The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-06-15
The Radical Republican Platform

publican convention which nominated Gran,
and Wilson at Philadelphia, on the 9th OF
June 1872.
The republican party of the United States, as.
semoied In national convention in the city OF
fhiladelphia, on the 9Th and 9th days OF June
lo'a' again declares its faith, appeals to its his.
!ory' and announces Its position upon the ques.
ton before the country.
l. During eleven years Of supremacy, it has
accepted with grand courage the solemn duties
OF the time 1t suppressed gigantic rebellion
emancipated four millions of slaves. decreed the
equal citizenship of all, and established univer-
sal suffrage. Exhibiting unparalleled magnani-
nifty, it criminaliy punished no man, for politi-
cal offences, and warmly welcomed all who
proved their loyalty by obeyinS the laws and
dealing justly with their neighbors. 1t has
steadily decreased, with a firm hand, the result.
ant disorders OF the great war, and initiated Il
wise policy towards the Indians. The Pacific
railroad, and similar vast enterprises, have been
generously aided and successfully conducted !;
the public lands freely given to actual settlers !;
Immigration encouraged and protected; and a
full acknowledgment of naturalized citizens
rights secured from European powers A uni.
form national currency been provided, repudi-
alton irowned down, the national credit sustain
ed under the most extraordinary burdens, and
ho" Ouuus ueS0tldttu AZ lower rates. ut rev.
enues have been carefully collected and honestly
applied Despite the annual large reductions Of
the rates of taxation, the public debt has been
reduced, during Gen. Grants presidency a. the
rate of $1O0,0OO,OOO year. A great financial
crisis has been avoided, and peace and plenty
prevail throughout the land. Menaeiug foreign
difficulties have been peacefully and honorably
compromised, and the honor and power of the
nation kept in high respect throughout the world.
This glorious record of the past lie the party's
best pledge for the future. We believe the peo-
pie will not trust the government to any party
or combination of men composed of those who
chiefly have resisted every step in this beneficial
progress.
2. Complete liberty and exact equality in the
enjoyment OF all civil, political and public rights
should be established and effectually maintained
throughout the union by efficient and appro.
pirate state and federal Legislation. Neither law
nor its administration should admit of any dis.
crimination in respect of citizens by reason Of
race, Creed color, or previous condition Of serv.
tu6e.
g. The recent amendments to the national con.
stitution should be cordially sustained because
they are right, not merely tolerated because they
are law, and should be carried out according TO
their spirit by appropriate legislation, the en-.
forcement Of which can be safely trusted only to
the party that secured these amer iments
4. The national government should seek to
maintain an honorable peace with all nations,
protecting Its citizens everywhere. and sympa.
thizing with all people who strive for greater
liberty.
5. Any system of civil service under which
the subordinate positions Of the government are
considered rewards Tor mere party zeal, is fatally
demoralizins, 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 public
position. without practically creating life ten
ure of office.
q. We are opposed to further grants of public
lands to corporations and monopolies, and de.
Inand that the national domain be set apart for
free homes for the people.
Z. The annual revenue, after paying current
debts, should furnish n moderate balance for the
reduction of the principal, and the revenue, e1-
cept 40 muck ~ may be derived from tax Oh
tobacco and liquors, should be raised by duties
on importations the duties @f which should be
50 adjusted to aid in securing remuneratye
wages to the lnporer, and promote the industries,
growth, and prosperity of the whole country.
.. We hold in undying honor the soldiers and
sailors whose valor saved the union. Their PEN
sions sacred deb, OF the nation, and the
widows and orphans of those who died for their
country, entitled 70 the care of a generous
and grateful people. We favor such additional
legislation rs will extend the bounty of the gov.
eminent to all of our soldiers and sailors who
were honerably discharged, and who in the line
of duty became disabled, without any regard
to the length If service the cause of such dis.
charge.
9. The doctrine of Great Britain and other Eu-
rOpean powers concerning llegiance,-"Once q
subject, always u ject,'-having at last, by
the efforts of the republican party been abandon
and tho A m ~ r;,,b<
to transfer his allegiance having been accepted
by European nations, it is the duty of govern
ment to guard with jealous care the rights Of
adopted citizens against the assumption Of unau.
thoriZed claims by their former government, and
we urge the continued and careful encouragement
and protection of voluntary immigration.
10. The frankIng privilege ought to DC abolish
ed, and the way prepared for speedy reduction
in the rates of postage.
H. Among the questions which press for at.
tention il TINT which concerns the relations Of
capital aud labor, and the republican party re.
cognize The duty of so shaping legislation as to
secure full protection snd the amples. field for
capital and for labor, the creator of capital. the
largest opportunities, and just share Of the
mutual profits of these two great servants of civ
ilization.
u. We hold that congress and the president
have only fulfilled an imperative duty III their
measuses Tor the suppression OF the violent and
reasonable organizations in certain lately rebel
lious regions, and for the protection or the bal.
lot-box, and therefore they are entitled to the
thanks Of the nation.
Is. We denounce the population of the public
debt, in any form or disguise, national crime
We witness with pride the reduction of the
principal of the debt and the rates of interest on
the balance, and confidently expect that our ex.
cellent national currency will be perfected by q
speedy resumption of specie payment.
IA. The republican party is mindful of its ob.