American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1875-09-18
THE REPUBLIOAN PLATFORM.
ADOPTED m STATE CONVENTION AUGUST
4SIH. 1875

The Republican party of the State
Of Mississippi in Convention assem-
bled, thankful to an All-wise aud
bountiful Providence for q cOntiuu-
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 q pre-
servatioD of our liberties, and for
all the blessings of civil govern
ment:
1. 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.
2 Rigid economy, equal and uni
form taxation.
8. Opposition to fostering monop-
Olies at the expense of the masses.
8. Honesty, capacity aud fidelity,
the test Of political preferment.
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 bi.
ennial sessions Of the Legislature,
while we express our regrets that
the acts of certain lawless persons,
as we'll 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.
IL. We are most earnestly in favor,
and insist upon, the General Gov.
eminent extending its fostering care
and protection to the vast agricul-
tural interests Of the Mississippi
Valley, a. it does to the commercial
and merchantile interests of the
country. by Immediately taking
charge Of the levees.
-. We favor biennial elections,
and to this end we advocate such
amendments to the Constitution
aud 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.
II. 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 beef divert
ted by tile donors.
Is. We are opposed to buPdening
the reconstructed State of Missis-
sippi with the payment of the old
repudisted Onion and Planters
bank bonds, debt III 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.
ernment, Of any and all such pre-
tended debts, and for this purpose
we com mend for ratification BY the
i s>oos,1o Mt tho v%ollc NJ tho onou;,, ~
/ rejection, the following proposed
amendment to the Constitution of
this State. add to section Of ar
Gle IL, the following words, to-wit !:
Nor shall the State assume, redeem,
secure, Or 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
any 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 8 Of the Constitution,
relating to fines, fOrfeitures, ETC., in
the support of public schools; and
tho proposed amendment to section
II, article 6 of the Constitution, re.
lating to a division of the State int
q convenient number Of Chancery
Districts.
II. One of the prime wants of our
State il q greater population, for
population il wealth. Through their
aecessions from foreign nations the
North aud West have become great,
rich. and powerful. The State, as
well a. societies and individuals,
should lend its 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
in their infancy the trades, pro-
lessons and mechanic arts offer the
most inviting attractions aud We
favor immigration without regard
to nativity, race, religion or politics.
There is room and welcome for all,
with q soil capable IF Supporting
population of ten millions.
Is LET Us have peace" The war
closed moro than ten years ago, yet
turmoil and violence keep from MS
| the blessings of Deace thew turn to