American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-09-25
THE REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
ADOPTED IN STATE CONVENTION AUGUST
25TH, 1876

The Republican party of the State
of Mississippi in Convention assem-
bled, thankful to an All-wise and
bountiful Providence for continu-
ance of His kindly care and prOtec-
ton, do re assert our adhesion to,
and confidence in those well tried
and time-honored principles to
which alone we can look for pre-
servation of our liberties, and for
all the blessings of civil govern
ment:
/. The preservation of the Nation
al Union.
2. The maintenance of the Consti-
tuition and the strict enforcement of
the laws.
3. Equal rights and privileges to
all.
4. Freedom of speech, freedom of
the press, freedom of the ballot, and
legal protection to the voter.
5. Universal education and free
schools, presenting the benefits of
education to every child in the
State.
6. The most decided and emphat-
ic opposition to the formation of
parties based upon race, color, or
religious belief.
Rigid economy, equal and uni
form taxation.
s. Opposition to fostering mOnop-
olies at the expense of the masses.
9. Honesty, capacity and fidelity,
the test of political prefernent.
10. That we congratulate the par
ty of the State on the successful
and economical administration of
Gov. Ames, and we pledge him our
earnest support in his efforts in the
reduction of taxes and enforcement
of the law.
IL. We renew our advocacy of BIZ
enninl sessions of the Legislature,
while we express our regrets that
the acts of certain lawless persons,
as well as other unfortunate circum-
stances, have served to thwart our
purpose in this matter. Thus de-
monstrating that it is much easier
to destroy than it is to restore civil
government.
II. We are mOstearnestly in favor,
and insist upon, the General Gov
ernment extending it's fostering care
and protection to the vast agricul-
tural interests of the Mississippi
Valley, as it does to the commercial
and merchantile interests of the
country, by Immediately taking
charge Of the levees.
Is. We favor biennial elections,
and to this end we advocate such
amendments to the Constitution
and the enactment of such laws as
will provide for the holding of all
general elections at the same time
that Representatives. are elected to
Congress.
Ia. We are opposed to lending to
railroads, or other corporations, the
funds donated by Congress to this
State for educational purposes, and
we demand the repeal by the next
Legislature of the law by which the
Agricultural Scrip and the Chicka-
saw School Funds have beea divert
ed from the sacred object contempla-
ted by the donors.
Is. We are opposed to burdening
the reconstructed State of Missls-
sippi with the payment of the old
repudiated Union and Planters
bank bonds, debt (if debt it can be
Called contracted by the Locofoco
Democracy and by chem repudiated,
and we pledge ourselves by every
lawful means in our power, to resist
the assumption, by the State gov.
eminent, of any and all such pre-
tended debts, and for this purpose
we commend for ratitica ton by the
people at the polls at the ensuing
election, the following proposed
amendment to the Constitution OF
this State. add to section 5 of ar.
Gle II, the following words, to-wit
Nor shall the State assume, redeem
secure, OF pay, Indebtedness, or pre-
tended indebtedness claimed to be
| due by the State of Mississippi, to
any person, association or incorpor.
alton, whatsoever, claiming the same
as owners, holders, or assignees OF
eny bond or bonds now generally
known as the Union Bank or Plan.
ters' Bank bonds.)
16. We also favor the ratification
of the amendment proposed to sec
ton 6, article s of the Constitution
relating to fines, forfeitures, etc., in
the support of public schools; and
the proposed amendment to section
II, article Of the Constitution, re-
lating to a division of the State into
a convenient number of Chancery
Districts.
IL. One of the prime wants of our
State is a greater population, for
population is wealth. Through their
accessions from foreign nations the
North and West have become great,
rich, and powerful. The State, as
well as societies and individuals,
should lend it's aid to induce immi-
grafton from all parts OF the world.
We have millions of acres of unoc-
cupied lands of unsurpassed fertili-
ty; our manufacturing interests are
I in their infancy the trades, pro-
LESSONS and mechanic arts offer the
most inviting attractions and we
favor immigration without regard