose any reopening OF the ques-
tions settled by the thirteenth, four
teenth and titteeth amendments of the
constitution.
Third-We demand the immediate
and absolute removal of all disabilities
imposed on account of the rebellion
which was finally subdued seven years
ago, believing that universal amnesty
will result in the complete paciticatiOn
OF al sections OF the country.
Fourth.-Local self government with
impartial sutfrage will guard the right
OF all citizens more securely than any
centralized power. Tn public welfare
requires the supreme. ID, the civil over
the military authority aud the freedom
of persons under the protection OF the
habcas corpus. We demand for the IN
diNidual the largest liberty consistent
with public order for the States self
government, and for the nation to Tt
turn to the methods of peace and the
constitutional limitations OF power.
Fitth.-Ihe civil service of the Gov
ernment has become a mere instrument
of partisan tyranny and personal amb-
ton, and an object of selfish greed. 1t
is a scandal and rcproach upon our free
institutions, and breedSa decentralization
dangerous TO the perpetuity of .republi-
can government We therefore regard
4 thorough reform in the civil service
as one of the most pressing necessities
Of the hour, that honesty, capacity and
fidelity constitute the only valid claims
to pubic employment, that the offices
of the government cease 10 be matter
OF arbitrary tavoritlsm and that public
stations become again posts of honor
To this end 1t is ilnperatiyely required
that no President shall be a candidate
for reelection.
SiXth.-We demand a system of fed
eral taxation which shall not unnecessa-
rily interfere with the industry of the
people, and which shall provide means
necessary to pay the expenses of the
government economically administered,
pensions, the interest on republic debt,
and a moderate reduction, annually of
the principal thereof and recognizing
that there are in our midst honest but
irreconcilable differences Of opinion with
regard TO the respective systems of pro-
lection and free trade, We remit discuss
ion of the subject to the people in their
congressional districts, and to the deci-
sion of Congress thereon, wholly freed
of executive interference or dictation.
Seventh.-The public credit must be
sacredly maintained, and we d,noluce
reputation in every form and guise
Eighth.-A speedy return to specie
payments is demanded alike by the
highest consideration of commercial mo
rality and honest government.
Ninth.-We remember with gratitude
the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers
and sailors of the republic, and no act
of ours shall ever detract from their
Justly earned fame or the full reward of
their patriotism.
Tenth.-Ne are opposed to all furth-
er grants Of lands to railroads or other
The public domain should
be held sacred to actual settlers.
Eleventh hold that it is the
duty Of the government, in its inter
course with foreign nations, to cultivate
the friendship Of .ce by treating well |
all on fair and eqlai terms, regarding
it alike dishonorable either to demand |
what is not right or to submit to what
is wrong
Twelfth.-For the promotion and |
success Of these vital principles, and the
support Of the candidates nominated by |
this convention we invite and cordially |
welcome the cooperation Of all patriotic |
without regard to previous po- |
litical affiliation.