Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-09-18
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.


A series of PIafitudes-HOw 10 Dodge
the Civil Rights Issue-Censurins
Republicans Funders by Denoune-
ing Who Favored N
Measure.
The followingis the declaration of
principles" adopted by the Republican
State Convention at Chattanooga.
First. We reafirm the platform of
principles set forth by the National
Republican Convention of the Repub-
lean party in the year 1872, and COM
mend it to the favorable consideration
of the voters of Tennessee.
Second. That the system of nation
al currency founded by the Republic
can party, has proved the best ever
devised for the purpose intended. and
while we would favor no violent change
which might be oppressive to either the
debtor or creditor class, We would re-
commend a system of free national
banking, based upon a safe plan for re-
demption, and a return to specie pay
ment at the earliest practicable period
| consistent with a sufficient supply of
| currency to meet the reasonable wants
of business.
Third. We are In favor of the full
and equal enjoyment of accommoda-
tons, advantages, rights and privi-
leges by all citizens and other persons
within the jurisdiction of the United
States, without regard to race, creed or
color, and at the same time we deem it
unnecessary and unwise to attempt, by
Congressional legislation, or otherwise,
to compel as between such races, ereeds
or colors, the joint exercises of such ac-
commodations, advantages, rights or
privileges. But we recognize the prin-
ciple, which is older than our Consti-
tuition, that every mans house is his
castle, and that under our Government,
every citizen, white or black, has the
right to bear arms In conformity to
law, aud to express his opinions with
out interference or molestation.
Fourth. We favor the calling by the
next Legislature Of a Constitutional
ConYentionfo for the following purposes:
First, TO reform our present cumber-
some and expensive Judicial system
second, to do away with useless offices,
and with the great abuses which have
grown up under our present unwise
system of fees and salaries, and To
make such other useful a~lteratins in
the present organic law as will tend TO
lessen the expenses and advance the In
terest of the State.
Fifth. That we r opposed to the
! payment of the "new issue" Of the
Bank Of Tennessee; that we favor the
payment Of the public debt both State
and National; that we alike are opposed
TO the iniquitous funding bill passed by
the late Democratic Legislature, and
to the present assessment law, because
of its unjust and inquisitorial provis-
ions, and we demand a thorough re-
form in our present mode of assessing
property and collecting taxes.
Sixth. That as an enlightened public
opinion is the only safeguard Of civil
and religions liberty, we favor, by
means Of free schools, the education of
every child within the limits of the
State of Tennessee.
Seventh. That the opening of our
great rivers and water courses, especi-
ally the MOUTH Of the Mississippi, and
the nayigable streams of Tennessee be-
ing Of the utmost Importance, to the
development of our country, we ask
that such appropriations may be made
from time to time, by the general gov
eminent as viii accomplish this result.
Eighth. That we denounce the ad-
ministration Of Gov. John C.. Brown,
in its ineficiency in enforcing the laws
and protecting life and property; in its
fraudulent disposition Of the property
Of the State; in its corrupt lease of the
penitentiary; and in its many short
comings and general mismanagement,
as unworthy of the great State of
Tennessee, and as disastrous in the
extreme to the best interests of her
citizens.
Ninth. That we earnestly appeal to
all citizens of Tennessee, whatever their
past political associations, who revere
the sacred majesty of the law, and the
dignity Of the commonwealth, to aid
the Republican party in an honest
effort to restore tranquility within her
borders, to invite immigration, and
uphold the material interests of our